How to Snag the Best Pre-Order Discounts for Upcoming Games

15 July 2025

Let’s be real—video games are expensive. Dropping $70+ on a game that may or may not live up to the hype is a gamble. So when game publishers offer pre-order bonuses and discounts, it’s easy to feel tempted. But hitting that “Buy Now” button too early without doing your homework? That’s a trap. You could end up overpaying, stuck with zero bonuses, or worse—regretting the purchase entirely.

Well, not today. Not on our watch. In this no-fluff guide, we’ll break down exactly how to snag the best pre-order discounts for upcoming games like a pro. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just getting into the scene, this article is your golden ticket to saving cash and scoring exclusive content.

🎮 What’s the Deal with Pre-Ordering Games Anyway?

First off, let’s clear the air—pre-ordering isn’t evil. It’s a strategic play if done right. Game companies love it because it helps them forecast demand. You might love it because of early access or exclusive gear. But how does it all work?

In a nutshell, when you pre-order a game, you’re paying in advance (either partially or in full) to secure a copy on release day. Sometimes, you get early access, exclusive DLC, skins, weapons, or collector’s items depending on the edition. The trick? Knowing when and where to pre-order to maximize value.

🧠 Don’t Fall for the Hype—Be a Smart Buyer First

Look, we’ve all been there. The trailer drops, your jaw hits the floor, and your finger’s itching to smash that pre-order button. But slow your roll—take a breath.

Here’s what you should do first:

- Read the fine print: Some “bonuses” aren’t worth it. A digital sticker? Come on.
- Check reviews of previous games: Is this the third time that studio has overpromised and underdelivered?
- Wait for previews or betas: If the game drops a free open beta or early access, try it before you buy it.

Only when you’re 100% sure it’s worth the money should you consider pre-ordering. And when you do—do it smart.

💸 Where to Hunt for the Best Pre-Order Discounts

Alright, let’s get into the juicy stuff—how to actually get those sweet, sweet discounts. You don’t have to be a bargain-hunting wizard, but knowing where to look makes a world of difference.

1. Online Retailers with Price Guarantees

Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart—these big names drop some decent deals. Look for their Pre-Order Price Guarantee, which means if the price drops before release, you pay the lower one.

Pro tip? Amazon sometimes even offers 20% off for Prime members. Best Buy has similar promos, especially when you’re part of their rewards programs.

2. Digital Marketplaces and Platforms

Steam, Xbox Marketplace, PlayStation Store? Not always the cheapest, but sometimes they offer exclusive in-game bonuses. Keep an eye on:

- Steam Sales before release (they do happen!)
- PS Plus / Xbox Game Pass discounts
- Epic Games Store coupons (they drop $10+ vouchers often)

Bonus tip: Make a burner account just to “wish list” games. Some platforms send promos or discounts to accounts showing interest.

3. Third-Party Game Key Stores (But Be Careful!)

Sites like Green Man Gaming, Fanatical, and Humble Bundle offer legit game keys (often with major discounts) and usually include pre-order bonuses. These are fully authorized resellers, not shady grey market sites.

Stay away from random sellers on G2A or Kinguin unless you like rolling dice with your money and risking account bans. No thanks.

4. Regional Price Hacking with VPNs

This one’s spicy. Some countries get cheaper game prices based on local currency and economy. Using a VPN to pre-order from that region? It works—but it’s risky. Some devs lock keys by region or ban accounts.

If you’re going this route, do your research hard and accept the risks.

5. Physical vs. Digital Copies

Physical copies often go on sale at launch and are easier to return/resell. Digital is convenient but rarely refundable. However, major retailers sometimes offer pre-order bundles with steelbooks, posters, or in-game extras.

Ask yourself: Do I want the game forever, or do I just want to play it at launch and flip it later?

📅 Timing is Everything—Don’t Pre-Order Too Early

Here’s a killer tip 99% of gamers ignore: wait until the last possible moment.

Why? Because:

- Retailers often announce surprise discounts right before launch
- You get time to read early reviews or impressions
- Pre-order bonuses don’t usually run out—they just end on launch day

Set calendar reminders or wishlist alerts so you can pull the trigger only when the deal is hottest.

🎁 Stack Those Perks Like a Pro

You want to stack your savings and bonuses like Tetris blocks. Here’s how:

- Credit Card Rewards: Use a card that gives cashback or points
- Retailer Loyalty Rewards: Best Buy, Amazon Prime, GameStop PowerUp all give perks
- Preload + Early Access: Some pre-orders let you play 24-72 hours early

And if you really want to go next level? Combine a discounted gift card (eBay or Raise often has them) with a pre-order sale. Boom—double discount.

🕵️‍♂️ Follow Communities and Deal Trackers

Reddit, Twitter, Discord—these are gold mines. Communities like r/GameDeals, @Wario64, and CheapAssGamer blow up the moment a deal drops. Join the conversation and enable notifications. It’s like having a personal discount radar.

You’ll learn things like:

- “Target has a buy one get one free promo”
- “Green Man Gaming dropped a 25% off code”
- “GameStop giving $10 credit with pre-order pickup”

Be in the loop or be left behind.

⚠️ Red Flags to Watch Out For

Sometimes, a “deal” is just a cleverly disguised rip-off. Stay sharp. Avoid:

- Sketchy key resellers promising 70% off AAA games
- Non-refundable pre-orders on digital stores (especially for unproven games)
- Multiple “deluxe” editions with confusing extras—don’t pay more for a useless skin

Always ask: Is this bonus actually worth the extra cash?

🧩 What About Collector’s Editions?

Let’s get one thing straight—Collector’s Editions are NOT about savings. They’re about flexing and passion. But if you’re into statues, art books, and exclusive merch, act fast. These usually sell out quickly and restocks are rare.

Still, you can:

- Check local stores or smaller retailers for secret stock
- Wait for post-launch price drops (some get discounted if they don’t sell out)
- Use cashback browser extensions like Honey or Rakuten before checkout

🔥 The Ultimate Pre-Order Checklist

Before you hit “Buy Now,” ask yourself these five critical questions:

1. Is the game made by a trustworthy dev/publisher?
2. Are there reliable previews or beta impressions?
3. Am I getting a meaningful discount or worthwhile bonus?
4. Can I cancel the pre-order if the dev screws up later?
5. Would I be okay waiting a bit after launch for a better sale?

If you answer “yes” to at least 4 out of 5—go for it. If not? Hit the pause button and wait it out.

😎 Final Thoughts: Pre-Order Like a Boss

Pre-ordering isn’t just for impulsive hype-beasts—it can be a wallet-friendly power move if you play your cards right. The key is to stay informed, compare your options, and always (I mean always) chase value over hype.

You deserve to enjoy the games you love without breaking the bank or falling for marketing traps. With the right strategy, you'll be laughing all the way to launch day with a discounted copy, exclusive perks, and no regrets.

Now go forth, gamer—snag that pre-order like a damn legend.