The Benefits of Pre-Ordering Vs. Waiting for Reviews

29 July 2025

Let’s be honest—whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore fanatic, we’ve all had moments where a new game announcement gets our hearts racing. Maybe it’s the latest installment to your favorite franchise or a brand-new title that just screams "must play." But then you’re faced with a dilemma: should you smash that pre-order button immediately or wait for reviews to roll in?

It’s the classic FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) vs. patience battle. And truthfully, both paths have their pros and cons. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the benefits of pre-ordering versus waiting for reviews, so you can make an informed decision the next time gaming hype strikes.

Pre-Ordering: Snagging the Early Bird Perks

1. Exclusive Bonuses and In-Game Goodies

One of the most tempting reasons to pre-order is that sweet, sweet bonus content. Developers and publishers know how to tickle our inner collector with exclusive skins, weapons, or even extra missions that come bundled with pre-orders.

Think about it: you could wait until reviews are out, but by then, those pre-order bonuses are long gone. Nobody wants to feel left out when their friends are rocking custom outfits or wielding the shiny, limited-edition sword you can’t get anymore.

It’s like going to a party and realizing you’re the only one without the special swag bag. Ugh, no thanks!

2. Locked-In Pricing

Pre-ordering often comes with a guaranteed price, which can help you avoid any last-minute price hikes. Some retailers even offer discounts or loyalty perks for early orders.

Let’s face it—gaming isn’t exactly a cheap hobby. If you’re already planning to buy the game anyway, why not save a few bucks or avoid the midnight panic of "What if it sells out?"

3. Day One Experience

There’s something magical about being part of a game’s day-one launch crowd. Everyone’s discovering stuff at the same time, sharing tips, and diving into the action together.

Pre-ordering ensures you’re right there, in the thick of it, instead of watching others post spoilers or GIFs online while you wait. Imagine everyone’s talking about an epic twist, and you’re just sitting on the sidelines. Talk about a bummer!

Waiting for Reviews: The Power of Patience

1. Avoiding Potential Disasters

If there’s one thing gamers have learned over the years, it’s that hype doesn’t always equal quality. Remember the infamous launch of buggy, unfinished games? Yeah, we all do.

By waiting for reviews, you let others do the hard work of figuring out if the new game is a masterpiece or a hot mess. It’s like letting someone else taste-test the buffet before you dive in. Who wants to end up with cold meatloaf when you could’ve had the prime rib?

2. Informed Decision-Making

Reviews give you a treasure trove of information: gameplay mechanics, story quality, technical performance, and more. You’ll know if the game matches your expectations or falls short.

Plus, professional reviewers and content creators often highlight issues you might not even consider. Is there a lack of replayability? Microtransaction nightmares? Servers crashing on launch day? By holding off, you can dodge those potential headaches.

3. Let’s Talk Sales and Discounts

Here’s a little secret: games often go on sale pretty quickly after launch. If you’re not obsessed with playing on day one, waiting for reviews can save you some serious cash. Those $70 launch-day price tags? Yeah, they’re not so scary when the game hits $40 a couple of months later.

Why pay full price for a potentially broken product when you can wait, get all the facts, and maybe even snag a discount?

The Psychological Tug-of-War

Here’s the real kicker: deciding whether to pre-order or wait goes beyond logic. It’s emotional. Pre-ordering delivers a dopamine rush, like a kid waiting for Christmas morning. The anticipation heightens the experience, and you feel invested in the game’s success.

On the other hand, waiting for reviews appeals to your more practical side. You’re weighing risks, doing research, and making a measured decision. It’s the responsible path, sure, but doesn’t it sometimes feel like being the only person who didn’t jump on the roller coaster everyone else is raving about?

Hybrid Approach: The Middle Ground

Okay, so what if you want the best of both worlds? Good news—you can have it!

1. Pre-Order Close to Launch

Many retailers allow you to pre-order just days before a game’s release. By that point, early impressions and previews from reviewers are often available. You get the perks of pre-ordering without diving in completely blind.

2. Deluxe Editions After Launch

Here’s a little hack: some companies re-release deluxe editions of games even after launch, which often include those coveted pre-order bonuses. So, waiting doesn’t always mean missing out entirely—it just means you might pay a bit more for the goodies later.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, whether you pre-order or wait for reviews comes down to your personal gaming priorities. Are you someone who thrives on early access, bonuses, and excitement? Or do you prefer to play it safe, ensuring every dollar you spend delivers the best experience possible?

Maybe you’re somewhere in between—willing to gamble on certain franchises while staying cautious with others. And that’s totally okay! There’s no right or wrong answer here, just different strokes for different folks.

The gaming world isn’t slowing down anytime soon, so there will always be opportunities to test your approach. Whether you’re a fearless pre-order enthusiast or a wait-and-see strategist, the most important thing is that you enjoy the journey. Because at the end of the day, gaming is all about having fun, right?