As two arms of the same entertainment machine, games and tech are no strangers to each other. Even when not strictly intertwined, the two often enjoy similar sales locations and holiday specials when the season rolls around. With that in mind, we want to take a look at some of the best ways and places to find the most savings, to help you stay up to date with all the greatest games and gadgets.
Seasonal sales
While in some ways the differences between technological goods and traditional goods can differ highly, they do share some similarities. When it comes to sales, these similarities are born from the world of seasonal savings.
The biggest sales of the year are predictable, and these tend to reach heavily into the realms of tech and gaming. Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are some of the most well-established on this front, and for good reason. Covering late November to early December, these two related deals are, for most shoppers, the best time to get exactly what you need.
You’ve probably seen this on the news at some point, as shops prepare for this time of year and enormous crowds queue to get a piece before stock runs dry. This brings us to perhaps the most important factor of these sales – timing.
By nature, any physical stock will be limited during these sales. Because of this, it is best to plan what you want well ahead of the day, so you don’t miss out. Shoppers should also take note that this can be a little tricky with digital goods such as games. While in theory, these can sell in unlimited numbers, they can still have limits placed on maximum units available at sales price so, again, take note.
What about the rest of the year?
For the rest of the year, you’re going to have to, unfortunately, put forward a lot more work. Shoppers who know exactly what they want are going to be best suited looking at the stores which sell the goods they’re after and keeping track of them on a week-to-week basis. Signing up to newsletters can be especially helpful in this regard, but note that some smaller stores might not keep the online environment appraised.
When it comes to games, one of the best ways to save money is to invest in a monthly bundle system. Take the Humble Monthly Bundle as an example. For $12 a month, this system comes with two or three major releases and several minor releases. These are almost always valued at well over $100, and can usually be regifted in case any of the games aren’t for you specifically.
Even better, some of the proceeds for these bundles go to charity, so you’re helping as you save.
Stay Diligent
It can be easy to forget about purchasing gifts until the week before they’re needed, but this is a practice best avoided. Aside from the obvious stress of waiting, purchasing at sales times can help get you ready for the year ahead, giving breathing space to your mind as well as your wallet.
Stay aware, get in first, and make the most of all this new world has to offer.
