Where and How to Save for Your Gaming Systems
A Guide to Getting Good Games & Systems in 2019!
WARNING!! Some of the items listed may change price over time. These are the current, up-to-date prices of these items. At any later date, these prices might change.
With new systems coming out every 5-8 years, that means games are going to be made for these newer systems. But what happens when you want to buy a pre-owned or new system? How will you calculate the cost versus your income? Well, this guide will help you with that. Read below to find out how you can save your money and buy those well-earned games/systems while still having some leftover cash.
The following material is calculated for states/countries which have a 6% sales tax on goods. Other states sales regulations may not apply to the following material.
1. Play Station 4
Play Station and Xbox users have been known to fight over which system provides the best games and services. But it's all up to the eye-of-the-beholder. If you live in the United States, you might know that Game Stop is one of the top-selling video gaming re-tail stores. A lot of customers like them, some do not. How would you, as a gamer, support this retail store? By buying used games!
Used games are what get Game Stop their revenue. But it is not only used games, but it's also their systems and other accessories, too.
Pre-owned PS4 500 GB OG Price: $219.99 ~ TAX: $233.19
Pre-owned PS4 Slim 1TB OG Price: $249.99 ~ TAX: $264.99
New! PS4 Pro 1TB OG Price: $399.99 ~ TAX: $423.99
A lot of PS3 games didn't take up much space on the PS3 system. But with the PS4, it's different. Some games could take up 1/4 of space on your 500GB PS4. At Best Buy, you can get an external hard drive that plugs into your system with a USB cord (usually come in the package... please read boxes before buying).
2TB External Hard Drive: $69.99 ~ TAX: $74.19
4TB External Hard Drive: $149.99 ~ TAX: $158.99
Controllers run from $49.99 to $59.99 new or used.
2. Nintendo Switch/Nintendo Switch Lite
The Nintendo Switch is smaller but similar to Nintendo's WiiU. Only, the two joy-sticks on the side detach themselves from the small screen. It's a portable 3DS-like version of the WiiU and started at around $499.99 when it first released. Now, the price has dropped and before Christmas, I would buy one of these quick.
What Nintendo recently released is the Nintendo Switch Lite. Which functions just like a regular switch, only you cannot take it apart. It is a portable PSP-like system with only 1 screen (similar to the switch).
Pre-owned Nintendo Switch: $279.99 ~ TAX: $296.79
New Nintendo Switch: $299.99 ~ TAX: $317.99
New Nintendo Switch (Lite): $199.99 ~ TAX: $211.99
Nintendo Switch PRO Controller (optional)
(New): $69.99 ~ TAX: $74.19
(Pre-owned): $59.99 ~ TAX: $63.59
Nintendo Switch Dock Set (optional): $69.99 ~ TAX: $74.19
What Holidays?
Which Holidays Should I Look Out For When Shopping?
There are three holidays you should look out for when shopping for gaming merchandise. Christmas, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday are all good holidays you need to mark on your calendar. Here's why...
1. Christmas
Christmas is that time of year when store prices drop a little bit so you can buy the gifts you want. A lot of stores are open the day before Christmas. But other stores close a few days or even a week before Christmas. It just depends on the state, store, or area you're buying from. Even while buying online, it could take a week before you will get your items. Timing is VERY important!
2. Black Friday
Yes, we all know about this holiday. This year, Black Friday will take place on Friday, November 29th. It's when almost every store lowers its prices by 30-75%. Game Stop, Best Buy, Walmart, etc, are no different and they're one of the few biggest participants on Black Friday. If you do not want to get swarmed by thousands or hundreds of people, read the last holiday below.
3. Cyber Monday
Cyber Monday takes place the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year it will be on Monday, December 2nd. It is a holiday that crowns those smart online shoppers. Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, and other online stores will lower their prices just like on Black Friday. Some store will even have a physical Cyber Monday after Black Friday when you can go inside the store and not wait for shipping.
