Whether you want the latest AAA releases or hidden indie titles, knowing where to buy video games can save you real money and help you find exactly the right format. This guide breaks down every major option for buying games in 2026, from local shops to digital storefronts, so you can score the best deal on your next purchase.
What Are Video Games and Who Buys Them?
The gaming world spans a massive range of genres, platforms, and price points. Console titles for Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch sit alongside PC downloads on Steam, retro cartridges, and mobile apps. Buyers include casual players looking for a fun weekend distraction, parents shopping for kids, retro collectors hunting old classics, and competitive enthusiasts building out their libraries. The market keeps growing every year, which means more places to shop and more ways to save.
Key Features to Look for Before You Buy
Not every seller offers the same value. Before you buy, check for these features:
- Platform compatibility – Confirm whether a title runs on your console or system. An Xbox release will not work on a Nintendo Switch, and PC titles sometimes require specific hardware.
- New vs. used condition – Used copies cost less, but check for scratches, missing manuals, or expired download codes. Digital purchases eliminate this concern entirely.
- Return and refund policies – Some stores accept returns on opened titles; others do not. Steam offers a refund window if you play less than two hours.
- Price matching – Retailers like Best Buy and Walmart sometimes match competitor prices, which can save you a few dollars on new releases.
- Free shipping thresholds – Online sellers often offer free shipping above a certain order total. Factor shipping into the real cost before you decide.
- Digital vs. physical – Digital downloads give instant access and never get lost. Physical copies can be resold or collected. Each format has trade-offs worth considering.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls that trip up even experienced buyers:
- Buying the wrong platform version – Double-check that you are selecting the Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, or PC version. This is the single most common return reason at retail.
- Ignoring seasonal sales – Steam, PlayStation Store, and the Xbox digital storefront run deep discount events several times a year. Waiting a few weeks can cut the price by 50% or more.
- Skipping used options – Local and online resellers carry pre-owned titles at steep discounts. Many come with a satisfaction guarantee.
- Forgetting about regional pricing – Some digital storefronts adjust pricing by region. Compare before you buy to confirm you are getting a fair deal.
- Overlooking subscription services – Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus give access to hundreds of titles for a monthly fee. If you play frequently, a subscription can be cheaper than buying individually.
Where to Buy Video Games In Store
GameStop remains the most recognized dedicated retailer for gaming in the United States. They carry new and used titles for every major console, plus accessories, collectibles, and hardware. Their trade-in program lets you exchange old titles for store credit, which brings down the cost of your next purchase. Use their store locator to find a location near you.
Walmart stocks titles in the electronics section toward the back of most Supercenters. You will find new releases behind glass cases and a selection of budget options on open shelves. Walmart also price-matches select online retailers, so bring your phone and compare before you check out.
Target offers a similar in-store layout with titles shelved near phones and tablets. Target Circle members occasionally receive 5-10% off gaming purchases, making it worth signing up if you shop there regularly.
Local independent shops are another strong option, especially for retro titles and used console releases. These stores often carry harder-to-find items that big-box retailers skip. Search “retro gaming store near me” to discover what is available in your area.
Where to Buy Video Games Online
Amazon #ad has one of the largest gaming selections anywhere online. You can buy physical discs, digital download codes, console bundles, and accessories all in one order. Prime members get free shipping on most items, and Lightning Deals occasionally drop prices on popular titles without warning.
Steam dominates PC gaming. Their seasonal sales are legendary, sometimes slashing prices 75-90% on titles that are only a year or two old. The platform also carries a massive library of indie and free-to-play downloads. Gifting is built in, so you can send a title directly to a friend through their account.
Best Buy runs frequent online-only gaming deals and bundles console hardware with popular titles at a discount. Their Totaltech membership occasionally includes exclusive gaming offers as well.
Green Man Gaming specializes in digital PC keys at competitive prices. They frequently beat Steam on pricing for new releases and deliver keys instantly via email.
Humble Bundle lets you pay what you want for curated bundles, with a portion of each sale going to charity. Their Choice subscription delivers a fresh selection every month at a low flat rate.
eBay remains one of the best places to buy used titles, retro cartridges, and hard-to-find collector editions. Always check seller ratings and read the listing carefully to confirm whether the item is new or pre-owned.
Our Top Picks
After reviewing dozens of retailers, here are our top picks based on selection, price, and convenience:
- Steam – Best for PC enthusiasts who want the widest selection and deepest discounts. Seasonal sales make it easy to build a massive library on a budget.
- Amazon #ad – Best for one-stop shopping across every platform. Fast shipping and frequent deals keep it competitive on price.
- GameStop – Best for console players who want to trade in old titles and browse in person. Their used selection is unmatched at the retail level.
- Green Man Gaming – Best for digital PC keys at launch-day discounts. Quick delivery and reliable service.
- Humble Bundle – Best for bargain hunters and charitable buyers. The pay-what-you-want model offers outstanding value.
Where can I find the cheapest titles?
Steam seasonal sales, Humble Bundle, and used sections at GameStop or eBay consistently offer the lowest prices. For console releases, watch for Xbox and PlayStation digital store sales, which frequently discount older titles by 50-75%. Subscription services like Xbox Game Pass also provide access to hundreds of options for a flat monthly fee, which works out cheaper if you play more than a couple of titles per month.
Is it better to buy digitally or physically?
Digital purchases give you instant access and never take up shelf space. Physical copies can be traded in, resold, or collected. If you like owning a tangible product or want the option to sell later, go physical. If convenience and speed matter more, digital is the way to go. Prices tend to be comparable, though digital storefronts run deeper sales more often.
Does Walmart sell games in store?
Yes. Walmart carries new console and PC titles in the electronics department of most Supercenter locations. Their selection focuses on recent releases and popular franchises. You can also order online for in-store pickup if your local store stocks what you want.
Are used titles worth buying?
Absolutely. Used copies from reputable sellers like GameStop, Lukie Games, and DKOldies typically work perfectly and cost a fraction of the new price. Just confirm the disc or cartridge is in good condition and that any included download codes have not already been redeemed.
What is Xbox Game Pass and is it a good deal?
Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that gives you access to a rotating library of hundreds of titles on Xbox and PC for a monthly fee. If you play even two or three of the included options per month, it pays for itself quickly. New Microsoft first-party releases launch on Game Pass on day one, which makes it especially valuable for fans of franchises like Halo, Forza, and Starfield.
Where to Buy Guides is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Editorial opinions are our own.
Looking for more shopping guides? Check out where to find cheap titles, where to get board games, and where to pick up gift cards for even more ways to save.