Is there a time when game consoles go on sale?
I'm not a big gamer but I'm really thinking about jumping into Xbox 360 or a PS3. I've seen where a lot of people got great deals in the past but I'm not sure if that was a time of year thing. Since i've never paid much attention to the gaming scene I need some help.
Should I suck it up and pay whatever Amazon's asking at the time? Look elsewhere? Wait until ___?
by
jeremytheindian
asked 4 months ago
They do offer some mediocre, at best, bundles and deals during the holidays, but I am willing to bet that in the run-up to the WiiU and XBox Eleventy that you'll see the manufacturers drop the prices by $50-$100 on both the XBox 360 and PS3 over the next year or so.
Other than that, console sales are pretty rare because there's most likely a set mark up that a retailer has to agree to to be able to sell them in the first place. Getting a used one from Craigslist or something isn't terrible if you can find someone who will allow you to test the system first to make sure it hasn't been banned from XBL or PSN.
The holidays are really the only time.
It might be worth it to check into a used console, though. I'm sure I'll get downvoted for suggesting it, but Gamestop typically has decent systems, though I admit I've never bought one. I've gotten into a lengthy discussion about systems with a couple employees though (I've looked into selling them a Wii and a PSP) and their standards are decent enough. The system will definitely work, and you have two or four weeks to test the system. So if it's a dud or banned, you can get it swapped.
You wont save a lot, since they tend to markup as much as they possibly can, but you'd probably save around $50 or so?
Prices for game consoles are really steady. As stated before the only time "good deals" seem to take place is when there is either a new console, or a redesign of hardware and then you can only find the sale if you can find a store with the old item. A little comparison and you'll know the price of game consoles and features.
Keep an eye out here and Slickdeals. Usually around the holidays for most retailers, but some outlets (Amazon) will bundles where you're paying $200 for an Xbox 360 and a $50 Amazon GC.
Everybody is bound by the MAPs set, but increasingly bundles are including gift cards versus games that you didn't want to play.
Amazon is giving an $80 credit if you get the xbox and madden or something like that. Comes with 2 other games as well.
It depends on what your definition of "deal" is, but many retailers have the Xbox 360 250GB with Kinect bundle for $50 off this week. The price is $350. That's not a bad deal. You can also find one without Kinect for about $250 or a base model 4GB for about $200. Secondipity recently had the 250GB Kinect bundle for $268 but that deal appears to be gone now (although they are known for bringing it back).
PS3 pricing is a little more steady, but there have been some decent deals. You can get a refurb PS3 160GB for around $190 or so. A new one is about $250 and some 320GB bundles are around $250-$300 but also come with a game.
In response to your Amazon specific mention, Amazon usually has the same or slightly better deals and usually matches competitors, so you probably won't go too wrong taking what they offer. Although, if you really hunt and are patient, you will get a better deal elsewhere.
@wnyx585am: There's a 360 on there right now for $269 have you found them to be trustworthy?
@jeremytheindian: Never personally dealt with them but have heard good things. That deal will go quick. Note that it is a refurb, but still an excellent deal.
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