Best Retailers for Game Console and Video Game Return Policies

Choosing where to buy a console or game can save you hassles (and money) if you need to return or exchange. Policies vary widely for consoles vs. physical game discs, and physical vs. digital purchases. Below are the retailers with the most consumer-friendly return policies for gamers, with quick summaries and official sources to check before you buy.

1. Costco — Best Overall Window for Console Returns

• Why it stands out: A generous 90-day return window on most electronics, which generally includes game consoles.
• Return window (consoles): 90 days from the date you receive the item.
• Physical games: Policies do not explicitly call out game discs; expect standard return rules and bring all packaging/accessories.
• Digital items: Digital/downloadable goods are typically not returnable.
• Membership required: Yes (Costco membership).
• Source: Costco Return Policy (electronics listed with 90-day window): https://www.costco.com/return-policy.html

2. Target — Strong Everyday Policy; Even Better With RedCard

• Why it stands out: Electronics (including consoles) get 30 days, and Target RedCard adds 30 extra days—great cushion for testing a new console.
• Return window (consoles): 30 days; 60 days with Target RedCard. Apple devices have shorter windows; check product details.
• Physical games: Unopened games generally eligible for return; opened games usually exchangeable for the same title/platform only.
• Digital items: Digital downloads are typically final sale.
• Source: Target Returns & Exchanges: https://www.target.com/returns

3. Best Buy — Member Tiers Expand Your Time to Decide

• Why it stands out: Return windows scale with membership: 15 days (Standard), 30 days (My Best Buy Plus), 60 days (My Best Buy Total).
• Return window (consoles): 15/30/60 days based on your membership tier.
• Physical games: Unopened eligible for return; opened games usually exchangeable for the identical title/platform. Digital gaming products are final sale.
• Fees: Best Buy lists restocking fees for select categories (e.g., drones)—consoles typically are not subject to restocking, but verify at purchase.
• Source: Best Buy Return & Exchange Policy: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/help-topics/return-exchange-policy/pcmcat260800050014.c?id=pcmcat260800050014

4. Amazon — Convenient Returns; Clear Rules on Opened Games

• Why it stands out: Easy online returns and drop-off options with a straightforward 30-day policy on most items.
• Return window (consoles): Typically 30 days from delivery for most items sold by Amazon.
• Physical games: “Software and video games” generally must be unopened to receive a refund; opened titles are usually not returnable.
• Digital items: Digital orders are typically nonreturnable once accessed/used.
• Source: Amazon “About Our Returns Policies”: https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GLSBYFE9MGKKQXXM

5. Walmart — Broad Coverage With Category Exceptions

• Why it stands out: A large network for in-store returns; category-specific windows to note.
• Return window (consoles): Typically treated as electronics with a 30-day return window; bring packaging/accessories.
• Physical games: Unopened games are usually returnable; opened game software often limited to exchange for the same title.
• Digital items: Digital/downloadable products are usually nonreturnable.
• Source: Walmart Returns & Refunds: https://www.walmart.com/returns

6. GameStop — Best for Pre‑Owned “Try It” Safety Net

• Why it stands out: A consumer-friendly pre-owned guarantee that lets you try used games with a refund window.
• Return window (pre‑owned games): Commonly a 7‑day full refund window and up to 30 days for defective exchanges on pre‑owned items.
• New items: New, unopened products typically must be returned within a limited window; opened new games are generally exchange-only for the same title/platform if defective.
• Tip: Inspect console boxes at pickup for factory seals; confirm your specific item’s window on the receipt.
• Source: GameStop Return Policy: https://www.gamestop.com/Returns

7. PlayStation Direct — Smooth for Sony Hardware if Unopened

• Why it stands out: Direct-from-Sony support and straightforward 30-day window for unopened items.
• Return window (consoles/accessories): 30 days if unopened; defective items handled under warranty if opened/used.
• Physical games: Unopened disc games generally returnable within 30 days; opened discs are not returnable.
• Digital items: PlayStation Store has a separate policy (generally 14 days if not downloaded/streamed).
• Sources:
  • PS Direct Return Policy: https://direct.playstation.com/en-us/return-policy
  • PlayStation Store Cancelation/Refund Policy: https://www.playstation.com/en-us/legal/psn-terms-of-service/#cancelation

8. Microsoft Store (Xbox) — Clear 30‑Day Retail Returns; Digital Refund Path Exists

• Why it stands out: Simple 30-day retail return policy, plus documented digital refund criteria for Xbox games.
• Return window (consoles/accessories bought from Microsoft Store): 30 days on most physical items.
• Digital games: Refund requests may be available within 14 days under specific conditions (e.g., limited playtime, account history).
• Sources:
  • Microsoft Store retail returns: https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/returning-products-you-bought-from-microsoft-store-81629012-5fd1-d551-ec74-3c3badb7f5db
  • Xbox digital game refund terms: https://support.xbox.com/help/subscriptions-billing/buy-games-apps/digital-game-purchase-refunds

9. Nintendo (My Nintendo Store) — Straightforward for Physical, Strict on Digital

• Why it stands out: Clear separation of physical vs. digital policies.
• Return window (physical goods): Typically 30 days for eligible, unopened items purchased from My Nintendo Store.
• Digital games: Generally all sales final except where required by law.
• Sources:
  • My Nintendo Store Returns: https://store.nintendo.com/returns
  • Nintendo eShop digital purchase policy: https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/604/~/nintendo-eshop-purchase-and-download-terms-of-service

10. Sam’s Club — Membership Warehouse With Solid Electronics Window

• Why it stands out: A member warehouse option similar to Costco with generous electronics returns.
• Return window (consoles): Electronics commonly have a 90‑day window; bring original packaging/accessories.
• Physical games: Expect unopened games to be returnable; opened software may be exchange-only.
• Membership required: Yes (Sam’s Club membership).
• Source: Sam’s Club Return Policy: https://help.samsclub.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/721/~/return-policy

Practical Tips to Make Any Return Easier

2025 Guide to Gaming Subscriptions: Compare Top Services Across Platforms

2025’s Ultimate Guide to the Best Gaming Subscription Services

As the gaming landscape evolves, subscription services have emerged as significant players, offering players access to vast libraries of games for a monthly fee. With multiple platforms vying for your attention, it’s crucial to understand how these services compare across platforms in 2025. This guide examines major gaming subscription services, their unique features, and what sets them apart.

What Are Gaming Subscription Services?

Gaming subscription services provide members with access to a library of games, typically on a monthly or annual basis. These services allow gamers to try a wide variety of titles without the financial commitment of purchasing each game individually. With the rapid expansion of availability on different platforms, understanding your options is essential for maximizing your gaming experience.