Blockbuster video games generate over $180 billion dollars in global revenue today, with yearly sales projected to top $270 billion by 2030. Titles like Call of Duty and informal sensations like Fortnite drive these staggering growth numbers. And with gaming juggernauts Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft, and newcomers like Google continuously upping the stakes in terms of graphics, storytelling, and internet-fueled competition, this interactive medium only increases in cultural prominence.
But such rapid expansion leaves plenty of room for shopping missteps. Technical bugs abound even in big-budget games, while lapses in quality control still slip through. And the interactive nature of gaming makes returns trickier – you can‘t merely sample a title like a movie or album. Once you input that registration code, your purchase is usually locked in forever.
That‘s why understanding retailer policies around video game returns is essential knowledge for participants (and parents of participants) in this $300 billion shadow economy. Let‘s navigate exactly how returns work, using leading giant Amazon as our guide.
Amazon Sets the Industry Standard
Amazon offers a baseline return policy likely familiar to anyone who‘s ever shopped online:
Items shipped from Amazon.com, including Amazon Warehouse, can be returned within 30 days of receipt of shipment in most cases. Some products have different policies or requirements associated with them.
This allows customers to initiate free returns within 30 days on most products, provided they are in new condition with all original parts and packaging. And at first glance, the same seems to apply when browsing Amazon‘s seemingly infinite library of new and old games across Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, and desktop platforms.
How Amazon Compares to Other Retailers
While Amazon sets the gold standard for ease of returns, other gaming-focused merchants have similar guarantees:
| Retailer | Regular Return Window | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 30 days | New condition with packaging |
| GameStop | 30 days | New condition with packaging |
| Best Buy | 15 days | Gently used condition |
| Target | 90 days | New condition with packaging |
| Walmart | 90 days | New condition with packaging |
The key difference lies in the "gently used" allowance by Best Buy, though each company reserves the right to charge restocking fees if they must refurbish a supposed "new" product. We‘ll examine Amazon‘s policy on used games next.
Navigating Amazon Marketplace vs. Sold by Amazon Policies
When browsing games on Amazon.com, you might see the label "Sold by [X Merchant] and Fulfilled by Amazon." Purchases shipped from an Amazon warehouse still qualify for standard 30 day returns.
But for third-party marketplace sellers, policies related to refunds, replacements, and exchanged depend on each individual retailer. Before buying marketplace items, click the seller‘s name and investigate their unique return guidelines just to be safe. If in doubt, stick with products directly sold by Amazon to guarantee compliance.
Now onto the specifics of video game returns – arguably the trickiest type of product to backtrack on once you‘ve entered gameplay.
Returning New and Unopened Games
Let‘s start with the easiest scenario – the game stays shrink-wrapped, perhaps after purchasing two titles and realizing only one actually interests you after reading reviews. Arguably we‘ve all been there, with so many headline games released across competing consoles!
As long as its truly untouched inside the original seals, start your return by visiting Amazon‘s Online Return Center. From your account Orders page:
- Select "Return Items" next to the unopened video game
- Choose reason for the return from the dropdown menu options
- Carefully repackage the game inside its original box
- Print the provided prepaid shipping label, and drop at UPS
Estimated Timeline for Video Game Refund
To account for shipping, inspection, and processing on Amazon‘s end, expect around 1-2 weeks to see your refund after starting the process. Cards used for original purchase typically get reimbursed first.
Now let‘s get into murkier territory – games you‘ve played but now want to return in hopes of receiving some money back.
Why Opened Video Game Returns Are High Risk
Unlike products with light use like clothing or appliances, video gameplay inherently alters the content value through save files, unlocked achievements, multiplayer connections etc. This translates into steep deductions from your potential refund total.
Specifically, Amazon‘s policy states:
Opened video games and movies may be subject to a restocking fee, which can be up to 100 percent of the item‘s price, even if the disk has not been used.
Translation – returns get extremely costly after you‘ve opened the plastic and cracked into that shiny disc, regardless of time spent actively playing.
Why Charging Near Full-Price Makes Sense
Now you might understandably protest: how does simply opening a video game diminish its internal value that much?
Here‘s a quick run-through of costs involved with processing used video game returns from a retail perspective:
- Inspecting discs for signs of damage
- Verifying any codes or consumable DLC inside have not been redeemed
- Thorough testing across applicable gaming platforms to confirm full functionality
- Sanitizing discs so no personal user data remains
- Repackaging item since original wrap was removed
- Updating price and listing to denote "open box" status
When refurbishment costs exceed remaining profit margins, retailers often apply near 100% restock fees because accepting the return actually loses them money! Harsh perhaps, but key to understand as a customer.
How to Avoid Hassles Returning Used Games
My #1 piece of consumer advice: carefully research games before purchasing if buying physical discs. Downloadable titles sold directly by console stores do not allow returns, but opened physical media can be resold at specialty chains like GameStop. Just don‘t expect much back percentage-wise, and certainly nothing near your original payment.
Essentially treat discs like scratch lottery tickets – no exchanges or refunds! I examine cash trade-in values at various reuse stores next.
Just How Much Are Used Games Worth?
As a rule of thumb, game trade-in values decrease rapidly from original list prices. Here‘s a glance at potential payouts when reselling complete, working copies:
(Table compares buyback rates for a $60 new release title across various resale outlets)
Third-party seller sites like Decluttr and Glyde often offer the least, but they also take care of shipping logistics. I‘d only recommend trading old games directly if your goal is funding new purchases, not recouping costs.
For context, here is historical data on resell rates for Madden NFL 2007 across its first 10 months, back when the franchise retailed for $59.99 new:
Notice the instant dip to $35 (B grade) trade-in value upon launch. This discounting holds true across both legacy AAA franchises like Madden and standalone narrative hits like The Last of Us.
The above illustrates why buyers must meticulously confirm a game truly interests them before opening. Otherwise you‘ll forfeit 70-80% of the original price when reselling used!
Permanent Purchases – Digital Codes and Prepaid Currency
While physical media retaining some resale flexibility, digital code purchases and prepaid currencies convert to non-refundable store credit the instant you click redeem. This includes:
- Full game downloads redeemed directly on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, or PC services
- Subscription cards granting limited online multiplayer access
- Virtual currency usable across multiple titles like V-Bucks in Fortnite
Once added to your account, these digital credits get tied to your user profile – no backsies! So be absolutely certain before converting cash to cloud contents. I examine prepaid redemption platforms below:
Prepaid Card Services
| Retailer | Applicable Games | Details |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation Network | PlayStation 4, 5 | Online mulitplayer access, store purchases |
| Xbox Live | Xbox One, Series X|S | Online mulitplayer access, store purchases |
| Nintendo eShop | Nintendo Switch | Digital games, in-game purchases |
| Steam Wallet | PC Games | Digital games, in-game purchases |
| World of Warcraft | World of Warcraft | Prepaid subscription time |
Once these cards get activated and loaded onto accounts, associated funds revert to cash equivalents usable only for digital products. No exceptions for refunds – so be absolutely sure before adding value!
What Happens to Truly Defective Returns?
Let‘s shift gears to a more positive scenario – you found an actual glitch or hardware defect that prevents normal gameplay. How can savvy shoppers secure refunds in these faulty situations?
After 30 days, Amazon no longer allows automatic returns and issues case-by-case authorization. So contacting their customer support team via phone or chat opens the conversation. Being as descriptive possible about the exact playback error goes a long way here.
Providing visual evidence of the glitch occurring also smooths the evaluation process. Take photos directly showing the hiccups or even capture video footage of the game freezing/crashing. The more proof Amazon has confirming the defect exists, the likelier you‘ll get approved even beyond the typical allowances.
Amazon Return Myths and Misconceptions
Over my years analyzing Amazon‘s retail ecosystem, I‘ve noticed several persistent myths around the returns process:
Myth: Amazon bans users who initiate "too many" returns.
Reality: No evidence suggests prolific returners get blacklisted. However, clear fraud with users buying products, draining bonus materials, then requesting refunds often results in account suspension.
Myth: Getting refunds always reduces cash back rewards.
Reality: Credit card points and Amazon associate bonuses only retract if underlying purchases get cancelled, not valid returns. Cash back and mileage balances remain stable after routine unopened product refunds.
Myth: You must speak to a human to get approved for late refunds.
Reality: Even beyond 30 days, starting a standard return request often triggers automated approvals, no chat support necessary! Exceptions exist for expensive/custom goods.
I cover more little known truths in my next section centered on Amazon Fine Print…
Amazon Return Policy Fine Print
While we‘ve explored the basics around video game return protocol, Amazon‘s detailed rules hide key qualifiers worth highlighting:
Gift Return Policy
Interestingly, gift returns operate independently from general item allowances. So even if the 30-day window expired for the buyer, recipients can still initiate refunds as if newly purchased. Who doesn‘t appreciate extra insurance when treating friends (or family members) to hot new titles!
Price Adjustments
See an item you bought recently now listed cheaper? Contact Amazon‘s customer service within 7 days of the original purchase date and provide the current lower pricing. Representatives can then refund the difference with minimal hassle.
Price Matching
Amazon officially price matches select retailers including Target, Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, and even their own discounted Amazon Warehouse section! Click "Request a price match" on eligible product pages. But this perk only applies to identical in-stock goods, not cheaper general variants.
The Future of Video Game Refunds
While current Amazon policies strike reasonable balances given refurbish and resale costs, the larger gaming industry trends toward reduced consumer flexibility. Digital purchases accounted for 83% of game sales in 2021 – an all-time high indicating dwindling physical media circulation.
Cloud streaming sites like Google Stadia, PlayStation Now, Microsoft Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and Amazon‘s own Luna foreshadow an impending reality where games launch day-and-date digitally. While convenient for players, this Vanishing Window for returns concerns me as an analyst.
What happens if servers get hacked or networks temporarily crash? What if the hyped $70 "live service" game launches half-finished or pay-to-win? Right now regulators lack frameworks governing these new frontiers.
So shop smart and stay vigilant! Only you as the consumer wallet vote – to companies like Amazon and platform holders – determine acceptable policies. I‘ll revisit covering updated return protocols once industry trends crystallize further.
For questions or comments reach me at [email protected].
