Video game subscription services to help you save money

Gaming is a booming industry, with millions of pounds spent on new releases each year. However, the cost of the latest games promises to burn a hole in pockets. For example, Hogwarts Legacy, the open-world RPG set in the Harry Potter universe, will set fans back GBP59.99.

For sports fans who need to get their hands on the latest Fifa game, even pre-owned copies can cost upwards of GBP40. But thankfully there are options out there for parents who need to save money on birthday gifts or subscription services for avid gamers looking to watch their wallet. Here’s a few to get you started.

Read more: The best video games of 2023 including Resident Evil 4 and where to get them – Xbox, PlayStation, PC & more

Discounted video games

For those who like to pick up specific games, then the cost of buying them all can quickly add up. However, waiting around for a couple of months can see the price drop dramatically, saving you a few quid straight out of the gate. CD Keys

If you simply must get the latest release, then check out websites like CD Keys or even supermarkets first. CD Keys sells digital codes for games and top-up cards and often can have savings of up to 90%. It is completely legitimate and offers instant delivery of codes so there’s no waiting around for the postman.

As well as games, CD Keys offers top-up cards for the likes of the Playstation and Xbox stores as well. Supermarkets Meanwhile, supermarkets have been known to offer some amazing deals on games, especially those that are a little older. Tesco was recently spotted to be selling games such as Gran Turismo 7 and F1 22 for less than a fiver.

While price cuts like these are not a regular occurrence, Tesco in particular often gives money off games for Clubcard holders. While Sainsbury’s shoppers should check on the shelf first before heading to partner store Argos, as sometimes there are huge savings to be had. Pre-owned

Don’t shy away from second-hand trading in your existing games and buying new ones. Stores such as GAME and CeX will buy your physical games off you for either cash or in-store credit. Often, the in-store credit is higher than the cash price and can be put towards taking home a new game.

Stores will also sell preowned titles that have been played by someone else first. These are always tested by experienced staff before they’re offered back out for resale so you can rest easy knowing you’re buying a genuine product.

Subscription services

If you like to play a lot of different games, then picking up a number of titles each month can be expensive. However, following in the footsteps of streaming services like Netflix, many game companies offer their own subscription services that offer unlimited access to games for a monthly fee.

These services may not always have the latest releases, but many have some top-tier games that will be fun to play. As with most subscription services, these are a rolling monthly fee, which means you can swap between the different services depending on which games you want to play. Xbox Game Pass

Possibly one of the highest-rated subscription services, Game Pass is available for PC and for Xbox players. Introductory offers include your first month for just GBP1 and then GBP7.99 thereafter. The titles available to players differ depending on the platform choice, whether you’re on a console or on a PC.

But particular highlights include access to the entire Halo franchise and for the younger ones, Minecraft, too. PlayStation Plus Exclusive to those on Sony’s consoles, even the cheapest tier of PlayStation Plus offers some incredible deals with three full games for free each month.

Higher tiers offer access to the PlayStation Plus library with hundreds of titles or access to vintage games to relive your younger years. Nintendo Switch Online While a little different to the other two, for people who only own a Switch console the options are limited.

Switch Online subscribers have access to an exciting library of NES and SNES vintage games, with an expansion pack upgrade that throws in Sega Genesis, Nintendo 64 and GameBoy Advance games, too. Perfect for those looking to relive their childhood gaming favourites or share their passion with younger minds. Apple Arcade

Don’t count out mobile gaming as an option to whet your appetite. There are tonnes of excellent and exciting games to choose on Apple Arcade and the benefit is that absolutely none of them include microtransactions, which means you have access to the whole game without worrying about accidentally buying upgrades. EA Play

EA is one of the biggest publishers going with huge titles under their belt. EA Play includes unlimited access to EA games on consoles or PC, including Dead Space, Madden and The Sims 4, and sometimes subscribers get to play games before their official release date. EA Play is included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or costs GBP3.99 a month for the standard tier.

Prime Gaming Amazon Prime subscribers can get access to exclusive rewards via Prime Gaming including free PC games, in-game content for some huge titles and a free subscription to your favourite Twitch streamer each month. Prime Gaming costs GBP8.99 per month for a standalone subscription or is included in regular Amazon Prime subscriptions.

Ubisoft+ One of the more expensive subscription services, Ubisoft+ is for PC users and has a huge library, with more than 100 new and classic games from one of Europe’s biggest publishers. We’re talking about every Assassin’s Creed title through FarCry, WatchDogs and Splinter Cell.

Read next:

Tags:

boiler-juice listed on couponmatrix.ukdr-martens listed on couponmatrix.ukesprit listed on couponmatrix.ukcurrys-partmaster listed on couponmatrix.ukpapa-johns listed on couponmatrix.ukspabreaks listed on couponmatrix.uk
boiler-juice listed on couponmatrix.ukWhen the temperature drops, Boiler Juice should be your first and only port of call. As the UK’s top heating oil vendor, customers enjoy quality heating at the lowest local prices from Aberdeen to Dover. If the best price available doesn’t satisfy, then make the most of our latest Boiler Juice discount code and get quote that’s unbeaten anywhere else. So hang up the jumper and put away the gloves, Boiler Juice has got you covered.
dr-martens listed on couponmatrix.ukDr. Martens has long been associated with rebels and misfits: a heritage that’s recognisable in every yellow stitch. Since the first pair of air-cushioned 1460s, Dr. Martens has become a counterculture symbol, innovative and effortlessly cool. These boots were made for walking, but they’re also made for fearless expression. Whatever your style, all you need is a Dr. Martens discount code to give your work wardrobe an edge with the Dr. Martens 1461 Oxford shoes or tower over your enemies in some Dr. Martens platforms.
esprit listed on couponmatrix.ukHaving made a name for itself making beautiful ranges of loungewear and active clothing, you can now pick up any type of outfit from Esprit whether you’re dressing up for the party or chilling out for the weekend. Use an Esprit voucher code from us as you make your next order and you’ll be amazed at the savings you make across the ranges for both men and women, as well as kids!
currys-partmaster listed on couponmatrix.ukWith more than one million parts and accessories in stock for your convenience, Partmaster is the UK’s leading supplier of electronic spares. If your home appliance, computer or gadget is in need of repair, don't fork out for a replacement - make the most of a Partmaster discount code to save on affordable parts to get you back up and running.
papa-johns listed on couponmatrix.ukDiscover the best pizzas in town with Papa John’s. Creating deep-pan American-style pizzas for more than 30 years, Papa John’s know how to transform mealtimes and satisfy a hungry tummy. With beautiful recipes and fast delivery, you can use your Papa Johns promo code to receive a perfect pizza for a perfect price. Whether you’re having a party or getting in from a late night, there’s no better choice of food for your festivities than a Papa John’s pizza.
spabreaks listed on couponmatrix.ukIn today’s world we could all do with a little extra R&R. With SpaBreaks, a world of relaxation is at your fingertips. Whether you want to pamper yourself for a day, the weekend, a week or even longer you will find a whole host of options you can book and save on with the latest Spa Breaks discount code. From an afternoons chill with a friend to a weekend getaway with your partner, treat yourself at SpaBreaks.