Can you get a refund on a pre-ordered game?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, you can get a refund on a pre-ordered game, but the refund policy and timeframe for doing so vary depending on the gaming platform or retailer you used to make the pre-order, with some allowing cancellations and refunds up to a certain point before the game’s release, while others may have more restrictive policies. The refund process typically involves submitting a refund request within a specified time limit, such as 14 days after the game’s release, and ensuring that the game has not been downloaded or played for an excessive amount of time, usually two hours.
Understanding Pre-Order Refunds
To navigate the process of obtaining a refund for a pre-ordered game, it’s essential to understand the refund policies of different gaming platforms and retailers, as well as the conditions under which a refund can be granted.
Pre-Order Refund Policies by Platform
Different gaming platforms, such as PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo, have their own refund policies for pre-ordered games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 15 FAQs that provide additional information on pre-order refunds:
-
Q: Can I still refund my pre-order after the game comes out? A: Yes, pre-ordered games that have been released are still eligible for a refund, as long as the refund request is submitted within two weeks of the game’s release, and the game has been played for less than two hours.
-
Q: Can you refund a GameStop pre-order? A: Yes, you can refund a GameStop pre-order by completing a Pre-Order Deposit Refund Request form, and you will receive a virtual gift card to use on GameStop.com.
-
Q: Can you cancel game pre-orders? A: Yes, it is possible to cancel your pre-order before any payment has been taken, usually 7-10 days before the release date.
-
Q: What happens to your money when you pre-order a game? A: If you used account credit to pre-order your game, your balance will be taken immediately. If you used a credit card or split your payment between credit card and account balance, you’ll be charged around 10 days before the game launches.
-
Q: How do I get my money back from buying a game? A: You can explore refund request options on the platform where you bought the game, such as going to play.google.com, clicking on Payments & subscriptions, and following the prompts to submit a refund request.
-
Q: Can you refund a game you bought digitally? A: Yes, as a limited exception, digital game products may be eligible for a refund within 30 days if you’re unsatisfied with the license agreement or warranty, but only if you do not make or retain any copies.
-
Q: Can you refund a pre-order on PS5? A: Yes, if you’ve paid for pre-ordered content on PlayStation Store but have changed your mind about the purchase, you can request a refund.
-
Q: Is it cheaper to pre-order a game or to buy it after it’s released? A: Technically, you’re paying the same price either way. When you pre-order a game, you’re just guaranteeing yourself a copy, and then you pay for the rest when the game is released.
-
Q: Do you get charged immediately for pre-orders? A: No, when you place an order for a pre-order item, an authorization hold request is sent to your card issuer, which is not an actual charge and will eventually expire and drop off your account.
-
Q: Can I refund a pre-order game on PS4? A: Yes, if the release date has passed, you can still change your mind and request a refund up to 14 days after payment was taken for the pre-order, provided that you have not started downloading or streaming the content to your device.
-
Q: How do I get my money back from Xbox pre-order? A: If you change your mind and want to cancel your pre-order, you can do this up to 10 days before the game launches by signing in to your Microsoft account and going to your order history page. After this time, you may be billed, and to cancel, you’ll need to request a refund.
-
Q: How does pre-order work at Game? A: All preorders placed on a product will be supplied at the price ordered at the time, or the price as it stands when the order is processed – whichever is the lowest.
-
Q: How do I cancel a pre-order on the eShop? A: You can cancel a pre-order on the Nintendo eShop by selecting the user that placed the pre-order, accessing your Account Information, scrolling down to Your Pre-Orders, and selecting Cancel next to the pre-ordered game you wish to cancel.
-
Q: Does GameStop cancel pre-orders? A: An order cannot be cancelled once the pre-order item or code has been supplied. Orders containing both pre-orders and in-stock merchandise will be broken into separate shipping groups.
-
Q: Will GameStop give me a full refund? A: Yes, items purchased in-store must be returned in-store, and GameStop will refund the purchase price and applicable taxes and fees to the original form of payment or provide a replacement, as indicated in their policy.
By understanding the refund policies and procedures for pre-ordered games, you can make informed decisions about your purchases and navigate the refund process with ease.