Can You Play Pre-Ordered Games Early on Xbox?
The answer to the question of whether you can play pre-ordered games early on Xbox is a bit complex, as it depends on several factors, including the type of game, the pre-order terms, and the Xbox platform’s policies. Generally, Xbox allows players to pre-load games before their official release, but playing them early usually requires a specific early access arrangement, such as the New Zealand trick, which involves changing your Xbox region to New Zealand to access games earlier due to time zone differences.
Understanding Pre-Orders and Early Access
To delve deeper into the specifics of playing pre-ordered games early on Xbox, let’s explore some key concepts and address common questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens if you pre-order a game on Xbox?
If you pre-order a game on Xbox, you can pre-load it before its release, but you won’t be able to play it until the official release time in your region, unless you have an early access arrangement.
2. Can you play a game early if you pre-order it?
Generally, pre-ordering a game allows you to pre-load it, but playing it early depends on the game’s early access policies or if you’ve used a method like the New Zealand trick.
3. How do I get early access to a game?
To get early access to a game, you can look for games offering early access through the Xbox store, join the Xbox Insider Program, or use the New Zealand trick by changing your Xbox region.
4. Does pre-order mean you get it early?
Pre-ordering guarantees you a copy of the game on its release date, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you get to play it early unless specified by the game’s early access terms.
5. Can you play early access games on Xbox?
Yes, Xbox offers early access games through its store, including betas, demos, and trials, which can be accessed by joining the Xbox Insider Program or purchasing specific early access titles.
6. What is the New Zealand trick?
The New Zealand trick involves changing your Xbox region to New Zealand to access games earlier due to the time zone difference, allowing players to potentially play games a day before their official release in other regions.
7. Is it better to pre-order a game or wait?
Whether to pre-order a game or wait depends on your preference for playing games as soon as possible versus potentially buying at a lower price after release, although prices often remain the same.
8. Can you change your time zone to play games early?
Yes, changing your Xbox region to a time zone ahead of yours, like New Zealand, can allow you to play games earlier due to the time zone difference.
9. How do I play pre-downloaded games early on Xbox One?
To play pre-downloaded games early on Xbox One, you would typically need an early access arrangement, as pre-loading only allows you to download the game before release, not play it early.
10. What happens if you buy a game in Early Access?
Buying a game in Early Access means you get to play the current version and all future updates, including the final version upon release, supporting the game’s development process.
11. Can you pre-order a game one day before it releases?
Yes, you can pre-order a game at any time before its release, including one day before, to guarantee your copy and potentially pre-load it.
12. Do games get cheaper after pre-order?
Games may go on sale after their release, but pre-order prices are usually the same as the release price, with occasional discounts for pre-orders.
13. Is it cheaper to pre-order a game or to buy it after it’s released?
Technically, pre-ordering and buying after release often cost the same, but pre-ordering guarantees availability and sometimes offers early access or bonuses.
14. Can I set my Xbox to New Zealand to play games early?
Yes, setting your Xbox region to New Zealand can allow you to play games earlier due to the time zone difference, but be aware of potential implications, such as differing Xbox store content and pricing.
15. What is the point of pre-ordering a game?
Pre-ordering a game guarantees you a copy, allows for pre-loading, and sometimes offers early access or exclusive content, supporting the game’s development and ensuring you can play it as soon as possible.