What Happens When You Preorder a Game at GameStop? A Comprehensive Guide
Preordering a game from GameStop can be an exciting experience, ensuring you get your hands on the latest titles as soon as they’re available. But what exactly happens after you hit that “preorder” button? Let’s break down the process, from the initial deposit to the moment you finally start playing your new game. In essence, when you preorder a game at GameStop, you are reserving a copy of a yet-to-be-released game, and you are given a few options on how to obtain the game on release day. The process can involve a deposit, a reservation, and a planned pickup or shipment on or around the game’s release date. You may either preorder in store or online, each with its own set of slightly different steps and requirements, as outlined below.
The Preordering Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Initial Reservation
The journey begins when you decide to preorder a game. You can do this either online through the GameStop website or in person at a physical store location. Regardless of the method, you will need to make a minimum $5 deposit to secure your copy, though you may pay more if you wish. This deposit ensures that a copy of the game is held specifically for you.
Online Preorders
When preordering online, you’ll typically select the “Pre-order online & pickup in-store” option or “Ship to Home.”
In-Store Pickup:
If you opt for in-store pickup, you’ll choose your desired GameStop store where you’ll retrieve your game. GameStop will then hold that game for you for up to 48 hours after release date. Keep an eye out for communications from the store the week leading up to the release date in case they want to remind you to come in and pay the remaining balance! When it’s time to pick it up, be sure to bring a valid I.D.
Ship to Home:
When selecting “Ship to Home”, a credit card will be authorized at the time you place the order, however, you will not be charged until the item ships, and you might be charged up to 10 days before the product is released. You might need to pay for 1-day shipping to receive the game on the day of release; otherwise it is unlikely that the game will arrive on the exact release date.
In-Store Preorders
Preordering in-store is very similar to preordering online. You will visit a local store, let the representative know that you are pre-ordering a game, and pay a minimum deposit of $5. They will then inform you how to pick up your game. As with online preorders, the game will be held at the store you select for 48 hours after the release date. You will need to pay the remaining balance at the store when you pick up your game. Remember to bring your valid I.D when you come to retrieve your copy.
Payment Authorization and Charges
GameStop will authorize your credit card when you place an order, but they typically don’t fully charge you until the item ships. This can happen up to 10 days before the release date. For a purchase made with account credit, the balance will be taken immediately
Price Drop Guarantee
One of the benefits of preordering with GameStop is their price drop guarantee. If the game’s price decreases between the time you preorder and the release date, you’ll be charged the lower price. This ensures you’re always getting the best deal.
Release Date Arrival
For physical preorders you will either pick it up in store or receive a shipment with your new game on, or near, the release date. In-store pickup games will be held for 48 hours, after which time the game will become available to other customers. If you fail to pick up the game within the allotted 48 hours, you will have your copy sold to another customer but will still be given any money you placed as a deposit or down payment. For shipped games, the game will be shipped when it is made available for release.
What Happens With Digital Preorders?
Digital game preorders work differently than physical copies. Typically, you’ll be able to “pre-load” the game onto your console before the release date. This means you can begin downloading the game, so it’s ready to play as soon as it’s officially released. You’ll usually be charged for a digital preorder around 10 days before the release. With digital preorders, you also don’t need to worry about store pickups or wait times. The game will unlock for you to play at the appointed time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About GameStop Preorders
1. Does preordering a game at GameStop guarantee I’ll get a copy?
Yes, preordering guarantees that you will have a copy of the game set aside for you. However, you will need to pick it up within 48 hours of the release date for in-store preorders or wait for shipment to arrive to receive it.
2. Can I cancel a GameStop preorder?
Yes, you can cancel a preorder at GameStop as long as your card has not been charged yet. If you have not paid for the game, your order will be canceled automatically if it is not picked up within the 48 hour holding period.
3. How long does GameStop hold a preorder?
GameStop will hold your preorder at the store for 48 hours after the release date. After that, it becomes available to other customers.
4. When does GameStop charge my credit card for a preorder?
GameStop will authorize your card when you place the order but typically will not charge you until the item ships. This can be up to 10 days before the release date, though this varies depending on whether it is a physical or digital release.
5. What happens if I don’t pick up my preorder?
If you don’t pick up your preorder within 48 hours of the release, GameStop will sell your copy to another customer. However, you’ll still receive the amount you paid toward the purchase as either store credit or the option to apply it toward another purchase.
6. Can someone else pick up my preorder?
No, only the person who placed the preorder can pick it up. A valid I.D. is required at pickup.
7. Can I have a preorder shipped to my home?
Yes, when placing the order, select “ship to home” instead of in-store pick up. You might have to pay extra for 1-day shipping to get the game on launch day.
8. What is the minimum deposit for a GameStop preorder?
The minimum deposit for a GameStop preorder is $5, but you may put down more if you want to.
9. Will I pay the same price if I pre-order or buy a game after release?
Generally yes, the game’s price will be the same. Preordering just guarantees you a copy and potentially offers a price match guarantee.
10. What is the benefit of preordering a game at GameStop?
Preordering guarantees you a copy, can get you price drops before the release date, and may offer unique in-game bonuses or content. GameStop also gets the benefit of guaranteed sales and can use pre-orders to gauge demand.
11. How do digital pre-orders work differently than physical ones?
Digital preorders often allow for preloading, where you download the game before the release date. You are charged for the game 10 days prior to the release. Physical preorders are picked up from a store or shipped at or around the release date.
12. How can I track my GameStop preorder?
To track your order, log into your account on the GameStop website and visit the Order History page. You will be able to review order details and tracking numbers.
13. How long does it take GameStop to process an order?
GameStop typically processes orders within 1 business day.
14. Can I pre-order a game if it has no announced release date?
You can preorder a game even if it doesn’t have a specific release date, but this may mean you will have to wait longer to receive the game.
15. What if the price of a game drops after I preordered it?
If the game’s price drops before the release date, GameStop will charge you the lower price, so you always get the best possible deal.
By understanding how the GameStop preorder system works, you can ensure that you’re ready to dive into your favorite games as soon as they launch. Preordering is a great way to avoid missing out on highly anticipated releases and often comes with its own set of advantages.