Black Friday and Cyber Monday represent peak shopping events for gamers, offering steep discounts on hardware, software, and accessories ahead of the holiday rush. If you're eyeing new games or consoles, these sales are your best bet.
Whether outfitting your setup or hunting gifts, this expert guide—drawn from years of tracking gaming deals—helps you navigate post-Thanksgiving bargains effectively.
Black Friday falls on the Friday after U.S. Thanksgiving, kicking off the holiday shopping season with massive discounts across countless products.
This annual event is ideal for snapping up gaming gear at reduced prices.
In 2018, Black Friday was celebrated on November 23.
Cyber Monday follows the next Monday, when online sales surged as shoppers sought deals from home. It's a calmer, digital-only alternative to Black Friday's frenzy—no crowds required.
In 2018, Cyber Monday was celebrated on November 26.
Choose based on your preference: Black Friday spans stores and online for broad options, while Cyber Monday shines on sites like Amazon, Newegg, Steam, and console digital stores.
With nearly every major retailer joining in, the sheer variety of deals is overwhelming—but as gaming veterans, we know where to focus.
For gamers, prioritize these categories post-Thanksgiving:
Building your own rig? How to Build Your Own PC—it's rewarding yet straightforward. Retailers like Amazon and Newegg slash prices on parts. Prep a shopping list to avoid impulse buys on incompatible components. New to assembly? Follow our tips to sidestep pitfalls: Building your first PC? Use These Tips to Avoid Common Problems.
For pre-built systems, compare brand discounts against direct manufacturer sites for extras.
Consoles top gamers' wishlists due to their cost. Here's the 2018 landscape:
Xbox options: The budget-friendly Xbox One S handles 4K video (not gaming), while the powerful Xbox One X excels at true 4K play. Compare: Xbox One X vs. Xbox One S vs. Xbox One: What are the differences?
PlayStation: PS4 Slim for basics, PS4 Pro for enhanced 4K. Worth it? PS4 Pro and PS4 Slim: Are they worth the money?
Nintendo Switch bundles may appear, though discounts are rare—grab game-inclusive packs fast. For portables, aging yet library-rich Nintendo 3DS/2DS suits kids: New 3DS XL vs. New 2DS XL: Which is the best portable Nintendo?
Bundles deliver value over solo consoles, especially as gifts. Extra controllers hold steady resale value.
Games see deep cuts—perfect for stocking up. Shop smart via Top 7 Sites for Video Game Deals and Deals.
Console stores like PlayStation and Xbox spotlight sales; Nintendo eShop offers Switch/3DS deals. Steam's legendary events hit Black Friday hard—hold off on wishlist titles. Origin and GOG join too, with stock guaranteed.
Upgrade headsets, mice, controllers, or docks at a discount. Non-essentials like merch shine here. Gift ideas: The Most Essential PC Gaming Accessories for Every Budget.
Ads leak early—scan them to plan. Sites like BFAds aggregate flyers with newsletters for alerts.
Cyber Monday previews are looser; bookmark retailer pages or subscribe temporarily.
Armed with targets, stay disciplined:
Stick to budgets—deals tempt overspending. Skip meh games or mismatched parts.
Vet deals with price trackers; fake "discounts" inflate pre-sale prices.
Shop securely: Dodge scams via 7 Scams to Watch Out for on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Use gift cards for digital buys to limit risk.
