Do Pre-Orders Take Money Immediately for Games?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

The short answer across all major gaming retailers and platforms is no, you are not charged instantly when pre-ordering a game. However, exactly when your card gets charged can vary.

As an avid gamer and industry expert, I‘ve pre-ordered just about every console and high-profile title over the past decade. In this definitive guide, I‘ll cover everything you need to know about putting down cash early to secure the hottest upcoming game releases.

Payment Flows by Gaming Platform

Let‘s break down what happens payment-wise when you pre-purchase the most anticipated titles on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo and PC storefronts.

PlayStation Pre-Order Payments

On PlayStation direct, pre-orders require a temporary hold on the payment method to validate it, but no charge occurs.

Typically 7-10 days before the release date, they will charge the full amount. So while the funds may initially get "locked in combat", the final KO blow to your wallet comes later.

Tip: Having an expired card when that charge goes through can cancel your preorder!

Xbox Pre-Order Payment Policies

For Xbox consoles and games purchased directly from Microsoft…

  • Xbox account balance: Taken immediately
  • Credit card: Charged approximately 10 days before release

So if you want to use account credit to preorder, be sure the funds are there. With a credit card, an authorization hold checks the validity early on, with the final charge occurring shortly before launch.

Nintendo eShop Pre-Order Policy

On Nintendo platforms, pre-order payment timing works like this:

  • Payment method is validated at time of preorder
  • Actual charge happens 7 days before release date

An authorization for the full amount ensures your choice of payment goes through when the game unlocks.

Steam Pre-Purchase Process

For PC gamers acquiring titles through Steam…

  • Pre-purchases require valid payment method at transaction time
  • Charges process automatically 3-10 days before release date

So Steam pre-purchases act mostly as a final sale occurring just ahead of launch day.

Pre-Order Payment at Major Retailers

Let‘s move from platform-holders to major third-party game retailers and their pre-order purchase flows…

GameStop Pre-Order Payments

GameStop is still many console gamers go-to destination for buying physical copies. Their pre-order payment system functions as:

  • $5 minimum deposit required
  • Remainder charged when order ships, typically 7-10 days before street date
[Example preorder receipt]

They need to authorize a card or payment method upfront in case stock becomes limited closer to launch.

Amazon Pre-Order Policies

As one of the largest marketplaces carrying new video game releases both physically and digitally, Amazon‘s pre-order protocol is:

  • No charge until shipment process initiates, usually 24-72 hours before release date
  • Valid payment method still required at time of preorder

Prime members can enjoy free expedited shipping as well.

[Table comparing Amazon vs GameStop cancellation policies]

For hot limited editions I definitely recommend pre-purchasing on Amazon with ample notice in case they sell out.

Best Buy Pre-Order Procedure

While Best Buy often has great gamer rewards programs and discounts, their pre-order system has become stricter:

  • $5 minimum deposit required
  • Remainder charged when item is preparing to ship

So they operate similar to GameStop.

The Evolution of Pre-Order Perks

As a long-time industry expert, I‘ve witnessed the escalating trend of bonuses and extras to entice pre-orders across the years…

Gen 1 (2000s): Basic pre-orderperks like poster or skins

Gen 2 (2010s): In-game add-on items, missions, weapons

Gen 3 (2020s): Early access, battle passes, seasonal content

This "perk inflation" aims to drive consumers to purchase full-price titles sight-unseen. But savvier gamers know…

[The Risks of Pre-Purchasing Sight Unseen]

While pre-ordering can ensure you get very limited special editions, certain game genres are riskier bets than others…

So weigh the full context before throwing cash down months ahead of release!

Pre-Order Cancellations and Risks

Here are some common pre-order catastrophes to keep in mind before buying-in early:

  • Desired edition sells out
  • Game gets delayed and funds get held longer
  • Reviews reveal deal-breaking issues
  • Pre-order bonuses only available if unopened!

Gamers pre-purchasing digitally can end up stuck with a dud title they can‘t return. So while securing a copy early can be worth it for proven franchises and platforms with fair refund policies, consider waiting on unproven sequels or new IP!

Wrap-Up: Pre-Order Carefully But Confidently

Hopefully this industry insider‘s detailed breakdown demystifies when you actually get charged for gaming pre-orders. While the hype trains and promotional blitzes try hard to generate early purchases, stay savvy!

Secure the titles you‘re genuinely passionate about early, while weighing the policies around payments timing, cancellations, and bonuses for riskier bets. Stay tuned here for all the latest intel as exciting new games get announced!

Now I‘m curious – what upcoming title are you most excited to pre-purchase? Let me know in the comments!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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