Target‘s Complete Video Game Return Policy for 2024
Target offers convenient options for returning the wide selection of video games and gaming consoles sold in their 1,900+ U.S. stores and on Target.com. However, policies vary for unopened vs. opened games, with receipt vs. no receipt, and more.
This comprehensive guide will explain Target‘s official return rules in detail, along with insider tips to streamline the process in 2024.
A Quick Overview of Target‘s Video Game Return Policy
Before diving into specifics, here‘s a high-level overview of Target‘s video game return policy:
Unopened video games can be returned within 30 days for a full refund with receipt.
Opened video games can only be exchanged for an identical title within 30 days.
Without a receipt, options are limited to exchanges or merchandise cards.
RedCard holders get 60 days rather than 30 days to return.
Now let‘s explore the fine print behind Target‘s policies.
Returning Unopened Video Games to Target
Returning a factory sealed video game you purchased from Target is straightforward, as long as you follow their guidelines:
Provide the original receipt. Target register receipts show the purchase date, item descriptions, prices paid, and last 4 digits of the payment card used.
Bring the original form of payment. This is needed to look up past transactions and verify you made the purchase.
Have a valid photo ID. Target checks ID to deter return fraud on high-value items like game consoles.
Return within 30 days of the purchase date for a full refund.
If you meet these requirements, Target will happily refund your original payment method for the full pre-tax amount. No returns fees or restocking fees apply.
According to Tom‘s Guide, Target processes around 1.9 million returns each day, so video game returns are very common.
Return Timeframes
The chart below outlines the standard return windows:
| Payment Method | Refund Time |
|---|---|
| Credit/Debit Card | 1-3 days |
| Target Gift Card | 1-2 days |
| Target RedCard | 1-2 days |
| Cash | 1-2 days |
As you can see, allow at least 1-3 days for Target to process the video game return and issue refunds to your payment card or bank account.
Gift card and RedCard purchases see the fastest refunds in 1-2 days. Cash refunds take 1-2 days because the cash must be returned to the store register drawers.
Extended 60 Day Returns with RedCard
One perk of paying with a Target RedCard is getting 60 days instead of 30 to return items.
So if you purchase a new Xbox console with a RedCard debit/credit card, you‘ll have a full 2 months to bring it back unopened if needed. Other payment methods must be returned within 30 days.
The RedCard also saves you 5% on your initial video game purchase, so it‘s worth getting if you shop Target frequently.
In-Store vs. Online Video Game Returns
You can return unopened video games purchased on Target.com or in Target stores by:
Bringing it to any Target store Guest Services desk
Printing a return shipping label via your Target.com account and mailing it back
In-store returns are usually faster if you live near a Target. But the online return option is convenient if the nearest store is far away.
Keep in mind that return shipping costs are covered by Target unless they made a shipping error.
Exchanging Opened Video Games at Target
Here‘s where Target‘s video game return policy gets more restrictive.
If you open or damage the video game packaging, Target will only allow exchanges within 30 days – no returns for money back.
The exchange can be for:
The identical video game title for a different console
A different video game title if the original is sold out
So if you realized you accidentally bought Mario Kart 8 for Nintendo Switch but needed the Wii U version, Target will swap it out.
Per Tom‘s Guide, opened video games are one item that can only be exchanged in-store, not via Target‘s online returns center.
Why Target Prohibits Opened Video Game Returns
You might be wondering why Target doesn‘t allow returns on opened video games like they do for many other products.
There are a few reasons retail chains like Target have strict policies for opened media items like games, movies, and music:
The risk that discs/cartridges are scratched or damaged after opening
Discs being copied or pirated then returned
Restocking open items being unappealing to the next customer
Publishers enforcing no-return rules to prevent copying
Although you can‘t get a refund on an opened video game, exchanging for the same title avoids these issues since Target can re-sell it as new.
Checking Video Game Exchange Policies
A good tip is to check Target‘s website or receipt for any special manufacturer exchange policies before opening a new game.
For example, select Nintendo Switch games like Pokemon Legends: Arceus have a mandated "No exchanges unless defective" policy.
So it‘s important know the exchange rules before assuming you can swap out an opened video game later on.
Getting the Most from Target Exchanges
To increase chances of successfully exchanging an opened video game purchased at Target, experts recommend:
Keeping your original receipt
Returning within 30 days of purchase
Calling ahead to verify in-stock availability of the same title
Being polite in explaining your situation to Target Guest Services
Offering to pay any price difference if exchanging for a more expensive game
With no receipt or after 30 days, options are limited as outlined next.
Returning Target Video Games Without a Receipt
Can you return or exchange a video game at Target without the original receipt? Here are the potential options:
Providing Alternative Proof of Purchase
If you don‘t have the receipt but do have:
Your credit/debit card used for purchase
The digital order barcode in your Target app
Your Target.com purchase history showing the video game
Target can reference these records to process the return, although photo ID will be required.
Getting a Merchandise Return Card
If no proof of purchase is available, Target can only offer a "merchandise return card" with the lowest selling price for that video game in the past 90 days.
This policy is designed to prevent return fraud. The return card:
Can only be used for in-store purchases
Has no cash value and cannot be used for online orders
Expires after 45 days if not fully redeemed
So it‘s definitely better to keep your receipt to get an even exchange or money back!
Discretionary No Receipt Exchanges
Some Target stores may allow no-receipt video game exchanges as a one-time courtesy, but this is decided case-by-case. Don‘t count on it being approved.
Additional Rules and Restrictions
Beyond the standard return policy, be aware of these other Target video game return guidelines:
No returns allowed on digitally downloaded games, once game code is redeemed
No returns on activated gift cards, including gaming gift cards
No refunds given for opened video games returned without a receipt
Extended 60 day return window offered for RedCard purchases
Potential for restocking fee if video game packaging is missing or damaged
By understanding Target‘s video game return rules in detail, you can shop worry-free and take advantage of their convenient options for exchanges and refunds.
Tips for Smooth Video Game Returns at Target
Follow this expert advice to save time and avoid hassles when you need to return video games and gaming gear to Target:
Keep your receipt! This gives you the most return flexibility.
Use a RedCard for 60 days to return instead of 30.
Return unopened items by mail to skip a store trip.
Verify game availability before exchanging opened copies.
Note any special exchange policies printed on receipts or packaging.
Act quickly – don‘t wait until the last day to return items.
Be kind to Guest Services staff to get help resolving any issues.
Have your ID ready when returning high-ticket console items.
Get price adjustments instead of returning if price drops after purchase.
By understanding all the intricacies of Target‘s video game return rules, you can make hassle-free exchanges or refunds whether shopping online or in-store. Feel free to return here anytime for a detailed reference guide.
