When November rolls around and the festive season draws near, there is one event that captures the attention of gamers across the country. Black Friday has become synonymous with spectacular savings on everything from the latest gaming consoles to accessories that enhance your playing experience. With the hustle and bustle of the shopping frenzy just around the corner, knowing where to look and how to prepare can make all the difference when hunting for those elusive bargains.
Preparation is key: research before you shop
Before diving headfirst into the chaos of Black Friday, taking the time to do your homework can pay dividends. Understanding what you are looking for and what it typically costs is essential if you want to spot a genuine bargain. The difference between a decent discount and a misleading offer often comes down to knowing the real market value of the items you have your eye on.
Know your prices: understanding the market value
One of the most important steps in preparing for Black Friday is to familiarise yourself with the usual prices of gaming consoles and related products. For instance, the PlayStation 5 Slim with a disc drive bundled with NBA 2K26 has averaged around £479 over recent months, with the lowest recorded price being £449. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series S with 512GB has seen an average price of around £290, dropping as low as £253 at times. Similarly, the Nintendo Switch OLED in white has averaged £301, though savvy shoppers have managed to snag it for as little as £219. By keeping track of these figures, you can quickly identify when a retailer is offering a deal that truly represents value for money.
Virtual reality enthusiasts should also pay attention to devices like the Meta Quest 3 with 512GB, which has averaged £478 over the past six months but has been available for as little as £399. The PS VR2 headset, another popular choice, has averaged £413 but has been seen at £329. Even accessories such as the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller, typically priced around £60, have dropped to £44 in the past. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently navigate the sales and avoid being taken in by offers that are not as generous as they appear.
Start early: spotting pre-black friday offers
While Black Friday officially takes place on the 28th of November, with Cyber Monday following on the 1st of December, many retailers have begun launching their promotions well in advance. In recent weeks, major retailers such as EE, Very, and Currys have already started rolling out early discounts on popular gaming consoles and bundles. This trend means that waiting until the actual day might not always be necessary, and in some cases, you could miss out on limited stock items if you delay your purchase.
Sony, for example, is expected to begin cutting prices on its consoles and accessories around the 21st of November, a full week before the main event. Early deals have already surfaced, including the PS5 Slim digital edition bundled with EA Sports FC 26 for £399, down from £485, and the PS5 Pro reduced from £699 to £671. The PS VR2 has also seen a drop from £529 to £399 at various outlets. By keeping a close watch on these early offers, you can secure great deals and discounts before the most popular items fly off the shelves.
Smart shopping strategies for maximum savings
Once you have armed yourself with the necessary knowledge about pricing and timing, the next step is to adopt a strategy that maximises your chances of finding the best possible deal. Shopping during Black Friday can be overwhelming, but with a clear plan in place, you can navigate the sales with confidence and efficiency.
Compare retailers: finding the best offer
Not all deals are created equal, and what one retailer advertises as a fantastic discount might be bettered by another. Taking the time to compare offers across multiple platforms can reveal significant differences in pricing and bundle content. For instance, while one outlet might offer a console at a reduced rate, another might throw in additional games or accessories that add further value to your purchase.
Online price comparison tools and dedicated deal-tracking websites can be invaluable resources during this period. They allow you to quickly see which retailer is offering the most competitive price on the exact item you want. Whether you are eyeing a Nintendo Switch 2 bundled with Mario Kart World, which has averaged £429 but dropped to £409 in some cases, or a Steam Deck OLED priced at £479 for the 512GB model, checking multiple sources ensures you do not settle for anything less than the best available offer.
Online shopping benefits: convenience and better prices
While some shoppers relish the experience of queuing outside stores in the early hours of the morning, online shopping offers a level of convenience and often better prices that are hard to ignore. From the comfort of your own home, you can browse a wider range of products, compare deals more efficiently, and avoid the stress of battling crowds in physical shops.
Many online retailers also offer exclusive web-only discounts that are not available in their brick-and-mortar locations. Amazon, for example, has been known to feature lightning deals that change throughout the day, offering steep discounts on items such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, which has averaged £52 but has been available for as low as £25. By shopping online, you can take advantage of these flash sales and often benefit from free delivery or next-day shipping options, ensuring your new gaming console arrives promptly and without additional hassle.
Making the Most of Bundle Deals and Packages
Bundles are a hallmark of Black Friday promotions, especially when it comes to gaming consoles. Retailers frequently package consoles with popular games, extra controllers, or subscription services, creating offers that can represent significant savings compared to purchasing each item separately. However, not all bundles are as beneficial as they might initially appear, so understanding how to evaluate them is crucial.
Understanding bundle value: games and accessories together
When you see a bundle that includes a console alongside a game or accessory, the first step is to consider whether those additional items are ones you would have bought anyway. A PS5 Slim bundled with EA Sports FC 26, for instance, might be an excellent deal if you are a football fan eager to play the latest title. However, if you have no interest in sports games, the bundle might not offer the value it promises.
Similarly, bundles that include accessories such as extra DualSense controllers or headsets can be worth considering if they are items you plan to use. The DualSense controller, which typically retails around £60, can add significant value to a bundle, especially if the overall package price is lower than buying the console and controller separately. By carefully assessing the contents of each bundle, you can ensure that you are getting genuine savings rather than paying for items you do not need.
Calculating true savings: when bundles beat individual purchases
To determine whether a bundle truly represents a bargain, it helps to add up the cost of purchasing each item individually and compare it to the bundle price. For example, if a Nintendo Switch OLED is priced at £301 on average and a popular game retails for around £40, a bundle offering both for £320 would represent a clear saving. However, if the bundle is priced at £350, you might be better off waiting for a discount on the console alone or purchasing the game separately during a different sale.
This approach also applies to larger bundles that include multiple games or accessories. While the combined savings can be impressive, it is important to consider whether you will genuinely use everything included. A bundle that offers a console, two games, and a charging dock might seem like a steal, but if one of the games does not interest you or you already own a charging solution, the perceived value diminishes. By taking a measured and thoughtful approach to evaluating bundles, you can make purchasing decisions that truly align with your needs and budget.
Staying safe whilst hunting for bargains
The excitement of Black Friday can sometimes lead shoppers to make hasty decisions, and unfortunately, this is also a period when less scrupulous sellers attempt to take advantage of eager buyers. Knowing how to spot a dodgy deal and sticking with reputable retailers can protect you from disappointment and financial loss.
Spotting dodgy deals: red flags to watch out for
If an offer seems too good to be true, it often is. Prices that are drastically lower than those offered by well-known retailers should raise immediate suspicion. Scammers and counterfeit sellers frequently use Black Friday as an opportunity to lure in unsuspecting customers with unbelievable discounts, only to deliver substandard products or, in the worst cases, nothing at all.
Other warning signs include websites with poor design, lack of contact information, or payment methods that do not offer buyer protection. Be wary of sellers who only accept bank transfers or cryptocurrency, as these methods make it difficult to recover your money if something goes wrong. Additionally, reviews and ratings can provide valuable insight into a retailer’s reliability. If a site has numerous complaints about undelivered orders or faulty products, it is best to steer clear and look elsewhere.
Shopping smart: sticking with trusted retailers
One of the simplest ways to protect yourself during Black Friday is to shop with retailers you know and trust. Established names such as Amazon, Very, Currys, and Game have built reputations over many years and are far less likely to engage in dubious practices. These retailers also offer robust customer service and clear returns policies, providing peace of mind if you encounter any issues with your purchase.
Shopping with trusted retailers also means you can take advantage of their loyalty programmes, which may offer additional discounts or early access to sales. For example, some stores provide exclusive deals to members or offer points that can be redeemed on future purchases. By building a relationship with these retailers, you can enhance your overall shopping experience and increase your chances of securing the best deals year after year.
Before you buy: essential checks and protections
Even when shopping with reputable retailers, it is important to take a few extra steps to ensure you are fully protected. Understanding the returns policy and warranty terms can save you a great deal of frustration if something goes wrong with your purchase.
Returns policies: know your rights
Before committing to a purchase, take the time to read the retailer’s returns policy carefully. Some stores offer generous return windows, allowing you to send back items within thirty days or more, whilst others may have more restrictive terms, especially during the Black Friday period. Knowing your rights under consumer protection laws is also important. In the UK, you have a legal right to return faulty goods or items that do not match their description, but this does not always extend to simply changing your mind.
If you are purchasing a console or accessory as a gift, it is especially important to understand the returns process. Some retailers may require the item to be unopened or in its original packaging, which can complicate matters if the recipient wishes to exchange it. By clarifying these details in advance, you can avoid disappointment and ensure a smooth returns process if necessary.
Warranty and guarantee: protecting your purchase
Warranties and guarantees are another crucial consideration when buying gaming consoles and accessories. Most new consoles come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers defects and malfunctions for a specified period, typically one year. However, some retailers offer extended warranties or additional protection plans that can provide extra coverage against accidental damage or wear and tear.
While these extended warranties come at an additional cost, they can be worthwhile for high-value items such as the PS5 Pro or the Meta Quest 3. Before purchasing an extended warranty, read the terms and conditions carefully to understand what is and is not covered. Some plans may exclude certain types of damage or require you to pay an excess when making a claim. By weighing up the cost of the warranty against the potential risk and cost of repairs, you can make an informed decision about whether it is a sensible investment.
As the countdown to Black Friday continues, taking the time to prepare, compare, and protect yourself will ensure that you emerge from the sales with fantastic savings and a gaming setup that brings you joy for months to come. Whether you are upgrading to the latest console, adding to your collection of accessories, or exploring the world of virtual reality, the key to success lies in careful planning and smart decision-making. With deals expected to continue through to Boxing Day, there are plenty of opportunities to find the perfect purchase at a price that fits your budget.