CNN Money took a look at the "best
time to buy everything", detailing the times when popular items are at their cheapest price. Although the article
mentions video games, it's not entirely games focused. For example, it also tells you to buy airplane tickets on a
wednesday and buy televisions in April. For your convenience, we thought we'd borrow CNN's idea and give you our
opinion on the best time to buy video games and consoles.Video Games
We agree with CNN's assertions on when to buy video games. The time running up to Christmas is usually the best time to bag the latest and greatest game, but if you wait two to three months after the release date you'll almost certainly walk away with a thicker wallet. Boxing day in the UK is also a good time to pick up a bargain.
Game Consoles
The best advice we can offer here is to suggest when not to buy game consoles. If you want to save money, you definitely shouldn't buy a console at or near its launch. At launch, console prices are usually two to three times higher than they will be after a couple of years of competition in the market. Check out IGN's Xbox 360 price context article for several examples of high launch prices. The second worst time to buy a console is during a shortage. You'll be tempted to hit eBay and pay an unnecessary premium unless you wait until stock is replenished. Realistically, the best time to buy a console is 2-3 years after launch during the month of January. Of course, you probably won't be able to wait that long.
Controversial Games *
Without doubt, the best time to buy controversial games is at the peak of their controversy. That way you can boast to friends about having the most politically incorrect game in your possession. In order to judge the time that the game is at the peak of its controversy, look for the tell tale signs of: politicians calling for bans, lobby groups calling for bans and Jack Thompson yelling fire and brimstone.
* Yep, this one's a joke!
