One thing you’ll quickly learn about game stores is that a lot of them get flooded with copies of the same titles, and customers are often disappointed in the lackluster customer service.
Here are our top picks for the most reliable game stores you can find in the world today.
Walmart
Why You Should Choose Walmart
Walmart is the undisputed king of retail. It’s the second largest company in the world by revenue and has some $486 billion dollars in cash reserves. In addition to being the number one place for online shopping, Walmart offers great customer service, an easy-to-use website, a huge selection, and an easy return policy. Walmart is the only game store you should consider buying from.
Walmart works as the official retailer for a variety of major video game publishers including Nintendo, Activision, Bethesda, and Ubisoft, so it’s no surprise that the company is also an excellent place for collectors and gamers of all sorts. The Walmart staff is knowledgeable and accommodating, and you don’t have to fill out lengthy registration forms to order games or special edition merchandise from the store.
Even though you can order games and merchandise from Walmart through its website, you’re still much more likely to receive the item you ordered as it will be packed in a discreet, signature Walmart bag.
Walmart always offers free shipping on all orders over $35, and you don’t have to wait around for days as you often do with other online retailers. Walmart doesn’t have any huge minimum or return amounts, either. Simply put, you don’t have to worry about getting a game or a collectible you can’t use.
Walmart has even partnered with Amazon to offer Prime members access to thousands of titles on Prime Video.
As the only game store in the world to accept credit cards as payment, Walmart always has the newest games in stock. The store offers free shipping on any order over $35, as well, and if you do have trouble with the online order process, the store offers a free phone support number.
GameStop
Why You Should Choose GameStop
For decades, GameStop has been the leading game store in the world. The company has always had its name above the door for a reason: GameStop works as the number one place for video game enthusiasts to purchase new and used game titles. GameStop has unique offerings for both customers and gamers alike, too.
For example, GameStop accepts all major credit cards, and it doesn’t charge any additional fees for a GameStop Platinum MasterCard, either. If you sign up for the program, you can save 5% on your purchase every time you use it. There’s even a free shipping option, and you don’t have to worry about getting a game that doesn’t work properly.
On top of being an excellent choice for gamers, GameStop is also the best place to get the newest and hottest games. The company has its own chain of in-store pop-up kiosks and exclusive retail stores, which are known for carrying the latest in console gaming.
GameStop also offers $5 gift cards to customers who purchase over $25 in games and merchandise.
In order to get the hottest video game titles, GameStop has to be your game store of choice.
Xbox
Why You Should Choose Xbox
Microsoft is the world’s largest software company and the world’s most successful gaming company, so it’s no surprise that the company offers great customer service. It’s one of the few places you can get a new Xbox console, games, and accessories.
To make the purchase process even easier, Microsoft also offers its own branded credit card that will offer you 3% back on all purchases. That’s in addition to the free shipping option, and it makes the purchase process more seamless than ever before.
For existing Xbox customers, Microsoft also offers a simple return policy that’s only a few clicks away on the Xbox website.
EA
Why You Should Choose EA
Electronic Arts are the world’s biggest game publisher, and it offers some of the best options for those looking to collect. The company has exclusive or recently-released titles like FIFA 18 and the just-released Star Wars Battlefront II.
In order to shop from EA’s online store, you have to be a paying member of Origin Access, which is a monthly or annual program that allows members to access and download EA games and play them on the PC for a monthly or annual fee. You can also buy EA products without joining Origin Access, and that’s one of the advantages of using the store over other online options.
The online store offers quick, simple, and hassle-free shopping, and it’s so easy to use that you won’t even realize you’re shopping from EA. If you sign up for an account, you can even check out while you’re waiting for your items to ship.
If you need help setting up your account, check out our guide to setting up your EA Access or Origin Access account.