Gaming on your PS4 or PS5 can be an expensive hobby, especially if you like to buy games when they launch. But there are ways that you can cut your costs and still get maximum enjoyment from your PS4 or PS5.
We've rounded up the best tips on how to get PS4 or PS5 games cheaply and save money.
1. Shop the PS Store's Regular Discounts
The PS Store is Sony's digital marketplace for everything PlayStation related. You can buy games, DLC, themes, subscriptions, and more.
There are many reasons to love the PS Store. For example, digital games are more convenient than physical because you get instant access.
When it comes to saving money, the PS Store always has some sort of sale. Whether it's to celebrate a holiday or a franchise's anniversary, if you're patient then you can get some deep discounts through the PS Store.
To get notified when something goes on sale, you can add it to your PS Store wishlist.
2. Sign Up to PlayStation Plus
PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) is an ongoing subscription that lets you play your games online with others. The longer you sign up for, the cheaper it is.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of PS Plus is that you get a handful of free games every month. As long as you maintain your subscription, you'll have indefinite access to these games. Even if you unsubscribe and then subscribe again later, the games will come back.
These aren't just bottom of the basket games, either. PS Plus often gives away brilliant games. Past examples include Mortal Kombat X, Hell Let Loose, and NBA 2K21.
Still not convinced? If you're a member of PS Plus, you can get even deeper discounts on the PS Store. PS Plus is an excellent purchase, even if you're not bothered about saving money.
3. Stream Games Using PlayStation Now
PlayStation Now (PS Now) is another subscription service that Sony offers. It gives you on-demand access to hundreds of PS4, PS3, and PS2 games, streamed to your console or Windows PC over the cloud.
You pay a subscription fee (again, the longer you subscribe, the less you pay) and get access to a huge collection of games. Titles like The Last of Us Part 2, Fallout 76, and Tekken 7 are all included.
Providing you can complete the games quickly, PS Now will save you lots of money over buying all the games included individually.
4. Buy Discounted Gift Cards
Sony sell gift cards of differing values, which you can redeem in the PlayStation Store. There's no point buying these gift cards at full price. However, during sales, plenty of other retailers will sell them at a small discount. You could save $5 on a $20 gift card, for example, which soon adds up to great savings.
Of course, to save the most money, you should ask for PlayStation gift cards as presents for your birthday and Christmas. You might never need to buy your own games again!
5. Use Video Game Discount Sites
Though the PS Store is the official first-party destination to buy digital Sony games, it isn't the only option. There are lots of third-party retailers that sell digital codes for PlayStation games that you can then redeem on your console.
Avoid any shady key websites, but there are great video game discount websites you can use to ensure you only buy from legit merchants. Most of these let you set up alerts so you can be notified when your wishlist games reach your desired price.
6. Buy Used Games
So far, we've only focused on digital PlayStation games, but you can get most of them physically too. Often, physical games end up costing more than digital to account for the manufacturing and shipping.
The way around that? To buy used games. As long as you're not a collector who needs their games in pristine condition, there's no downside to buying used. While the case might be scuffed, the game itself will be exactly the same as if you bought it new.
7. Trade Games With Your Friends Using Share Play
Did you know that you can play any of your friends' PS4 or PS5 games for free? It sounds unbelievable, but it's true, thanks to a PlayStation feature called Share Play.
Even if you own a PS4 and your friend has a PS5, you can still play their games. You can also use Share Play to play multiplayer games together.
It's an oft-overlooked feature of the PS4 and PS5, so ensure you don't miss it. If you often play the same games as your friends, you can decide between you who buys which ones and share the love.
8. Be Patient
This is the hardest tip on this list, but it might be the most fruitful. Considering AAA PS5 games launch at $69.99, it's simply not cost-effective to pre-order games or buy them soon after release.
The solution? Be patient. After half a year or more, the retail price will drop. The longer you wait, the cheaper it'll be. Lots of first-party PlayStation games end up being repackaged anyway, whether it's a "director's cut" or part of Sony's Essential range.
While you might not be able to join in discussing the latest and greatest games, you can be smug in the satisfaction that you'll enjoy it in the future and save heaps of money as you do.
PlayStation Gaming Doesn't Have to Be Expensive
While it might be expensive to buy a PS4 or PS5 (the latter can be especially hard to get hold of at retail price), the games don't have to break the bank. Whether it's shopping in a sale or using a PlayStation subscription service, there's plenty of ways to save.
Most of these tips can apply to all gaming, no matter your console; PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, or something else, it pays to be a patient gamer.