As a self-proclaimed gaming guru and bargain-hunting enthusiast, I‘ve spent countless hours scouring store aisles and online marketplaces for the best deals on video games. And let me tell you, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, I‘m also a stickler for smart shopping. That‘s why understanding a retailer‘s return policy is always at the top of my checklist, especially when it comes to big-ticket items like PS5 games and consoles.
In this ultimate guide, I‘ll be diving deep into the ins and outs of Target‘s video game return policy, with a special focus on all things PS5. Whether you‘re a casual gamer or a hardcore collector, this info is sure to come in handy. So grab your controller, settle in, and let‘s get started!
Target‘s Standard Video Game Return Policy
First, let‘s cover the basics. According to Target‘s corporate website, most unopened video games can be returned within 30 days of purchase for a full refund or exchange, as long as you have the original receipt and a valid government-issued ID. This policy applies to games for all major gaming consoles, including PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
But what if you‘ve already opened the game? Well, that‘s where things get a bit trickier. Target‘s official policy states that opened video games can only be exchanged for the same title within the 30-day window, even if you‘ve played the game. So if you bought "Assassin‘s Creed Valhalla" but realized it wasn‘t your cup of tea, you could swap it out for another copy of the same game, but not for a different title like "Spider-Man: Miles Morales."
It‘s worth noting that this policy is actually quite generous compared to some other big-name retailers. Walmart, for instance, only allows returns on unopened video games within 15 days of purchase (30 days for Walmart+ members). And GameStop will only accept returns on opened games within a measly 7-day window. So Target‘s 30-day timeframe is definitely a step above the competition.
PS5-Specific Considerations
Now, let‘s talk about the elephant in the room: the PS5. Since its highly anticipated launch in November 2020, the PS5 has been notoriously difficult to get your hands on due to sky-high demand and persistent supply chain issues. In fact, a recent study by the NPD Group found that the PS5 was the fastest-selling console in U.S. history, with 4.5 million units sold in its first five months on the market.
What does this mean for Target shoppers hoping to snag a PS5 or the latest PS5 games? Well, for starters, it means that your chances of walking into your local Target and finding a PS5 on the shelves are pretty slim. Most retailers, including Target, have had to implement online queues, lottery systems, and other methods to fairly distribute their limited PS5 stock.
If you do manage to secure a PS5 from Target (lucky you!), it‘s important to keep in mind that your return options may be more limited than with other gaming purchases. Since Target likely won‘t have extra PS5 consoles just sitting around in the back room, exchanging a defective or unwanted PS5 probably isn‘t going to be an option. You‘ll most likely need to return the console for a refund and then try your luck again in the PS5 lottery.
The same goes for PS5 games, especially highly coveted titles like "Demon‘s Souls" and "Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart." While Target‘s policy technically allows exchanges on opened games, that‘s only if they have the same title in stock. And with so many gamers clamoring to get their hands on the latest and greatest PS5 releases, there‘s a good chance that popular games will sell out quickly both online and in-store.
Your best bet in these scenarios is likely to return the game for a refund and then keep an eye out for a restock. Some Target locations have been known to make exceptions to the 30-day return window for PS5 items, but I wouldn‘t count on it as a guaranteed solution.
Maximizing Your Return Window with a Target RedCard
One surefire way to give yourself a bit more breathing room with video game returns at Target is to make your purchase using a Target RedCard. If you‘re not familiar, the RedCard is Target‘s store credit card that offers a range of benefits to frequent shoppers. Chief among those perks is an additional 30 days for returns on most Target purchases.
So what does that mean for gamers? Well, if you buy a video game or console at Target with your RedCard, you‘ll have a full 60 days to decide if you want to keep it or return it. That‘s double the standard 30-day window – a huge advantage for indecisive shoppers or those who want to make sure they‘re really getting their money‘s worth out of a game before committing.
Of course, there are a few caveats to keep in mind. The 60-day extended return window doesn‘t apply to digital video game downloads or gaming gift cards. And you‘ll still need to make sure you hang onto your original receipt and bring your RedCard and ID with you when making a return. But if you‘re a regular Target shopper and avid gamer, signing up for a RedCard could definitely pay off in the long run.
The Nitty Gritty: Return Process for Online vs. In-Store Purchases
Alright, let‘s say you‘ve weighed your options and decided to pull the trigger on returning that just-wasn‘t-for-you video game. Your next step will depend on whether you originally bought the game in a brick-and-mortar Target store or online at Target.com.
If you made an in-store purchase, your easiest bet is almost always going to be returning the item to your local Target customer service desk. Just make sure you bring along the game, your original receipt, a valid photo ID, and the card you used to pay (if you want the refund credited back to that account). If everything checks out, you should be able to get your refund or exchange processed on the spot.
Online Target purchases open up a few more options. If you‘d prefer to skip the in-store experience altogether, you can initiate a return through your Target.com account and mail the item back using a prepaid return shipping label. Just keep in mind that you‘ll be on the hook for the return shipping cost unless the return is due to Target‘s error.
If you live near a Target store and don‘t mind making a trip, you can also return online purchases in-person. Just bring the game, your shipping confirmation email, and the rest of the usual return necessities (ID, payment method) to the customer service desk and they should be able to process everything like a normal in-store return.
In general, I‘d recommend going the in-store route when possible for video game returns. It‘s usually faster and more convenient than mailing items back, and you‘ll avoid any potential return shipping fees. Plus, if you have any questions or run into issues, you‘ll have a real live Target team member right there to help out.
Dealing with the Dreaded Lost Receipt
We‘ve all been there – you‘re sure you put the receipt in a safe spot, but when it comes time to make a return, it‘s nowhere to be found. While having your original Target receipt will always be the easiest way to ensure a smooth video game return, all hope is not lost if you find yourself receiptless.
For smaller gaming purchases – think a $10 Nintendo Switch case or a $25 PlayStation Network gift card – Target team members may be able to look up your purchase if you have the original credit card, RedCard, or gift card used to pay. It‘s not a guaranteed solution, but it‘s worth asking about if you find yourself in a receipt-related bind.
For pricier gaming items like consoles and $60 PS5 games, you‘ll probably have a tougher time getting a return approved without a receipt. Target‘s official policy is that they can offer an exchange or merchandise return card for the lowest sale price in the last 90 days on items over $10, but that‘s at the discretion of the store manager on duty.
Your best bet is always going to be keeping track of your receipts, whether that means stashing paper slips in a safe spot or opting for email receipts that live in your inbox. If you‘re buying a gaming gift for someone else, consider giving them a gift receipt too, just in case the item needs to be returned down the line.
The Case of Digital Downloads & Gift Cards
It‘s no secret that gaming has gone increasingly digital in recent years. While Target still sells plenty of physical video games, they also offer a robust selection of digital titles, add-ons, and gift cards for popular gaming platforms like PlayStation Network and Nintendo eShop.
But there‘s a catch when it comes to returning these digital goodies. According to Target‘s return policy, all sales of digital content are final and nonrefundable once the product key has been sent to the recipient, even if it hasn‘t been redeemed yet. That means if you buy a $50 PlayStation Store gift card and the recipient decides they‘d rather have cash, you‘re probably out of luck.
The same goes for gaming subscriptions, season passes, and any other type of non-tangible gaming purchase. And while this policy might seem strict, it‘s actually pretty standard across major gaming retailers. After all, once a digital code has been sent, there‘s no way for Target to verify whether or not it‘s been used.
The moral of the story? Be extra sure that you‘re buying the right digital gaming products before hitting that "Place Order" button. And if you‘re giving a gaming gift card or digital code as a present, consider including a gift receipt or making it clear that the item can‘t be returned for cash.
Expert Insights on Video Game Return Behavior
As a consumer behavior analyst, I‘m always fascinated by the reasons why shoppers return items – and video games are no exception. While there‘s limited public data on video game return rates specifically, a 2020 study by the National Retail Federation found that 8.1% of all retail purchases were returned in that year, representing a whopping $428 billion in merchandise.
So why do gamers return video games? There are a few common culprits:
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The game didn‘t live up to the hype: With so much build-up and marketing around major video game releases, it‘s not uncommon for players to find that a game just doesn‘t meet their expectations. Maybe the graphics aren‘t as cutting-edge as promised, or the gameplay is repetitive and dull.
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The game was a gift that missed the mark: Gaming can be a highly personal hobby, and not everyone has the same tastes. If Grandma buys you the latest "Call of Duty" when you‘re more of an "Animal Crossing" fan, there‘s a good chance that game is going back to the store.
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The game is buggy or defective: For all their technical advancements, video games are still prone to glitches, freezes, and other performance issues. If a game is truly unplayable, most retailers (including Target) will allow you to exchange it for a working copy or return it for a refund.
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The player experienced buyer‘s remorse: Video games are a big investment, with most new titles for PS5 and other consoles retailing for $60 or more. If a gamer gets home and realizes they don‘t have as much free time to play as they thought, or they need the money for other expenses, they may decide to return a game even if there‘s nothing technically wrong with it.
Of course, these are just a few of the many reasons why video games get returned. As gaming technology and consumer preferences continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how return behavior shifts in response.
Comparing the Competition
Curious how Target stacks up against other major retailers when it comes to video game returns? Here‘s a quick rundown:
| Retailer | Standard Return Window | Opened Game Returns? |
|---|---|---|
| Target | 30 days (60 w/RedCard) | Exchange only |
| Walmart | 15 days (30 w/Walmart+) | No |
| Best Buy | 15 days (45 w/Totaltech) | Exchange only |
| GameStop | 7 days for opened games, 30 for unopened | Exchange only |
| Amazon | 30 days | No |
As you can see, Target offers one of the most generous return windows in the industry at 30 days (or 60 with a RedCard). And while they don‘t allow refunds on opened games, their exchange policy is still more lenient than some competitors who don‘t accept opened games at all.
Of course, return policies are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to choosing where to buy your video games. Other factors like price, selection, and customer service can all play a role in your decision. But if you‘re a gamer who likes to have a safety net in case a new title doesn‘t pan out, Target‘s return policy is definitely a point in their favor.
Tips for Avoiding Return Hassles
While Target‘s video game return policy is fairly consumer-friendly, there are still some best practices you can follow to make the process as smooth as possible:
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Keep your receipts: I know I sound like a broken record at this point, but seriously, hold onto those receipts! Take a picture of them with your phone, email them to yourself, whatever it takes.
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Don‘t open games until you‘re sure: I get the excitement of tearing into a new game the second you get home, but try to resist the urge if you think you might want to return it. Keeping games sealed will give you the most return options.
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Check reviews before you buy: With so many gaming websites and YouTube channels out there, it‘s easier than ever to get a sense of a game‘s quality before you plunk down your hard-earned cash. Read or watch a few reviews to make sure a game is worth your time and money.
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Be strategic with digital purchases: Since digital gaming content is generally nonrefundable, be extra thoughtful with those purchases. Maybe wait for a game to go on sale or read some player feedback before committing.
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Be nice to store employees: This one should go without saying, but always be polite and respectful when returning items in-store. Getting angry or demanding won‘t get you anywhere, and Target team members are much more likely to go out of their way to help a friendly face.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to buying video games, Target offers a solid return policy that balances the needs of both casual gamers and hardcore hobbyists. With a 30-day return window (or 60 with a RedCard), the ability to exchange opened games, and flexible options for online and in-store purchases, Target has positioned itself as a go-to destination for gamers looking to buy with confidence.
That said, the world of video game retail is always evolving, and return policies are just one part of the equation. As gaming technology continues to advance and consumer preferences shift, it will be fascinating to see how Target and other major players in the space adapt to stay competitive.
For now, though, one thing is clear: Whether you‘re a PS5 devotee, an Xbox enthusiast, or a Nintendo fan for life, understanding your options when it comes to returns and exchanges is a must for any savvy gamer. So the next time you‘re eyeing that shiny new release at your local Target, go ahead and give it a spin – just remember to keep your receipt handy.
