How to Pre-Order Unreleased Video Games

You can't buy a game before release, but you can pre-order to reserve a copy (physical) or pre-load (digital).

Where to Pre-Order

Key Pre-Order Facts

• Payment: Charged immediately (digital) or at shipment (physical, usually).
• Cancellation: Anytime before ship/pre-load (check retailer policy).
• Bonuses: Cosmetics, early access (24–72 hrs), soundtrack, artbook—varies by edition.
• No guarantee: Physical allocations can oversell; digital is infinite.

Smarter Alternatives

• Wait for launch reviews (Day 1 patches change games).
• Watch gameplay streams (no NDAs post-embargo).
• Subscribe: Xbox Game Pass / PlayStation Plus Premium / EA Play often get day-one access.

Pre-order only if you trust the dev and want the bonus.