Gamers are open to using a variety of distribution channels when it comes to getting games – from walking through the doors of the local retailers; going online and having them delivered; or sitting at home and waiting for the download to finish.
But where can you get the cheapest deal?
We look at 3 of the biggest releases and where you can get the best deal, focusing on the recommended retail price for walk-in stores, the biggest local online distributors as well as Steam and Origin.
| Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning | The Darkness II Limited Edition | Mass Effect 3 (Pre-order) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PC |
Console |
PC |
Console |
PC |
Console |
|
| RRP | R399.95 | R599.95 | R399.95 | R599.95 | R399.95 | R599.95 |
| Kalahari.com | R289.95 | R499.95 | R325.95 | R499.95 | R289.95 | R499.95 |
| Takealot.com | x | R499.00 | R328.00 | R542.00 | R289.00 | R495.00 |
| BTGames | R346.00 | R583.00 | R372.00 | R543.00 | R346.00 | R555.00 |
| Zaps | R354.00 | R515.00 | R394.00 | R515.00 | R354.00 | R515.00 |
| Look&Listen | R343.42 | R569.42 | R385,42 | R557.42 | R343.42 | R569.42 |
| Steam | R463.28** | x | R386.49** | x | x | x |
| Origin | R349.99 | x | x | x | R349.99 | x |
All prices calculated including delivery charges as below.
Delivery charges
- BT Games – R49 if under purchase is under R380; buyers can also pick up their game from a store
- Zaps – Offer a wide range of courier services ranging from R29 – R109*; buyers can also pick up their game from a store
- Kalahari – Free for orders over R250
- Takealot – Free for orders over R250
- Look & Listen – R40.42
From examining the table, you can see that the best value for money will come from buying games online. Delivery time will cut in to gaming sessions, though – but most online stores have 24 hour delivery when big games launch.
If you’re the type who simply cannot wait for a courier to arrive, your next best bet would be to go digital (assuming you have a good enough connection to not have to wait ages for massive downloads).
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