As both an avid gamer and retail analyst, I‘ve learned to navigate complex store return policies to get my money back on disappointing purchases. And when it comes to returning video games, Target offers a pretty generous policy if you understand the ins and outs.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll equip you with pro tips to exchange or get refunds for Target games across hardware platforms, both in-store and online. You‘ll also see how Target compares to other major retailers, along with recent industry changes that affect your rights as a customer.
So let‘s dive into the details everyone should know for hassle-free video game returns at Target!
Target Dominates the Video Game Market
Video games rake in billions in sales each year across physical and digital formats. And with the pandemic fueling a surge of new gamers, total spending hit nearly $60 billion globally in 2021 according to IDC research.
As one of America‘s largest big-box retailers, Target captured a sizeable chunk of these revenues. Over 192 million people shopped Target stores in 2020, with their wide selection of Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo and PC games appealing to families coast to coast.
When any business sells that many products, a certain percentage inevitably gets returned. Customers might realize a game doesn‘t work on their console, or that the gameplay fails to excite like advertisements implied.
Thankfully Target offers fair return and exchange options in these situations if you comply with their policy terms. But before committing to a purchase, every gamer should understand what the retailer will and won‘t allow regarding refunds.
Let‘s break down the key details together!
Unopened Video Games: The 30/60 Day Standard Policy
According to Target‘s official rule book, unopened video game software qualifies for a "standard return" within 30 days of original purchase. To get your money back or exchange the title, you must:
- Have the original receipt
- Return to a physical Target store (no shipping back)
- Provide your ID and original payment method
Assuming you meet these requirements, Target will issue a full refund or even exchange for the identical game title across platforms. So if you accidentally bought the Xbox version but needed the PlayStation edition, no problem!
One Major Catch: Pre-Purchased Games
Gamers should note that Target considers any video game bought more than 30 days before release date as a "pre-purchased" item. These count as a custom-order purchase, and are excluded from the standard 30 day return policy.
So if you pre-order a game 6 months early, don‘t expect to return or exchange it weeks later if unsatisfied! Other retailers like GameStop generally treat high-demand pre-orders similarly. My tip is only commit to pre-buying from reputable series you know and trust.
The RedCard Perk: 60 Day Returns
Now, as a savvy Target shopper, you‘ll of course use their branded credit or debit RedCard for checkout. Not only does this score you 5% instant savings, but RedCard purchases allow doubling standard return times to 60 days!
Yes, use your RedCard and that unopened video game can come back for a full refund or exchange up to 60 days later, rather than just 30.
Considering new titles sometimes need weeks after launch to get patched for bugs and optimal play, that extra month goes a long way.
Can You Return Opened Video Games to Target?
Here‘s where Target diverges from competitor policies at Walmart, Best Buy and others regarding open-box items. If you redeem digital codes or simply remove the plastic, Target no longer allows returns for a direct refund.
Instead, they offer a pretty generous exchange system I‘ll explain shortly. But once unwrapped, consider that video game a done deal as far as getting your money back.
The Exchange Loophole
Ah, but wait…there‘s a loophole! Target does permit exchanging opened video games if:
- The discs are defective/damaged
- You mistakenly bought the wrong console platform
- You want the same game title for a different platform
So for example, if you realize the PS5 game you bought won‘t run on older PS4 consoles, Target will swap for the backwards-compatible edition. Or if the Switch cartridge malfunctions, grab another copy or choose a different Nintendo title for equal value.
The downsides are needing to visit a store for exchanges, and paying any price differences if swapping for a more expensive game. But it still beats getting totally stuck with a dud purchase!
Exchange Time Limits
You‘ll notice Target‘s website lacks clear specifics on how long after buying you can exchange opened video games. But based on consumer experiences shared online, most locations seem to honor exchanges within 30 days or less.
Certainly don‘t wait months after buying and assume you still hold exchange privileges without the original receipt on hand.
Can You Return Games to Target Without a Receipt?
Target‘s flexible video game return policy definitely requires the original receipt for getting your money back. Without proof of purchase, you have very limited options:
- Video game exchanges for an identical title
- Store credit refund based on current used sale price
Associates can still lookup your past Target purchases by:
- Credit/debit card details
- Driver‘s license number
- Target account profile
- Target gift card used
If found and confirmed within the standard return period, you may get approved to exchange or receive store credit. But again…keeping all receipts avoids this hassle entirely.
Beware Return Fraud
Here‘s a trend worrying retailers including Target – video game return fraud. Dishonest shoppers buy titles, redeem the digital content, then return the empty cases for full refunds.
While casual gamers may not realize, boxed games can come with high-value DLC codes, arcade tokens, exclusive skins and other digital goods. If stolen and resold, it costs publishers big money.
To combat fraud, many stores like Target now open new video games right at the return desk before providing refunds. So if you‘re missing codes or discs yourself, don‘t expect a simple swap. Present any insert materials with factory seals intact if you want cash back hassle-free.
Getting Refunds on Digital Purchases
Digital is where things get really tricky across not just Target, but all video game platforms. Once downloaded, video games transform into software licenses rather than "goods". And with no physical discs or codes to take back, most digital sales are considered final.
This means zero refunds or returns allowed on digital console downloads bought via:
- Xbox Live Marketplace
- PlayStation Store
- Nintendo eShop
The same restrictions apply to digital video games purchased for PC through Target, including codes redeemed via Steam, Epic Games Store or Origin.
Can You Dispute the Charges?
If digitally purchased games show up corrupt, fail to load or exhibit other critical bugs, you do maintain certain rights around disputing the charges.
For console platforms like PlayStation Network where purchases are tied to your gaming account, initiate a customer support ticket to investigate problems and request refund consideration.
With card-based digital purchases via Target for PC/Mac, you can technically file a dispute claim with your bank or credit provider. However success rates vary, so first communicate issues to Target support and confirm if they‘ll refund directly.
Besides defects though, you won‘t get far arguing for returns simply because "you don‘t like the game". Digital platforms universally consider all sales final in regards to personal taste or changes of mind.
Redeeming and Returning Gaming Gift Cards
Stuck with a $50 Target gaming gift card taking up space in your wallet? You could grab some Xbox currency, Fortnite V-Bucks or other digital goods for your platform of choice.
But know that once redeemed into your gaming accounts, not even gift cards offer refunds or exchanges. So only apply credits toward stuff you absolutely know you‘ll use.
Unsure what to invest card funds into? Then your only option is spending the full gift card amount on eligible physical items in Target stores. At least this route keeps the door open for standard returns within 30 days (or 60 days for RedCard holders) if something you buy ultimately disappoints.
And if the gift amount proves tricky to use up exactly as store credit, pay a small difference in cash. It beats abandoning leftover card funds!
How Return Speed Compares by Payment Type
Wonder when you‘ll actually see that video game refund hit your pocket or bank account? Approval speeds depend on original purchase method, but here‘s a general guide:
| Purchase Type | Refund Speed* |
|---|---|
| Credit card | 5-10 days |
| Debit card | 3-5 days |
| PayPal | 48 hours max |
| Target gift card | Instant |
| Cash | Instant |
*From time of store refund approval; additional delays apply to mailed returns.
As expected, cash and store gift cards let you grab a replacement game right away. Card and PayPal purchases take several days for credits to post to accounts. So factor these windows into timing future purchases with anticipated returns in mind.
How Target Stacks Up to Other Retailers
Compared to key players in the video game marketplace, let‘s examine how Target fares regarding open, unopened and digital return policies.
Walmart Returns
Pretty similar to Target here – receipted returns within 30 days for unopened software, and Walmart+ members (like RedCard holders) get 60 days instead. Opened exchanges permitted based on manager discretion.
One advantage over Target is how Walmart offers free in-store returns shipping making sending items back more convenient.
Best Buy Returns
Best Buy offers 15 days for standard returns, but My Best Buy members gain 30 days like Target RedCard holders. Exchanges for defective opened items, but overall more restrictive without membership perks.
Does let you print free return shipping labels from home rather than visiting stores though – handy if far away or buying online.
Amazon Returns
The king of online retail sets the gold standard for open, unopened and digital returns here. Full refunds issued within 30 days no matter condition – just generate a UPS tag and ship back at no cost.
Many third-party Marketplace sellers have different rules, so read policies carefully. But Amazon-direct video game returns can‘t be beat.
GameStop Returns
The gaming mega-retailer lets PowerUp Rewards members exchange new/sealed games within 30 days, or just 7 days for opened. Lots of fine print around pre-orders, discounts etc. No return shipping provided either.
PowerUp Pro subscription does bump to a 45 day return window – handy for those huge holiday releases.
Expert Tips for Hassle-Free Video Game Returns
Between Target‘s official policy and real-world consumer experiences, I‘ve compiled this list of pro tips for smoothly exchanging or seeking refunds on games:
1. Photograph serial numbers
Snapping pics of any barcoded video game serial stickers before opening provides purchase proof needed for returns without receipts.
2. Test immediately with receipts ready
Don‘t save a game for later if buying early – test within the standard return period so receipts and packaging stay handy if needing to exchange.
3. Enable 2-step login on gaming accounts
Adds protection if buying used games where original owner could still access digital content. Prevent them from reclaiming licenses before you return discs.
4. Review manufacturer defects policies
Most Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo games come with guaranteed 1-year manufacturer warranties covering software defects. May offer refunds beyond the retailer‘s basic return period.
5. Buy discount gift cards for ideal values
Third-party sellers frequently offer 5-10% off Target gift cards. Maximizes savings on new releases you‘re confident keeping!
6. Pre-shop clearance racks before exchanges
If swapping an opened video game for something else per policy, always browse clearance titles first to score steep discounts off regular pricing.
7. Be nice and ask about price matches!
Honey attracts more flies than vinegar – kindly ask customer service if Target will match a competitor‘s lower advertised game pricing at time of return/exchange. The worst they can say is no.
8. Don‘t stockpile returns needing receipts
Set calendar reminders on phones to revisit purchases around the 20-25 day mark. Lets you return or exchange what you must while receipts stay readily available.
9. Only dispute charges with bank as absolute last resort
Provokes account freezes and headaches – exhaust every avenue directly through vendors like PlayStation Network and Xbox Live billing departments first if seeking digital purchase refunds.
10. Bookmark your state‘s return laws overview
Gets you familiar with additional rights around gift cards, warranty rules etc. that national retailers must uphold locally. Handy last line of defense if policies seem misapplied!
The Complex World of State-Level Policies
I‘ll wrap up this guide with a reminder that individual state laws regarding returns and gift cards can alter Target‘s published video game refund rules.
For example in California, buyers automatically get a non-expiring store credit on gift card non-usage. So an unwanted $50 Target gaming card transforms into lifelong store money rather than waste.
Other states like Arizona, Maine and Washington either ban or cap expiration dates on gift cards, adding protection if companies deny cash refunds. Definitely study your regional return rights!
You can browse state laws here regarding gift cards. For general consumer return rights, see the National Conference of State Legislature‘s state-by-state summary here.
And if you have experiences getting video game refunds at Target locations outside their written policy, comment below to help other readers! Retail practices don‘t always match corporate fine print.
So stay both informed and empowered about returns no matter your state, and avoid unpleasant surprises on that next big game purchase. Check pricing on open box clearance items too – who doesn‘t love a good bargain?
Game on and shop smart my friends! Please drop additional questions below.
