Patience is Key
The first and easiest way to get Xbox Live for cheap is to simply wait for deals and cash in when you find a good price. You can use multiple subscription cards for Xbox Live and they just keep adding onto the end of your current subscription. You can buy a couple of cards for cheap now so you’ll be set for quite a while into the future. Always a good plan.
Right now on Pricegrabber (compare prices here), the lowest price for 12 Months of Xbox Live is $38.98.
On Amazon.com you can get 12 Months + 1 Extra Month for $38.99 from Amazon or $36.99 from a seller on the Amazon Marketplace.
Bundle With Things You Want Anyway
Another way to get Live for cheaper is to wait for bundle packages. You might not get a full year of Xbox Live (usually it is 3 Months), but many retailers bundle Live subscription cards with games or accessories. Here are a few examples.
- Amazon had the Grand Theft Auto IV expansion, The Lost and Damned, for $26, which included 3 months of Xbox Live. It isn’t available anymore, but at the time it was a good deal. You have to keep your eye out for stuff like this and take advantage of it.
- GameStop has a bundle with 12 Months of Live, a headset, Project Gotham Racing 4, and the Chatpad keyboard that attaches to your Xbox 360 controller for $69.99.
- There is a 60GB hard drive bundle available (Pricegrabber link that includes a 60GB hard drive, headset, Ethernet cable, and 3 Month Xbox Live card for $100. If you need the hard drive anyway, this isn’t a bad way to go.
Coupons
Another easy way to save money on Xbox Live is to take advantage of coupon codes at online retailers. Xbox Live subscriptions almost always count as “Accessories” so if there is a sale or coupon code for gaming accessories you should be able to find Live cards for well less than retail. 12 Months of Xbox Live might be listed for $50 to start with at some retailers, but when you can use coupon codes it cuts that price down pretty well.
Check Local Ads and Online Deal Sites
Keep an eye on the Sunday ads for retailers like Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, Toys ‘R Us, Best Buy, etc. because you never know when they might include an Xbox Live card with a new release coming out that week. Also, make CheapAssGamer.com a regular stop because they are usually the first place to post information on deals just like I have featured in this article. Slickdeals.net or FatWallet.com are also highly recommended websites that focus specifically on deals just like this.
Bottom Line
With a little effort, it is pretty easy to save money on Xbox Live subscription cards. Watch deal websites. Use coupon codes. Bundle with accessories or games you plan to buy anyway. And buy several cards when you do find good deals since they stack and extend your subscription. Your effort will be rewarded with not only access to the best online gaming network available, but you’ll have some extra cash in your pocket as well.
Also check out our Gaming on a Budget series:
Gaming on a Budget #1 - Buying Games for Less
Gaming on a Budget #2 - Selling Games for More
Gaming on a Budget #3 - Collecting Classic Xbox Games
