The best gaming deals for Black Friday 2023

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Black Friday remains one of the best times of the year to stock up on video games, consoles, and accessories.

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There’s no better time to stock up on games and gaming accessories than Black Friday, and this year, we’re seeing sizable discounts on some of the biggest titles released this year — a year, need I remind you, that’s been inundated with many excellent games.

While not all of this year’s biggest games are getting significant discounts, titles like Final Fantasy XVI and the Resident Evil 4 remake are. And when it comes to slightly older games, many, like Doom Eternal, can be had for a pittance, making this a great time to stock up on the releases you might have missed months or even years ago.

As for gaming accessories and peripherals, Black Friday and Cyber Monday always present a cornucopia of worthwhile discounts on things like controllers, headsets, and even consoles. So be sure to check out all that’s on offer and heavily discounted here, as these deals will be just what the doctor ordered when we get to the inevitable drought of games in the new year and you feel the biggest need to play something new.

a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin [&>a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-white”>The best deals on games

  • One of the best deals on new games is at QVC, where you can get $20 off your first order of $40 or more when you use promo code HOLIDAY20. The promo can drop newer Nintendo Switch games like Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Super Mario RPG, and Sonic Superstars to $39.99, down from their full retail price of $59.99. However, these newer titles sometimes go out of stock, and it’s a one-time use code, so choose carefully.

The latest mainline Final Fantasy game is a bombastic roller coaster of an RPG infused with a dose of Game of Thrones medieval intrigue and gritty violence. It’s also quite the cinematic spectacle of the PlayStation 5’s graphical prowess. Read our review.

The 2023 version of RE4 is a remake of a 2005 classic that launched on the GameCube in 2005. The updated title features a massive graphical overhaul and new mechanics while staying true to its horror action roots. Read our review.

A screenshot of the video game Street Fighter 6.

A screenshot of the video game Street Fighter 6.

Street Fighter 6 is the latest fighting game in the Street Fighter franchise from Capcom. It features new controls and is divided into three game modes, one of which is an excellent new single-player mode that lets you create your own fighter while exploring the world. Read our review.

A screenshot of the protagonist of Dead Space carrying a plasma cutter.

A screenshot of the protagonist of Dead Space carrying a plasma cutter.

A remake of the 2008 sci-fi third-person horror shooter from Electronic Arts and Motive Studio. Isaac Clarke battles his way through the nightmarish depths of the USG Ishimura to find survivors, now with overhauled visuals and quality-of-life improvements on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X / S, and PC. It’s also available on Xbox Game Pass. Read our review.

The cover art for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, showing main character Cal Kestis and his droid, BD-1, in front of a desolate backdrop.

The cover art for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, showing main character Cal Kestis and his droid, BD-1, in front of a desolate backdrop.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is the captivating sequel to 2019’s Fallen Order, one that continues the story of Cal Kestis and his little droid, BD-1. It’s an action-adventure game blending elements of games like Tomb Raider, Metroid, and God of War — except you’re a Jedi with a lightsaber. Read our review.

Screenshot from God of War Ragnarök featuring Kratos gently touching the face of his teenage son, Atreus

Screenshot from God of War Ragnarök featuring Kratos gently touching the face of his teenage son, Atreus

While Ragnarök’s third-person action gameplay feels similar to its predecessor, its story is far more ambitious. As Kratos wishes to bury his past, he’s trying to convince his young son, Atreus, not to follow a tempting path at discovering his godhood and defying prophecy. Read our review.

  • If you enjoyed HBO’s fantastic adaptation of The Last of Us, The Last of Us Part I is on sale for the PS5 at Best Buy and GameStop for $39.99 ($30 off). It’s a remarkable remake of the classic title from 2013, with faster load times, better visuals, and other welcome tweaks. Read our review.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage is a back-to-basics take on the long-running Ubisoft franchise. It isn’t quite as expansive as recent entries like Valhalla, but it returns to the series’ roots by focusing on stealth and assassinations. Read our review.

In a screenshot from Tunic, the main character stands with his sword raised on a plot of blocky land.

In a screenshot from Tunic, the main character stands with his sword raised on a plot of blocky land.

Tunic borrows heavily from classic The Legend of Zelda titles, but its adorable aesthetic betrays the difficulty of this stylish isometric adventure game.

  • Epic is offering its “Epic Coupon” to users of its Epic Games Store. The coupon knocks 33 percent off the cost of a game on Epic’s digital storefront, and you have until November 28th at 11AM ET to use it. The discount works on all kinds of titles, too, including GOTY contender Alan Wake 2, which makes Remedy’s latest thriller $33.49 instead of $49.99.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is chock-full of lighthearted whimsy, clever puzzles, and fun platforming. It’s a familiar formula, but one that comes with a handful of new features, including two-player, couch co-op, and a “Mouthful Mode” that allows Kirby to manipulate objects that are just a little too big for him to eat. Read our review.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is an excellent turn-based strategy game that pairs classic Mario characters with the chaotic Rabbids for an encore performance.

The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack offers the same benefits as the Nintendo Switch Online membership but also grants access to Game Boy Advance, Sega Genesis, and Nintendo 64 titles as well as DLC content for select games. It costs $49.99 a year for an individual or $79.99 for a family that supports up to eight accounts.

Diablo IV is the latest installment in Activision Blizzard’s dungeon-crawling series. The live service take on the Diablo franchise has a lengthy mainline story in a sidequest-filled open world, with seasonal content added over time. Read our review.

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A bundle that pairs Sony’s new PS5 with a disc drive and a digital copy of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.

This holiday Switch bundle includes the standard version of Nintendo’s terrific handheld, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and a three-month subscription to Nintendo Switch Online (a value of $67.98).

A bundle that pairs Sony’s new PS5 with a disc drive and a digital copy of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.

The Xbox Series X is Microsoft’s flagship console, serving as its most powerful (and biggest) option. While the Series S is aimed at 1440p performance and takes a disc-less approach, the Series X is focused on fast 4K gameplay. This includes a copy of Diablo IV, the latest installment in Activision Blizzard’s dungeon-crawling series. Read our reviews of the Xbox Series X and Diablo IV.

  • Walmart is selling the Xbox Series S 512GB console in white with an extra controller for $289.99 (about $80 off). That’s less than the regular cost of the $299.99 console alone, and you get a spare controller for local multiplayer or backup duties. Read our review.

The ROG Ally is Asus’ first crack at a Steam Deck rival. It’s a Windows-based PC gaming handheld with a seven-inch, 1080p, 120Hz touchscreen and integrated gamepad controls. Read our review.

The Verge’s Adi Robertson wearing a Quest 2.

The Verge’s Adi Robertson wearing a Quest 2.

The Meta Quest 2 virtual reality headset supports a 120Hz refresh rate for certain games as well as the ability to connect wirelessly to gaming PCs. Read our review.

a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin [&>a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-white”>The best deals on game controllers

The controller designed for the PS5, featuring adaptive triggers, a built-in microphone, and haptic feedback technologies. Read our review.

A hand picking up the white 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller from its charging cradle.

A hand picking up the white 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller from its charging cradle.

The 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller comes with its own charging dock, features remappable controls, and is compatible with the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and Windows PCs thanks to its Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity. Unlike the 2.4GHz-only version, it features drift-free Hall effect sticks.

The Xbox Elite Series 2 is easily one of our favorite controllers at The Verge. It’s an improvement on the already excellent Elite controller, with deep customization, optional rear paddle buttons, a swappable D-pad, and analog sticks that allow you to tailor its layout to suit your play style.

The official Xbox Wireless Controller has a dedicated share button for saving clips and screenshots and sharing them online, Bluetooth support, and a USB-C port for charging up Microsoft’s play-and-charge rechargeable battery.

The PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller propped up against an Xbox Series X.

The PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller propped up against an Xbox Series X.

The PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller is a budget-minded wired controller for Xbox and PC that connects via Micro USB and features two customizable buttons on its rear. It’s offered in many different colors and licensed designs.

The RIG Nacon Revolution X is a wired controller for Xbox consoles and Windows PCs that offers a slew of detailed software customization options. It’s also got four customizable rear buttons, adjustable sticks, and optional weights to insert into the grips to give it more heft.

The Split Pad Pro represents Hori’s take on the Nintendo Switch Pro controller, one that is split into two separate pieces. The Split Pad Pro is a good Joy-Con alternative for people who primarily play their Nintendo Switch in handheld mode. Read our review.

The Backbone One mobile controller can connect to iPhones as far back as the 6S generation through the Lightning port. It’s a fully featured controller complete with dual analog sticks, a headphone jack, and its own software for capturing screenshots and connecting to game streaming services. Read our review.

Razer Kishi V2

Razer Kishi V2

Razer’s Switch-like controller is designed for mobile gaming and cloud-based gaming services. The V2 version is offered in a Lightning model for previous-gen iPhones and a USB-C version for Android phones and the iPhone 15. Read our review.

  • In addition to the Split Pad Pro, Hori’s Split Pad Compact handheld controller in its cute Gengar Pokémon design is available for $39.99 ($20 off) at Amazon.

a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin [&>a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-white”>The best deals on gaming headsets, mice, and storage

The H9 is at the top end of Sony’s InZone gaming headsets. It features active noise cancellation, compatibility with both PCs and the PlayStation 5, and can simultaneously connect to two devices (one over 2.4GHz wireless and one over Bluetooth).

The InZone H3 is the wired (3.5mm / USB-A) model in Sony’s latest lineup of gaming headsets, which are compatible with both PlayStation and PC. You can customize the sound profile of InZone headsets with the InZone companion app and Sony’s Spatial Sound Personalizer.

The HyperX Cloud III Wireless is a 2.4GHz wireless headset for PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch that sports an extra-long 120-hour battery life, large 53mm drivers, USB-C charging, and a detachable boom mic with built-in pop filter. It also continues the Cloud’s legacy of a relatively low weight and excellent comfort.

Microsoft’s Xbox Stereo Headset offers a no-fuss, wired solution for gaming on the Xbox One and Series X / S, as well as PCs, and just about anything with a 3.5mm connection. The gaming headset looks similar to Xbox Wireless Headset, but it lacks features like the chat/game audio mix dial. Read our review.

Logitech’s G Pro X Superlight was one of its lightest gaming mice up until the release of the new, pricier G Pro X Superlight 2 model. But it remains a great mouse with a 25,600 DPI Hero sensor and a clean and minimal design, with a single LED just for displaying the battery level. You just have to deal with charging via Micro USB.

The G502 X Plus is Logitech’s equivalent of the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro — or vice versa. It uses Logitech’s Lightspeed 1,000Hz wireless tech and is compatible with the $120 Powerplay mat, which wirelessly charges the mouse as you play.

Razer Basilisk V3

Razer Basilisk V3

The wired version of the Razer Basilisk V3 drops $100 from the price of the wireless one, and you never need to charge it.

The Logitech G435 Lightspeed can pair with your Switch via Bluetooth or using the included 2.4Ghz wireless dongle with the Switch dock. It also features a pair of mics built into the left ear cup, which allow you to use the in-game chat or answer calls with your mobile device.

You can give your Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, or a compatible smartphone a storage boost with Samsung’s Evo Plus microSD card, which comes with an included microSD to SD adapter.

Adata’s Gammix S70 Blade offers up to 7,400MB/s and 6,800MB/s of sequential read and write speeds in PCIe 4.0 machines or up to 3,400MB/s read and 3,000MB/s write in PCIe 3.0 rigs. It’s also compatible with the PS5.

A new Western Digital Xbox expansion card plugged into an Xbox Series S console

A new Western Digital Xbox expansion card plugged into an Xbox Series S console

Western Digital’s storage expansion cards for Xbox Series X / S consoles are speedy, plug-and-play cards that match the performance of the consoles’ onboard SSDs. They offer a slightly lower-cost alternative to Seagate’s expansion cards that were the only game in town for years.

Samsung’s ultra-fast 990 Pro is a PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe SSD that can reach sequential read speeds of 7,450MB/s and write speeds of 6,900MB/s. It’s more than capable for high-end PC builds and can be installed into a PlayStation 5 if you add a heatsink.

Samsung’s ultra-fast 990 Pro is a PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe SSD that can reach sequential read speeds of 7,450MB/s and write speeds of 6,900MB/s. It’s more than capable for high-end PC builds, and its preinstalled heatsink means it’s easily installable into a PlayStation 5. Its heatsink even has a bit of RGB lighting for some extra pop (if you’re able to see it).

a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin dark:[&>a:hover]:shadow-highlight-franklin [&>a]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&>a]:shadow-underline-white”>The best deals on miscellaneous gaming stuff

  • Grid Studio is currently running a Black Friday sale, knocking an additional 15 percent off its various dissected tech pieces, all of which are framed in shadow boxes. This includes a selection of framed game consoles, including the Game Boy Color and the original PlayStation Portable, both of which are going for $169.15 instead of $249. These frames make for excellent wall decor that’s geeky yet refined, and they make for great gifts.

Grid’s framed Game Boy puts Nintendo’s famed monochromatic handheld from 1989 on full display, including the casing, buttons, and even the internal gadgetry.

8BitDo retro keyboard with mouse next to it.

8BitDo retro keyboard with mouse next to it.

This mechanical keyboard is designed to look like Nintendo’s original NES controller, with features like two red customizable buttons. Along with Bluetooth support, it also offers a standard tenkeyless layout with clicky, hot-swappable switches.

This post was originally published on The Verge

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