So how does the Target video game return policy work?
Returning video games can be tricky. Some retailers won’t take them back at all, while others will only offer an exchange or refund in certain circumstances.
Are you going to be stuck with a game you don’t want, or can you get your money back?
Let’s jump into the Target video game return policy and find out!
Target Video Game Return Policy 2024
Because video games are a special kind of product, the return policies that apply to most purchases don’t apply to video games.
When you think about it, it makes sense. You could buy a video game, spend the next 2 or 3 weeks hacking, slashing, and shooting your way around a riveting game world, complete all of the missions and quests… and then return the game.
If stores let you return a game with no questions asked, as they do with a shirt or a toaster, there would probably be millions of people getting their video game fix by using a play and return strategy.
Of course, there are many legitimate reasons that you might need to return a video game to your local Target store and as long as you can meet the criteria set out by the Target video game policy, you’ll be able to get a refund.
Target Return Policy Video Games – In-Store Purchases
If you purchased a video game at a Target store, the Target Game Return Policy has the following conditions.
Target Video Game Refund Conditions – Unopened
- Game Must Be Unopened
The video game must be unopened and still wrapped in the original plastic. If you’ve torn off the shrink wrap cover, Target will treat that game as opened and it won’t be eligible for a refund under the Target game return policy.
- Game Must Be Within The Return Window
While Target offers a 90-day return window for many items, the Target game return policy window is much shorter at 30 days.
If you purchased the game with your Target Red Card credit or debit card, the return window is extended to 60 days.
- You Must Have Your Receipt
To get your refund, you’ll need your receipt. If you no longer have your receipt, Target will look up your receipt for you if you go to the guest services counter with your payment details. If you use the Target App, the barcode for your purchase can be used instead of a receipt.
If your return fulfills those conditions, then you’ll get a full refund of your purchase price.
Returns with no receipt will only be eligible for an exchange.
Usually, the refund will be credited to the payment method you made the purchase. If you paid with cash, the Target Red Card, or a credit card, you can opt for a Target gift card instead.
Your unopened game can also be exchanged for another title.
To get your refund, you’ll need to go to the guest services counter in any Target store, or you can begin the return by calling Target guest services at 1-800-591-3869. If you use the Target App, you can select the return option under your game purchase and follow the return instructions.
Target Video Game Refund Conditions – Opened
If your video game has been opened, then it won’t be eligible for a refund. You may, however, be offered the option to exchange your game.
Games can only be exchanged for the same title or the same title on a different platform.
You’ll be offered a straight exchange if the game you purchased is defective in any way.
And you’ll be offered a platform exchange, if, for example, you purchased a game for PlayStation 4 by mistake when your console is an Xbox One. In this case, you will be allowed to exchange the PS4 game for the Xbox One version.
You’ll need your purchase receipt or the barcode from the Target App.
For all in-store video game returns, if you don’t have your receipt and can’t get a duplicate receipt printed because you paid cash or can’t remember which card you used, you’ll need to present your government-issued ID to be able to get your refund or exchange.
Target Return Policy Video Games – Online Purchase
If you purchased your video game online from Target.com, you’ve got a couple of options if you need to return your game.
You can take it to any Target store under the conditions detailed in the section above. Or you can return it through the mail.
To return the video game to a Target store, print out your order receipt, or your shipping or delivery email to take with you in place of a normal receipt. If you use the Target App, show your barcode at the Target guest services counter.
If your video game is unopened, you’re entitled to a refund or an exchange for a different title. If your game is opened, only an exchange for the same title will be possible.
To return your video game through the mail, it will need to be unopened.
- Login to your Target.com account
- Choose the game you want to return
- Select a reason for your return
- Print your free return label (you can choose to return using UPS or FedEx)
- Pack your game and fix the return label to the package
- Drop off your package at your nearest drop-off location
- Your refund will be processed once Target receives the game
Target Return Policy Video Games – Access Codes
If you’ve shopped at Target for an access code for a console game or a PC game, you won’t be able to get a refund.
Once an access code is issued Target has no way to cancel your access to the code so they won’t issue a refund or an exchange.
If you’re having difficulty redeeming your access code, you’ll need to get in touch with Target or with customer support for the game platform.
Gamer Tip – If you’re using Target to purchase PC games for digital downloads, you can stretch your video game budget by shopping on Steam instead. Steam seamlessly handles all of your purchases and maintains your game library; has thousands of games at their online store; runs regular discount events; and best of all, they run mega sales twice a year.
Here are a couple of examples for you. Currently, Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition is $19.99 at Target, while the Steam Summer Sale is offering the same title for $5.99. That’s a 70% discount. Ghostwire: Tokyo is $48.99 at Target. Buy that title in the Steam Summer Sale and you get it for $29.99, saving 38%.
And with Steam, you can get a refund on all digital downloads for up to 14 days as long as you’ve played the game for less than 2 hours. That’s miles better than Target’s no refund policy.
More Related Post: When Does Target Restock Its Stores?
Target PS4 Return Policy
Game consoles fall under the electronics and entertainment category, which has a shorter return window than the 90 days offered for most target products.
The Target PS4 return policy will allow you to return your games console within 30 days for a refund or an exchange.
If the console was purchased over the Holiday period, then you have an extended return window. For a PS4 purchased between October 1st and December 25th, the 30-day return window begins on Dec 26th.
You can return your PS4 to the guest services counter at any Target store within the return window. Make sure that the box contains all of the items that came with the console, including instruction manuals, power cables and controllers, game discs, and unused access codes.
If you purchased your Ps4 at target.com, the Target PS4 return policy allows you to return your PS4 console to any Target store, or you can use the online return procedure to return your console through the mail.
FAQs
Can I Return A Video Game If I’ve Already Opened It?
For opened video games, you’ll be offered an exchange for the same title if the game is defective, or an exchange for the same title on a different platform if you purchased the wrong game version for your console. Opened video games aren’t eligible for refunds.
Can You Return Video Games To Target Without Receipt?
If you no longer have your receipt, you can ask Target to look up your receipt for you using your credit or debit card number.
If you use the Target App, the app has a record of your purchases, and the barcode in your app can be used as your receipt. Otherwise, you can return your video game to Target for an exchange under the Target video game return policy.
Can You Return An Opened Target Item?
In most cases, the answer is yes, Target will refund or exchange opened items. The exceptions include breast pumps, collectibles, and personalized items. If your item is an opened video game or music or video disc, it can only be exchanged for the same title. You can’t get refunds on airbeds either, only an exchange.
Can You Return A Game Console?
Game consoles can be returned as long as you include all of the original items that came in the box with the console. Target allows you to return game consoles within 30 days of purchase. The 30-day return window is extended for consoles purchased between October 1st and December 25th. In this case, the 30-day clock starts ticking down on December 26th.
Final Thoughts
Target has a fairly standard video game return policy. As long as your game is unopened, you can get a full refund or an exchange for another title within 30 days of purchase.
Opened games are only eligible for an exchange of the same title if the game is defective, or for a platform exchange if you picked up the wrong console version by mistake.
You’ll need your receipt or the barcode from the Target App. If you don’t have a receipt, you’ll need to show a government-issued ID and then even unopened games will only be eligible for an exchange.
See Also: Does Target Do Cash Back?
