A video game’s listed price buys the edition or product described on that store page—not automatically every expansion, bonus, or in-game item associated with the title. Base games, downloadable content (DLC), season passes, in-game purchases, and subscriptions are separate product types unless a listing explicitly bundles them together. Check the specific offer’s inclusion list, platform, and terms before buying.
What does a video game’s base price cover?
The base game is the core game product. Its price does not, by itself, tell you whether expansions, bonus items, or a season pass are included. Edition names such as “Standard” or “Deluxe” are not consistent across publishers, so compare the items named in the actual store listing.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
GameStop Physical Gift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Xbox Physical Gift Card | $25 | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Nintendo eShop Physical Gift Card | $100.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Fortnite Physical Gift Card | $30.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Nintendo eShop Physical Gift Card | $50 | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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For purchased-to-own games, Xbox Game Studios says, “players will not be required to make additional purchases to play the base game.” That statement is part of Xbox Game Studios’ policy; it should not be treated as a universal promise about every publisher or game. The same policy notes that expansions, DLC, and special content may cost extra. Xbox Game Studios’ loot-box policy
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What are DLC and expansions?
DLC, or downloadable content, is additional content associated with a game. It may be offered as an expansion, a one-time add-on, or another kind of purchase. Whether a specific DLC item is sold separately, included in an edition, or packaged with other products depends on that game’s listing. PlayStation treats full games, DLC, and season passes as distinct purchase types, while Xbox describes expansion packs as add-on products. Microsoft’s digital game product categories · PlayStation Store purchase categories
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- Redeemable at US GameStop, EB Games, Babbage's, Electronic Boutique, EBX, Planet X, and Software Etc. stores. Also redeemable online at and GameStop.com and EBGames.com.
- Over 6,100 stores located throughout the United States.
- GameStop. Power to the Players.
- Redemption: Instore and Online
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards.
What does a season pass include?
A season pass is a type of add-on bundle. It can cover content that has not yet been released, and products may be added to the pass later. The name alone does not specify which content you will receive, when it will arrive, or whether any time limits apply. Read the current product description and relevant platform terms before purchasing. Microsoft’s digital game product categories
Because a season pass can involve future content, its listed contents and delivery timing matter as much as its name. Xbox describes bundles as products that can combine a base game with add-ons or other games, and identifies season passes as one kind of bundle. Check the pass’s current contents rather than assuming it includes every future release for that game. Microsoft’s digital game product categories
Rank #2
- XBOX GIFT CARD: Buy full digital game downloads, game add-ons, in-game currency, memberships, devices, apps, movies, TV shows, and more.
- DIGITAL GAMES: Choose from hundreds of games, from AAA to indie options. Start playing the moment your most anticipated game is available when you pre-order and pre-download it.
- GAME AD-ONS: Extend the experience of your favorite games with add-ons and in-game currency.
- MOVIES & TV SHOWS: Rent or buy new and popular movies and TV shows from a massive library.
- PERFECT GIFT: Great as a gift for a friend or yourself. Xbox Gift Cards are easy to use, never expire, and give the freedom to pick the gift they want. Enjoy more ways to play without a credit card attached to your Microsoft account.
What are microtransactions and in-game purchases?
“Microtransaction” is a broad everyday term for a purchase made inside or for a game. It can refer to virtual currency, skins, emotes, bonus levels, XP boosts, or items consumed during play. Some purchases are cosmetic; others provide content or affect progression. The label does not tell you which kind of item you are buying. PlayStation Store purchase categories
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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Platforms distinguish between one-time add-ons and consumables. Microsoft classifies premium in-game currency as a consumable that can be purchased again, while one-time add-ons are durable products. This difference is useful when checking whether a purchase grants an item once or supplies something that can run out and be bought repeatedly. Microsoft’s digital game product categories
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- Give the gift of fun with a Nintendo eShop gift code
- It's easy—apply it to your Nintendo eShop account in seconds.
- It ensures that you’ll always have funds on hand to help with purchases of new games and applications
- It’s designed for your Nintendo eShop purchases—no credit card required.
- The perfect gift for anyone who loves to play—including you. Choose from over 1,000 new, classic and indie games – delivered directly to your Nintendo Switch system.
How are bundles and subscriptions different?
A bundle groups multiple products under one price. It may combine a base game with add-ons, or include multiple games. A bundle’s price is not enough to show what is inside: check its itemized contents and compare them with the products you actually want. Microsoft’s digital game product categories
A subscription is a recurring transaction product, not the same thing as buying a game or a particular DLC item. A subscription’s catalog and access terms are separate from a game’s standalone price; verify what the subscription offers and the conditions for access. Microsoft lists subscriptions as their own product category. Microsoft’s digital game product categories
Rank #4
- An Epic Games account is required to redeem an Epic Games Store Card code
- If playing on a console platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch or Mobile) you need to link your Epic Games account to that gaming platform (one time) to redeem your gift card code
- The 16 digit code on the back of the card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly through your gaming platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, etc.)
- Note: Nintendo devices do not support Fortnite Shared Wallet, so V-Bucks purchased using your account balance will not show up on your Nintendo device. However, if you purchase items in the web Item Shop — or another platform where you play Fortnite — those items will be available in your Locker across all platforms.
- Redemption: Online
Does buying digital content mean you own it permanently?
Not necessarily in the same way as owning a physical object. Digital content may be licensed for access through an account or platform, and access can depend on DRM, licensing terms, or continued platform availability. PlayStation’s software terms describe virtual content as licensed for use in the software and say some content may require an additional purchase or be time-limited. Check the terms for the exact item and platform you are buying. FTC discussion of digital content and in-game purchases · PlayStation Software Usage Terms
What should you check before paying?
- Included content: Does the listing name only the base game, or also specific DLC, a season pass, bonus items, or other games?
- Delivery timing: Is each item available now, or is some content expected later?
- Purchase type: Is an add-on a one-time product, or a consumable that can be depleted and purchased again?
- Platform and access: Does the product match your platform and account, and what do the store and game license terms say about access?
- Total price: Compare the current standalone listings with the bundle contents; do not assume the bundle saves money without checking the actual offers.
- Refund conditions: Check the rules for the specific platform and product type. For example, PlayStation’s US cancellation guidance treats games/DLC and in-game consumables separately, and says season-pass cancellation may be limited after included content begins downloading or streaming. This is US-specific guidance, not a universal refund rule. PlayStation US refund guidance · PlayStation US Store Cancellation Policy
Listings, prices, editions, availability, and refund rules can change and may differ by title, platform, and region. Treat the current store page and applicable terms as the authority for the offer in front of you.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Give the gift of fun with a Nintendo eShop gift code
- It's easy—apply it to your Nintendo eShop account in seconds.
- It ensures that you’ll always have funds on hand to help with purchases of new games and applications
- It’s designed for your Nintendo eShop purchases—no credit card required.
- The perfect gift for anyone who loves to play—including you. Choose from over 1,000 new, classic and indie games – delivered directly to your Nintendo Switch system.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
