Are you an avid gamer who loves scoring the best deals on new video game releases? Or perhaps a parent looking to exchange the latest Nintendo Switch title that your kid is no longer interested in? Maybe you‘re a collector trying to return a rare retro game you found at Walmart that turned out to be defective?
No matter your reason, returning video games is a common need for all types of shoppers. But before heading to your local Walmart store, it’s important to understand the retailer‘s specific policies around video game returns and exchanges.
In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making returns and exchanges for video games bought at Walmart. You’ll learn:
- The standard return window for unopened and opened video games
- How the policy works in-store versus online orders
- Tips for getting refunds without a receipt
- And answers to frequently asked questions
Let’s dive in and explore Walmart’s video game return policy for 2022!
Overview of Walmart’s Return Policy for Video Games
Overall, Walmart provides generous and flexible video game return terms compared to other major retailers. According to Walmart’s website:
“If you‘re not completely satisfied with a purchase, you can always return eligible items within 90 days.”
This 90 day policy applies fully to unopened video game returns. But for opened video games, the rules become more strict.
Here is an at-a-glance view of Walmart’s video game return policy:
| Return Scenario | Policy |
|---|---|
| Unopened video game | Full refund within 90 days |
| Opened video game | Even exchange only within 90 days |
So in a nutshell:
- Unopened video games can be returned for a full refund as long as it is within 90 days of purchase
- Opened video games can only be exchanged for an identical copy of the same title – no refunds
This policy aims to provide flexibility for customers who simply change their mind or make a mistake. But it prevents abuse where people would buy games, finish them quickly, then return for a refund.
Next, let‘s go over the specifics on how to actually make video game returns and exchanges at Walmart stores.
Returning Unopened Games for a Refund
Thanks to Walmart’s 90 day policy, you have plenty of time to return an unopened video game if you change your mind or ordered the wrong title by mistake.
The process to return an unopened game for a full refund is straightforward:
- Bring the game and receipt to any Walmart store customer service desk within 90 days of purchase
- Explain you want to return the unopened item – the staff will check the receipt
- Receive your refund – typically back to the original payment method
As long as the game is still sealed in plastic and you have the original receipt, you shouldn’t run into any issues getting a full cash refund back.
Some tips to keep in mind when returning unopened games:
- Try going back to the original purchase location if possible
- Keep the receipt handy as your proof of purchase
- Double check the game is completely unopened before bringing it in
Following these simple steps means you can buy new releases without worry – if you or the gift recipient ends up with a duplicate title or something you don‘t want, just return or exchange it at Walmart.
Exchanging Opened Video Games at Walmart
What if you or your family member opens and plays a video game, only to find out it’s not what you wanted after all?
The good news is Walmart does allow returns on opened video games. However, the bad news is that opened video games can only be exchanged – no refunds are given back.
Here is how Walmart handles opened video game returns:
- You may exchange the opened game for an identical replacement copy
- The exchange must be done within 90 days of the original purchase
- No refunds are offered – only exchanges for the exact same title
There are also some caveats around opened video game exchanges to be aware of:
- Exchanges are subject to availability – Walmart won‘t hold replacement stock
- No exchanges permitted for bonus or promotional items packed-in with video games
- Managers typically won‘t override the even exchange policy
Essentially, Walmart wants to prevent situations where people play and finish an entire game and then exchange it for something brand new. That‘s why they limit returns to even title swaps only.
When doing an opened video game exchange:
- Keep your receipt handy as proof of purchase
- Inspect discs for any scratches before bringing them in
- Be flexible if the game you want is out of stock
With these limitations in mind, thoroughly check opened games within a few days of purchase in case you need to exchange for a defective or incorrect title.
How to Return Walmart.com Video Game Orders
More and more gamers are purchasing titles online through store websites rather than in-person. Walmart has made the return and exchange process seamless whether you buy video games on Walmart.com or in physical stores.
Here is how returning video game orders from the Walmart website works:
- Go to the Walmart.com Orders page and find the video game order
- Select “Return or replace items” and choose print return shipping label
- For unopened returns, package up the game and ship it back with the label
- For opened exchanges, select in-store return and bring to a Walmart customer service desk
Similar to in-store purchases, unopened video games can be refunded within 90 days and opened games can only be swapped for identical replacements.
One perk of Walmart.com game returns is you can start a return anytime 24/7 online. Plus you get free return shipping labels for mailing unopened returns back.
Once Walmart receives your return, expect:
- Online refunds in 3-5 business days
- In-store exchanges done right away at time of return
So don’t hesitate to order video games for delivery from Walmart – the return process is just as easy as in-store purchases.
Returning Walmart Video Games Without a Receipt
Say you get a video game as a gift but you lost the gift receipt. Or you want to exchange an older game you bought a while ago but can’t find the paper receipt anywhere. Is it still possible to return or exchange video games at Walmart without a receipt?
The good news is Walmart does allow video game returns without a receipt in most cases. Here is how it works:
- You will need a valid photo ID to do returns without a receipt
- Walmart will look up the purchase under your ID in their system going back a number of months
- If you have the original packaging, they can also use the UPC code to lookup purchase history
Depending on what Walmart finds under your account, here is what you can expect:
- If purchase found: Standard 90 day return policy applies
- No purchase found: Walmart may allow exchange at manager‘s discretion
To improve your chances of a no-receipt return approval:
- Go back to original purchase location if possible
- Have government-issued photo ID ready to show
- Be flexible – you may only get the lowest recent price back rather than full original value
So don’t fret if you misplace video game receipts or receive them as a gift – Walmart makes it easy to do returns and exchanges without receipts in most cases. Just come prepared with a valid photo ID.
Quick Summary of Walmart‘s Video Game Return Policy
To recap Walmart’s key rules around video game returns and exchanges:
- Unopened video games can be returned for a full refund within 90 days of purchase
- Opened video games can only be exchanged for the identical title – no refunds
- Receipt is required for full refund – exchanges without receipt left to manager discretion
- Online returns can be initiated through your Walmart.com account
- In-store returns done at customer service desk – have ID ready if no receipt
Understanding the policies around opened and unopened game returns is crucial for avoiding frustrations. If you‘re a Collector, bargain shopper, or avid game fan, make sure to thoroughly check games soon after purchase in case you need to do an exchange.
Review this summary before buying video games at Walmart so you shop worry-free knowing the return and exchange policies.
Frequently Asked Questions on Returning Video Games to Walmart
Below I‘ve put together answers to some of the most common questions on returning and exchanging video games purchased at Walmart:
Do you need a receipt to return a video game to Walmart?
- Having an original receipt makes the return process much easier. But Walmart does allow video game returns without a receipt as long as you have a valid government-issued photo ID.
Can you return opened video games to Walmart?
- Yes, Walmart allows returns on opened video games. However, opened games may only be exchanged for an identical replacement copy. No refunds are given for opened video game returns.
How long can you wait to return a video game at Walmart?
- Walmart allows returns and exchanges on video games within 90 days of the original purchase date. So you have up to 3 months to bring back an unopened or opened game.
If a video game is defective, can I return it to Walmart?
- Yes, you can return defective video games to Walmart. Unopened defective games qualify for a full refund. Opened defective games can be exchanged for a replacement copy.
Can I exchange a video game for a different title at Walmart?
- No, Walmart only allows opened video games to be exchanged for the exact same title. You cannot swap an opened game for a completely different video game.
If a video game I bought is sold out, can I still return it to Walmart?
- If the video game is sold out at your local Walmart, they do not have to offer you an exchange. Exchanges depend on having a replacement copy in stock.
How long does it take to get a video game refund from Walmart?
- In-store Walmart refunds are done at the time of return. For online returns, expect a refund back to your payment method within 3-5 business days once received.
Can I return a used video game that I purchased at Walmart?
- Used video games are considered final sale by Walmart. Some stores may allow defective used game exchanges, but there is no guaranteed return policy.
Let‘s Recap Walmart‘s Video Game Return Policy
Hopefully this detailed overview gives you a better understanding of Walmart‘s policies for returning and exchanging video games. To quickly recap:
- Unopened games can be refunded within 90 days
- Opened games can only be swapped for identical replacements
- Have your receipt ready to speed up the process
- Online returns initiated through the Orders page at Walmart.com
- Do exchanges sooner than later in case the game is sold out
For avid gamers, collectors, parents, and bargain shoppers alike, following these guidelines ensures a smooth transaction next time you need to return video games at Walmart.
So you can head to your local store or shop online with confidence – knowing you can easily exchange or get a refund if you change your mind or get the wrong title. No more need to stress over buyer’s remorse thanks to Walmart’s video game return policy!
