There is nothing quite like the look on your brother or sister’s face when they tear off the wrapping paper and find a shiny new gaming console underneath. That pure, unguarded joy is priceless. But the price tag on a brand-new PlayStation or Xbox? That is very real, and it can sting. The good news is that you do not need to pay full retail to make your sibling’s holiday or birthday unforgettable. With a little patience and the right hunting tactics, you can land a seriously sweet gaming setup for hundreds less than what the big-box stores are asking. The trick is knowing when to strike, where to look, and which corners you can safely cut.

Start by figuring out exactly which console your sibling truly wants. Maybe they have their heart set on the latest flagship model with a 4K disc drive, or perhaps they would be just as thrilled with a digital-only edition. Do not guess. Listen when they talk about their friends’ setups, or casually check their browser history if you share a home computer. Once you have the specific model locked in, set a price alert. Both CamelCamelCamel and Keepa have saved more than one savvy gift-giver from overpaying. Plug in the product page from Amazon, and let the algorithm do the waiting while you go about your life. When the price drops to your target number, you get an email. That split-second notification can be the difference between a great deal and a missed opportunity.

Another smart move is to expand your search beyond the usual retail suspects. Refurbished consoles from the manufacturer themselves are often the best kept secret in gaming. Sony and Microsoft both sell certified refurbished units that have been inspected, repaired if needed, and come with a warranty. These are not sketchy, beaten-up boxes from a pawn shop. They are tested systems that look and run like new, but they carry a price tag that is typically twenty to thirty percent lower. If you are buying for a sibling who treats their tech with care, but you still want peace of mind, this is your goldilocks option. Just make sure you buy directly from the company store or an authorized reseller so the warranty is legit.

If you want to go even cheaper, consider open-box deals from retailers like Best Buy or Target. People return consoles for the silliest reasons – maybe they bought two by mistake, or they realized they only play mobile games. The store cannot sell that unit as new, but it is often in perfect condition. Many chains will knock a solid chunk off the price just to move it out the door. Ask the sales associate if you can inspect the console before buying. Check the ports, look for scratches, and make sure the controller is included. You will be amazed at what passes for open-box when someone simply changed their mind.

Do not overlook the power of trade-in promotions either. If you have an old console collecting dust, now is the perfect time to leverage it. Several major retailers run deals several times a year where you can trade in an older system and get a significant discount on the newest one. Stack that with a store credit card sign-up bonus or a seasonal sale event, and you might walk out paying half of the sticker price. Hefty, yes, but nobody says you have to follow the rules. This is also a wonderful way to teach your sibling about the circular economy, or you can simply keep the savings to yourself and let them think you are a magic-money wizard.

Finally, do not forget about the used market. Gamestop, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay all have thriving ecosystems of gamers upgrading every couple of years. If you are patient and careful, you can find a console with controllers and a couple of games for a flat price that beats any new system’s cost. The key is to check the seller’s rating, ask for a video of the unit powering on and reading a disc, and always meet in a public place if using an online marketplace. Refurbishers often offer a short return window, which gives you a layer of protection. And for the true bargain hunter, local classifieds can yield an absolute steal when a parent is just trying to clear out their kid’s old room before college.

Once you have that console secured, shift your attention to accessories and games. Do not buy new controllers at retail. Wait for an accessory sale event or look for certified refurbished ones. Games are even easier. Digital codes go on sale constantly, and physical copies drop in price within a few months of release. Buy one or two favorites to go with the gift, then tuck a small gift card into the box so your sibling can pick their next game themselves. That way, you control your upfront spend while giving them the freedom to follow their own gaming whims.

Remember, the goal is not to be cheap. It is to be smart. By spending the time to hunt down a genuine deal, you free up cash to add an extra controller or a subscription service like Game Pass. Your sibling gets a richer experience, and you get the satisfaction of knowing you outsmarted the system. That is a win-win that no retail price can match. So go forth, set those alerts, and trust the process. The console wars are brutal out there, but with this strategy in your back pocket, you will be crowned champion without ever paying the crown price.