National Video Game Day is headed our way in July, which might leave you wondering how you can possibly enjoy the occasion without spending a lot of money. Video games and consoles can be on the pricier side of the spectrum, so it might be wise to not plan on shopping for full-priced items on this day. However, there are still a lot of fun ways you can truly enjoy the holiday without feeling like your budget is under attack. These ten ideas are just a few of the ways you can embrace the holiday while keeping to your budget.

1. Cash in Rewards
Chances are if you enjoy video games, you already have a rewards account or more to choose from. National Video Game Day is the perfect time to use them. You can cash in your rewards to help you buy new gaming gear or a game that you’ve had your eye on. It might also give you the discount you need to finally upgrade your console. If you’re new to the whole rewards thing, then you might consider looking around to see which options are going to be best for you. This will help you to enjoy the games you love while embracing rewards whenever you purchase something.

2. Browse Free Games
There are free games out there that are enjoyable. However, it might take a bit of digging to find the options that are right for you. If you don’t want to spend money on National Video Game Day then this is one of your best options to explore new things while having a bit of fun. There are numerous platforms that offer games, so you might do a quick search to find options you will enjoy. Make sure you check out website reviews though, especially if games are downloaded, as you don’t want to get a virus that will destroy your system. You can also find games on social media, which can help you enjoy casual gaming with friends if you prefer this type of gaming.

3. Enjoy the Sales
Holidays like this tend to come with sales, as vendors in the niche latch on to ways to bring in more customers. Since so many stores are aware that people enjoy shopping during holidays, you’re bound to find some awesome deals. You might start with small business options as they are more likely to offer a sale during a holiday. However, larger stores seem to have caught onto this as sales slipped due to the pandemic. Of course, you should shop around and find the best deal possible before committing to the purchase. You should also make sure you know what the cost of the product is prior to purchasing as well because some sales may not be authentic.

4. Amazon Prime’s Game Bundle
If you really want a deal that can’t be beaten, then Amazon Prime is the place to be. In light of Amazon Prime Day, their gaming service is offering 25 free indie games and a few other big-name titles for free. You will definitely want to at least browse the games on offer because something might strike your fancy. All you need to get them for free is to have a subscription to Amazon Prime. The games will be available until July 13th, so make sure to check them out before they’re gone.

5. Borrow Games
If you’re hoping for something new, but don’t want to spend money then consider borrowing a game from a friend. You might also consider swapping games with someone, so it is more of a community experience. This will allow you to enjoy a game that a friend has recommended while passing on something that you love. Borrowing games can be a great way to let you know if you’d actually like to purchase something too, which can also save you money in the long run.

6. Dress Up
One of the best ways to help make the holiday even more fun is to dress up. Pick one of your favorite videogame characters and recreate their look. You can even make it a competition with your friends. This will help add some elements to the holiday that are more creative instead of just gaming. You can really go out in your costume too. You might start by using supplies that you have around the house. However, if you really want to go all out then there are plenty of items on the market that can help you make the look you’ve always dreamed of. You can even reuse the look at conventions, so the money won’t be wasted on the costume.

7. Host a Tournament
If you have friends and family gamers, then a tournament might be the way to go. Have everyone get online at a specific time or play at home to make the tournament a more social setting. You can set out snacks and things to do between rounds, so everyone has the fun they desire. If you’re the only gamer you know, then there are lots of tournaments that you can join. This might be the perfect way for you to make some new friends or even join a gamer’s community that you can enjoy.

8. Go to the Arcade
Another fun way to celebrate the holiday is to go vintage. You might check out the local arcades in your area to see what they have to offer. Even if there aren’t many vintage games, you might still have some fun with the newer arcade games. However, when you choose to go to the arcade, you should keep your budget in mind. Set a limit before you step foot in the arcade and purchase a prepaid card if you possibly can. This should help you to have some fun without forcing you to go overboard on spending.

9. Join a Club
Believe it or not, there are lots of clubs out there for gamers who want to socialize and talk about their favorite activity. So, if you’re looking for something fun to do, you might find a club that suits your needs. There are lots of clubs online if you don’t have time to hang out in a location, so if this is standing in your way then you’re in luck. You should be able to find these on social media websites or gaming communities. You might even happen upon people you like gaming with and form your own club. However, there are clubs that will allow you to spend time with people in person.

10. Play What You Have
Of course, one of the best ways to really cut back on the costs of the holiday is to play the games you already have. You might consider pulling out a game that you’ve already had for some time and haven’t touched in a while. This might renew your interest in a game so you can find something that you actually want to play. You might also work to accomplish achievements that you haven’t in a new game. This might unlock more of the story for you, so you can truly enjoy the game to its fullest which will allow you to get more out of your purchase.

National Videogame Day is a great time to embrace your love of gaming. With a holiday designed to celebrate one of your favorite holidays, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to fully embrace it. These ten ideas will have you on a budget while ensuring you feel confident in your work.