Microsoft has gotten a ton of flack for lagging behind Sony is the PS4 vs Xbox One sales department. Naturally the company wants to turn that trend around, and they’re taking a dramatic step next week. If you buy an Xbox One between Sept. 7 and 13, you can get a free Xbox One game.
The promotion only runs one week, which is certainly not by accident. Not only is the promotion a potentially expensive one for Microsoft, it also coincides with the Destiny release date.
Microsoft’s chief competitor had previously unveiled a Glacier White PS4 bundle with Destiny that got all sorts of (rightful) press. Offering a free Xbox One game — any game, for that matter — is a nicely timed promotion to try to counteract Sony’s marketing.
Also, if you buy an Xbox One bundle that already includes a free Xbox One game, you’ll basically be getting two games for free with this promotion.
That means games like Titanfall, Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition, Watch Dogs, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and others are all up for grabs.
If you’re in the market for an Xbox One and want to pre-order a free game, you’re out of luck. This promo requires you to get your console and go home with your free Xbox One game then and there. So, you can’t pre-order Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Skylanders Trap Team, The Evil Within or Disney Infinity 2.0 and expect to get it free.
The offer also doesn’t apply to refurbished Xbox One consoles or used games.
Microsoft has made the promotion available to all retailers, though you’ll need to check your local retailer to verify that it’s participating. It does not appear that Amazon is participating in the program
So, you’ll have to head to your local GameStop, Target, Best Buy or Walmart to see if they’re honoring the deal in your neighborhood.
