When many consumers anticipate an item, a retailer may offer it for pre-order before it arrives in stores. With a pre-order, you place your order and provide payment information for the item. ... If the price goes down between the time you pre-order and the release date, many retailers will honor the lower price.

Are game pre orders more expensive?

By pre-ordering, you pay the highest price for a game that in all likelihood will drop in cost shortly (especially if the game doesn't receive good reviews). ... Often, games drop by as much as $20 just a few months after release.

What's the difference between pre-ordering and buying?

A pre-order is an order you place for a product which will be released and shipped at a later date, but for which you will not be charged until within a few days of shipping. A pre-purchase is a pre-order for which you will be charged immediately upon placing your order.