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How to Buy a PS5 or Xbox Series X Bundle

How to · Tech

How to Buy a PS5 or Xbox Series X Bundle

Time your console purchase right and split the $650 cost over 18 months without paying interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $650 before anything else
Across the 0% window $36.11/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $650 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A current-gen console is a five-to-seven-year investment in your downtime. You want to buy the right setup once—bundle, extra controller, done—instead of constantly buying accessories piece by piece later.

Console hardware follows predictable cycles. Timing your purchase around mid-summer flash sales or November holiday bundles often gets you that second controller or a blockbuster game thrown in for the standard base price, especially when retailers clear out older hardware revisions.

An intro window is a strict deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance after 18 months, the regular interest rate kicks in on whatever is left, making your setup much more expensive.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your buying window

    Aim for November bundle season or mid-summer flash sales to get the most value for your $650. Look out for hardware drops, as slightly older revisions or non-slim models often get discounted sharply to clear shelf space.

  2. 02

    Lock in the bundle with a second controller

    Buying a bundle that includes a second controller upfront almost always costs less than buying a standalone pad later. Stick to official retailer bundles so you get full warranty coverage on all the hardware in the box.

  3. 03

    Spread the cost interest-free

    If you use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, you get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. On a $650 purchase, that breaks down to $36.11 per month to clear the balance before the promo window ends.

  4. 04

    Automate your monthly payment

    Set up an automatic payment of $36.11 each month right after you make the purchase. This keeps your payoff plan on autopilot so you do not have to think about the balance while you play.

  5. 05

    Decline the store add-ons

    Pass on extended store warranties and overpriced extra cables at checkout. Use digital game subscription services or trade-in programs to build your library without inflating your initial balance.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Should I buy a refurbished console to save money?

Official factory-certified refurbished units directly from the manufacturer can save you real money and usually include a full warranty. Avoid uncertified third-party used consoles just to save a few extra dollars, as worn internal parts aren't worth the risk.

Is the extra controller really necessary upfront?

If you plan on local multiplayer or want a charged backup ready when one battery dies, getting it in a bundle saves money. Buying a controller separately later usually costs significantly more.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment during the 0% window?

Missing a payment can trigger late fees and could jeopardize your promotional rate depending on the terms. Setting up automatic payments prevents missed deadlines.

When is the absolute best time to find console bundles?

Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November offer the deepest bundle discounts of the year. Mid-summer sales are a close second, especially when manufacturers clear inventory for minor hardware refreshes.