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Neon VerdictFamous games, itemised

Checkout guide

Refund windows at every major games store

Seven different rules for the same button. Here is how long you have, what counts as used, and where the money goes.

Last checked 25 September 2026

The table sums up each store's published policy for UK accounts. Store policies sit on top of your statutory rights, not instead of them: a game that is faulty or not as described is covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 whatever the store's own window says.

Refund rules, UK accounts, 25 September 2026
StoreGamesDLCIn-game itemsPre-ordersRefund goes to
Steam14 days from purchase and under 2 hours played14 days if the game has under 2 hours sinceValve games: 48 hours if unused; others only if the developer opts inAny time before releaseCard or PayPal, or Steam Wallet (your choice)
PlayStation Store14 days, if download or streaming has not startedSame as gamesStore purchases: 14 days if the game is not launched; in-game: noCancel before release (rules depend on when you paid)Original method where possible, else wallet
Xbox and Microsoft StoreTypically within 14 days if not played much (no hours published)As games; single items from bundles cannot be returnedMost consumables and currency: noCancel up to 10 days before launchOriginal method; balance-paid back to balance
Nintendo eShopNo refunds for accidental purchases or a change of mind; faulty content via supportSame as gamesNo documented routeCancel up to 7 days before release; not charged until thenFaulty or statutory cases: same method
Epic Games Store14 days and under 2 hours, if marked refundableSame, if marked refundableUsually not refundableAny time before release, if self-refundableOriginal method, or balance if you choose
GOG30 days from purchase, even after download and playSeparately; packs refunded wholeNo specific ruleBefore release and 30 days afterGOG Wallet or original method (your choice)
Battle.net14 days and no more than 2 hours playedExpansions: same; items only if unclaimedUnspent paid currency: 14 daysBefore release, if under 2 hours of early accessTypically the original method
EA app24 hours after first launch, or 14 days if not launchedNot refundable if bought separatelyNot refundableCancel any time before releaseSame method; wallet purchases to wallet

How to ask for a refund that sticks

  1. Ask through the store's own refund form or support page, not the publisher, unless the store tells you to.
  2. Give the order number and a one-line reason. If the game is faulty, say so plainly: that engages your statutory rights.
  3. Ask early. Every store's window is short, and some count from purchase rather than from first play.
  4. If the store refuses and the game is genuinely faulty, the Citizens Advice consumer helpline (0808 223 1133) can advise, and a card payment keeps chargeback available.

Pre-orders

Pre-orders are where refund rules are kindest. Most stores let you cancel a pre-order until release day, and several do not take the money until shortly before release. The table above shows each store's rule.