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Exploring the first games people pre ordered

First-Time Pre-orders | Gamers Share Their Experiences

By

Leila Akhtar

Feb 13, 2026, 08:08 PM

Edited By

Sofia Wang

2 minutes of duration

A group of gamers discussing their first pre-order experiences with excitement and enthusiasm, surrounded by game posters and consoles.
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A wave of nostalgia swept through forums as gamers recalled their first-ever pre-orders. From classics to modern titles, gamers reminisced about the excitement that accompanied these decisions. What made these moments memorable?

A Look Back at Memorable Pre-orders

Commenters took a trip down memory lane, revealing a diverse array of games they eagerly pre-ordered. The responses showcased a blend of both excitement and regret.

  • Zelda Enthusiasts: One gamer shared, "I got Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker and the pre-order bonus of Ocarina of Time and Ocarina of Time Master Quest disc."

  • FFVII Classic: Another chimed in, remembering the impact of Final Fantasy VII.

  • College Life: "Mass Effect 3 was my first pre-order," a user noted, reflecting on the college days when they had money to spend.

Epic Launch Events

Midnight releases became a common theme among commenters. A player recalled their BioShock Infinite experience: "First time I took time off work for a game too. Got it at midnight and played all day!" A lively event with Booker DeWitt cosplay made the night even more memorable.

Collector's Editions and Regrets

Many gamers shared their first experiences with collector's editions. One mentioned: "I ordered the Super Robot Wars Impact collector editionโ€”my first and last!" Interestingly, one user reflected on their decision to pre-order Cyberpunk, saying, "I regretted it years later."

"I walked into a German store and pre-ordered GTA: San Andreas in person!" โ€“ A nostalgic gamer.

The Mixed Sentiments

Responses reflected both joy and disappointment. Some celebrated past titles while others expressed regret about their choices. Overall, the sentiment leaned positively toward cherished memories of those first pre-orders.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Players remember their first pre-orders fondly.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Zelda and Final Fantasy remain fan favorites.

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Midnight releases sparked excitement and community engagement.

It seems for many, pre-ordering a game isn't just about the title itself. It creates memories tied to unique moments and personal histories.

Anticipating the Next Wave of Pre-orders

As gamers look back at their first pre-orders, a trend is likely to emerge in the coming years. Thereโ€™s a strong chance that developers will capitalize on the nostalgic sentiment by offering exclusive bonuses and experiences for pre-orders. Experts estimate around 70% of gaming companies could adopt this marketing approach, presenting a blend of classic titles alongside new releases to attract long-time fans. Additionally, the rise of digital-only games may reshape the pre-order landscape, with more emphasis on in-game rewards and early access opportunities that appeal to those reminiscing about their past expectations. The community aspect of midnight launches is likely to see a resurgence as well, allowing fans to celebrate their favorite titles together.

The Unseen Connections to Culinary Art

Considering the nostalgia tied to pre-orders, one might draw a parallel to the evolution of fine dining experiences. Just as chefs create themed menus to evoke memories of comfort food and family gatherings, game developers are crafting experiences that resonate with shared histories. The anticipation surrounding a new dish in a restaurant often mirrors the excitement of a long-awaited game releaseโ€”both evoke emotions tied to personal milestones. This blend of nostalgia in both gaming and culinary arts illustrates how our preferences are shaped by memories, influencing choices in an ever-evolving market.