Where to Buy Board Games In 2025
Board games bring people together in fun ways. They create new memories every time you play. But finding the right place to buy them can sometimes be tricky. Some shops ship quickly with great deals, while others may cause problems like delays or poor packaging. If you know where to shop, you can avoid stress and enjoy your new games faster.
Here are the most trusted and not-so-trusted places for buying best board games online today.
GameStop for Latest Releases
GameStop is often the first place to look when new board games hit the shelves. They usually stock fresh titles on release day, making it easy to grab a copy without waiting. The in-store option also lets you walk in, buy, and play the same day.
They sometimes run clearance discounts, which can save money on older stock. If you like quick pick-ups and occasional price drops, GameStop is a solid choice.
Pros and Cons of GameStop
| Pros | Cons |
| New releases available right away | Prices not always the lowest |
| Can buy in-store for instant play | Limited stock variety |
| Clearance sales for discounts | No free shipping perks on all orders |
Amazon for Range and Speed
Amazon is hard to beat when it comes to variety. You can find almost every type of board game, from classic titles to big Kickstarter releases like Cthulhu: Death May Die. With Prime, many deliveries arrive in just two days.
Customer reviews also help in choosing the right game. While fake or damaged products do appear at times, returns are simple and refunds are quick. Another plus is the choice of buying new or used games at lower prices.
Pros and Cons of Amazon
| Pros | Cons |
| Huge game selection | Counterfeits sometimes appear |
| Fast delivery with Prime | Ethical concerns with the company |
| Easy returns and refunds | Packaging can vary |
Cardhaus for Reliable Service
Cardhaus is well known for dependable and quick deliveries. Orders usually arrive within five business days, which makes them one of the fastest outside of Amazon. Prices are good, and the free shipping threshold is fairly low at $99.
Packaging is excellent, with games arriving well-protected. While they don’t hold orders, the speed and quality make up for it.
Pros and Cons of Cardhaus
| Pros | Cons |
| Very fast shipping | No order hold option |
| Low free shipping threshold | Shipping cost varies by weight |
| Excellent packaging | Limited customer service experience |
Target for Growing Choices
Target has greatly improved its board game section. Alongside well-known family titles, they now carry more advanced games like Isles of Cats and Red Rising. Dungeons & Dragons books and products are also available at fair prices.
They often include free shipping on many products, making it simple to order online. You can also compare store prices with the manufacturer’s listed price, which helps spot deals.
Pros and Cons of Target
| Pros | Cons |
| Bigger selection than before | Not as wide a range as Amazon |
| D&D items and accessories available | Games may sell out fast |
| Free shipping on many items | Some prices close to retail |
Game Nerdz for Deals and Packaging
Game Nerdz is a favorite for its low costs and excellent packing. Their free shipping starts at $75, which is lower than many rivals. They also allow order holds, helping customers hit that free shipping mark without missing out on items.
Deliveries usually take about a week, except around holidays when things slow down. Packaging is strong, and games arrive in top condition.
Pros and Cons of Game Nerdz
| Pros | Cons |
| Low free shipping minimum | Slightly slower shipping during holidays |
| Strong protective packaging | No direct customer service feedback |
| Option to hold orders | Limited to U.S. buyers |
Best Buy for Hard-to-Find Games
Best Buy may not always have the cheapest prices, but they do stock games that can be sold out elsewhere. If you’re okay paying full price, you may find rare titles here.
They also offer free shipping on orders above $35, making it easy to save on delivery costs. Both new and classic games are sold, which gives buyers a nice mix to choose from.
Pros and Cons of Best Buy
| Pros | Cons |
| Free shipping above $35 | Often full retail price |
| Good mix of new and classic games | Smaller board game section compared to others |
| Sometimes carry out-of-stock items from other sites | Selection varies by location |
BGG GeekMarket for Secondhand Options
BoardGameGeek’s GeekMarket is great if you don’t mind buying used. Sellers list games, often in “Like New” condition, and prices can be much lower. It’s best to stick to reputable sellers and request photos before buying.
In most cases, deliveries are smooth, and buyers are satisfied. Only rarely do problems appear, which makes this platform a trusted spot for secondhand games.
Pros and Cons of BGG GeekMarket
| Pros | Cons |
| Cheaper prices for used games | Risk depends on seller |
| Large community of sellers | No centralized support |
| Great for rare finds | Some items may arrive with wear |
Places to Avoid
Not all shops are equally reliable. Some have caused problems for many buyers.
- Miniature Market – After being bought by Asmodee in 2021, service became slow and frustrating. Orders took weeks to ship, and customer support was poor. Now under new ownership since 2024, they may improve, but the past issues were severe.
- Boardlandia – Known for delays in shipping. Orders often took weeks, mainly due to their Wisconsin shipping center. While customer service is polite, the long wait times make it less appealing.
- Temu and AliExpress – These sites often sell counterfeit games. Prices look too good to be true because they often are. Supporting such sites harms the industry, so many gamers avoid them.
Final Thoughts
Choosing where to buy board games depends on what matters most—speed, price, or selection. Amazon and GameStop are quick and easy. Game Nerdz and Cardhaus deliver strong value with safe packaging. Target and Best Buy add more mainstream access. For secondhand gems, BGG GeekMarket is the best choice.
On the other hand, stores with slow delivery or counterfeit risks should be avoided. Knowing these details helps you save time and money while enjoying your next board game night.
