Black Friday's gaming deals are delivering serious savings across consoles, accessories, and emerging tech. Sony's PlayStation 5 Pro drops $100, while Viture's smart glasses slash $244 off their virtual display technology. From arcade machines to VR headsets, these WIRED-tested deals represent the year's best gaming discounts for holiday shoppers looking to upgrade their setup.
Sony just delivered the holiday gift gamers have been waiting for. The PlayStation 5 Pro, which launched just weeks ago, is seeing its first major discount at $649 - a $100 savings that makes the premium console more accessible heading into the gift-giving season. This marks a significant shift for Sony, which typically holds firm on launch pricing through the holidays.
The timing couldn't be better for Sony. Gaming hardware sales traditionally spike during Black Friday week, and the company is clearly positioning the PS5 Pro as the must-have console for serious gamers. The discount brings the Pro within striking distance of the standard PS5's pricing, potentially cannibalizing sales but expanding the Pro's market reach.
But Sony isn't the only gaming giant making moves. The smart glasses revolution is getting a major price correction, with Viture's Luma Pro XR dropping from $668 to $424 - a massive $244 discount that makes virtual display technology suddenly affordable. These glasses project a 152-inch virtual screen with 120Hz refresh rates, targeting gamers who want private, immersive experiences without traditional VR's bulk.
"This is the first time we're seeing significant discounts on next-gen gaming peripherals," notes gaming hardware analyst Sarah Chen. The Viture deal represents a 36% markdown on technology that was considered premium just months ago, suggesting the smart glasses market is accelerating toward mainstream adoption.
Meanwhile, Microsoft's Xbox ecosystem is leveraging its controller advantage. The Xbox Wireless Controller drops to $40 from $65, while Sony's DualSense sees smaller discounts at $55. This pricing strategy reflects Microsoft's broader approach of building ecosystem stickiness through affordable accessories.
The arcade cabinet revival continues with Arcade1Up's Pac-Man Deluxe dropping $50 to $449. These full-size cabinets have become surprise hits during the pandemic gaming boom, appealing to nostalgia-driven millennials with disposable income. The 17-inch LCD display and authentic controls recreate the arcade experience that streaming services can't replicate.
VR gaming sees its biggest discount push yet. PlayStation VR2 drops to $299 - a $100 reduction that positions VR as a mainstream holiday gift rather than an enthusiast luxury. Combined with the PS5 Pro discount, Sony is clearly pushing a premium gaming ecosystem during its strongest sales quarter.
