Pixel Orchard
Buying games in the UK
Refunds, memberships, spending limits and your legal rights, in plain English. Checked against each store's own policy; rules change, so read the store page before you buy.
01PlayStation Store
You can cancel a digital game within 14 days of buying it, as long as you have not started downloading or streaming it. Once the download starts, a refund is only due if the game is faulty.
02Nintendo eShop
Nintendo does not refund a download because you bought the wrong game or did not enjoy it. When you buy, you agree to get the game straight away, which ends the usual right to cancel. Faulty content is still covered by UK law.
03Xbox and Microsoft Store
You can ask Microsoft for a refund, and it usually agrees within 14 days of purchase if you have barely played. Each request is judged on its own and not every one is accepted.
04Steam on PC
Steam will normally refund a game bought in the last 14 days that you have played for less than two hours. Other PC stores have their own rules, so read them before you buy.
05Online memberships
On Switch, PlayStation and Xbox, playing a paid game online usually needs the platform's paid membership on top of the game. Offline and local play do not. Check what you actually need before you subscribe.
06Your rights when you pay
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, digital content must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. If it is not, you can ask for a repair or replacement, and in some cases a price reduction. Shops in the UK are not allowed to add a surcharge for paying by card.
07Spending limits
Family settings on every console and PC store let you set a monthly spending limit and approve each purchase. Keep card details off children's accounts; a prepaid store card is another simple cap.
Last updated 22 October 2026