Prime Day 2022 is fast approaching, and Amazon recently announced in a press release that its flagship shopping event will take place on July 12 and July 13 this year (with some 'early deals' already available right now). So, it won't be long before we're sifting through plenty of amazing deals during the summer sale extravaganza. In case you missed the memo, Prime Day is Amazon's yearly shopping event where it slashes the price of an incredible number of items in every category, whether that's video games, tech, homeware, and more.
You'll need to be an Amazon Prime member to take place in the event, but the price of admission just might be worth it if you manage to score a sweet discount once again this year (30-day trials are also available). Here's our take on what you should expect during Amazon Prime Day 2022, and some of our favorite early deals right now.
Best Early Prime Day Deals: 3-Months of Audible for Free
When is Amazon Prime Day 2022?
Traditionally Prime Day has been held in July since 2015 when it first launched, but in the past two years, the shopping event has been slightly askew and held in October during 2020, and June in 2021.
This year, however, Amazon is veering back on course and is set to have its two-day shopping event once again during July. That's right, Amazon has announced it will now hold Prime Day 2022 on July 12-13.
Prime Day: Top Up $50 and Get an Extra $12.50 for Free
Starting from July 12 at 12 AM PDT, Prime members will be able to top up $50 onto their Amazon account, and then receive an additional $12.50 for free on top.
To qualify for this deal you have to be a Prime Member, use code GCPRIME22 in the "Gift Cards and Promotional Codes" box when you check out, and purchase at least $50 in qualifying Amazon.com Gift Cards in a single order at Amazon. Reminder: This deal starts on July 12 and isn't live yet.
What to Expect During Prime Day 2022
Despite the revert back to a July start time, we're not expecting Prime Day to be widely different compared to every other year. Expect some big discounts on big tech items like Apple AirPods, TVs, headphones, and video games, alongside a healthy amount of deals in plenty of other categories.
The best-selling items from the sale last year were PS5, Xbox, and Switch games, Echo devices, Fire TV Sticks, Roomba Robot vacuums, Apple AirPods Pro, and Amazon Gift Cards ($10 extra for free when buying $40 worth). We're expecting each and every one of these to see big discounts once again in 2022. It won't be long before we see of these go on slae as well, as Amazon will be kicking off the summer sale season with some early Prime Day deals, including up to 55% on Echo devices, Fire TVs, and more.
Amazon Photos: Get $20 Credit Ready for Prime Day
If you've used Amazon Photos before, or if you're not currently a Prime member, unfortunately you can't get that sweet free money drop. But you can always sign up for Prime for a free trial and do it that way, which is honestly in your best interest anyway, so you can take advantage of all the Prime Day deals. Follow the steps below to make $20 in Amazon credit ready for Prime Day.
- Go to this page
- Download the Amazon Photos app (desktop, Android or iOS are all available)
- Upload at least ONE photo
- Just wait for a few days
- Profit!
Seriously, that's it. Upload at least one single photo to the Amazon Photo service and they'll email you a $20 credit to spend during Prime Day. As someone who takes a lot of photos, and as someone who wants free money, I feel like this deal is specifically targeted at me, so best believe I'm going to take advantage of it.
Join Amazon Prime Student
If you're a student, or maybe you've got a generous student living with you who will graciously share their account, you can save even more on Amazon Prime, with Amazon Prime Student. (Requires .edu email address).
Costing just $69 per year, Prime Student comes with all the benefits of a Prime membership (free two-day shipping, Prime Video, etc), and even throws in a few extra incentives as well. New members can sign up for a 6-month free trial and will only have to pay $7.49/month, or $69/year after the trial expires.
Earn $10 Amazon Credit Towards Prime Day Right Now
From now through Prime Day, members are being invited by Amazon to explore the various different benefits of Prime memberships. To participate, members will collect stamps for completing these tasks:
- Stream a show on Prime Video
- Listen to a song with Prime Music
- Borrow an eBook on Prime Reading
- Make a Prime-shipping eligible purchase.
- Visit here to learn more
What is Amazon Prime Day?
Prime Day is Amazon's annual event for discounts specifically aimed at those who are Amazon Prime members. Yes, you'll need to be an Amazon Prime member to take part in the sale. Thankfully, there is still a 30-day trial available, so if you set it up near the beginning of July, you're certain to be covered for Prime Day.
Despite its namesake, Prime Day sales are now split over a two-day period after Amazon made the change in 2019. It's usually on a Monday and Tuesday, but this year it will be on a Tuesday and a Wednesday instead. It's normally held in July (excluding the previous two years due to the ongoing global pandemic). This year, Prime Day is once again being held in July, on the 12-13.
Best Tips and Tricks for Prime Day 2022
First and foremost, make sure you're following @IGNDeals or @IGNUKDeals (depending on your region) on Twitter, and while you're there, stick the notification bell on as well to receive push messages whenever we tweet about a deal. We keep these accounts absolutely beaming with deals, and they're the perfect destination for all the latest and greatest offers during the sale event.
Moreover, Amazon likes to host lots of limited-time lightning deals during Prime Day, many of which can sell out within minutes. But, we'll cover the very best of these via our IGN Deals Twitter accounts, making them the very best destination for all your Prime Day needs.
cop this giant ass dog bed for humans at $425 (was $499) 🐶💤 https://t.co/X5NUVg3EBw pic.twitter.com/mpDPWpwtai
— IGN Deals (@IGNDeals) June 6, 2022
IGN Will Be Covering All the Best Deals This Prime Day
Seemingly the next best destination will be our live articles during Prime Day, all of which will be updated by the minute with new and fantastic offers, keeping Prime Day nice and simple. In summary, let us do the legwork for you, and don't get tricked by any 'deals' that aren't really that good overall.
Besides our expert help, we suggest finding a select number of items you're looking to get a discount on, and putting them into your wishlist on Amazon. Therefore, when Prime Day finally rolls around, you can immediately see your favourites on sale without any hassle.
If you haven't got Prime setup yet, we also suggest getting it ASAP to take advantage of all the benefits of Amazon Prime, or setting up a 30-day free trial in July to keep you covered throughout Prime Day sales. While you're setting up your account, you could also download the Amazon app on your mobile device, giving you even better access to the sales.
Is Amazon Prime Worth It?
Subscription services like Amazon Prime are absolutely down to personal preference, but Prime does come with a whole host of benefits if you do think it's worth it.
There are obviously Prime Day deals to take advantage of, alongside increasingly quick same-day to 2-day delivery times, and then there's access to Prime Video and Amazon Music services.
Prime Video is a streaming service challenging the likes of Netflix, HBO, and Disney+, and includes plenty of incredible TV shows and films to check out including The Boys, Jack Ryan, Good Omens, The Wheel of Time, The Expanse, and Reacher. There's even the highly anticipated The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power TV series releasing exclusively via Prime Video on September 2, 2022.
At the end of the day, it's your decision whether or not you think Prime is worth it, we're simply here to present what might interest you about the service.
Amazon Prime Members Get Priority on PS5 Consoles
Amazon is offering the PS5 console by invitation only, and Prime members will get priority. You must first be logged in to your Amazon account, then click on the "Request Invitation" button. If you don't see the button, then you'll have to first scroll down a little bit and click on "New & Used from $499.99 & Free Shipping" toward the right-hand side of the product page and select the "Amazon" vendor.
How Much is Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime now cost $139/year or $14.99/month. You can get a 30-day free trial for the service, or a 6-month free trial if you're a student with a .edu email address.
Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.