Boxes can contain t-shirts, mugs, plush toys, figurines, and more. Crates never include any actual games, so if you’re buying for someone else, you don’t have to worry about which system they own. The only personalized information you need to provide is a shirt size. Subscription plans start at $29.99 per month, but you get a small discount if you commit to a six-month or annual plan. The variety and quality of the contents make Loot Gaming the best overall subscription box for fans of gamer culture. Pricing starts at $29.99 per month, and each box contains three to six Nintendo-themed goods worth about $40. While the savings aren’t exceptional, the quality of the contents is very high. No games or consoles are included, but each box focuses on a specific franchise. If you just want a crate that features a specific character, you can purchase past crates individually from the website. What really makes this service stand out is its flexibility. There are multiple plans, starting at $34.99 for three games. Games ship reliably on the 10th of each month, and you’re guaranteed to never get duplicates. Since old games can vary widely in value, it’s hard to tell the exact discount you’re getting compared to what the games would go for at a flea market. Still, for an average of $8-$12 per game, it’s a great bargain considering you don’t have to leave your house. Crates are typically centered around locations in the Destiny universe. At $49.99 plus shipping and handling, it’s a steal for Destiny fans. Pre-pay for four months shipments to save 10 percent. The company is transparent about the retail value of each item, which gives you an idea of the savings you get. Memberships start at about $34 per month. The website has a store where you can buy individual accessories, and you can even purchase past crates. Members are automatically enrolled in monthly giveaways, so you could get an extra surprise in your box. Many retro video games gain value over time, so if you ever want to sell your collection, Retro Game Treasure is a worthwhile investment. Monthly plans are $36.99, and pre-paid annual plans work out to be $31.99 per month. Games are tested, cleaned, and 100% authentic. You can tell them which systems and games you already own so that you don’t get duplicates, and you can even set preferences for the types of genres you like. The website has a “List of Shame” including notoriously bad games that they promise never to send out.

What Kinds of Gaming Subscription Boxes Are There?

There are boxes geared toward specific types of gaming enthusiasts. For example, Mario’s Mystery Block probably won’t appeal to the same gamers as the Loot Gaming crate. If you’re getting someone a subscription box as a gift, it helps to know what types of games they like. It’s also important to note that many gaming subscription crates don’t include actual games.

How Much Do Gaming Subscription Boxes Cost?

Gaming loot crates typically start at about $25-$80 per month. Boxes that are delivered quarterly may cost more, but they typically include more items. Most services offer discounts or bonuses for committing to an annual subscription.

How We Chose the Best Gaming Subscription Boxes

We compared over 30 services by weighing the monthly fees against the quality and monetary value of what you get. We also looked at the degree of flexibility and customization each service offers. For instance, Video Games Monthly and Retro Game Treasure were chosen partially because they provide more personalization than most other services.  In addition, we strived to include a variety of boxes that have the widest possible appeal. We looked at positive and negative customer reviews to get a sense of which crates are in the highest demand, which is why Loot Gaming made the top of the list. There are more niche gaming loot crates out there that may be more suitable to specific tastes.