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Console gaming is one of those rare hobbies that's actually gotten cheaper over the years. Back in the olden days of physical discs and (gasp!) cartridges, your options for budget-friendly games and accessories were pretty much limited to whatever you could find in the bargain bin of your local game store, or used copies of games that looked like they'd starred in the unlucky part of a monster truck rally. 

Now, the limitless availability of digital download copies of games, amazing indie, and live service games, and well-made third-party accessories has led to an environment where you can get your hands on more games than you're likely to have time to play through. 

We're here to help you use this year's Amazon Prime Day sale to snag even more games, controllers, headsets, and other gaming must-haves for every major console. Read on for deals on some of the hottest titles and the most vital peripherals. 

Microsoft's Forza series of racing games originally launched as something of an underdog to more established titles like PlayStation-exclusive Gran Turismo. As each generation of the game built on its predecessor, and the series expanded to include the open-world Horizon games, Forza showed it was not only ready to play with the big boys of the racing genre, but ready to dominate it. 

Forza Horizon 5 is the apex of the series, so far. It includes tracks that span "living deserts, lush jungles, historic cities, hidden ruins, pristine beaches, vast canyons and a towering snow-capped volcano." And, you'll see all of this in graphics so lifelike it's often hard to believe you're not looking at real life. 

Best of all, this deal is for a digital code that you can instantly download to your Xbox Series X or Series S, your Xbox One, or even your Windows 10 PC. If you grab this deal now, you'll have the game just in time for the highly-anticipated Hot Wheels DLC (sold separately) dropping next month! 

This deal could just as easily have been our top deal for everyone. The only thing holding it back is the slightly smaller audience due to the game's T: for Teen rating, versus the universally playable E: for Everyone rating of Forza Horizon 5. That said, chances are if you've ever played a first-person shooter, you've played at least one version of Halo. 

It's worth mentioning that Halo Infinite didn't have the smoothest of launches. Early issues with Big Team Battle mode stability and annoyance over the lack of co-cop Campaign support both held it back. The good news is that the game is now more stable than ever and we're on the verge of getting beta access to Campaign co-op. 

Your reward for holding out in the hopes that Halo Infinite would get through those growing pains and become the amazing game everyone knew it could be? A $20 discount on what's still one of the biggest, best console shooters out there. 

If you're lucky enough to have snagged a PlayStation 5 during its ongoing stock shortages, one of the first accessories I'd recommend buying to make your life easier is a charging dock for the console's DualSense controllers. Docks like these have been around since the PS3 and they've always been a favorite of mine because they give your controller a permanent home, and ensure it will always be topped up when you're ready to game.

This model is, of course, like many other similar options. However, it's got a few things going for it that the other generic controller docks don't: solid ratings from legitimate reviewers, individual charging indicators for both supported controllers, and an included power supply to plug into your wall. In short, it's everything you need to be able to make the process of charging your DualSense controllers as thought-free as possible

Be sure you click the extra 5% coupon before you add it to your cart to get the best deal possible.

We've all been in a voice chat lobby with someone that sounds like a velociraptor being murdered because of whatever awful microphone they're using. Even if you haven't, you've likely gotten killed because your headphones weren't good enough to let you hear your enemy's footsteps as they snuck up on you. 

You don't want to be either of those guys, so why not buy into one of the longest-lasting gaming audio companies on the planet by grabbing a discounted Astro A10 gaming headset? This model might be on the lower end of the company's broad lineup, but that doesn't mean it's not a huge upgrade for many gamers. 

The A10's "rugged detachable cable" system and steel headband mean the headset will stand up to all but the most exaggerated gamer rages. Audio should be top-notch as well, with the extended frequency spectrum support and flip-down, omnidirectional mic. You'll even be able to use the same headset across your Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, PS4/5, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Mac, thanks to its ultra-flexible 3.5mm audio connection. 

The latest version of Super Smash Bros. is the Nintendo Switch's Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. However, the Smash community is a whole world unto itself, spanning consoles and generations all the way back to the N64. Despite the diversity of this massive group of fighting game enthusiasts, one of the most commonly-held beliefs is that the best control option for any Smash Bros. game remains the GameCube controller. 

This handy little adapter makes it possible for you to connect up to 4 GameCube controllers to your Switch, your WiiU, or even your PC. In short, you and three friends will be able to match up in Smash Bros games as far back as 2008's Super Smash Bros. Brawl (originally released for the Wii, but later made available for Wii U). If you set the adapter to PC, you can even play earlier titles via emulation!

Accessories like this are a must-have for anyone planning a respectable Smash Bros. tournament for their friends. Right now, you can save $5 on one of the best-reviewed options thanks to this pre-Prime Day sale. 

The best early Prime Day console Gaming deal is Forza Horizon 5: Standard Edition for its $20 discount, accessibility to gamers of all ages, and exciting DLC that's about to drop.

I chose the deals you see here based on several factors: the amount and percentage of the discount, the quality of the item, available competitors (and their pricing), and the historical scale of the discount.

I also selected products that I've owned/played myself or would purchase. I've been a console gamer since the 8-bit era, and I've been writing about games for nearly two decades. So, I can compare a deal not just to its contemporaries, but to a vast history of incredible gaming offers I've spotted over the years.

I also tried to include at least one product specific to each of the three main console makers (Nintendo, Microsoft, and PlayStation). We'll continue to update with more deals as they become available closer to Prime Day 2022.

Prime Day 2022 begins on Tuesday, July 12, and runs through Wednesday, July 13. Amazon and a slew of the brands available on the site will offer pre-Prime Day sales across every product category between now and the big day. Make sure to regularly check ZDNet's Prime Day coverage for the best offers leading up to the event. 

One of the easiest ways is to check which deals Amazon is promoting  on its own pre-Prime Day pages. You can use the linked page to choose your favorite product categories and brands within the filters available, too. 

When you find a product you're interested in, it's always wise to double check that its price is as awesome as it seems by pasting a link to its Amazon listing into price-tracking services like CamelCamelCamel. Services like it provide historical data for Amazon's pricing, as well as third-party reseller pricing.

Also, always check other retailers before and during Prime Day for sale prices on the same products with Amazon discounts. Online retailers like Walmart, Target, eBay, and others usually put up some exceptional sales to compete with Amazon's Prime Day event.

Finally, be sure to keep your eyes on ZDNet's Prime Day tips and tricks hub, where you can find additional ways to score the best discounts during one of the biggest shopping days of the year.

Amazon's pre-Prime Day sales span nearly every product category. Below are links to some of the best early bargains around. Expect more to come as we near Prime Day 2022.

The deals above are some of the best offerings with the broadest appeal. However, there are a few easy-to-miss deals that are also worth a look.