If you want the best Amazon alternative in the UK for gaming, this is a close race, not a one-click answer. Currys targets bigger gaming baskets with stronger price-match logic and deeper console accessory upsell, while Argos focuses on speed and local convenience. The core tradeoff is simple: Currys usually gives better value on planned purchases, but Argos can get gear to your door faster when timing matters.
The Decision Framework
Amazon sets the benchmark with broad stock and familiar delivery options, but not always the best price or launch-day availability for gaming gear in the UK. Currys and Argos approach the same problem differently: one leans into specialist electronics retail, the other into fast domestic fulfilment.
This guide uses buyer-first logic: what you need to buy, how urgently you need it, and how often you order. That matters more than brand loyalty, especially when your “cheap” controller ends up expensive after delivery fees.
Step 1: Define Your Primary Use Case
Before comparing features, map your buying pattern. Most UK gaming shoppers fall into one of these lanes:
-
Planned console or big accessory purchase (PS5, Xbox, Switch, headset bundle)
Best fit: Currys.
Why: stronger price-match policy and frequent gaming promos tied to consoles and peripherals. -
Urgent same-day gaming pickup (controller died before ranked night)
Best fit: Argos.
Why: same-day and next-day delivery options are front-and-centre, plus widespread collection points. -
Frequent smaller orders across a year (games, pads, chargers, cables)
Best fit: Argos if you’ll use the pass often; Currys if your orders are usually over £40.
Why: Argos Plus can flatten delivery costs, while Currys already gives free standard delivery above its threshold. -
Price-sensitive shopper who cross-checks rivals
Best fit: Currys.
Why: explicit “price match before or after purchase” up to 7 days gives a cleaner process for claiming differences.
The mistake most buyers make is treating these as “same store, different logo.” They are not. Currys is stronger for value hunting on larger tech baskets; Argos is stronger for speed and convenience loops.
Step 2: Compare Key Features
| Feature | Currys | Argos | What It Means in Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery baseline | Free standard delivery on small items over £40; £3.99 under £40; next day from £5.99 | Small-item standard £3.95, next-day £5.95, same-day £7.95 (or included with Argos Plus on eligible orders) | If you buy one cheap accessory, costs are similar. If your basket is usually £40+, Currys often lands cheaper. |
| Annual delivery pass | No direct Amazon-Prime-like pass highlighted for general shoppers | Argos Plus: £40/year, includes same-day/next-day/standard on eligible £20+ orders | If you make frequent small gaming buys, Argos Plus can pay for itself quickly. |
| Price-match posture | Matches cheaper UK retailer prices, including up to 7 days after purchase | Less aggressive price-match positioning in public buying journey | If you compare tabs before checkout, Currys gives better downside protection. |
| Gaming merchandising | Strong console pages, accessory bundles, “buy with” promos, clear financing calls | Broad gaming coverage, good stock visibility by postcode | Currys feels more tuned for full setup builds; Argos feels more tuned for quick single-item transactions. |
| Collection speed | Free in-store collection, often within an hour on in-stock items | Strong click-and-collect network tied to local stock checks | Both can be fast locally; Argos usually wins in convenience density, Currys in specialist stock context. |
| Returns window (change of mind) | Delivery/returns routes clearly linked; terms depend on item/channel | 30-day return window for change-of-mind items (resaleable condition) | Argos is very clear for standard return expectations; always verify item-specific exceptions. |
For competitive players, the practical question is this: does the store help you get back in-game fast, or save money on the full setup over time? Argos solves the first problem better; Currys solves the second more consistently.
Step 3: Check Pricing Fit
Here’s where the decision usually gets made. I compared current listed pricing and delivery terms on 17 February 2026.
| Pricing scenario | Currys | Argos | What It Means in Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X 1TB console | £499.00 | £499.99 | Near-identical street price; delivery and promo stacking decide the winner. |
| PS5 Slim Disc console | £479.00 | £479.99 | Again close enough that delivery/returns and bundle offers matter more than base price. |
| Sub-£40 accessory order | £3.99 standard delivery fee likely applies | £3.95 standard delivery baseline | For one-off small buys, this is effectively a tie. |
| Heavy yearly delivery usage | No equivalent £40 annual pass | Argos Plus £40/year for eligible £20+ orders | Argos can undercut both Amazon and Currys for frequent low-ticket ordering. |
If you need X, you’ll pay Y:
- Need one-off console buy with price protection: expect around £479-£500, Currys usually edges on post-purchase price-match confidence.
- Need frequent small orders: Argos Plus at £40/year can beat pay-per-order delivery quickly.
- Need ad-hoc same-day urgency: Argos same-day pricing is transparent and easy to cost upfront.
Pricing sources (checked 2026-02-17):
- Currys delivery charges: https://www.currys.co.uk/services/delivery-installation/delivery-collection.html
- Currys price match policy: https://www.currys.co.uk/services/shopping-with-us/price-promise.html
- Currys Xbox Series X page (£499.00): https://www.currys.co.uk/products/microsoft-xbox-series-x-1-tb-10203371.html
- Currys PS5 Slim page (£479.00): https://www.currys.co.uk/products/sony-playstation-5-model-group-slim-10258393.html
- Argos Plus and delivery rates: https://www.argos.co.uk/features/argos-plus
- Argos Xbox Series X page (£499.99): https://www.argos.co.uk/product/4881139
- Argos PS5 Slim Disc page (£479.99): https://www.argos.co.uk/product/4884404
Prices move fast, especially around launch windows and weekend promos, so re-check before checkout.
Step 4: Make Your Pick
Use this quick decision tree:
- If your basket is mostly consoles + accessories and you care about price-match backup, pick Currys.
- If you need same-day delivery or make many small orders across the year, pick Argos.
- If both list the same console price, choose by this order:
- total delivered cost
- nearest collection slot
- return convenience for your postcode
Buy if / Don’t buy if:
- Buy Currys if you’re building a full setup and want stronger price-protection mechanics.
- Don’t buy Currys if your top priority is rapid recurring same-day drops on small items.
- Alternative: Argos is the better fit when delivery speed and annual delivery savings are your main levers.
Quick Reference Card
| 30-second question | Pick | Why | What It Means in Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| “I want the best all-round Amazon alternative for UK gaming.” | Currys | Better value logic for larger gaming baskets + clear 7-day price match | Safer default for most buyers spending £100+ per order |
| “I need a controller or game delivered today.” | Argos | Strong same-day delivery model and local fulfilment focus | Faster recovery when your gear fails before play |
| “I order small gaming items all year.” | Argos | £40 Argos Plus can flatten delivery costs | Lower annual delivery spend if you order often |
| “I compare prices aggressively before buying.” | Currys | Post-purchase match window is explicit | More protection against buyer’s remorse after price drops |
For most UK gamers in 2026, Currys wins the majority case. If your buying pattern is speed-first and frequent small orders, Argos is the smarter Amazon alternative.