Students Can Score Big with Back-to-School Gaming Deals

While many despise the very thought, heading back-to-school may turn out to be a pretty good deal for some students '" particularly those that are avid gamers. Being that the majority of today's youth thrive on video games in one form or another, Microsoft has taken the idea of back-to-school shopping in a whole new direction.

Amongst the sea of typical free shipping offers and routine sale prices to be found across the web, there are also some exceptional deals to be found for parents looking to equip their students with the latest technology. Earlier this spring, Microsoft began a buy a Windows 7 PC and receive a free Xbox 360 promotion. The deal started earlier in the year during the dads and grads timeframe, and is continuing on through the start of the new school year in late 2011. A valid purchase of at least $699 earns an Xbox 360 4GB. While the promotion states the purchase must be a qualifying Windows 7 PC, the options for those looking to pick up either a laptop or desktop for the school year or dormitory are quite broad. Specific details and qualifications for the program which runs through September 24, 2011, and an array eligible models can be browsed at Microsoft's online store. If the selection at Microsoft's site doesn't quite measure up, more systems can be viewed at participating retailers, including Dell University.

In effort to help students become the most popular kid in class or have the coolest dorm on campus, Microsoft has also setup some other sweet deals for students using the Xbox 360 as their preferred gaming platform. Both an Xbox Live 12 month gold subscription plus 800 points, and an Xbox LIVE gold starter pack which contains a 12 month subscription to Xbox Live, 400 points, and a chatpad for text and headset for voice are available at a discounted price.

So what is the catch? Nothing really, although the Microsoft promotions require proof of student status, such as some form of academic member ID or .edu email address. This is information that can easily be provided by a family with eligible students and friends.

Other gaming deals to keep an eye open for in order to make it through the school year. Amazon.com's Amazon Student allows students to receive free shipping on millions of items including the latest video game titles.

While not a student specific promotion, Nintendo recently announced a major price drop on their latest mobile game device that is perfect for use during academic downtime, the Nintendo 3DS.

Know of any other great student deals or offers for the video game enthusiast? Feel free to comment.