If you're even thinking about picking up a Nintendo Switch 2 later this year, this is the membership deal to jump on. Walmart+ is currently 50% off for July 4th weekend, bringing it down to just $49 for the full year. That’s already good value, but the timing makes it even better.
Walmart’s answer to Prime Day, "Walmart Deals", runs from Tuesday, July 8, at 12 a.m. ET through Sunday, July 13. Walmart+ members get early access starting on Monday, July 7 at 7 p.m. ET, giving them a head start on the biggest discounts and limited stock items.
50% Off 1-Year Walmart+ Membership
That early access really matters. During the last Switch 2 restock, Walmart+ members were given priority through a special access window before consoles were opened up to everyone else. We’re expecting a similar approach for future restocks, and this membership gives you the best chance of actually checking out with a console in your cart.
Not only that, but the incoming Walmart Deals event is set to feature major discounts across gaming, tech, home essentials, and more. If you're planning to take it seriously, this half-price Walmart+ offer is well worth locking in now to get access to the best deals ASAP.
Plus, Walmart+ covers you for the rest of the year, includes plenty of useful perks, and crucially gives you an edge during high-demand drops like Pokémon TCG restocks (such as Black Bolt and White Flare or Destined Rivals), Switch 2 consoles, and more.
With early access to Walmart’s summer sale and a real advantage when Switch 2 restocks happen again, this is the kind of membership that could pay for itself fast.
Walmart+ Basic Membership Perks
If you're a regular Walmart shopper, then the Walmart+ membership is worth $49 even outside of Black Friday. Standard perks like removing the minimum threshold for free shipping or being able to return an item from the comfort of your home are significant everyday perks that shouldn't be overlooked. Some of the best standard benefits include:
- Free shipping with no minimum (normally $35+)
- Free returns, including free pickup from your house for many items
- 10 cent discount on select gas stations
- Free tire repair and road hazard warranty at Walmart Auto Care Centers
- Mobile scan & go checkout at retail locations
Complimentary Paramount+ Subscription
The Walmart+ membership also includes an annual Paramount+ Essential (ad-supported) subscription, which normally costs $60.
Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access) is one of the better populated streaming services available, especially since this plan is ad-free. Its extensive library of media has been bolstered with the addition of Showtime in 2023, making it a great service for those who enjoy movies, original shows, live sports, and news.
Popular TV shows include Landman, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Tulsa King, Halo, and Yellowjackets. Movies include Transformers One, Sonic 3, and Gladiator 2. If you're not interested in picking up Walmart+ then Paramount+ is also discounted right now, with its Premium with Showtime Annual Plan down to $0.99/mo for two months right now.
If you're a Dexter fan, then this is the perfect time to sign up. The upcoming Dexter: Resurrection TV series will air its first two episodes on July 11 and the remaining episodes will air weekly thereafter.
Looking to try out other streaming services before you decide to pay? We've got you covered. Check out these steaming services that are currently offering free trials.
Will Walmart Deals Be as Good as Amazon Prime Day?
Although Prime Day started as an Amazon exclusive, Walmart has steadily built up a solid rival event of its own. Amazon still tends to offer a wider spread of deals overall, especially across smaller tech and household items, but Walmart often matches or even undercuts on major products like AirPods, iPads, and gaming consoles, the big-ticket stuff most people are after.
Where Walmart really sets itself apart is with its exclusive brands and partnerships. Just like Amazon always discounts its own devices, Walmart usually offers the best prices on brands tied closely to its own ecosystem.
That includes Vizio TVs, which are expected to hit their lowest prices since Black Friday, and increasingly, Nintendo Switch hardware and games. Amazon still hasn’t fully restocked first-party Nintendo items this year, but Walmart has stepped up with multiple recent drops.
It’s worth comparing prices across Amazon, Walmart, and even Target during these summer sales. Target’s Circle Week will likely feature many similar offers, but if you already have a Walmart+ membership,or grab it while it’s half price, those early access windows could make all the difference when stock is limited.
Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Senior Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter/X or Bluesky.
