DICE/EA

Starting this week, Amazon is expected to start letting consumers preorder digital game downloads for PCs.

Amazon

The Swiss Army Knife of Internet companies is already offering several titles for sale in download form. Amazon's entry joins a crowded space that includes EA's Origin, Steam, direct2drive, GameStop, and many other PC game download providers.

However, it is Amazon that has the popularity, network infrastructure, and deal-oriented presence to expand its role and shake up the PC gaming marketplace. Amazon told CNET there will be preorder opportunities set up for upcoming games such as Battlefield 3, Assassin's Creed: Revelations, Saints Row: The Third, and Sims 3: Pets.

What makes Amazon an enticing destination for a consumer looking to score a hot game? It could be the pricing, which has always been the trump card of the company. An Amazon representative told CNET that "preorder pricing could be up to 30 percent off launch list price."

Amazon also promises that consumers preordering games will not pay a dime until the game is available, and it will be available "the minute it is released."

Akin to other digital download providers, Amazon will offer bonus items that often come with preordered games these days, such as extra maps, weapons, and other miscellaneous items.

Update, 10:12 a.m. PT: The story has been altered to indicate that Amazon's digital game downloads will be available slightly later than the company originally anticipated.