Rise and shine, deal hunters. The full blown autumn retail season is here, and price drops for all consoles are in effect, so we're not seeing the clearance discounts of late summer. But there still are values to be had.
Hardware
• You can get an Xbox 360 wireless controller for $29.99 and Viva Piñata: Party Animals is thrown in with it, like it or not. That's still a $30 controller where they usually retail for $50, ($38 on Amazon.) And then palm the game off for cash store credit somewhere. [TechDealDigger]
• NewEgg is offering a sharp pair of PC gaming headphones for $40 off. eDimensional BenHeck Audiofx Pro 5+1 Headset also features "force feedback," that "means that you can feel the explosions rocking you." I guess they'll blow your damn head off or something. $39.99 and free shipping. [TechDealDigger]
• Remember, the $299 Xbox 360 Elite gets a $50 rebate check from Microsoft if you buy one before Oct. 4, (or have already bought one since Sept. 22) That's not instant savings, but maybe you can pair it up with a discount you find elsewhere. All you need is a proof of purchase.
• Budget gamers looking for a good old system, or a replacement for one, can snag a GameCube with Paper Mario for $69.99 through Buy.com. The offer is good until Tuesday. [Dealzon]
Software
• Speaking of, that thar GameStop email-only coupon, code EBC3010453 if you're ordering online, gives you 20 percent off used pre-owned GameCube games. Remember, the Wii still plays them, too.
• Amazon's running a deal for Halo 3: ODST that might be worth a look. You get $9 off the MSRP - so, $50.99 and free shipping - plus another $10 credit toward your next video game purchase from them. [Dealzon]
• The same goes for NBA 2K10, which releases Oct. 6. You get it for $52.99 (console versions) and a $10 credit to a future video game. [Amazon]
• They also offer a similar deal for New Super Mario Bros. Wii, but it's only $3 off the list price. Still, you can preorder it for $46.99 and get a $10 credit toward your next game purchase. [Dealzon]
• Steam's big weekend sale is F.E.A.R. 2 Project Origin for $25, which is half off. Ditto goes for the F.E.A.R. 2 Reborn DLC (half off). [Steam]
• As for GamersGate, they offer Unreal Tournament for $1.95, and 60 percent off the Unreal Complete Pack Bundle and Unreal Tournament 3 Black. [GamersGate]
As always, smart gamers can find values any day of the week, so if you've run across a deal, share it with us in the comments.