Saving Money on Video Games

Article: Saving Money on Video Games

Here are some tips for saving money on video games. Feel free to share your ideas in the feedback forum below.

eBay

eBay is a great place to buy used games. Wait a few months after the game has come out and you should be able to find it at significant savings. When you are done playing, put it on eBay and recoup some of your expense.

Share Games With Family Members

Do you have other gamers in the family? Swap games with them when you are done playing. You can even plan ahead so you are sure not to purchase the same game.

Older Systems

You can get great deals on older system and many old systems are quite powerful. You can get good deals right now on Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2 and the original XBox. There are tons of used games available for these systems at cheap prices. If you look on Ebay you can find people selling systems and games together. Most of the new systems also have backward compatibility with old games. You can play GameCube games on the Wii, PlayStation 1 or 2 games on the PlayStation 3, and most XBox games on the XBox 360.

Buying New

If you have to buy the hot new system, consider Nintendo Wii. It's cheaper than its rivals and has a new unique controller that encourages gamers to stand up while playing. That's much better than being stuck to a couch or chair for hours on end. An added benefit is more of the games are family friendly with less blood and gore.

It's tough to find good deals on new systems because the prices are carefully controlled by the manufacturere. But you can find bundles from time to time at warehouse stores like Costco. Also, manufacturer tend to lower prices in the lead up to Christmas.

Wait a Year

Don't buy games as soon as they come out. A year later you can often find games for half their original price. Even if you only wait a few weeks you can find the hot games in the used market at local stores or on eBay.

By LS

Buying Used Game

Video game stores in the mall sell used games (EB games, Gamestop, etc.) and sometimes they have sales... buy 2, get one free. Used games are mainly priced from 5.99 to 17.99. I only buy used games, but to be warned: with any used games you may have glitches even with resurfacing. Most stores guarantee their used games, keep the receipt!

By Starchild in VT

Sell to Used Game Stores

I have my kids go through their games once every 6 months and take them to a store that will buy used video games. They can then use their credits to chose new games. We also sometimes sell them on e-bay and use the money to purchase a game that way.

By UnderMarshmallow

Half.com

I always go to Half.com, you can get their video games for only a couple of dollars . After you don't play with the games anymore take them to a game store for store credit, build it up and get a new game.

By germangirl

Pawn Shops

My son used to have a friend who got them cheap at pawn shops, its true also game stores have used ones cheaper new.

By meoowmom

Video Game Rentals

Many video stores will also rent video games too. This is a great way to try out the hot new game before you buy it. There are many programs that let you have 2 or 3 games out at a time. There is also a mail service similar to Netflix that is relatively inexpensive. It is http://www.gamefly.com/

Feedback:

RE: Saving Money on Video Games

Another place to check is cheapassgamer.com . You have to join their forums, and a majority of members are in the 12-18 demographic, but they always have the first scoop on the electronics stores' seasonal clearance sales. However, be sure to read up on reviews of the games that are being marked for clearance - you don't want to get a game you won't like, even if it is only five dollars. (06/02/2007)

By 22samurai

RE: Saving Money on Video Games

I only like word games - and can play themfor free in introductory parts of worldwinner.com - You can get limited free games at various internet sites. (06/06/2007)

By

RE: Saving Money on Video Games

Another great way to save money is to trade games online using Replaygamez.com. They are the best online game trading site and they inspect each game to ensure you get what you want. (10/04/2008)

By Steve