Video game systems are expensive, but adding games to play with the system really breaks the budget. There really isn't a way to avoid the cost without avoiding video games completely, but there are ways to lighten the burden.
Patience
Games hit the stores for $60 apiece or more. Have patience and wait until the game is no longer new. Then, look for sales and other markdowns. Check your budget stores for bulk bins of games; real deals can be found there.
Beware of games that coincide with current movie releases. These games sell for $40 (if you're lucky) during their release month, but once the movies leave the theaters the games tend to drop in price.
Keep an eye out for games online at eBay and Amazon.com. Like-new games can be found for half price on these sites if they're watched carefully. Don't get wrapped up in the bidding war, though. Have patience.
Think Used
Used games aren't so bad. Many are gently used, having been played only a few times. Check for games that are guaranteed against scratches and defects. Some stores buy used games and resell them; these could offer great savings. Used games might be an avenue towards trading games you rarely play for new games. Watch the resale value, however. Often it's not worth the effort to trade in the game.
A Game Group
Find some friends who have similar gaming interests. Then, set up a plan to rotate games. With everyone's dedication, a system can be set up between three or more people. Agree to take turns buying the newest games or ante up and buy the game together. Then, set up a gaming schedule and rotate the game, like a library.
Another option is to find a few campus friends who enjoy gaming and set up a gaming library amongst you. Care for one another's games and keep them moving, defining a set place for the library to be housed.
Rent Them
Check into online video game rental clubs. Some work like online video rental programs such as Netflix. Subscribe to the monthly club and get new games, play them, return them, and enjoy them for less! Look into www.gamefly.com for more information.
Editor's Note: Do you have any tips for saving money on video games? Post them here!
About The Author: Kelly Ann Butterbaugh is a freelance writer who regularly contributes to a variety of magazines and has written a history book for middle readers. Visit her website for writing help, lesson plans, history fun, or work for hire at http://www.kellybutterbaugh.com
Hit your local pawn shops. I can't tell you how many times I've bought games that are only a few weeks old for much much less than retail. I'd also recommend hitting Blockbuster when they have buy one get one free sales or 1/2 price used games. I'd also consider buying games that you know will trade in for much higher than what you paid for them at the bigger gaming stores. Video Game flipping is one of the easiest things in the world to do to get trade credit for games at one of the big game stores. Also, instead of trading those games in, try craigslist. Many times if you beat a game in just a few days, you can still garner $40-50 for it used off CL. Be forewarned though, deal only in cash and meet in public places to keep yourself safe.
My son trades his older games xbox 360 games for a new game, at the local game store. Saving him money and he gets rid of his no longer favourite games.
Login using the form on the top of the page to post feedback (if you are a registered user). If you have not yet registered, click here to do so. It's FREE!.
Archives:
Article: Saving Money on Video Games
Archived on 11/23/2009
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!
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.
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.
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)
