How To: Free video game rentals
This may (or may not) be news to some of my readers. It has only come to my attention recently.
In the world of video games there are two markets:
- Primary - Where you buy the game new.
- Secondary - Where you buy the game used.
There are not many deals to be had in the primary market. Shrink-wrapped games do not get discounted until 6 months to a year past publication date. Even then, only the bad ones get discounted. Try and buy a new copy of a Pokemon game for less than retail and you will see what I mean.
The secondary market is also not full of many great deals. The stores that buy used games never give you a good price for them and the often sell them for close to the retail on a new game. I don't know why people ever sell good games back to stores.
Have I ever sold games back to stores? Yes, but only the real bad ones.
There is a secondary benefit to the secondary market, most stores that sell used games give you a 7 day return window. Do you see where I'm going with this?
To get your free (7 day) video game rentals all you have to do is buy a used game at one of these stores, play it for up to 7 days and return it for a different game.
Yes, this does work. Yes, I have used this in the past. No, you will not get in trouble.
- Instructions
- Go to the used game store
- Find a used game
- Buy the used game
- Play the used game
- Bring the used game back on the 7th day
- Either get your money back or trade for a new used game
- Repeat
I've got five more days on my current "game rental". I guess I better complete the game and get it back to the mall!
- X Marks the Spot
- More good news from Nintendo
- “Weird Al” Yankovic and Left Brain Games Team up to Stamp-Out Viruses!
- Wii Video Preview: Mario Super Sluggers
- L33t Haxxors
Brilliant. Sneaky, but brilliant. :-P
Have they never caught on?
I do not do it all the time. I do it when a game I want to buy is due out in a few weeks.
That way I can “rent” a few new games until the new one comes out.
I love the idea. An infinite amount of video games at your disposal.
When you say used games though, can these used games be games that have just released? So lets say when Halo 3 comes out, do you think I can go to a used game store and purchase a Halo 3 used? Or do the games you “rent” have to be ones that have been released for quite some time.
Also what stores are included in as a used game store?
Would Electronics Botique count? What other ones work?
If a game has just been released, I doubt you’re going to find it used anywhere. Considering it will have just been released. No one’s going to buy a new release just to sell it to a used games store for half price or less.
And stores that would be included in “used games stores” are going to be stores that sell used games… I don’t think anyone could compile a list or anything. They’re usually independently owned, and will have various policies regarding returns. (For instance, my local used video game store has a 30-day policy, but in order to return it, it has to be malfunctioning.) You’ll just have to ask the stores for their return policies.
Rotflmao I finally know where you Got Ezekial from. Shake’s son? XDddddd