by Matt Bird

Created on: May 14, 2009

Most gamers like to think that video game developers make games to be enjoyed. And they do - but first and foremost, like any other business, they make games to make money. That precious moolah will allow them to make yet more games, to make more money, and so on and so forth.

Consequently all the gear gaming companies churn out can cost a lot of dough. But, just like anything else you buy, there are ways to save money on video games and video game accessories - that is, as long as you know where to look.

Here are a few tips on how to get your gaming jollies with a minimum of coin.

1.) Don't buy them as soon as they come out. It's easy to get hyped up over a video game you've been waiting on for months, but if you wait a little while the price will drop. Like any other electronic device the value of video games falls over time, and though some rare titles will climb in value as collector's items later on most will stay relatively low.

2.) Shop around. You'd do this for any other item, so why not video games? The first store you check isn't likely to have the lowest price on a title, especially if you go straight to a speciality store. The best mainstream outlets to check are larger stores like Wal-Mart and Target, as they try to make their prices just a little bit lower than everybody else.

3.) Get them used. Some gamers abhor this practice, but it doesn't bother me a bit. Most used games come in relatively good condition - if not downright superb - and play just as well as a copy fresh off the factor floor. And, best of all, they're ALWAYS cheaper.

4.) Shop online. Quite often you can find new and old titles alike on places like eBay for much cheaper than what you'll see in stores. This especially applies to used copies, which can go for criminally low prices at times. Buyer beware, however - not all vendors send exactly what you expect. Only go with reputable sellers.

5.) Trade in old games for a credit. Some gaming stores allow you to trade in so many old titles for a new one. If you've got a few games kicking around that you'll never play again, feel free to swap them with the vendor for a newer title. Keep in mind, however, that not every game will have the same trade value. Trying to swap five sports games from the late 90s for Resident Evil 5 probably won't fly.

6.) Go for the rental instead. If a review insists that a title doesn't take long to beat, why bother buying it? Rent the sucker for a few days and play it 'til it's thoroughly whipped. That way if you ever do want to own it you probably won't feel the urge for a replay for a long time, and by then the price will have dropped anyway. An old game plus a rental fee will invariably remove less cash from your wallet than a single new game.

7.) Trade with friends. I used to do this all time when I was a kid. We had a large pool of games that circulated between us regularly, thereby eliminating the need to constantly buy new ones. Lacking friends willing to trade you can always look for people online offering the titles you want.

It's seldom necessary to spend the $70 you see on many modern video games. With a bit of time, patience and searching you can easily conserve those hard-earned dollars (and perhaps devote them to some other game instead).

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