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I have been playing games for a long time. One thing that has never changed is that video games and gaming consoles are expensive. After purchasing a new gaming console, regularly running from $300 to $500, you then have to buy additional controllers, service access, batteries, and charging stations. Then you still have to buy games to make it all worthwhile. When games cost $50 to $70 dollars for a new release, you can easily spend allot each month to buy even just a few of the titles you or your kids want to play.

Luckily, there is a way to save money by spending less than half the cost of a single game each month and play multiple games at the same time. The solution, renting games saves time and money. There are a few options out there for you to make the cost of gaming a little more affordable.

If you frequent a video store often, you can pick up your games from Blockbuster or Hollywood Video. Their selection is sometimes limited and new releases of popular titles can be hard to rent due to popularity. Both have monthly renting plans and allow for single rentals or monthly-unlimited options.

You can also get your games from an online rental website. Two of the most popular online only sites are Gamefly.com (starting at $16 a month) and Gameznflix.com (at 8.99 a month and offer movie rentals as well). These options allow for easy access to renting games for most gaming platforms and let you create a gaming queue. So, when you return a game in the prepaid-postage envelope, the next one in your queue is immediately sent to you. This might seem like it takes time to get your new game but I have found the turnaround is just a few days.

Both websites are easy to join, use, and navigate. It also provides you with a way to play a game until you are tired of it or try a game before you buy it. This way if you rent a stinker you can return it without having to take a loss or trade it in for credit. No matter which online service you select, it will save you time and money and be happy to see that envelope in you mailbox when it arrives.

My favorite online service is Gamefly, due to excellent customer service, and their website's ease of use. In addition, they get games back to you fast, which is a major plus. They also offer discounts and regular coupons if you want to keep the games at a used discount. Thus, I do still buy games now and then, but at least I know for sure that I am not wasting my time and money on a game I hate.

No matter which option you choose, online or a video store, you will be happier to know that you are saving money. That is, as long as you remember to return the games.

Learn more about this author, Sean W. Makiney.
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