Casual gamers and video game enthusiasts alike can all agree on two things. The first is that video games are a unique form of entertainment that allow gamers to unwind and connect with friends. In fact, in 2010, gamers of all ages and skill levels spent eight hours a week playing video games on average. Over 65 percent of households in the U.S. contain gamers and contribute to an industry that makes over $10 billion a year. This astounding figure leads to the second point of agreement: video gaming can be an expensive hobby. Top titles for modern game consoles average around $50, and as development costs of new games continue to climb, that price could soon be even higher. In 2012, new titles for popular franchises, such as Assassin ’ s Creed and FIFA Soccer, typically debut at around $60, and new consoles, such as a PlayStation 3, cost around $300. However, despite the prohibitive cost of new hardware, the savvy gamer can still enjoy this hobby without breaking the bank. The buyer looking to purchase video games on a budget should perform research before making a purchase, buy used video games and consoles, and exchange their old games to free up more funds.
Research and Preview Games Before Buying
The budget gamer should make attempts to preview or at least research new titles that they are planning to purchase. Ways to avoid buyer’s remorse include renting or borrowing games and researching the replay value of certain titles.
Renting and Borrowing Games
No video gamer wants to pop a new title into a console and find a half an hour after they begin playing that the game is not as enjoyable as they imagined. This can result in a complete waste of money, and for the budget gamer, it can be a financial setback. One way to guarantee that this never happens is to rent or borrow games before buying them. If borrowing the game from a friend or relative is an option, it is definitely recommended because it free of charge. And while renting games does come with a modest fee, most rental outlets and subscription services offer fairly inexpensive prices that only amount to a small fraction of the purchase price. Once buyers are certain the investment will pay off, they can shop with much more confidence.
Video Game Replay Value
Those who cannot afford to splurge on every new title that comes along should zero in on a game they will be able to play for a while. One way to decide is to select a game that has a good length, that is, a game that takes a considerable amount of time to win or one that features an interesting storyline that will hold the user’s attention. Another way to extend the replay factor of a game is to play with other people. Games that offer fun multiplayer options, such as those in the Call of Duty series and Madden Football series, can offer the gamer a more diversified and therefore enduring experience. Multiplayer options aside, budget gamers should research the general replay value of games online. Many blogs offer opinions on games and lead the buyer away from those that may become boring or repetitive earlier than others.
Ways to Save on Video Games
Video game prices can fluctuate with the seasons, and given enough time, all prices drop eventually. Gamers on a budget should avoid buying during the holiday season, look into buying used and classic titles, and plan ahead for more expensive purchases.
Avoid the Holiday Rush
New titles usually come out around the holiday season, and brand new games always debut at the height of their price range. In addition to debuting new titles, video game companies and big box stores take advantage of the tidal wave of holiday spending by offering most games, both new and old, at relatively high prices during this time. After the rush is over, prices tend to drop and even new titles may go on sale. Avoiding the holiday rush and waiting until off-peak shopping months, such as January or March, can oftentimes lead to a better deal.
Be Patient
The No. 1 way to save on video games is to avoid brand new titles. Gamers who can wait a few months or a year after the release date of a new game can usually save $10 or $20 off the original price. With so many great games on the market, a gamer is bound to find an older title in a favorite genre that he or she would like to own in the meantime. Also, popular games are sometimes re-released a couple years later with new editions, like a Game of the Year Edition, and these are usually packed with new or updated features. While they are waiting for the drop in price or new edition, gamers can read reviews and discuss the game with others to make sure it is for them.
Buy Used Games
Buying used games is a great way for buyers to get their hands on newer titles at lower prices. The buyer may be surprised to see brand new titles offered for resale just days after their release in both brick-and-mortar stores and online. Those who can forego the excitement of opening a fresh box can still enjoy the same gameplay at a decreased cost. If owning and playing the game is the ultimate goal, buying used is a no-brainer for the budget gamer.
Invest in Classic Systems
Games designed for newer consoles, such as Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, and PlayStation 3 almost always have a higher price tag than games for older platforms. However, if simply playing and enjoying video games is the goal, buying an older console, such as a Sony PlayStation or Nintendo 64, is a great option. Not only are the consoles themselves much more affordable, but the games are as well. Additionally, gamers may find pleasure in rediscovering games from their past. A savvy buyer can purchase games for older consoles in bulk and really stretch their dollar. Always speak with the seller and ask about the condition of the game before buying, and inquire about a return policy in case the unit does not last long.
Plan Ahead
If the buyer cannot wait to purchase a hot title, a surefire way to save enough money for video games is to stay current with the field and plan for release dates. Video games are typically advertised well before they are released, and if gamers plan ahead, they can dedicate and grow a fund that will be ready when the time comes. Again, the budget gamer may not be able to make a habit of buying brand new titles, but for those that simply cannot wait, a layaway fund can help.
Increasing the Budget for Games
One of the best ways to maintain some wiggle room in a video game budget is to sell games or platforms that are not getting much use anymore. Smart gamers can get a nice return on their investment by either selling or trading the games when they lose their entertainment value.
In-Store Trade-In Value
Video game boutiques and big box electronics stores typically offer the gamer a fraction of the price they paid for the new game during an in-store trade-in. For example, NCAA Football 2013, which retailed for up to $59.99 when new, will only fetch a trade-in value of around $20. However, most stores will offer the seller a better price if they take store credit instead of cash, and some offer better deals if the seller trades in multiple titles at once. Either way, the seller cannot retrieve anything close to the amount they originally paid for the game, but using trade-in value to defray the cost of a new game is much better than allowing unused games to gather dust on the shelf.
Selling Games Online
Another viable option is to list and sell unwanted games online. When listing online, sellers can explain how long they had the video game and whether or not it is close to mint condition. This is helpful for the seller because they do not have to list a game at a set price simply because it is used. Also, the seller can research the market value and arrive at a suitable price while always maintaining the option to adjust the price tag if they do not attract any buyers.
Using eBay to Buy Video Games on a Budget
Buying video games online at eBay can be a great option for gamers looking to adhere to a tight budget. eBay provides the buyer with the ability to sort through thousands of new and used games and consoles without leaving the comfort of home. And while there are a high number of electronics stores and computer boutiques around the country, eBay provides a diverse collection of classic games and systems that most brick-and-mortar stores do not carry.
Sort Listings and Find the Right Item
After arriving at the eBay homepage, locate the Search bar near the top of the screen. Use this space to type in the desired game or console you desire. On the left hand side of the search results page, you will find a sidebar that allows you to narrow the search by console, price, condition, as well as other categories. After finding the desired product, such as a Nintendo 64 console, click on it to view the seller’s purchasing terms.
Know the Seller
A buyer should get to know the seller before making a purchase. One way to do this is to see if other customers have left positive feedback on the seller’s profile. When you have zeroed in on the desired product, take a look at the seller’s ratings and feedback on the right hand side of the page. You can find out if the seller has earned a solid track record and whether or not he or she has a reputation for shipping items quickly.
Conclusion
Buying video games on a tight budget is definitely possible when the buyer makes informed and well-timed decisions. This is true for most any investment and certainly holds true for those involved in the video game market as well. For example, while budget gamers may not be the first ones on the block with every hot new title, they can still stay current in the field by looking at used games. And although titles for platforms like Xbox 360 are relatively expensive across the board, budget gamers can explore their options with classic consoles like PlayStation. Decisions like these can really help maximize one’s bankroll and ensure that purchased games are sound investments with great replay value.
