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!