Jason
Simpson
|
by Jason Simpson |
| For most gamers, cash is what holds them back from owning every game and system available. The solution that I found is a thing called delayed gratification. Through this I have been able to pick up five video game systems and tons of games for a fraction of their original price. Do I buy the game the day it is released at $60+ or do I wait and get it for $20? Technically, if you wait, you can get three games for the price of one. The cost is time. You must have patience for this equation to work. Games come out so quickly now that they are discounted within weeks of their release. If you are willing to buy from other places than retail stores, your options are endless. The first place to pick up cheap games is from friends. They will get sick of a game and give you a good price. After friends, put the word out that you want a certain game, tell co-workers, friends, people at school, etc. Eventually someone will know an individual that has what you're looking for. If you're looking to bulk up your collection or if you have a Nintendo 64 but want to pick up a PlayStation or Super NES, check out your local want ads in the newspaper. The selection varies each week, but sometimes you can score big. A lot of people sell a system with several games. The main problem is getting what you want and getting to the sellers' house. Most people that have what you’re looking for probably won't live too close, so you will have to travel to get your loot. The third place I look for cheap games is on the Internet and/or newsgroups. If you have time to surf or wade through messages, you can pick up some good games for a small price. The downfalls are shipping and getting burnt by people who aren't honest. The game you paid for could be damaged, or, even worse, not sent at all. It can be difficult to track someone down that has done this to you, so always get reference from other people who have bought from the individual before. Closer to the home front, never underestimate the power of a retailer. I've gotten many cheap games from Electronics Boutique. Right now, most 3DO games are $10 and most Genesis games are $20. The pre-owned ones are even cheaper. Blockbuster also sells games fairly cheap. I found several Virtual Boy games for $3 a piece (that's about all that they're worth!).The most important thing is research. Open your eyes. It becomes a challenge to find the lowest priced games. You won't find me paying $80 for a N64 game. I'll wait another month when everyone is sick of Mario and I'll pick it up for $40. Of course, I need my new game fix once in a while, but to curb that I just rent or borrow. |
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