Using the Internet to be a smart video game shopper
Video games are expensive, especially when you consider new DVD releases typically cost $20 and most newly released games cost $50. By using the Internet, you can easily educate yourself, and take advantage of the best deals on the best games.
That's a great point. You may want to throw in some numbers about comparative amount of time spend, about how you may watch a good dvd 2-3 times, but a good game will usually keep you entertained for almost 20 hours.
{If allowable/acceptable: The best way to educate yourself is to check out CheapAssGamer.com. CAG is a video game shopping community whose members are always on the lookout for the best video game sales and deals at online and local retailers. The members share their discoveries with each other on the site’s message board. This means you will always have the latest gaming sale information right at your fingertips.}
Brilliant. Short, concise, and not overly self-serving. If they allow it, say it.
Roll with the punches if they decided to call you on it... well all know you can
Here are some general tips that can stretch your gaming budget farther:
Using online resources to find the best quality games
There is nothing worse then spending hard earned money on a game that is a dud. Websites like GameRankings.com takes reviews from major gaming news sites and give each game an overall average review score.
You can get lists of the best-reviewed games according to genre and console platform, making it much easier to find well made games you might be interested in.
Good. That's solid advice.
Buy used games and save money.
Some online retailers offer used games for sale. EBgames.com, in particular has especially good deals and provides the original game box and manual for current generation games. They give the same return policy on their used products as their new products (30 days) and you can even go to a local store to return it there is a problem.
In addition, there are coupon codes and other promotions, which enable you to receive substantial discounts and free shipping.
Great. You may even want to mention old school stuff here, talking about the current rise in popularity of nostalgia driven franchises, and mention that the internet is a GREAT source for hunting these down.
Online rental services offer good value
Online rental services such as GameFly.com allow you to rent video games by mail, similarly to DVD rental services like Netflix. For $22 a month, you can have a 2 games out at a time. When you get tired of the game, you simply place the game in the supplied mailer and drop it in the mail box. Best of all, if decide you want to keep a game, GameFly charges you a reasonable price, and will then send you the next game on your rental list. They also sell used games at good prices to non-rental subscribers, but members get a small discount.
Sounds good.
Turning unused games into money
Major gaming retailers like EBgames, GameStop, and even Blockbuster will give you cash or credit for your trade-ins. Generally speaking, you will receive less than if you sold the game on Ebay, but it can be more convenient. Try to wait for special promotions to maximize your trade-in values. You can even trade games directly with other users on websites like CheapAssGamer.com
Great. I really like how you're keeping it general, and bringing in the names of specific companies only when necessary.
Buy older titles
There are literally hundreds of games available for all the current generation systems. Just because a game wasn’t released in the last few months doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Retailers will often try to clear these games out at a loss, just to make room for new inventory. These are the sales that get my users at CheapAssGamer.com the most excited as you can pick up great games for just a few dollars.
Mention the new tiered models that the companies have here... Player's Choice, Platinum and Greatest hits.
You may want to mention watching for those hidden gems, the games by smaller developers, even if published by major houses that can be found released at a budget price, but offer a full priced game experience.
The Sega Sports line is to mention here, as is Katamari Damacy.
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