How do you feel about buying used games? We've found there's actually quite a split amongst gamers: some folks just don't buy used games from stores (but will buy them from individuals), some won't buy them at all, while others never seem to pick up anything new. Of course, that last could be due to levels of poorness, but we won't go into that.
How do you feel about buying used games? We've found there's actually quite a split amongst gamers: some folks just don't buy used games from stores (but will buy them from individuals), some won't buy them at all, while others never seem to pick up anything new. Of course, that last could be due to levels of poorness, but we won't go into that.
Reader Comments (70)
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 10:43AM Bowser Rogozhin said
Iceland really suck, huh. Anyway, I mostly buy my games new. There are exceptions, such as if a game is out of print, but it's mostly new. The idea of buying second hand has never really settled well for me. It feels slightly Russian, there's a base savagery about it all.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 12:30PM JoshMilewski said
Racist much?
I understand your situation, but damn, don't blame every single Icelander. Also, this:
"It feels slightly Russian, there's a base savagery about it all."
Damn it, man, that's just pure bigotry.
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I understand your situation, but damn, don't blame every single Icelander. Also, this:
"It feels slightly Russian, there's a base savagery about it all."
Damn it, man, that's just pure bigotry.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 1:11PM Ethan said
Plus it was long and boring. Anger occasionally ignores that citizen's aren't to blame. Lots of people blame Americans in general, and us a little bit, for Iraq.
Anger is blinding and it just turns out the Icelandic government doesn't give a shit about us, or their own integrity.
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Anger is blinding and it just turns out the Icelandic government doesn't give a shit about us, or their own integrity.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 4:31PM Nigeria said
Now is the time for solidarity, Bowser, not crazed rants, filled with bile, on the internet.
Refering to Icelanders as Vikings, belittling their culture, and all that, isn't going to save your job. You're just getting worked up for over a situation which is currently out of your control at this present time.
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Refering to Icelanders as Vikings, belittling their culture, and all that, isn't going to save your job. You're just getting worked up for over a situation which is currently out of your control at this present time.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 10:45AM (Unverified) said
I buy used games but preferrably from people I know or where I can see them before purchase. To me there's no difference between a brand new package and a disc and package in top condition with a previous owner. And even if there's a little smudge for 20 bucks less I'd gladly take that. If I want something badly I'll buy it new anyway. I got my No More Heroes from eBay in perfect condition for 30€ while it's still 45 at Amazon. So why not, I do know a shop where they trade all kinds of used games but I don't really like the place it's too crammed and the games are piled up everywhere. Also you meet people that desperately want to trade in games for new ones ... I don't like those.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 10:48AM (Unverified) said
It depends. If it's a game that I've been waiting to come out for a while, I usually get it new, but mostly I do buy used games because they can be quite a bit cheaper. That, and I've been expanding my GCN library a little bit lately and you can't really pick those games up new anymore (in the States at least).
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 10:49AM (Unverified) said
Buying used games from people is good, buying used games from EB to save $5 is garbage. I always thought used products were worth 50% of the retail price once its been opened. Now all you get is a scratched disc and a dirty manual just to save a couple bucks. I boycott EB games after they got away with selling me opened games at full retail prices.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 11:08AM (Unverified) said
Depends on the reduction of price. If say a $50 game is $20 used, I might get it. But at placed like EB where those idiots just reduce the price by $5 or in rare cases it's more then a new copy I don't bother.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 11:10AM sn1per said
A lot of times, I'll wait for a couple months after a game's release and get it new at a discounted price. As far as used games go, I've bought a bunch of used gamecube games, since I never had a gamecube, but other than Pikmin (I really wanted to play it), I'll only buy it when it's got the box art and manual in good condition. And like someone said above me, I really don't see the point in buying a used Wii game from gamestop, since you only save $5.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 11:22AM Bakeriffic said
I sometimes buy older games that have gone out of print. In that case there's really no choice but to buy used.
Other than that, I only buy used if the price for a used copy is a good amount less than the price of a new copy (at least 30% off).
I prefer to buy used from Amazon Marketplace, Ebay, or craigslist since those are the venues in which one can usually find the best prices. When I'm feeling the need for instant gratification, Gamestop is an option.
Other than that, I only buy used if the price for a used copy is a good amount less than the price of a new copy (at least 30% off).
I prefer to buy used from Amazon Marketplace, Ebay, or craigslist since those are the venues in which one can usually find the best prices. When I'm feeling the need for instant gratification, Gamestop is an option.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 11:21AM theMediaman said
Most of the games I bought for my PSP were used, but when I got the Wii I found that the savings on used games were rarely more than $5. In fact, because the value of the Canadian dollar went down just before the release of Mario Galaxy, it was actually CHEAPER than used copies of Paper Mario.
Short answer, I'll buy used, but not for Wii. EB Games (aka Gamestop) just doesn't make it worthwhile.
Short answer, I'll buy used, but not for Wii. EB Games (aka Gamestop) just doesn't make it worthwhile.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 11:23AM theMediaman said
Sorry, I meant the Cdn $ went up against the greenback. Galaxy was released here at $50 Cdn, while Paper Mario was released at $60 a few months earlier.
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Posted: Oct 12th 2008 11:31AM Mr Khan said
Generally if i'm not buying a game on or near the game's launch date, i'll opt for used if the guy behind the counter offers it
The 7-day return policy (which i think they still have) is fine, because i'll usually catch a lemon by the first or second day of play.
The 7-day return policy (which i think they still have) is fine, because i'll usually catch a lemon by the first or second day of play.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 11:35AM guttertalk said
I buy many games used, especially if they're good but not great games that I want to play immediately after release. I have the membership at Gamestop for an additional 10% savings on used games. It's not great savings in the 25-50% range, but saving $8-9 isn't beneath me. And I've had only one bad disk or manual, which they replaced without question.
I was using Goozex for a while. When I'm trading my games, it's great, but getting games is increasingly difficult. While it was good for some games, it's horrible for many. I've been waiting on Okami and Battlefront II (Xbox) for over two months. It was great for getting the Hulk (Gamecube) and a couple of Wii titles like Battalion Wars II. And the quality of the disks have, again, been very good.
I was using Goozex for a while. When I'm trading my games, it's great, but getting games is increasingly difficult. While it was good for some games, it's horrible for many. I've been waiting on Okami and Battlefront II (Xbox) for over two months. It was great for getting the Hulk (Gamecube) and a couple of Wii titles like Battalion Wars II. And the quality of the disks have, again, been very good.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 11:41AM SamZR said
I prefer buying new games. There was a time when I bought used games for my GBA, but that time has passed. I feel that if I'm going to be BUYING something, it should be brand spanking new.
However, I am BORROWING my friend's copy of Twilight Princess (Beat it last night) while he is borrowing Galaxy from me. On borrowing, I don't really care what kind of condition it is in, since I'm not going to be keeping it anyway.
However, I am BORROWING my friend's copy of Twilight Princess (Beat it last night) while he is borrowing Galaxy from me. On borrowing, I don't really care what kind of condition it is in, since I'm not going to be keeping it anyway.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 11:48AM (Unverified) said
I used to buy about half and half, but lately the stores around here only give you $2-5 off on used games (if that-- I've actually seen used games selling for more than new copies!) so I stopped bothering.
I like to have nice things, so I keep my stuff nice. If I get a used game that's in very good condition, I have no problem, if it's all scratched up and crap that really bugs me.
I like to have nice things, so I keep my stuff nice. If I get a used game that's in very good condition, I have no problem, if it's all scratched up and crap that really bugs me.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 11:56AM (Unverified) said
I try to avoid buying used from GameStop since I've had some bad experiences, there. (games that don't work; completely destroyed manuals;generic case, instead of the proper one)
But, if PlayNTrade is a good option for buying used games, I may start buying them used again.
But, if PlayNTrade is a good option for buying used games, I may start buying them used again.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 12:32PM (Unverified) said
i buy used most of the time seeing its alot cheaper,take a look at mario galaxy that game is still retailing for $50 and i can pick it up for like $30-35 on amazon so there you go
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 12:34PM JoshMilewski said
I buy all my games new, and I always get the original releases (not Player's Choice, Greatest Hits, etc.). I just don't like buying used stuff, in general, and I don't like the visual aesthetics of the lower-priced re-releases...Those yellow or black labels just stick out too much.
I think the only exception is when it comes to really old games that would cost a small fortune to buy new...But even then, I tend to just avoid buying those kinds of games altogether. *shrug*
I think the only exception is when it comes to really old games that would cost a small fortune to buy new...But even then, I tend to just avoid buying those kinds of games altogether. *shrug*
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 12:37PM Roto13 said
I'll buy used games from places like EBGames, but only if there are no new copies. (The $2 difference isn't worth it.) If I'm going to buy used games, though, I go to this used games/music/movies store nearby. They buy games for more than EB and sell them for less, because they're not a giant ripoff machine.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 12:44PM Justin2053 said
I'll usually buy games new, it seems like every time I look at the price difference between a new and used game that I want, I'll only be saving a few bucks, so I tend to just buy new. But, I have been known for permanently 'borrowing' some of my friends games.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 12:58PM (Unverified) said
I visit swap meets and yard sales weekly. I can usually find the games I'm looking for for pretty cheap in comparison to what shops sell used titles for.
for example, last week I got WarioWare Smooth Moves for $15 used, vs. the $40 Gamestop wanted. With my left over money I bought Zack and Wiki for $16.
Still, I do buy most games new.
for example, last week I got WarioWare Smooth Moves for $15 used, vs. the $40 Gamestop wanted. With my left over money I bought Zack and Wiki for $16.
Still, I do buy most games new.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 1:09PM (Unverified) said
As long as it is in good condition, I don't care. Games I really want, I buy soon after release and so have to buy new. But with others, I'm fine buying used. Developers need to give players incentives to buy new... exclusive DLC for registering the game, art and stuff in the packaging, etc... then there would be a real reason to buy new over used.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 1:47PM (Unverified) said
i guess we're getting Club Nintendo in america by the end of the year. so i'll find out about that goodness then.
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Posted: Oct 12th 2008 1:17PM Ninbrendo said
I once had a "who's on first" debate with a GameStop manager regarding their gutted display copies.
"So why is it that I can't return a game once it's been opened, yet you sell open copies as 'new'?"
"Oh, it's still new. Look! We put this little sticker on it after putting the insides back in."
"Yes, I see, but it seems a bit hypocritical. I mean, you've opened up the game and are selling it as 'new', but when I open a game it instantly becomes 'used'. I'd like to pay the used price for this open game."
"But it's not 'used', it's 'new'."
"Not according to your return policy."
"Don't have a spaz. Are you going to buy this or what?"
"No."
"Would you like to reserve anything?"
"No."
"So why is it that I can't return a game once it's been opened, yet you sell open copies as 'new'?"
"Oh, it's still new. Look! We put this little sticker on it after putting the insides back in."
"Yes, I see, but it seems a bit hypocritical. I mean, you've opened up the game and are selling it as 'new', but when I open a game it instantly becomes 'used'. I'd like to pay the used price for this open game."
"But it's not 'used', it's 'new'."
"Not according to your return policy."
"Don't have a spaz. Are you going to buy this or what?"
"No."
"Would you like to reserve anything?"
"No."
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 11:15PM (Unverified) said
Gamecrazy sucks ass, I preordered a game that said it included a bonus disk (on their sign) and I went to pick it up. THEY HAD A CARDBOARD TREASURE CHEST WITH PLASTIC COINS IN IT! They told me to get some coins, I took the game and the whole chest and told them that if they stop me, I'm calling the BBB and filing a class action, they believed my bluff and I hauled my cardboard chest out of there. Victory! I began to think "Where the hell am I going to put 200+ plastic coins and a cardbord treasure chest?"
On another note, the game sucked.
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On another note, the game sucked.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 1:29PM lazymangaka said
Looking at my game collection, it's made up in large part of used games. Between used book/music stores, game stores, and Amazon.com, it's a rare day that I legitimately purchase a game brand new, and then it's really only because they don't have a used copy.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 1:38PM jwiest said
I'm probably about 50/50 on the new vs used. If it's something that's not carried in the stores or is way cheaper, I'll pick it up used. Even if it's only saving me $5 I'll do it sometimes. Every little bit helps.
I do laugh when new stuff goes on sale and their used prices are higher though. Got to be careful. Never had a problem with bad games at EB or anywhere else through PS1, 2, PSP, DS or Wii yet, though I guess some lemons must be there. I will only buy if it's got the original case/manuals though.
As for the EB pre-opened new bit - that's a good point - hadn't thought about that (or bought something like that from them yet - I'd be one to make a who's on first argument like that as well though - we'll see if the opportunity ever arises)
I do laugh when new stuff goes on sale and their used prices are higher though. Got to be careful. Never had a problem with bad games at EB or anywhere else through PS1, 2, PSP, DS or Wii yet, though I guess some lemons must be there. I will only buy if it's got the original case/manuals though.
As for the EB pre-opened new bit - that's a good point - hadn't thought about that (or bought something like that from them yet - I'd be one to make a who's on first argument like that as well though - we'll see if the opportunity ever arises)
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 1:37PM (Unverified) said
NEVER BUY USED FROM GAMESTOP!
if i buy a used game its on eBay. NEVER sell a game for cash to gamestop either. Worst decision you can make. My idiot friend does it all the time and buys the same game back later.
fucking one time I got Gran Tourismo 4, i think. And i played it once and hated it. So I brought it back the next day said i hated it and they gave me 25$ even tho i had my receipt. I only buy videogames from Amazon, Toys R Us, and Target. NEVER goto Gamestop. Ever. NEVER reserve at Gamestop they just put the money in overseas accounts and gain interest on it... goto Target they never are out of stock on launch day. NEVER.
if i buy a used game its on eBay. NEVER sell a game for cash to gamestop either. Worst decision you can make. My idiot friend does it all the time and buys the same game back later.
fucking one time I got Gran Tourismo 4, i think. And i played it once and hated it. So I brought it back the next day said i hated it and they gave me 25$ even tho i had my receipt. I only buy videogames from Amazon, Toys R Us, and Target. NEVER goto Gamestop. Ever. NEVER reserve at Gamestop they just put the money in overseas accounts and gain interest on it... goto Target they never are out of stock on launch day. NEVER.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 1:45PM (Unverified) said
I usually go to Toys R Us for the hard-to-find stuff, such as Wii Fit, as my local store is usually void of any shoppers.
Wal-Mart is most convenient to me, so I tend to go there. It and Target are my favorites, where Amazon is third (but I don't like to wait, so I only buy there if they have a sale).
I only buy used from eBay. I've found that Gamestop only saves you an average of $2-$5, while eBay can get you $10+. Unless you're buying something ancient, like a Virtual Boy, or something really popular, like Wii Fit.
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Wal-Mart is most convenient to me, so I tend to go there. It and Target are my favorites, where Amazon is third (but I don't like to wait, so I only buy there if they have a sale).
I only buy used from eBay. I've found that Gamestop only saves you an average of $2-$5, while eBay can get you $10+. Unless you're buying something ancient, like a Virtual Boy, or something really popular, like Wii Fit.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 1:54PM (Unverified) said
I like amazon cause i have a membership so it's free two day shipping on anything i buy. Plus they started that release day delivery for things you preorder
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Posted: Oct 12th 2008 1:40PM (Unverified) said
I don't buy used often, and I don't buy new at GameStop at all, since Pokemon Pearl was both gutted and scarred-up yet I paid full price (the box was TERRIBLE).
I have found that I generally don't buy used unless something's otherwise unavailable. I would buy a Gameboy Color game used, but not a DS game.
Honestly, it isn't THAT much cheaper to buy used (around here). I obsess over keeping things in such pristine condition, too, that I don't want them already nasty to start out.
And I don't trade-in unless it's an old system that I have multiples of. I traded in one of my two Gameboy Colors to get an SP back in the day. I like to pull things out and play them. Playing Link's Awakening on the Advanced just isn't as fun sometimes as on the regular old Gameboy.
I have found that I generally don't buy used unless something's otherwise unavailable. I would buy a Gameboy Color game used, but not a DS game.
Honestly, it isn't THAT much cheaper to buy used (around here). I obsess over keeping things in such pristine condition, too, that I don't want them already nasty to start out.
And I don't trade-in unless it's an old system that I have multiples of. I traded in one of my two Gameboy Colors to get an SP back in the day. I like to pull things out and play them. Playing Link's Awakening on the Advanced just isn't as fun sometimes as on the regular old Gameboy.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 1:47PM (Unverified) said
Zack & Wiki new at Toys R Us was about $7.50.
Posted: Oct 13th 2008 5:14PM (Unverified) said
It's really one of the Wii's best. I haven't beaten it (it frustrates the hell out of me sometimes), but I still love it.
And, holy cow, $8.
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And, holy cow, $8.
Posted: Oct 17th 2008 8:25AM (Unverified) said
i've gotten alot of used games from a place called ''the exchange'' they discount more than gamestop and also have higher standards of condition. however, if i'm already hoping for a sequel [like the upcoming rygar] i buy new to try to help the numbers.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 2:03PM (Unverified) said
I've bought one used game. I bought it used because it was no longer being pressed. Otherwise, i buy new
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 2:04PM (Unverified) said
i dont mind buying used...partly do the fact that so many games out there now realy arent that great....u buy it used u got a couple of days to take it back if dont like it....but then again if u like it u aint gotta go out and pay more money to buy it if u were to rent it...but if its a game i want no matter what i will just buy new
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 2:19PM ripvanwinkle said
I don't buy used games unless they're out of print. I try to avoid GameStop and either buy online or go to Best Buy or the likes.
Although when I want to drive myself and get a game (I only just got my license) I go to GameStop since it's the easiest to get to. The location near me doesn't open game boxes and sell them as new anyway so it doesn't bother me.
Although when I want to drive myself and get a game (I only just got my license) I go to GameStop since it's the easiest to get to. The location near me doesn't open game boxes and sell them as new anyway so it doesn't bother me.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 2:49PM (Unverified) said
ask yourself when selling a game...
is it really worth 75cents for me to never be able to play this game again and give gamestop the right to sell it to someone else for 40$? I always say NO!
think about stuff you pay for like a meal at burger king is 10$ you cant return that. And that's only like an hour at most of enjoyment lol now think of the many countless hours you spend playing a game you are thinking of returning. You got your moneys worth from this perspective. Do you really want to let some corporation that oges around fucking everyone have an easier job of fucking everyone? or you can keep it and in 3 yrs or so you can play it again like you never played it in the first place and get some kind of enjoyment out of it again.
if you hate the game then give it to somebody you know who might like it.
is it really worth 75cents for me to never be able to play this game again and give gamestop the right to sell it to someone else for 40$? I always say NO!
think about stuff you pay for like a meal at burger king is 10$ you cant return that. And that's only like an hour at most of enjoyment lol now think of the many countless hours you spend playing a game you are thinking of returning. You got your moneys worth from this perspective. Do you really want to let some corporation that oges around fucking everyone have an easier job of fucking everyone? or you can keep it and in 3 yrs or so you can play it again like you never played it in the first place and get some kind of enjoyment out of it again.
if you hate the game then give it to somebody you know who might like it.
Posted: Oct 12th 2008 2:48PM mlg rules said
I like my games new, but I am willing to put up with used, as long as the manuals and disks are in good shape.
Btw, is Amazon a good place to buy used videogames?
Btw, is Amazon a good place to buy used videogames?
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