Are your “kiddos” gathering their Christmas lists? My kids are already having this discussion. I overheard them taking at our dining room table with the neighbor kids while everyone was coloring. My daughter wants “ruby shoes,” and my son is hoping for a video game.
The discussion got me thinking about video games. They are so expensive. Current games can cost around $50 at the store. And the systems start in the hundreds. But if video games are on your list, there are ways to get them for less. Here are some ideas to help you get that special game or system under your tree, in a stocking, as a Hanukkah gift, etc.
If you are looking for a particular video game, you best bet is at a store that sells used video games and/or is willing to exchange games. Popular titles will usually be found here just a few months after they are released. Gamers master the game or get bored and move on to the next big hit.
Shop for games used online. You can try ebay, craigslist and freecycle for inexpensive and even free games. Of course, if shipping is involved, you won’t get your game immediately, so start looking early.
Consider obtaining an older video game unit. We got a Ninendo 64 system with controllers, memory card, rumble pack and a ton of games for less than the price of a single cartridge for a new hot video game. We are very happy with the system and enjoy a lot of play time (within mom and dad’s set limits of course).
Older video games systems give you another advantage. Games are usually available in all sorts of inexpensive places, such as the thrift store, outgrown sales, yard sales, etc. I’ve picked up cartridges for that Nintendo 64 for as low as 25 and 50 cents.
Ask friends and family or advertise on craigslist that you would like to swap games. You can do this on a temporary basis (swap a game for a game for a set time period) or permanently. This allows you in essence to enjoy two games for the price of one.
Click here for more articles by Mary Ann Romans.
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