How to Cut Back

[GameFreak]

I tend to purchase older (SNES and Genesis), used games, usually off of Ebay.

I once got Super Ghouls n Ghosts for $1.00 (AWESOME GAME), the Adventures of Batman and Robin + Alien 3 (SNES) for $7.00, space Megaforce for $7.00, last week I got Demon's Crest for $2.25.

I splurge occasionally. I don't see the point in spending $50 on something that will most likely cost less than half it's current retail price in a year or two. It has to be a special, special game for me to buy it new.

You have to be patient.

Realize you don't have to play a game when it's released.

An awesome game is an awesome game, whether you play it now or years down the road.

[Yoshi]

Originally posted by basemies
stop buying games. it worked for me. i lost interest in games a while back while exploring other interests, and i stopped buying games.

It obviously worked like a charm, since are still here (or back?).

[SearchManX]

Originally posted by taloony
I subscribe to this theory. Ramen it is..

Don't do it! A constant diet of Ramen will kill you! Wait, what games do you have in your collection again? Where's your will?

Ahem, eat Ramen! It's oh-so-good!

[bloodyarts]

I just recently purchased Sly Cooper, but almost as soon as I bought it, I realized that this game will be $20 or less in a few months. I could've, no, should've waited.

This is pretty much how I feel about games nowadays. Before long, all new games can be had for 20% to 50% off in the space of a few months. Of course, it may take longer for some games to come down in price, but it must eventually happen.

The next game I purchase at full retail will be King of Fighters 2001 for DC. Beyond that, I'll go back to waiting for prices to drop and buying games that have already dropped in price or are used.

Personally, I think renting and borrowing are the best solutions.

[Bacon McShig]

Unless it's a Nintendo first-party game, it'll go down in price before you know it.

The only games I buy when then come out are GBA games, and usually those can be found on the week of their release at damn good discounts at either Best Buy or Circuit City. I've acquired Castlevania: HoD, Megaman Zero, Metroid Fusion, and Yoshi's Island at under $25 a pop. It pays to look at the ads in the Sunday paper.

Renting I'm not usually too keen on (I always take them back late), but recently Hollywood Video sent out postcards with 4 coupons for $0.99 rentals (which includes games), up to 3 per coupon. Everything at Hollywood is a 5-day rental. Damn fine deal, and sitting down with games for a while does actually help to curb your need to buy them. If you have one of these postcards lying around, I'd highly suggest taking full advantage of those coupons.

[Kidnemo]

Cutting back?

baaaah!

[Mfkzt]

Originally posted by Hero
This is the time where a ton of stuff comes out and, knowing that I can't even get all that I want during summer, I know I won't get everything. Let alone even trying to get a few things on a tight budget is a bad idea. So, how do you game on a budget? Buy used? Force yourself to tear through your pile of shame? Refuse to read gaming sites or mags for fear of getting hyped about something?

All of the above. If you have more than 2 or 3 games that you haven't played/have barely played, and you're still buying more, then you need to get over the compulsion to buy new games. Ignore the hype, and get out of the mindset that in order to be hardcore you need to keep up with new releases. Try to be more discerning. Wait a while to buy something. Start buying games used.

None of this is directed at you. I'm just addressing an attitude I see on the internet.

[Kinopio]

Come to the realization that only about 10 games a year are worth retail price.

[BioMechanic]

Originally posted by Kinopio
Come to the realization that only about 10 games a year are worth retail price.

Ain't that the truth....and based on individual tastes, it's pretty obvious what games those will be, too.

Everything else, I'll rent. Once in a while I'll rent something I was "eh" about and it turns into a must-purchase, but most of the time my curiosity is satisfied during the rental period.

[Josh]

Originally posted by Stone
When is someone going to suggest piracy?

I would have, but it makes everyones pussy hurt, so I'll refrain.