How can you be sure you’re getting the cheapest price on video games? It used to be that renting video games was a great solution and as inexpensive and pain-free as visiting your corner movie rental store. However serious game enthusiasts who rent many video games at once discovered how fast those rental fees can add up. Include the injury of forgeting to return a stack of games by the due date and you’ll see that the late fees can really hurt.

Here are some helpful hints on getting the best deals on video games and video game rentals.

First, check out your community library. Many offer free video game rentals to their patrons. You already paid for their selections with your property taxes so you might as well get your money’s worth.

Game Review Web Sites – Most websites offering video game reviews include game details, ESRB ratings, available platforms, even actual gameplay footage. Check out the video graphics online first. You may find the game is overly violent for your appetite or unacceptable for your young children, even if the ESRB ratings indicate it’s appropriate.

Never Pay Retail – With online discount sites like eBay and Amazon, there’s just no reason to pay retail ever again. Many times you’ll find games for Playstation on sale by looking at these websites first.

Rent Video Games Online – Several companies offer online game rentals for one low monthly price. Members select from over 6000 of the most popular games, delivered right to their door, can hold them as long as they wish, never pay a late fee for keeping them too long, and return them to the company with pre-paid envelopes. If you find a game you like, just notify the company and you can keep it for a small price. A few sites like GameFly include a free trial period. Try them out to verify how the program works before you commit.

Game enthusiasts who are serious about their passion can save a bundle of cash if they know how to find them.