New Games vs Used
When I was growing up, up until about age 17, I always had received games new on Christmas, my Birthday, as a special gift, or on their release dates. I had games bought for me my whole life as new, and never dared touch used games before. The biggest reason probably being I was a kid and didn’t buy them myself, and as a teen got accustomed to having them as new anyways, and still wasn’t buying them myself.
Once I was 17 or so, I began work. I had a job and during the following years to come I started saving my money, and as I got older I didn’t get as many free games anymore from my mother and family. I had to start buying them myself, and so I would save up and only buy a couple games a year on release date as it was very expensive to buy them as a college kid. Then it turned into buying new games after they had been released for a while, and I could buy more a year again but had to wait for them and test my patience.
Now, 2 more years after that started happening I find that I buy used games, and only used games with the exception of a few favorites such as Zelda. Used games, especially used game sales, grab my attention. I realized that I was always afraid of used games because I was afraid they would fail on me, be corrupt, and look unattractive on my shelf. I was old enough to look at the fine print and common sense to know that they cannot sell you a bad game, and if they do you have the right to return it, and just bring your receipt with you. I also knew that a game that is used would still work the same as long as you just take good care of it. That was easy, I always took care of my games and never abused them. And as far as looking unattractive on my shelf, it didn’t matter. They come in a case, and that’s all I need. With just the side of all my games showing, it’s not like anyone would notice a tiny dent here or a beat up cover if they never saw it.
Once I was 17 or so, I began work. I had a job and during the following years to come I started saving my money, and as I got older I didn’t get as many free games anymore from my mother and family. I had to start buying them myself, and so I would save up and only buy a couple games a year on release date as it was very expensive to buy them as a college kid. Then it turned into buying new games after they had been released for a while, and I could buy more a year again but had to wait for them and test my patience.
Now, 2 more years after that started happening I find that I buy used games, and only used games with the exception of a few favorites such as Zelda. Used games, especially used game sales, grab my attention. I realized that I was always afraid of used games because I was afraid they would fail on me, be corrupt, and look unattractive on my shelf. I was old enough to look at the fine print and common sense to know that they cannot sell you a bad game, and if they do you have the right to return it, and just bring your receipt with you. I also knew that a game that is used would still work the same as long as you just take good care of it. That was easy, I always took care of my games and never abused them. And as far as looking unattractive on my shelf, it didn’t matter. They come in a case, and that’s all I need. With just the side of all my games showing, it’s not like anyone would notice a tiny dent here or a beat up cover if they never saw it.
Buying games used, and on sale, and a year after they have been out really saves you a few bucks. What would normally cost about $190 for 3 new games only costs me about $45. This way I can get a lot more games, and not hurt my wallet or get in debt to feed my hobby. But just because I save money and don’t mind having to wait for price drops, doesn’t mean it’s all good though anymore. I feel bad because if a game is good, the best way to support the company that made it, is to buy it new. Used game sales don’t help out the game companies, just the dealers. That is why with select games each year I buy the ones I really want new, not just because I want it that badly (which I do) but because I support those companies. It’s the same reason I don’t pirate games either. This is my favorite hobby, and I want to see more games come out that are of great quality, and I feel if a company does a good job it should be rewarded. I would like the same if I were in their shoes.
I know this article seems a little rough and bouncy, but here is the bottom line. For me personally, I discovered that used games are nothing to be afraid of, and in the long run can really save you a ton of money and make you more financially stable. It can also hurt game developers as well, so remember to support the company that made the game. If not buy it new, maybe visit their official forums or email them with comments on how to make their games better or thank them for their work. They will never know just because you told your friends about it. They need real feedback. So for me, used games are a blessing for me now, but new games still hold a special spot for me though. Shedding a game of it’s new plastic cover never gets old to me.
I know this article seems a little rough and bouncy, but here is the bottom line. For me personally, I discovered that used games are nothing to be afraid of, and in the long run can really save you a ton of money and make you more financially stable. It can also hurt game developers as well, so remember to support the company that made the game. If not buy it new, maybe visit their official forums or email them with comments on how to make their games better or thank them for their work. They will never know just because you told your friends about it. They need real feedback. So for me, used games are a blessing for me now, but new games still hold a special spot for me though. Shedding a game of it’s new plastic cover never gets old to me.