How can you be sure you’re getting the best price on video games? It used to be that renting video games was a perfect solution and as inexpensive and pain-free as a visit to your corner movie rental store. But serious game enthusiasts who rent several games at once found how fast those rental charges can add up. Add to that the heart ache of forgeting to return a stack of games by the due date and you’ll find that those late fees can really hurt.

Here are some timely hints for getting the best deal on games and video game rentals.

First, check with your local library. Most offer free game rentals to members of their community. You already pre-paid for their selections with your property taxes so you may as well get your money’s worth.

Game Review Web Sites – Many web sites offering video game reviews include game details, ESRB ratings, available systems, even actual game footage. Check out the video graphics online first. You might find that the game is overly violent for your appetite or unacceptable for your young children, even if the ratings indicate it should be appropriate.

Never Pay Full Price – With online discount websites like eBay and Amazon, there is simply no reason to pay full price ever again. Many times you’ll find games for Playstation on sale by checking these sites first.

Rent Games Online – Several companies offer online video game rentals for one small monthly fee. Members select from over 6000 of the most popular games, delivered right to their home, can keep them as long as they wish, never pay a late fee for keeping them too long, and return games to the company with pre-paid envelopes. If you find a game you want to keep, just tell 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 join.

Avid gamers who are serious about their hobby can save a bundle of cash if they know where to look.