Just wanted to remind everyone that Gamefly is offering $49.99 to buy used Xbox One games with their "Keep It" option. I was notified they shipped out Forza Motorsport today for my rental and that the option was there to "Keep It". I did it and applied a $5 coupon to get it for $46.79 (tax included). Knowing that I'm the first one to get the game (since they haven't sent it out before), essentially means that I've gotten it brand new (only removed from packaging to put it in a sleeve). They are now sending me the case and booklet, etc. Show
You can use the "Keep It" option as soon as they schedule your game for shipment, you don't have to have received it yet or have had it for a period of time. In actuality, I had cancelled my Gamefly account and they offered me a free month pre-paid to stay on...so lucky for that, I guess. Might even be worth getting on a free Gamefly trial just to get some of these games early (essentially mint) for the discount.
Just thought this might be a useful reminder to some of our Gamefly users that get an Xbox One game in the first batch of rentals. Not sure if the same applies for PS4 games, but I assume it would. Theres a bar code on the disc They can charge your credit card and press charges yes This article/post contains references to products or services from one or more of our advertisers or partners. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products or services.#Spending Less GameFly: Are Game Rentals Via Snail Mail Still Worth It Today? Written by Chris Butsch | Modified date: Jun. 1, 2022 GameFly lets you rent video games by mail just like old-school Netflix for games. What are the pros and cons, is it worth it, and how can you maximize your free trial? GameFly used to be called “The Netflix of Games,” but that nickname no longer works, does it? After all, Netflix started transitioning away from shipping movies to streaming them all the way back in 2007 – they still ship DVDs, but only to my dad and maybe 11 other people. GameFly, on the other hand, has remained defiantly old school. They’ll still ship you physical copies of games, and despite the meteoric rise of digital subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Now, GameFly is still kickin’ in 2021. So what’s the deal with GameFly? Why do gamers still use it? Can it still save you money, even if you have Game Pass/PS Now? Let’s find out if GameFly is still worth it. What’s Ahead:
How does GameFly work?As mentioned, GameFly is a subscription service that lets you rent console games and movies by mail. Since you’re limited to the number of games or movies you can have out, most folks just use it for games. Anyways, here’s how GameFly works:
What does GameFly cost?GameFly’s pricing structure is a bit convoluted. As a new member, you’ll be given three options:
After your trial or intro rate expires, you’ll have two options to stay on:
Then, after two months of paid subscribing, you’ll be eligible for two optional upgrades:
Finally, once you’re subscribed, you can “downgrade” to the budget plan at any time, which costs just $8.95/month – but restricts you from renting any games released in the last four months. Most folks opt for the One-Disc Plan at $15.95 a month. But before even whipping your wallet out, let’s answer the real question on your mind: GameFly: is it worth it?To decide whether GameFly is worth it for you, let’s compare it to your other options. Here’s a quick overview table of how GameFly stacks up to Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Now, and buying games outright. PriceProsConsBuying new$59.99 (or $69.99 for next-gen titles)Keep the game foreverExpensive - not cost-effective for “trying” gamesGameFly$15.95 or $22.95 per month for 1 or 2 discs out at a time, respectivelyMost expansive rental library - includes new releases across all platforms (but PC)Shipping times mean you’ll spend ~10-14 days per month waiting for the next gameXbox Game Pass$9.99 per month, $59.99 per yearIncludes 100+ AAA and indie Xbox titles plus first-party new releases for one low priceTitles come and go - making progress in a game and having it leave Game Pass is frustratingPlayStation Now$9.99 per month, $59.99 per yearAllows you to stream 800+ PlayStation titles without having to download themPoor connection = gameplay lag, dropped connection = game over GameFly vs. buying new gamesUnless you have to own a game to enjoy it, GameFly is a mega money-saver if you like to play new-release games. After all, new games cost an eye-watering $70 now – enough to pay for over four months of GameFly. During those four months, you can comfortably rent and take your time with around seven new release games – even if you spend a whole month on a single, lengthy RPG. If you rent new releases through GameFly instead of buying them, you’ll likely save over $100 per month. Four months in, you’ll have enough savings to buy a Steam Deck! The disadvantage, of course, is that you don’t get to keep the games. But consider this: by the time you decide you like the game you’re renting, a used copy will appear on the GameFly store for $15 off – basically paying for your subscription. GameFly vs. Xbox Game PassThe competition gets a little fiercer when you compare GameFly to the “digital rental” services. First up is Xbox Game Pass, a $10 monthly subscription service that lets you download Xbox and PC games from a slowly expanding library of 100+ AAA and indie titles. Now that Microsoft releases first-party titles on Game Pass on day one, like Halo: Infinite and Forza Horizon 5, some have begun calling Game Pass the best deal in gaming. There’s no “but” here – GameFly’s value proposition is much weaker to Xbox gamers, since the best new releases on the platform typically come from Microsoft, and those games launch on Game Pass. If you’re an Xbox-exclusive gamer, I’d only recommend GameFly if the titles you want to play aren’t on Game Pass already. GameFly vs. PlayStation NowAlso for $10 a month, PlayStation Now lets you stream old PlayStation games going all the way back to the PS2 era. There are over 800 titles currently available, and even though your controller inputs have to go all the way to a remote server and back, the input delay is barely noticeable these days. That being said, there are two reasons PlayStation gamers may prefer GameFly over PlayStation Now.
Will GameFly save you money?Whether or not GameFly will save you money depends on what kind of gamer you are: GameFly can save you hundreds if…If you specifically want to play new-release games without committing $60 to $70 to a full purchase of each, GameFly is a must. As mentioned, renting one-two games per month versus buying them outright will save you $100+ per month. GameFly may not be worth it if…If you aren’t focused on new releases and are still working through a massive back catalog of games, GameFly probably isn’t worth the money. Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Now both give you instant access, letting you try several games per night versus just one to two per month with GameFly. And since used games depreciate in value like open milk, you can just buy old games you like for $5 to $20. If you’re on the fence, remember – GameFly offers one month free to help you decide! Here are some tips for helping you to maximize your free trial: How can I maximize my free trial?Maximizing the value of your free trial, and your GameFly subscription as a whole will involve a little strategy.
Once your trial expires, is it worth paying the $15.95 or $22.95? Well, let’s zoom out and look at the pros and cons of the service before deciding. GameFly: pros and consGameFly pros:
GameFly cons:
SummaryCompared to digital subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Now, GameFly is both pricier and more archaic. GameFly’s site may be modern and slick, but shipping physical discs back and forth via snail mail is decidedly 2002. However, GameFly is currently the only way to play new-release games without paying $70 a pop, so it’s a no-brainer for anyone specifically trying to save on the newest, next-gen games. Read more:
Related Tools
#SubscribeSave Your First - Or NEXT - $100,000 Sign Up for free weekly money tips to help you earn and save more We commit to never sharing or selling your personal information. About the authorTotal Articles: 195 Chris ButschTotal Articles: 195 Chris helps people under 30 prosper - both financially and emotionally. In addition to publishing personal finance advice, Chris speaks on the topics of positive psychology and leadership. For speaking inquiries, check out his CAMPUSPEAK page, connect with him on Instagram, or watch his TEDx talk. Read more from this author
You can trust the integrity of our balanced, independent financial advice. We may, however, receive compensation from the issuers of some products mentioned in this article. Opinions are the author's alone. This content has not been provided by, reviewed, approved or endorsed by any advertiser, unless otherwise noted below. |