How can you be sure you’re getting the lowest price on video games? It used to be that renting video games was a great solution and as cheap and easy as visiting your local movie rental store. However passionate gamers who rent many video games at one time found how quickly those rental fees can add up. Include the heart ache of failing to return a bundle of games by the due date and you’ll find that the late fees can really cost you.

Here are some helpful hints for getting the best deal on games or video game rentals.

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

Video Game Review Sites – Generally web sites offering video game reviews include game details, ESRB ratings, available systems, even actual gameplay footage. Check out the video graphics online first. You may find the game is overly violent for your tastes or unacceptable for your young children, even if the ESRB ratings indicate it’s age-appropriate.

Don’t Pay Full Price – With online discount companies like eBay and Amazon, there’s simply no reason to pay full price ever again. Many times you’ll find games for DS on sale by looking at these companies first.

Rent Games Online – Many companies offer online game rentals for a small monthly fee. Members choose from over 6000 of the latest games, delivered right to their home, can hold them as long as they want, never pay late fees for keeping them too long, and return games to the company with pre-paid envelopes. If you find a game you like, simply tell the company and you can keep it for a small fee. A few vendors offer a free trial period. Check them out to see how their program works before you join.

Gamers who are serious about their hobby can save a ton of cash when they know how to look.