Rent Video Games: Comparing the Leading Plans

If there are two economic characteristics about video games that are more frustrating than any other, they are: 1) the relatively short usage period of most games (you play them through once); 2) and the rapidly decreasing market value of games. So all of these new releases come out, you pay top dollar for them, play them a little, and have a next-to-worthless disc on your hand.

So you start renting games from the local video store, but their selection is horrible. Plus, you've got to return the games in a couple days, so you have just enough time to tell if you'll really like the game. Luckily, for those who want to rent video games these days, the options are much more favorable.

There are now two primary rental options: a membership-based in store rental option; and a mail order video game rental option. The plan you choose depends on the amount of games you rent and if you also rent movies frequently.

rent video games

Select the factor that is most important to you:

Being able to walk into a rental store to pick up a copy of a game title

Having a huge selection of available titles

Being able to rent both video games and movies under the same membership

Having a low-cost option available

A flexible plan with unlimited rental periods

Select an option above and then click this button

Gamefly and Blockbuster are the Best Options

The two top options for rentals are Gamefly and Blockbuster Total Access.

Gamefly is the largest and most respected video game rental service, boasting an inventory of more than 6,000 games, flexible plan options, and a free trial.

Blockbuster Total Access actually fails as a service to rent video games, but gives renters the ability to walk into a local store and get discounts on video game rentals (albeit a limited selection of games) and also rent DVD's in person or through the mail under the same plan.

Strengths of Each Service

Here are several defining characteristics of these plans:

Gamefly Blockbuster
Free trial or $8.95 to start Free trial available
Two plan options: 1 or 2 games at a time for a flat monthly free Many plan options, but games are limited to in store discounts only
More than 6,000 titles Selection limited to in-store availability
Games available by mail only Games available in store only
Unlimited rental periods Defined rental periods

Getting Started is Easy

Renting video games through each service is very easy, but you'll likely choose Gamefly if you are interested in a flexible gaming plan; or Blockbuster if you want a multi-purpose movie / gaming plan, albeit with a more limited selection.

Either service can have you up and running in (literally) under 5 minutes, and both are reputable and secure ways for your to rent video games.

Blockbuster Total Access - 2 Weeks Free Trial

Note: Blockbuster offers discounted video game rentals via in store exchanges only, which are a component of the Total Access package. An in store GamePass membership is also available.