Online Video Game Rental - GameFly
From LoveToKnow VideoGames
In the world of online video game rentals, a few services stand out above the rest. Among these, GameFly seems to be the best-known online game rental company. Their selection is huge, covering the Xbox, PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360, GameCube, Game Boy Advance and PlayStation Portable (PSP). You'll find over 2,500 video games at your disposal on GameFly's website. But what is the service really like? Will it take weeks to get your games? Is the price worth the hassle? We took the plunge and tried GameFly's service. Find the full scoop on GameFly's online video game rental here at LoveToKnow.
Online Video Game Rental - GameFly
GameFly operates on a simple plan: unlimited video game rentals from a large selection of video games. Monthly subscription fees cover all shipping costs and you can rent as many games as you like. However, depending on your subscription plan, you have a limit of number of games you can have at once (games in the process of shipping are considered "out").
The service works something like this:
- Sign up with GameFly.
- Choose your game(s) and place them in your queue.
- GameFly ships the video games to your address almost immediately. Depending on the plan you are signed up for, up to four video games can be out at once.
- Receive the video game and play to your heart's content. No late fees, return the game only when you are ready.
- When you want to rent another video game, slide the game in the envelope and drop it in the mail. If your post office participates in the "Fast Return" system, then the next item in your queue is automatically shipped to you once your return has been scanned by the post office. If your post office does not participate in the "Fast Return" system, then the next item in your queue is automatically shipped to you when GameFly receives the returned game.
- Repeat until the end of time.
Online Video Game Rental Plans
GameFly offers three different online video game rental plans. The prices are staggered and the only change is number of games you can have at once. These fees are monthly and offer unlimited rentals and free shipping.
- $14.95 - One game at a time.
- $21.95 - Two games at once. This is the most popular online video game rental plan.
- $28.95 - Three games at once. This plan is only available to users in good standing with GameFly for at least two months.
- $35.95 - Four games out at once; available only to long-term GameFly subscribers in good standing for approximately 30 months.
GameFly - The Results
GameFly's service is certainly one to be reckoned with. Their selection of games is enormous and covers all current video game systems. Even the handheld consoles are here, something few other online video game rental stores can boast about. GameFly has also added UMD movies for the PSP to their lineup, another rarity in the online video game rental world.
But renting video games from GameFly does have one drawback: shipping times. At the time of this writing (early 2006), GameFly has only one video game warehouse in the United States in southern California. Wait times have recently improved, however, because of the "Fast Return" system, in which the next game in your queue is shipped out as soon as the postal service has scanned your return into their system. Without the "Fast Return" system, video gamers in the rest of North America may have long waiting times for shipping their games across the country. This can significantly cut into the number of games you can rent each month, making GameFly a more expensive alternative to brick and mortar video game rental stores. If you're near California, the turnaround time for shipping is only about two days. Elsewhere, if your nearest post office does not use the "Fast Return" system, it can be as many as seven.
Luckily, GameFly gives users a 10 day trial period free of charge. You will need a credit card to sign up for this trial, but you won't be charged unless you decide to continue the service. Use this time to gauge GameFly's shipping speeds and determine if the service is worth your time and money. If shipping is fast, or if your local post office uses the "Fast Return" system, GameFly is a great deal for your gaming desires. Otherwise, stick with the local store.
Bottom line: An all-around great service if the "Fast Return" system is available, or if you live close enough to California to get fast shipping results.
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Comments
I joined and was happy at first, but that changed. I returned my 2 games that I had rented. The next day I canceled because I did not need the service. They sent an email saying that the needed the games within 7 days. They received them within 7 days but I accidently sent a wrong disc in one of the sleeves. They contated me and I asked what to do. They said that they would send me my game and a sleeve for me send them theirs back. Then I got an email that they wanted to charge my account for not returning the game. I had not recieved my game or the sleeve yet and emailed back explaining what was going on and asked what else I was supposed to do. They said nothing and that the email was forwarded to customer service. I just got the sleeve sat in the mail. the following Monday I put it in the mail for them. The next day they charged me for the game. How I could have gotten it to them faster I am not sure. Not only did they charge me but they charged me a higher rate than what was offered while I had the service to buy the game for. So... they now have my game, their game, and my money but they don't see what the problem is. The company is way to disorganized to do business and if you value your money you sould not do business with gamefly.
-- Contributed by: ToddRight on review. Gamefly rocks. A little out of date on a few points though. As you say, their selection is enormous and covers all major consoles...they now claim 5000+ titles, including psp movies. Also their costs have increase by $1 across all plans. But you have to factor in their rewards that decreases your overall costs the longer you're a member and the more you play.
Also, shipping time has improved measurably since mid 2007 after they opened a new distribution center in Pittsburgh, PA. News reports additional centers coming soon in TX, and I also heard Tampa, FL. So you don't have to be a Californian to completely enjoy the service anymore. Even without fast return ships times are very manageable these days and are only going to get better.
GameFly is definitely cheaper than buying these days. With new games at $60+, four new games cost about the same as a 2-game play for a year. Plus, you can expand your horizons by "demo-ing" any game and if you don't like it, send it right back.
Also, one of their best features, not mentioned here, is their "Keep It" option where you can opt to buy rented games at a discount. Lately, I've bought a few new releases that looked brand new, such as Bioshock for $40. They ship purchased games for free.
Bottom line: An all-around great service with lots of great perks and features. Game On!
-- Contributed by: CharlesThis page has been accessed 2,688 times. This page was last modified 22:42, 23 October 2006.
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