How can you be sure you’re getting the best deals 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 discovered how fast the rental fees can add up. If you include the heartache of failing to return a bunch of games on time and you’ll find that the late fees can really hurt.

Here are some helpful ideas for getting the best deals on video games and game rentals.

First, ask your local library. Most offer free video game rentals to the community. You probably paid for their selections with your property taxes so you might as well get your money’s worth.

Game Review Sites – Generally web sites offering video game reviews include game details, ESRB ratings, available platforms, even actual game footage. Check out the video graphics online first. You might find the game is too violent for your appetite or unacceptable for your small children, even though the ESRB ratings indicate it’s age-appropriate.

Never Pay Retail – With online discount websites like eBay and Amazon, there is simply no reason to pay retail ever again. Many times you’ll find games for XBox 360 on sale by checking these websites first.

Rent Video Games Online – Several companies offer online game rentals for one small monthly fee. Members select from over 6000 of the most popular games, delivered right to their mailbox, can hold 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 fee. Some companies include a free trial period. Check them out to verify how the service works before you join.

Avid gamers who are serious about their passion can save a ton of cash when they know where to look.