Most news headlines serve as a daily reminder of the current economic crisis. So, it can be hard (and expensive) to be a gaming enthusiast. It may be even harder for sports gamers, as the genre features annual titles that retain very little value. To help, here are five tips to help maximize your gaming dollar.

1. Game and Trade

For years, I traded games at my local Gamestop and did not care how much I got back. I figured that any money I got in exchange for a game that I would never play again was worth it. While this may be technically correct, I soon figured out it was hardly fair. I once witnessed an employee take my game, credit me with $10, print a new sticker with a used price of $55, and stick it on the shelf. Thus, 30 seconds of work resulted in a potential Gamestop profit of $45.

Now when I am finished with a game, I turn to Goozex, the Web's most reputable game-trading site. Instead of cash, you get points back that can be used to purchase games from other users. It is a pretty slick system that takes most of the work and anxiety out of trading your used games.

It does rely on supply and demand, so there is no "guaranteed" credit like Gamestop will give you. If no one wants your old game, it could sit in your offer list for a while. That said, the games hold their value much longer. Madden 09 (360) will get you $17 at Gamestop. On Goozex, it trades for 900 points, equivalent to $45. You do have to wait your turn for the system to make you a match, but there are currently 145 potential "buyers" for 119 "suppliers."

It also costs $1 for every game that you receive through a trade (not too bad).

Of course, places like eBay and Gamestop still serve as hubs for selling games that you no longer want. Exploring and using all available options can alleviate the regret of buying a title that later becomes a $60 coaster.

Before you trade your game in, you might want to go for back to back Stanley Cups.

2. Update Your Old Games

Some games, and some outside technology, allow you to simply update rosters. While you will not get the flashy features found in the new titles, you will have current rosters (and sometimes uniforms, stadiums, etc.) to play with, all for a fraction of the price.

The best examples of this deal with the way the community has handled NFL 2K5 and MVP Baseball 2005. I have used the OS forums to find updated rosters for these games, and then an Xbox "Action Replay" device to get them in the game. A transfer kit for the Xbox 360 or a USB drive for the PS3 are the best ways to do something similar on the current-gen consoles.

The PC version of MVP 2005 has seen a great deal of mods that have kept the title almost as fresh as any newly produced baseball game. And new games, like College Hoops 2K8 and NCAA Football 09, have built in file sharing that removes a lot of the technical requirements.

3. Renting Is Still an Option

Certainly not a mind-blowing tip, but definitely a way to save money. Still, you need to weigh your options when choosing where and how often to rent.

Sites like Gamefly will often give you unlimited rentals during a month, but at a regular and recurring fee (starting at $15.95). The flexibility is good, but you may wait for new games. An eye must be kept on the turnaround time for games in the mail -- mine has always been good.

You also need to evaluate how long you play games, and figure out if you play one game exclusively or switch between titles. In addition, you need to think about if you care about not owning a game. After all, at the end of the year, you may spend at least $190 and have nothing but your experiences to show for it.

Still, if you actually think long and hard about buying all of the games you rent, you will still most likely save a great deal of money. And should you want to keep a game, Gamefly's "keep it" for a fixed price procedure is pretty painless.

I tend to avoid the brick and mortar rental stores because the prices, selection and due dates seem to be lacking compared to online options. In other words, someone needs to create a game version of Redbox.

Joining an online dynasty with other OSers is a great way to prolong NCAA Football 09.

4. Join a League

When the latest version of a game becomes stale, try joining an online league. Competing against a human opponent instead of the computer may be just the twist you need to refresh your faith in so-and-so game.

Some games have many options and variables when it comes to playing in an online league. All-Pro Football, NHL 09 and Out of the Park Baseball have strong online communities and various ways to play and administrate a league. So, your initial $40-60 investment may seem like nothing after months of online scouting, playing, trading and drafting.

5. Be Like a Grandmother on Black Friday

If you scour the Web, you will find many communities of smart shoppers looking to save a dollar on games. Often, the deals are slim: free shipping, $5 off, etc. Other times, you may be directed to a local store where the game you have been coveting has inexplicably been put on clearance.

Last fall, I was able to find the PS3 game Eye of Judgment on clearance at Target for $25. What made it a steal was the fact that the game came with the Playstation Eye Camera, which alone retails for $40. Similarly, I found Head Coach 09 at Walmart for $10.

The sites I frequent are slickdeals.net, cheapassgamer.com and fatwallet.com, but there are others out there. It is actually fun to find the game you want for the cheapest price -- although I occasionally fall into the trap of buying something cheap that I do not really want.


These are all pretty commonsensical suggestions, but in combination with each other, they may be enough to keep you gaming through some hard times. What do you do to keep sports gaming affordable?