GameFly is a mail-order rental service that operates like Netflix or Blockbuster Online, but specializes in video games. You can begin at $15.95 a month for one game out at a time, or $22.95 a month for two games out at a time. Currently, new signups to GameFly can get the first month for $8.95 (1 game a month) or $12.95 (2 games a month). You can go up to 4 games a month eventually.

One of the little known things to new subscribers about GameFly is its great deal on buying out a game, known as the "Keep It" option. I'll break it down on how you can really reap the benefits:

- Game boxes and manuals are in great condition:
You are mailed, with no shipping cost, the original game box and manual in like-new condition when you buy out a game. Since they don't go out with the game disc when rented, they are stored away at GameFly. GameStop used games can come in generic or damaged boxes, with poorly treated manuals. As a game collector, you're probably going to want to get your packaging in the best condition possible. I've received the boxes with the seal stickers still on them, just sliced to get your game disc to you. They are no more used looking then when you crack open your retail game for the first time.

- The best "used" game buyout program:
GameFly really wants to keep you around as a long-term subscriber. They have a "GameFly Rewards" program to keep you hooked. It breaks down like this:

Every 3 months you are a member, you get a $5 coupon good towards purchasing a game. In addition, by the 6th month you get an additional 5% off a pre-played game. Nine months into it and you get an additional 10% off a pre-played game, at Level 3.

Level 1: $5 GameFly Dollars
Level 2: $5 GameFly Dollars and 5% off pre-played game purchases
Level 3: $5 GameFly Dollars and 10% off pre-played game purchases

Stay in through Level 3, and you'll reap the rewards. Retail games that are about $59.99 will cost you about $43. That's what a game like Lost Odyssey is going for now for Level 3 members. Forget paying those $54.99 "used" prices at GameStop. Signup for a new game title before it's released and you're likely to get the game in about two days after release, in new condition. Then you can buy it out and get the rest of the packaging.

- If the game spans multiple discs, you get them all at once:
Unlike the movie mail-order services, if a game spans multiple DVD discs, they'll send them all to you. For example, via Blockbuster, for a two-disc movie like Transfomers they'll count the second disc as another mailer. It's not often that a game spans multiple discs, but Lost Odyssey (Xbox 360) gamers know that it can. That game spans four discs. GameFly will send you all four at once.

So those are some of the benefits of renting from GameFly. I'm not paid or sponsored by them. Just passing the tip from one hardcore gamer to another. Buying games retail nowadays can be very costly, especially if you're a fan of video games (which you probably are if you read GamingBits). You're probably as skeptical as I am about the game ratings system nowadays. The best way to see if a game is for you is to try it out for yourself. I usually give myself a one-week trial window. If you like it, you can keep it. That's what really matters and GameFly seems to have the best mechanism to do that today.

See more details at GameFly.com.

Press release from GameFly.

Press release:

GameFly Opens Latest Distribution Warehouse in Tampa Area

GameFly Offers Members in Southeastern States Even Quicker Shipping Times with Opening of Tampa Area Distribution Center

LOS ANGELES (February 21, 2008) - GameFly, the leading online video game rental service, today announced the official opening of a distribution center in the Tampa area. The new center will allow GameFly to more quickly serve members in the Southeast.

The new distribution center further emphasizes GameFly's commitment to ensuring member satisfaction and expedited shipping for its growing community. Initially, the distribution center will service members in Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi.

"We are continually optimizing our service to provide the best possible experience for our members," said Dave Hodess, CEO, GameFly. "The GameFly team was very strategic in selecting the location of the Tampa warehouse in order to ensure the most efficient delivery throughout the region."

"We are excited to have GameFly join the Tampa business community," said Howard Volland, FinancialServices Project Managerfor the Committee of One Hundred, Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. "This distribution center emphasizes the growing businesses in the area, and the continued economic vitality of Hillsborough County and the state of Florida."

About GameFly

GameFly™ is the leading online video game rental service. With a choice of more than 5,000 titles, GameFly offers the widest selection of games for the PlayStation® 2, PlayStation® 3, Xbox™, Xbox 360™, GameCube™, Game Boy™ Advance, Nintendo DS™, Nintendo Wii™ and PSP™ without the hassle of due dates or late fees. With plans starting at $15.95 a month, GameFly subscribers can rent one to four games at a time and keep them for as long as they like. Subscribers manage their GameQ™ online and receive games directly from the U.S. Postal Service via first class mail. GameFly is also a great source for high quality, used video games at exceptional prices. For more information and a free trial, please visit www.gamefly.com.

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