You've finally decided that your little one is old enough or deserved of a video game system… then again maybe it’s for you. Whatever the reason, you have decisions to make… PlayStation 2, Xbox or GameCube. The prices have come down dramatically, with all systems falling basically within the same price lines. You scrimp and save and save and scrimp to get whatever system you decide on, only to find that a new, in-demand video game release can cost upwards of $50.00.

It seems the game manufacturers have taken a lead from the printer companies hoping that if they bring down the costs of the main hardware you will become addicted and spend much more on the peripherals (i.e. games, add-ons, on-line service, etc…). You buy 3 games and you have almost paid for the system! You might also tire of the game in a few weeks and it becomes relegated to a cardboard box in your closet. Nice way to store fifty bucks.

If you think you can beat the system and rent games from your local video store, you’ve played right into their trap. Figure roughly $7.99-$9.99/week to rent. That’s $40.00/month… almost cheaper to buy. Add late fees (particularly to a popular game that one doesn’t want to or can’t return), time spent driving to and from the store and you soon realize it’s not much of an alternative.

Enter GameFly.com. Once you join you get unlimited game rentals for the flat fee of $21.95/month. You create a list of all rentals you want called your Game Q. They will ship the first two. Use one, return it in it’s prepaid envelope and they will ship the next game on your Q. I’ve found the turnover is very fast, normally a couple of days. If you decide to keep it longer, don’t worry… no late fees. You can hold two games at any given time. You get unlimited game rentals for one flat membership fee. 

Parents are aware of your little one's attention span. A game that is cool today is in the trash tomorrow. Nice way to spend $50.00... NAUGHT! Why not try out a game for a week and see if it peaks your kid's interest? With this service it won't cost you any more. If you decide this is a must have game, it can be purchased at a reduced, pre-played rate (usually between $25 and $29 instead of the retail $50.00). If you decide to purchase, all the relevant packaging, i.e. boxes and inserts are sent and you keep the game. You still retain the 2 games in your "Q" allowing you to continue playing other games. This is a great way to test game parameters, play multiple games at any time and get a good discount if you purchase!

It should be noted that rental stores are now offering monthly passes at their stores. I just saw that a large chain, whose name rhymes with “shlockmuster”, is offering a deal for $19.99/month. On the surface it appears to be unlimited rentals. The difference is that “shlockmuster” offers only one game out at a time, not two. Plus you have to drive there and spend time… not just go to your mailbox.

FamilyMatters.tv is concerned, as are most parents, about the graphic nature of some video games. GameFly.com has taken this into account and has placed parental controls on their site. If you don't want games accessible that are rated T (Teen) or M (Mature), only click your mouse and those titles are not shown or processed (something not available at stores). That gets a big nod of approval from us.

So let’s review:

• Two games out at a time
• No due dates and no late fees
• Free shipping (in prepaid envelopes)
• Hundreds of games, available when you want to rent them
• All systems supported
• Parental Controls
• Option to buy at a reduced rate
• Free 10 day trial

If you're into gaming, this seems like a no-brainer: GameFly.com