Comments on: Video Games and Frugality http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:56:16 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: *ds http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/comment-page-2/#comment-468197 *ds Thu, 08 Jan 2009 02:01:55 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/#comment-468197 Use swaptree.com. You can trade books, cd's, dvd's, and most video game formats for the cost of postage. They have tons of ds titles. Use swaptree.com.

You can trade books, cd’s, dvd’s, and most video game formats for the cost of postage.

They have tons of ds titles.

]]> By: ddcaz http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/comment-page-2/#comment-175851 ddcaz Thu, 07 Feb 2008 06:24:31 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/#comment-175851 Two frugal videogame tips: * Instead of buying a DS case, i asked my grandmother to knit one for me. I just told her to pick the colors and showed her the DS. There's two benefits to this: didnt buy a case, and got granny-lovin'. * I buy most of my VG on craigslist. If you look regularly you can find good deals. There's a good chance that you get to sell it for more than what you bought it in the first place. We bought a wii + super mario galaxy with my roommates, played it for a month and a half, finished it, sold it, and earned a few bucks each (around 20$) meanwhile. Two frugal videogame tips:

* Instead of buying a DS case, i asked my grandmother to knit one for me. I just told her to pick the colors and showed her the DS. There’s two benefits to this: didnt buy a case, and got granny-lovin’.

* I buy most of my VG on craigslist. If you look regularly you can find good deals. There’s a good chance that you get to sell it for more than what you bought it in the first place. We bought a wii + super mario galaxy with my roommates, played it for a month and a half, finished it, sold it, and earned a few bucks each (around 20$) meanwhile.

]]> By: Andrea http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/comment-page-2/#comment-173104 Andrea Mon, 04 Feb 2008 17:07:22 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/#comment-173104 Forgive me if this frugal option was already mentioned, but what about checking out games from the library? I realize that not everyone has this option, but we are quite fortunate in northeast Indiana to have a _fabulous_ library system that has games for all kinds of systems. For us it's free, just like books, and you get the game for 7 days, non-renewable. That is enough time to determine if we should invest in buying the game, and to have some fun with it, too. I, too, have appreciated Metacritic's analyses of games, and have also used Common Sense Media to find age-appropriate games for the kids. Trent, I love the blog! Keep on truckin'!! Forgive me if this frugal option was already mentioned, but what about checking out games from the library? I realize that not everyone has this option, but we are quite fortunate in northeast Indiana to have a _fabulous_ library system that has games for all kinds of systems. For us it’s free, just like books, and you get the game for 7 days, non-renewable. That is enough time to determine if we should invest in buying the game, and to have some fun with it, too. I, too, have appreciated Metacritic’s analyses of games, and have also used Common Sense Media to find age-appropriate games for the kids. Trent, I love the blog! Keep on truckin’!!

]]> By: Colin Joss http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/comment-page-2/#comment-165884 Colin Joss Mon, 28 Jan 2008 06:13:49 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/#comment-165884 Ben, You are right. websudoku.com is as addictive as the paper version :) The best part about the web is no additional hardware required. We just need to use our Web Browser. Thank's Colin Joss East Lothian, Haddington United Kingdom Ben,

You are right. websudoku.com is as addictive as the paper version :)

The best part about the web is no additional hardware required. We just need to use our Web Browser.

Thank’s

Colin Joss
East Lothian, Haddington
United Kingdom

]]> By: Colin Joss http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/comment-page-2/#comment-164367 Colin Joss Sat, 26 Jan 2008 02:09:44 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/#comment-164367 Hi J., I couldn't agree more with your opinion. Although it is used games, we usually risk our self of losing some optimum satisfaction for those game in package. We'd rather save on shipping instead. Hi J.,

I couldn’t agree more with your opinion. Although it is used games, we usually risk our self of losing some optimum satisfaction for those game in package. We’d rather save on shipping instead.

]]> By: AnKa http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/comment-page-2/#comment-162956 AnKa Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:26:54 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/#comment-162956 Trent, if you're plugging sudokus as a worthwhile use of videogames, may I suggest free websudoku.com? (warning, it's addictive) If you're honest, video games might be used for intellectual stimulation, but their primary purpose is entertainment I would say. To me, it's perfectly fine to say 'I like biking (or whatever). I find it perfectly acceptable to drop $X on a bike just because I want to and I get satisfaction out of it'. The cost per hour of enjoyment on my newest bike is still in the tens, I would say. So what? Not everything has to be frugalized or rationalized. PS: I made laundry detergent and love it. Thanks for that suggestion. Trent, if you’re plugging sudokus as a worthwhile use of videogames, may I suggest free websudoku.com? (warning, it’s addictive)
If you’re honest, video games might be used for intellectual stimulation, but their primary purpose is entertainment I would say. To me, it’s perfectly fine to say ‘I like biking (or whatever). I find it perfectly acceptable to drop $X on a bike just because I want to and I get satisfaction out of it’. The cost per hour of enjoyment on my newest bike is still in the tens, I would say. So what? Not everything has to be frugalized or rationalized.

PS: I made laundry detergent and love it. Thanks for that suggestion.

]]> By: J. http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/comment-page-2/#comment-162760 J. Thu, 24 Jan 2008 06:55:42 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/#comment-162760 I find that most of the game stores have terrible prices on used games, especially the most popular ones. My local Gamestops often sell used games for the GC & Wii for more than they go for new at the Target in the same shopping center! My favorite place to get used games, by far, is half.com... I like to grab several well-reviewed titles at once to save on shipping. I've learned to avoid game collections, though. You may think 'hey, 5 games for the price of 2 that I want anyway!' ... they know that, and package some real junkers with the gems. I find that most of the game stores have terrible prices on used games, especially the most popular ones. My local Gamestops often sell used games for the GC & Wii for more than they go for new at the Target in the same shopping center!

My favorite place to get used games, by far, is half.com… I like to grab several well-reviewed titles at once to save on shipping.

I’ve learned to avoid game collections, though. You may think ‘hey, 5 games for the price of 2 that I want anyway!’ … they know that, and package some real junkers with the gems.

]]> By: Colin Joss http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/comment-page-2/#comment-162673 Colin Joss Thu, 24 Jan 2008 04:03:27 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/#comment-162673 The fundamental issue of achieving most frugality into interractive hobby like video games, is to improve your power of imagination. I did this and have managed to stick with my PS1 and avoided purchasing a PS2 & PS3. Colin Joss East Lothian, Haddington United Kingdom The fundamental issue of achieving most frugality into interractive hobby like video games, is to improve your power of imagination. I did this and have managed to stick with my PS1 and avoided purchasing a PS2 & PS3.

Colin Joss
East Lothian, Haddington
United Kingdom

]]> By: Jon http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/comment-page-2/#comment-162494 Jon Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:47:16 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/#comment-162494 If you already own a PC, a game like World of Warcraft can be a great value despite the fact that is has a monthly fee. I can guarantee I play more than 13-15 hours a month thus meeting a $1/hr. value goal. If you already own a PC, a game like World of Warcraft can be a great value despite the fact that is has a monthly fee. I can guarantee I play more than 13-15 hours a month thus meeting a $1/hr. value goal.

]]> By: Laptop http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/comment-page-2/#comment-162097 Laptop Wed, 23 Jan 2008 09:02:37 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/#comment-162097 You can play video games on laptops also. The idea is that you can play anywhere is a seat or a table. :) You can play video games on laptops also. The idea is that you can play anywhere is a seat or a table. :)

]]> By: Ryan http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/comment-page-2/#comment-161918 Ryan Wed, 23 Jan 2008 02:48:15 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/#comment-161918 Dave Diller, The 360 has all of those games plus Halo and Gears. And I'm not sure it's accurate to compare Xbox LIVE and Playstation Network, I don't currently have either, but I've read that LIVE is far superior. And you can usually find a 12 month subscription for under $50.00. The Blu-ray player is a sizable advantage, but Microsoft can always release a add on blu ray player when they feel it's necessary. Not trying to bash the PS3, but I think the 360 is the better value. While the PS3 does have wifi, bluray, and possibly a bigger HDD, I think games are the most important thing on a gaming system. Dave Diller,

The 360 has all of those games plus Halo and Gears. And I’m not sure it’s accurate to compare Xbox LIVE and Playstation Network, I don’t currently have either, but I’ve read that LIVE is far superior. And you can usually find a 12 month subscription for under $50.00.

The Blu-ray player is a sizable advantage, but Microsoft can always release a add on blu ray player when they feel it’s necessary.

Not trying to bash the PS3, but I think the 360 is the better value. While the PS3 does have wifi, bluray, and possibly a bigger HDD, I think games are the most important thing on a gaming system.

]]> By: Trent http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/comment-page-2/#comment-161774 Trent Tue, 22 Jan 2008 22:19:58 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/#comment-161774 Christian: the same old boring takes on personal finance are just that, boring. I try to regularly look at things differently and think through details - it's enjoyable and often revelatory for me and apparently enjoyable for others, too. Christian: the same old boring takes on personal finance are just that, boring. I try to regularly look at things differently and think through details – it’s enjoyable and often revelatory for me and apparently enjoyable for others, too.

]]> By: Christian http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/comment-page-2/#comment-161756 Christian Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:50:38 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/#comment-161756 Great post Trent. Long time reader, first time commenter. Three things. First I want to plug pen-and-paper D&D. By your proposed metric it is the ultimate entertainment and intellectual value! (Or even better, Castles & Crusades, the resurrection of old-school D&D gaming.) If you have to go to silicone, I will simply note that my monthly gaming bill has actually gone down since I started playing world of warcraft. Haven't bought a single title since early 2006. Second, I think you have a serious blindspot when it comes to TV, but maybe you are really arguing that you shouldn't plant yourself for 8 hours day in front of the tube. Surely drama, comedy, tragicomedy, farce, all of the elements of the classical theater, are present on TV (and in movies, which one can watch on TV.) You wouldn't argue that Shakespeare, Tennesee Williams, Kushner and Mamet are not worthwhile would you? It's the message, not the medium, that counts. Finally, and I write the following with the greatest fondness and respect for you and your blog, I propose that one cannot disregard the massive value of The Simple Dollar itself. Trent, you are a wise, strange man! I've learned more about personal finance from you than I did my own family and your blog has changed my life, really. But in what style! We get to read about your deep frugal logic upon scrutinizing a rust spot on your bumper. We get to read about your exacting, almost frightening financial self-actualization (isn't there a post where you took like three days to analyze all of the daily/monthly/yearly tasks that you have, and then ruthlessly cut out everything that wasn't necessary?) We get to read an awesome home-made hot chocolate recipe that happens to be accompanied by a detailed argument regarding its economy. I conceive of Trent as part Ned Flanders, part Inspector Gadget, part Ben Stein, and part Rooster Cogburn. Few of us can say our dads taught us so much. Or were so dotty! You are a truly eccentric fellow my friend but that's what makes your posts so much fun to read! Great post Trent. Long time reader, first time commenter. Three things. First I want to plug pen-and-paper D&D. By your proposed metric it is the ultimate entertainment and intellectual value! (Or even better, Castles & Crusades, the resurrection of old-school D&D gaming.) If you have to go to silicone, I will simply note that my monthly gaming bill has actually gone down since I started playing world of warcraft. Haven’t bought a single title since early 2006.

Second, I think you have a serious blindspot when it comes to TV, but maybe you are really arguing that you shouldn’t plant yourself for 8 hours day in front of the tube. Surely drama, comedy, tragicomedy, farce, all of the elements of the classical theater, are present on TV (and in movies, which one can watch on TV.) You wouldn’t argue that Shakespeare, Tennesee Williams, Kushner and Mamet are not worthwhile would you? It’s the message, not the medium, that counts.

Finally, and I write the following with the greatest fondness and respect for you and your blog, I propose that one cannot disregard the massive value of The Simple Dollar itself. Trent, you are a wise, strange man! I’ve learned more about personal finance from you than I did my own family and your blog has changed my life, really.

But in what style! We get to read about your deep frugal logic upon scrutinizing a rust spot on your bumper. We get to read about your exacting, almost frightening financial self-actualization (isn’t there a post where you took like three days to analyze all of the daily/monthly/yearly tasks that you have, and then ruthlessly cut out everything that wasn’t necessary?) We get to read an awesome home-made hot chocolate recipe that happens to be accompanied by a detailed argument regarding its economy. I conceive of Trent as part Ned Flanders, part Inspector Gadget, part Ben Stein, and part Rooster Cogburn. Few of us can say our dads taught us so much. Or were so dotty!

You are a truly eccentric fellow my friend but that’s what makes your posts so much fun to read!

]]> By: Adam http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/comment-page-2/#comment-161705 Adam Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:09:12 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/#comment-161705 Hi Trent, first time I've actually stopped in here, though I see you quoted lot's elsewhere. As a gamer trying to pay for a wedding and having other financial responsibilities as well, this post struck a definite chord with me. Also, seems that we buy similar DS games :) With that in mind, just thought I'd recommend a few more. Age of Empires: Age of Kings - Turn based strategy, a la Advance Wars. You should be able to pick this up for cheap. I got a new copy from Costco for $18 this past summer. Meteos - very addictive puzzle game, can go from pick up for 2 minutes to play for an hour Puzzle Quest - Bejeweled meets RPG, turns out suprisingly well. Enjoy! Hi Trent, first time I’ve actually stopped in here, though I see you quoted lot’s elsewhere.

As a gamer trying to pay for a wedding and having other financial responsibilities as well, this post struck a definite chord with me. Also, seems that we buy similar DS games :)

With that in mind, just thought I’d recommend a few more.

Age of Empires: Age of Kings – Turn based strategy, a la Advance Wars. You should be able to pick this up for cheap. I got a new copy from Costco for $18 this past summer.

Meteos – very addictive puzzle game, can go from pick up for 2 minutes to play for an hour

Puzzle Quest – Bejeweled meets RPG, turns out suprisingly well.

Enjoy!

]]> By: Simon http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/comment-page-2/#comment-161701 Simon Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:04:06 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/#comment-161701 With the handheld systems, there is very little need to EVER buy games at all. There are select individuals out there who dedicate there time to "hack" handheld systems and provide free games throughout the web. My cousin owns a Nintendo DS and he says that he gets free games with the "R4". I own a PSP and I also tweaked my handheld so that I can play "ISOs", which are pretty much all the data inside a game. I even get games online that haven't released!! On the other hand, this practice does compromise one's integrity as opposed to actually purchasing the game from the store. But, when compared to the financial benefits, I'd say screw it. With the handheld systems, there is very little need to EVER buy games at all. There are select individuals out there who dedicate there time to “hack” handheld systems and provide free games throughout the web. My cousin owns a Nintendo DS and he says that he gets free games with the “R4″. I own a PSP and I also tweaked my handheld so that I can play “ISOs”, which are pretty much all the data inside a game. I even get games online that haven’t released!!

On the other hand, this practice does compromise one’s integrity as opposed to actually purchasing the game from the store. But, when compared to the financial benefits, I’d say screw it.

]]> By: Marcy http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/comment-page-2/#comment-161691 Marcy Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:42:55 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/#comment-161691 We have 2 boys who both have DS's that we bought used, and between them approximately 7 DS/GBA games, all but 1 purchased used. For our household I would estimate we've sunk ~$350 total into systems and games in the past year, and the boys (ages 8 & 6) have played countless hours. At that age, there is a lot of repetitive play of favorites (Pokemon, Yu-gi-oh, etc) and learning to "talk" to each other on the DS communication system, which to me as a parent is a "safe" way to learn the babysteps of social networking for elementary kids. They get a lot of enjoyment doing that with each other! We have 2 boys who both have DS’s that we bought used, and between them approximately 7 DS/GBA games, all but 1 purchased used. For our household I would estimate we’ve sunk ~$350 total into systems and games in the past year, and the boys (ages 8 & 6) have played countless hours. At that age, there is a lot of repetitive play of favorites (Pokemon, Yu-gi-oh, etc) and learning to “talk” to each other on the DS communication system, which to me as a parent is a “safe” way to learn the babysteps of social networking for elementary kids. They get a lot of enjoyment doing that with each other!

]]> By: Trent http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/comment-page-2/#comment-161666 Trent Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:46:30 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/#comment-161666 Most of this game play was done in little spurts, not in big doses - at doctor's visits while sitting in the waiting room, on airline flights, on boring evenings stuck alone in a hotel room while on a business trip, while sitting on a step waiting for a bus, on a bus ride, and so on. A DS fits spectacularly in a pocket. Most of this game play was done in little spurts, not in big doses – at doctor’s visits while sitting in the waiting room, on airline flights, on boring evenings stuck alone in a hotel room while on a business trip, while sitting on a step waiting for a bus, on a bus ride, and so on. A DS fits spectacularly in a pocket.

]]> By: 2007 Discretionary Spending: The Highs and Lows ∞ Get Rich Slowly http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/comment-page-1/#comment-161653 2007 Discretionary Spending: The Highs and Lows ∞ Get Rich Slowly Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:30:38 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/#comment-161653 [...] This number ballooned last year despite reduced spending on CDs, DVDs, and movies. I went through a bowling phase early in the year; Kris and I attended the opera; I bought some concert tickets (The Black Angels and my favorite band, The Decemberists, who play in Portland tomorrow night). But the real culprit was my Nintendo Wii. I’ve only purchased a few games so far, but “a few games” add up. This gives me additional incentive to keep my video game spending low. [...] [...] This number ballooned last year despite reduced spending on CDs, DVDs, and movies. I went through a bowling phase early in the year; Kris and I attended the opera; I bought some concert tickets (The Black Angels and my favorite band, The Decemberists, who play in Portland tomorrow night). But the real culprit was my Nintendo Wii. I’ve only purchased a few games so far, but “a few games” add up. This gives me additional incentive to keep my video game spending low. [...]

]]> By: NoDebtPlan http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/comment-page-1/#comment-161650 NoDebtPlan Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:25:25 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/#comment-161650 I look at video games the same way -- except I'm a PC gamer. This clouds the picture because the computer is used for more than just gaming. I recently bought Team Fortress 2 for $29.99 online. It is fantastic. The best part is it tracks your statistics, including play time for each class of the game. I've almost played a full 29 hours thus far, and I've had it for about a month. I look at video games the same way — except I’m a PC gamer. This clouds the picture because the computer is used for more than just gaming.

I recently bought Team Fortress 2 for $29.99 online. It is fantastic. The best part is it tracks your statistics, including play time for each class of the game. I’ve almost played a full 29 hours thus far, and I’ve had it for about a month.

]]> By: Kat http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/comment-page-1/#comment-161646 Kat Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:18:17 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/01/21/video-games-and-frugality/#comment-161646 @ Dave- you can actually play some of the Wii games online. We play Mario Striker all the time online with friends and family. It is quite fun. I am sure there are other games, but we have a small game collection at the moment. I love the Brain Age for the Wii. Everytime we show it to people, they think the games are easy and are for kids. But they really do make you think and use all parts of your brain. @ Dave- you can actually play some of the Wii games online. We play Mario Striker all the time online with friends and family. It is quite fun. I am sure there are other games, but we have a small game collection at the moment.

I love the Brain Age for the Wii. Everytime we show it to people, they think the games are easy and are for kids. But they really do make you think and use all parts of your brain.

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