Deals For Videogame Addicts

HEY, KIDS (and 30-somethings who act like kids): If you want to play the hottest videogames available, but don't want to shell out $50 or more to own them, consider renting. You can rent videogames from online providers for as little as $13 to $15 a month — and many let you hold onto those games for as long as you like.

But are these services really cost savers? Well, that depends on how much you play. A low-grade membership costs about $180 a year. If you buy more than roughly three videogames a year, then renting might be a better deal. No, you won't own the games outright — but if you're the type who loses interest in a game once you've mastered it, does that really matter? Many services also let you buy a game you've rented at a discounted price.

SmartMoney.com © 2005 SmartMoney. SmartMoney is a joint publishing venture of Dow Jones Company, Inc. and Hearst Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved. All quotes delayed by 20 minutes. Delayed quotes provided by S&P Comstock. Historical prices and fundamental data provided by Media General Financial Services. Mutual fund data provided by Morningstar. Mutual Fund NAVs are as of previous day's close. Earnings estimates provided by Zacks Investment Research. Insider trading data provided by Thomson Financial. Upgrades and downgrades provided by Briefing.com.