New vs. used games, does it really matter ?

[SantoUno]

So I just bought Prototype, it cost 39.99 USD new, while it cost 5 dollars less used. Although I could have saved like 5 dollars, I didn't think it was much of a difference. Seriously, if I don't have the original case and booklet it feels less satisfying than owning a new copy. Also, it may seem insignificant, but I hate buying used games from Gamestop and then having to try and rip off the used stickers, they stick too well to the plastic and leave marks. Lastly, I hate the fact that although I paid for a new game, it was already fucking opened, the case was slightly worn and the goddamn disk itself had small light scratches.

Do you think it is worth buying the new or used games if they are only around 5 dollars (US prices) cheaper or more expensive? Which do you prefer if the difference in price is that small?

 

[Vanguard_Ex]

New. I know it doesn't make that much of a difference, but, I just don't want the hassle of having to return the disc if it's too fucked. Which I had to do with my preowned copy of ME1...

 

[Generator]

I've always felt the same way about "New vs. Used games". $5 isn't really that big a deal, especially if you're getting the original case, with no stupid impossibly-sticky stickers to rip off and the manual. Plus, buying new games helps the developers, whereas buying used games simply funds Gamestop, a store which I have a grave disrespect for, simply because renting a game for a month actually costs less money than buying one of theirs and then selling it back.

 

[Heart of Darkness]

I prefer going new. I like having the instruction manual and a as-close-to-pristine case as possible even though neither means a whole lot. Besides, I like getting a game that is more likely to work and has a lesser chance of having some foreign object (i.e., milk) introduced into it.

 

[Calobi]

I almost always buy new. The only time I don't is if I've spent a good deal of time looking and the only copies to be had are used. This holds true for all the media I own. All my books are new (even textbooks, which cost an arm and a leg) and my DVDs are all fresh from the package when I first watch them. I have no idea why, but there's something about being the original owner of something that I think outweighs the cost. I also tend to keep them forever, so it's nice to know that any damage that comes to it is my fault and I can see how well/poorly I've treated things.

 

[rockingnic]

I prefer new because you get everything and the disc is untouched and also the feeling that you own the game is much better. There is nothing proud of owning a used game besides the fact you either look for deals, are too poor to afford new or both. Also I like supporting developers I love.

 

[Pimppeter2]

I've never bought a used game. Simply, used games don't support the developer. When i buy a game, it means its a damned good one and I want the developer to make more.

 

[Daniel Cygnus]

I'll usually try to buy used, just because it's cheaper. I'll but new if it comes with fancy stuff that I'll like (RE5's Collector's Edition, for example).

 

[Bluesclues]

I agree with everyone else. I guess in a strange way it's more special to originally own the game and open up the fresh packaging and just have that feeling of "this is mine." You don't get that feeling with used, for the reasons mentioned above by previous people. So, yeah, new is usually the choice, unless it's a discontinued game I suppose.

 

[Rofl-Mayo]

Doesn't matter to me so long as the game works.

 

[Undercover]

I prefer to buy new myself, mostly because I've had too many hassles from used games that otherwise look fine not working on my machine because of some microscopic scratch, or perhaps the previous owner spilled something on it, etc.

But at the same time, I've bought used games that were in perfect condition with the manuals and jewel cases (I'm a PC gamer) all intact and stain free! Not that I'm being ageist or anything, but most kids don't have a clue how to take care of their software...

 

[NeutralDrow]

I don't really care which one I get. I'll typically go for used, since it's cheaper, but if it's only available new...well, I'll probably wait until used copies go on sale, so never mind.

 

[Onyx Oblivion]

I buy new for games I want to support. That won't sell huge.

Used for games that'll sell like crazy anyway.

Ex- I'll buy Brutal Legend used. (Please, no RTS next time!)

And buy Halo used.

 

[Dexiro]

Ever since i found out that no money goes to the developers with preowned games I've only ever bought them new.

Well with the exception being games that aren't published anymore, like ps2 or xbox games.

 

[SantoUno]

Buying a new game means you are supporting the developer.

Plus, buying new games helps the developers

Also I like supporting developers I love.

Simply, used games don't support the developer. When i buy a game, it means its a damned good one and I want the developer to make more.

I buy new for games I want to support. That won't sell huge.

I was wondering if this was true, and I am glad that it is! I really did also buy Prototype new because I want Radical Entertainment to earn profit for this awesome game that is so much fun.

 

[Toar]

Used has a potenital for being scratched, but also, you are paying less. New sometimes means the plain package(ie, Fallout 3 brand new was not Fallout 3 Complete Game of the Year Eddition). Sometimes used is better.

PS2, almost all games now are used, but that means that you can do your research on what games rock and what games suck. Sometimes the wait is worth it. Then again, some games become rare like Ico, and I can't find the bugger even in used game stores.

 

[TehCookie]

When I buy current game I always buy new, but I play my PS2 more than my 360 so you will be more likely to see me looking through the giant bin of cheap used games.