When it comes to video game rentals, it's no question that Gamefly has the upper hand. Blockbuster has a hard time beating the competition when it comes to price, availability and selection. There are only a few small factors that keep Blockbuster in the running for video game rentals.
Gamefly and Blockbuster both have a monthly subscription plan that offers one game out at a time. Blockbusters plan otherwise known as gamepass is on the more expensive side at $20.00 a month. For only $15.95 a month you can have the same plan at Gamefly. Gamefly also offers more plans that vary in price and how many games you are allowed out at a time. Prices range from 2 games at a time for $22.95 up to a 4 game plan at $36.95. Its' obvious in this round Gamefly wins, as a member you can choose the best plan to suit your gaming needs.
Selection is another factor that plays an important role in gaming rental. Who wants to pay $20.00 a month, if there are no games to rent. Blockbuster offers PS2/PS3, Wii, Xbox/Xbox360 and Gamecube. Gamefly offers those same consoles plus Gameboy Advance, Nintendo DS and PSP games. Gamefly has hundreds of games to choose from where Blockbuster has a much smaller amount, sometimes only four copies or less per title. Since Gamefly has a bigger selection, getting a new game to rent is fairly easy. If Blockbuster has only four copies of a new title and all those copies are rented out to someone with a monthly pass, it could take over a month before you get a chance to see it back in the store.
If Gamefly has the better selection, more affordable pricing and better availability, what could Blockbuster possibly have to offer? While Gamefly has the convenience of receiving your rentals through the mail, Blockbuster gives you instant access. I don't have to wait 3-4 days for my game to arrive in the mail. All I need to do is drive to my nearest Blockbuster and pick up a game. While I'm picking out a game I can also pick up a movie at the same time.
Another convenience of Blockbuster is faster service. If I rent a game and it's damaged I have to send it back to Gamefly and wait for them to ship me out a new one. If I rent a game that's damaged from Blockbuster I can go back to the store that same day and get a replacement.
Some people are afraid of commitment, and some are deathly afraid of using their credit card online. By renting from Blockbuster you rent at your own leisure. There's no pressure to sticking to a plan, if you don't want to. This is also good for the occasional gamer. If you rent games every so often, paying per rental might be the right choice for you. Blockbuster at least gives you the option of choosing between paying per rental or subscribing to a monthly plan.
Even though Gamefly has more to offer gamers, Blockbuster has some nice options and added convenience to give you. |
