In our previous installment of our Budget Gaming article, we focused on low budget games, and ways you can get your gaming fix for a few pennies here and there. We've also discussed free gaming, and everyone should be aware of "The Basics" by now, so it's time we covered the final couple of bases where gaming can be done without smashing open your piggy bank. Today we're focusing on 2nd hand shops, and retro gaming.

2nd Hand Shops

2nd hand shops are hugely popular now, and while they often sell new retail titles too, almost every games shop has a trade-in or a pre-owned section. This gives you ample opportunity to pick up an older game for well below list price, or if you wish, trade in one of your own to get the funds to buy the game you want. Beware with this though, the shop is purchasing your game in order to sell it on, so will pay less than the game is worth to a consumer. Selling directly to someone who wants it in person or on a platform like eBay, is much more likely to net you the full worth for your game. Or of course, you could swap it.

With 2nd hand shops, always make sure to check what you are actually buying. Occasionally, games will come without instruction manuals, or slightly damaged game disks. These not only make it harder to play the game, but reduce it's value should you wish to trade it in yourself at a later date. If you are buying a very old game, or one that shows significant scratching or damage, make sure that they test it for you in the store to prove that it works, as nothing sucks harder than heading home to play your new game, only to receive a multitude of fun error messages once you've popped the disc in.

If you're buying off eBay, it's usually better to buy from a "business" seller, as these companies or people are required by eBay regulations to provide you with a minimum of a 14 day return period. This allows you to send it back should you have an issue with it, though be prepared to pay a couple quid more for one from this type of trader than the average Joe would be selling it for.

Some of the places that sell 2nd hand games are:

Game - Top UK game retailer, often with a huge selection of 2nd hand "pre-owned" games and systems. 2nd hand accessories aren't so common but there's usually something available.

GameStation - One of the Uk's most prominent game sales shops. Most have a wide selection of 2nd hand games but not so much hardware available.

Gamestop - No first hand experience with these guys. Any US readers tell me why they're good and I'll replace this useless text with something meaningful.