Any game console owner knows that the least expensive item is the console itself - it's the games that get really expensive. At $50 for some Wii games, and even more for certain Xbox or other console titles, finding ways to reduce the cost of gaming is something everyone would like to take advantage of. Fortunately, there's a way to play all the games you want for a low monthly fee. Rent Wii games from services like GameFly.

These renting services are based online, and work the same way online movie rental services work. Subscribers can join for a low initial fee to try out the service, and then monthly thereafter, they pay to rent one, two or more games per month. You can keep the game out as long as you want to, and return it when you are finished playing with it. If it's a game you really like, you can keep it and pay a discounted purchase price. It's a great solution for anyone who likes to try out new games without the risk of plunking down a chunk of money for a game that may or may not be any good.

Most of these services rent games for every available console, including the portable games like the Nintendo DSi or Sony PSP. If you want to rent Wii games, for example, you simply select your console type, and then browse the list of all the titles available. You can also search by title. The reason these are so affordable is that for half the price of a single game each month, you can play games over and over. Have you ever had the experience eof buying a title that turned out to be terrible? Of for younger kids, purchasing a game that had way too much violence? By renting first, you can scan the game and decide if it matches what you're looking for.

Another reason renting is a great idea is because you might even beat the game inside of a month - and if you rent it, you just send it back for a different one. You haven't wasted money on a game that you wrapped up quickly. Over time, you can actually save money by not spending the initial outlay on many games.

Finally, when you decide you want to keep a game, with the Gamefly service they will charge you a discounted price to keep it, similar to a used game price at a store or online. In addition, as your subscription ages, you accumulate coupons and discounts on game purchases that really add up. You can own some games for 50% of the retail price. They ship you the case and booklet after you pay for the game.

Considering you can cancel this service at any time, there's really no reason not to try out renting video games. It can save you money and lets you play all the games on the market without spending a fortune to own them.

If you own a Wii console, then you know that is the least of the money you'll spend. Wii games can be expensive, often with suggested retail prices of $49.99. But there are plenty of great games for much less, under $20, especially Wii games for kids, or some of the best family games for Wii.

When you are searching for popular new releases, you'll definitely see the price ranges fairly high. For example, right now, the most popular games like New Super Mario Bros and Mario Galaxy 2 are in that price range. But another top selling game is Wii Sports Resort. This game sells in the same price range, but includes the Wii MotionPlus, which is a required accessory to play Sports Resort. The MotionPlus sells separately for about $20, so this is like getting the game for $20 also.

You can also search Wii games for sale using online retailers. Usually, the prices at Amazon and other online stores are a little less, since they can get discounts from the game publishers. Discounts can be 5% to 10% off the suggested retail price, and sometimes if you pre-order a game before it is released, you can get special pricing or other incentives, like credits toward other games.

Then there are games that are less than the $49.99 price point. Many popular games are in the $20 to $30 range. Games like Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga, or Boom Blox, or Brain Academy continue to sell well, and all are games under $20.

Have you tried WiiWare?  Wii ware is game software you can download from the Wii Shop Channel online, right onto your Wii console.  It requires that you have a home wireless network and hook your Wii up to the network, it will act as another node on your home network.  You purchase WiiWare credits online with a credit card, or a WiiWare card at major retailers wherever Wii games are sold.  Wii ware games are priced anywhere from 300 points to about 2,000 points, or $3-$20. 

It doesn't hurt to check the discount bins of game stores and other retailers and big box stores for cheap Wii games. Many times, they are getting rid of slow moving inventory and you can find games that are plenty of fun for under $15. Be sure to check the game's rating if you are buying for kids.

Another way to get Wii games on sale is to try Wii games for rent first. Services like GameFly offer you the option to buy games you have out on rent. So if you've rented a game first, and it turns out you really like it, you can keep the game, and pay a "used" price, which is often well below the retail price. GameFly subscribers also accumulate credits as long as they remain subscribers, so on top of the discounted price, you take $5 off and so on. GameFly is one of the best ways to find games on sale, and try out games before you buy with no obligation to keep them. All of the top Wii games for rent are available at GameFly.

Lastly, Wii games for sale online are often offered as used games. Used games online are far less expensive than those you'll find in game stores, and are in as good or even better condition. If you are not buying for a gift, then check out used. And don't forget that you can sell the games you don't play any more, and use the cash to buy new ones. Amazon will easily credit your games sales toward new purchases.

Finding Wii games on sale is a constant search if you are looking for a wide variety of games - You can find the best game sales online.

This is a list of the top 10 best-renting video games, according to movie retail store Blockbuster. Rent these top 10 games for your Wii from GameFly™. Start for $8.95 or Try For Free!

Games below are listed according to title, company, the gaming system, and the software rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).  You can rent any of these games, and try them out before buying, get a free 10-day trial at GameFly using this link.

Use Coupon Code TENDAY to start your 10-day free trial today to GameFly!

1. Resident Evil 5 (Capcom) for Xbox 360; also available for PS 3; rated "M" (blood, gore, intense violence, strong language)

2. Call of Duty: World at War (Activision) for Xbox 360; also available for PS 3, Wii, PS 2, DS; rated "M" (blood, gore, intense violence, strong language)

3. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (Activision) for Xbox 360; also available for PS 3, Wii, PSP, PC, PS 2 and DS; rated "M" (blood, gore, intense violence, language)

4. Fallout 3 (Bethesda) for Xbox 360; also available for PS 3; rated "M" (blood, gore, intense violence, sexual themes, strong language, use of drugs)

5. Wanted: Weapons of Fate (WB Games) for Xbox 360; also available for PS 3; rated "M" (blood, gore, intense violence, strong language)

6. Resident Evil 5 for PS 3

7. Major League Baseball 2K9 (Take Two) for Xbox 360; also available for Wii, PS 3, PSP and PS 2; rated "E"

8. X-Men Origins: Wolverine for PS 3

9. Gears of War 2 (Microsoft) for Xbox 360; rated "M" (blood, gore, intense violence, strong language)

10. Halo Wars (Microsoft) for Xbox 360; rated "T" (mild blood, mild language, violence) (Ratings: "E" for "Everyone"; "T" for "Teen"; "M" for "Mature 17+")  

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