Gaming has become a rather expensive hobby due to rising prices for consoles, hardware, and games. However, there is one tip that can help you save on the cost of new games. You just need to borrow them from the right place.
Many public libraries now offer more media to borrow than just books. In addition to DVDs and Blu-rays, many libraries also provide a selection of video games that you can borrow and play for a certain period without having to purchase them.
This tip is provided by the gamer Doomster78666 in the gaming subreddit, where he showcases his haul from the library, including two films, but also Elden Ring and CoD: Modern Warfare.
And yes, before the question arises: Many libraries in Germany also offer a selection of games to borrow. MeinMMO editor Caro can confirm that her city library offers games for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. However, titles rated 16 and 18 by the USK can only be borrowed in person with proof of age.
A library card opens many new opportunities
If you’re considering getting a library card for the purpose of video games, we have outlined the pros and cons for you:
Disadvantages:
- The games do not belong to you; they are just borrowed.
- You only have a certain period before you must return the game sooner or later.
- You usually need to purchase a library card, which often comes with a fee. So the offer is not completely free.
- You can only choose from the selection provided by your library.
Advantages:
- The loan period of the game can often be extended if you need more time.
- You only have to pay once for a card, not for each individual game. Often, library cards for children and teenagers up to 18 are even free, and discounted for students or trainees.
- You can test games that you’re not sure you’ll like. You won’t lose money if you stop playing and return the game early.
- Your membership supports your local library, helping it remain available to you and many others for a longer time, and potentially invest in more games.
A tip that many needed
The Reddit thread reveals that a lot of users have never heard of this opportunity and would not have thought of it alone. This is confirmed by the user mirjane7, who works at a library: “This is not utilized enough at all.”
Other users are putting this tip into practice, as is megasetgo: “I just found out that my public library is just a short walk away, and I finally got a library card after not having one for years. I borrowed Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. No borrowing fee. 30 days until return. Up to 3 extensions possible. No late fees!”
User and father GarretBarrett explains that choosing a game, as well as films and books, together with the whole family can be a rewarding experience: “I just went to the library in the neighboring city with my kids for the first time. I think their brains exploded. I realized that we need to do this more often – seeing all the games and movies and spending an hour choosing one was cool.”
Maybe this tip gives you the incentive to visit your own library. You might find not only books and even films, but also video games that interest you or that you’ve wanted to test for a long time. Or did you already know?
Given the price trend of PC hardware, consoles, and video games, gaming could continue to develop into a luxury hobby that not everyone can afford. This is directly illustrated by the example of the PS5, as the community shows: Players demonstrate with the example of PlayStation that gaming is increasingly becoming a luxury hobby
