There used to be a time when I would rush out to the store and pick up a game on release day. Heck, when Halo 2 was released, I was standing in line at midnight outside of the local Gamestop just to get a copy. In this day and age, though, with console games hovering at 60.00 per copy, it makes it a bit more difficult to go right out and buy the game on release day. Add to this the fact that games will drop in price after they’ve been on the market for a while, and it almost doesn’t make sense to go out now and spend the money when you can get it cheaper later.

Back before I moved and I was single, I spent a lot of time online with my original Xbox, and later the 360. A 50 dollar per year Xbox live subscription and same day release games tend to put a dent in the finances. Since I don’t really play games online that much anymore (save for the occasional PC game), it really doesn’t make sense to go out on the same day and get them. So, what am I missing out on by waiting? Not much, really. OK, so I haven’t played the latest and greatest game yet, but I’ll get there. Waiting allows me to read real-world reviews of the games and then determine if it’s right for me. Additionally, I can also download demos of games (even on the consoles) and try them out that way.

For example, we only recently picked up Bioshock. The 39.99 price tag was a bit better to digest than 59.99, and we still get the same great gameplay. Sure, I may not have it when someone else does, but I also didn’t pay almost twice as much for it. Now, that’s not to say there aren’t some games I just can’t wait on (I’m looking at you, Guitar Hero 3), but the majority I can wait for. Maybe it’s because I’m getting older, maybe it’s because I have a family now, or maybe I’m just getting more frugal, but regardless, I’m saving money on my gaming habit.