It worked so well for DVD's that it was just a matter of time before online game rental companies appeared to serve the gaming community. Though the business model is a proven winner, which company offers the program with the most value for your needs? In this article, we'll compare online game rental services by exploring the fine print of the industry's top two competitors; GameFly and GottaPlay.

Compare Online Game Rental Companies: Pricing

At first glance, GameFly and GottaPlay appear very similar aside from a slight variation in price. In their marketing messages, both company's try to steer buyers toward their 2 out at a time unlimited rental service. While GameFly charges $21.95 per month for this package, GottaPlay costs a strategic $1 less for the exact same deal, a savings of $12 per year.

If you are only mildly addicted to video games and prefer to rent only one game per month instead of two, the price difference between the two competitors increases to $2 per month with GameFly again being the higher priced option. But should you choose your provider based on a buck or two per month? Let's compare these online game rental services further.

Compare Online Game Rental Companies: Number of Rentals

Both GameFly and GottaPlay offer flat rate pricing and unlimited game rentals. Though GameFly doesn't widely promote it, they do offer a 3 out-per-month service. By exploring their FAQ section we find that GottaPlay's 3-out-per-month option is available to established members.

Considering the high cost of 3 video games compared with the low monthly rate of the 3 out per month service, it's no surprise that the company would be inclined to take precaution before extending this offer to everyone. However, if you're a serious gamer and you want to rent 3 games at a time right now, you'll have to go with GameFly.

Compare Online Game Rental Companies: Perks

Although GameFly does charge a buck or two more per month, they give the savings back to their customers in the form of GameFly rewards which can be spent on the purchase of pre-played games.

Compare Online Game Rental Companies: Shipping Centers

One place where these online game rental companies really differ is in their number of shipping centers. While GameFly has 2 shipping centers on each coast, GottaPlay boasts 9 shipping centers throughout the US. So that you always know where your game is, GottaPlay also offer postal tracking of your in-route parcel.

To make up for having fewer shipping centers, GameFly offers a unique and possibly more impressive perk called "Fast Return." With Fast Return, GameFly will ship out your next game as soon as they receive confirmation from the post office that your last game is in the mail.

Compare Online Game Rental Companies: Which is right for you?

GameFly and GottaPlay are so close on almost all points of comparison that there is no clear victor. Those who like the idea of automatically earning dollars toward the purchase of used games might enjoy GameFly for its rewards program. On the other hand, those who are not interested in purchasing games and only want to rent might enjoy GottaPlay for its lower price and multiple shipping centers.

BlueWaterArticles.com: - What They Don t Advertise About Online Game Rental Services GameFly vs. GottaPlay

About the Author

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on best buys and consumer reviews, please visit http://www.BestBuys.com