Got Game? GameFly vs. GottaPlay – Which Is the Better Choice for Gamers?
Renting DVD’s by mail worked so well, it’s no wonder that the business model was adopted to serve the gamers. Though a number of game rental companies are in operation today, GameFly and GottaPlay are the heavy hitters in the industry. But which to choose?
| Service | GameFly Video Game Rental Service | GottaPlay Video Game Rentals |
|---|---|---|
| Current Promotion | FREE 10-Day Trial | FREE 10-Day Trial |
| Pricing | 1 Game out: 14.95 per month 2 Games out: $21.95 per month |
1 Game out: $12.95 per month 2 Games out: $20.95 per month |
| Distinguising Feature(s) |
"Fast Return" service: they will ship out your next game the moment they receive confirmation that your game is in the mail. GameFly Rewards: members receive points that can be used to purchase pre-played games. |
9 shipping centers around the US (GameFly has 2) Postal tracking of your in-route games Also offers game trading plans: 2, 5 and unlimited trades per month. |
| The Fine Print | Also offer a 3-out-per month plan to qualified members | Also offer a 3-out-per month plan to qualified members |
| Best Buys Choice | If you like to own games, gamefly is going to be your best buy because members constantly earn discounts on pre-played games. | If price is your priority, gottaplay is going to be your best buy because of their lower priced plans. |
| Sign Up | Sign up for GameFly now! | Sign up for GottaPlay now! |
GameFly vs. GottaPlay: Pricing
On the surface, GameFly and GottaPlay look pretty much the same, except for the slight variation in price. GottaPlay charges $20.95 per month for unlimited game rentals and 2 games checked out at any time, while GameFly rings in a buck higher at $21.95 per month. Should you prefer to check out just one game per month, the price difference increases to 2 bucks with GameFly again being the higher priced option. Will one player in the GameFly vs. GottaPlay duel be declared the winner of a buck or two price difference? Let’s explore further…
GameFly vs. GottaPlay: Number of Rentals
Both offer flat rate pricing and unlimited game rentals. Though GameFly doesn’t specifically mention on their main pages that they offer a 3 out-per-month service, their FAQ section reveals that like GottaPlay, a 3-out-per-month option is available to those whose accounts to qualified members.
GameFly vs. GottaPlay: Perks
You may spend a buck or two more each month with Gamefly, but you’ll get it back in the form of GameFly rewards that you put toward the purchase of pre-played games. The longer you’re a subscriber, the more benefits you receive.
GameFly vs. GottaPlay: Shipping Centers
GameFly is based out of Los Angeles and currently has 2 shipping centers – one on each coast. GottaPlay has GameFly beat on this point with 9 shipping centers around the US. They also offer postal tracking so you know exactly where your in-route game is at any given moment.
However, the folks at GameFly have compensated for their fewer shipping centers with a perk called “fast return” perk where they will ship out your next game as soon as they receive confirmation from the post office that your game is in the mail.
GameFly vs. GottaPlay: Best Buys Choice
This is a tough call. The two are so close on just about every point except for the price, but we like the fact that you can earn money saving discounts on game purchases with GameFly. However, if you’re not into buying games and only want to rent, then this perk carries less weight, and GottaPlay may be your Best Buy for its lower price and many shipping centers.