Bargain Gamer: Double Discount Sale & GameStop Power Pass *UPDATED*

9*UPDATED 11/15/17* Gamestop has temporarily suspended the PowerPass program.  The speculation is that Gamestop’s Point-of-Sale system was unable to handle tracking the rentals.  Those who bought a pass can return their checked-out game for a refund.  In addition, they can receive any pre-owned game for free.

This week I’m writing about the Double Discount Sale on the PS Store and also a brief commentary on GameStop’s upcoming rental program.

Double Discount Sale

This week’s PS Store sale spans many different titles, and the idea is that PS+ subscribers get twice the discount as everyone else.  Which basically means that this is a normal sale for PS+ subscribers, but a mediocre sale for everyone else…

So if you are a PS+ subscriber, here are some games to point out.  This week I’m not putting the non-subscriber price because it probably isn’t worth it.

Overcooked $6.79 (Retail $16.99)

Good local co-op games are hard to come by these days, so seeing this 60% off is exciting.  Have fun frantically cooking with friends!

The Jackbox Party Pack 3 $12.49 (Retail $24.99)

Even though you’re probably just getting it for Quiplash and Trivia Murder Party, the Jackbox Party Packs are a great way to get an entire room of strangers having fun and busting out laughing.  Although I prefer using Steam for these games (so I don’t have to lug around my PS4), even Steam prices haven’t gotten this low!

Horizon Zero Dawn $27.99 (Retail $49.99)

This is the lowest I’ve seen this massive open-world game so for.  However, you may also get a good deal by waiting for the Complete Edition to come out in December, especially if you have Amazon Prime or the Best Buy Gamer’s Club discounts.

All sales last until 11/7.

GameStop Power Pass

So last week, GameStop confirmed that it will be launching a rental program for pre-owned games.  Basically, for $60, you can rent out any pre-owned game from any GameStop store for 6 months.  You can only have one game at a time, and you must be registered in their free rewards program so they can track which game you have checked out.  There’s no restrictions either, other than the game has to be pre-owned, so if you manage to find a pre-owned copy of a game that released last week, it’s fair game.  But here’s the kicker:

At the end of the 6 months, you get to keep one game which you’ve checked out.

There’s a lot of potential to “game” the system by grabbing a recently released pre-owned game as your keeper, while being able to play almost any game for half a year.  This is really good for those that like to try different games without feeling buyer’s remorse.  No more getting burned by Day 1 glitches and disappointments.  Since the gaming industry has been pushing more and more towards pre-ordering, this program has potential to be a game-changer.

But before we get too excited, there’s some things to keep in mind.  On copies at brick-and-mortar stores are eligible, so no renting through their online stock.  While right now it may be easy to go to your local GameStop and find the used game you want, this program could flip the supply-and-demand, resulting in it being very difficult to find what you’re looking for, especially just after release or for not as popular titles.  GameStop could also change the terms of the program later on, adding some restrictions on eligible rentals.  And obviously, if you take pride in your personal game collection, then this may not be the program for you, since you only keep one game every six months.

If you’re down for the GameStop Power Pass, sign ups start November 19th, and the program itself launches early next year.