Despite the fact that DVDs are quickly becoming outdated, Redbox is still finding a way to thrive. Sadly, the same isn’t true for its video game rental business. The company known for its cheap movie rentals first started offering games in 2010. After almost a decade, Redbox is shutting the experiment down.
In today’s world of online play and consoles that are pushing for players to digitally download their games, the rental strategy simply wasn’t enticing enough. Now, the company is selling off its inventory of games at steep discounts.
Grab a Cheap Game
While this opportunity won’t last long, gamers have a chance to go out and grab some new games at ridiculously cheap prices. Redbox has a library of games for all three major consoles (PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch) up for sale. Though supplies are extremely limited and vary by location, gamers can get a great deal on today’s top titles.
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A few noteworthy finds include “Marvel’s Spider-Man” for just $10 (yes, really) and “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare” for $30. Hideo Kojima’s recent hit “Death Stranding” is up for grabs at a price of just $25. With Black Friday in the rear-view mirror, there won’t be a better deal on these games anytime soon.
However, that’s not all that Redbox is offering. Titles like “Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order,” “NBA 2K20,” “Starlink Battle for Atlas,” “Super Smash Bros Ultimate,” and “Mortal Kombat 11” are all available.
Of course, “available” is a fluid term in this instance. Since Redbox’s inventory varies by kiosk there is no guarantee that a copy of a certain game will be in stock nearby. Those wanting to treat themselves or grab a last-minute gift can search for their zip code on Redbox’s website to check out what’s available in the area.
Perhaps the only downside is that games will come in one of Redbox’s standard red jewel cases and not the game’s original box. Still, that’s a worthy trade-off considering the deep discount on some of today’s top titles. It might actually be kind of cool to own a Redbox case.
Rise of Disc-Free Gaming
Although players have been able to download their games for many years now, more and more are going fully digital. Likewise, some consoles, like the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, don’t even have a disc drive.
Though it has been confirmed that the next-gen consoles from Sony and Microsoft will be compatible with disc games, rumors suggest that cheaper, download-only editions will also release near launch.
Alongside the rise of disc-free gaming, more players are turning to services like Xbox Game Pass for new content. These digital subscription services are likely what killed Redbox’s game rental business.
Though it is sad for nostalgia’s sake, wallets everywhere are rejoicing. The prospect of nabbing a game like “Modern Warfare” or “Death Stranding” for more than half-off is practically unheard of. Now that the news is out, though, gamers will need to hurry if they want to get in on this sweet deal.
