Used games are a rather controversial subject with people continually damning the evils of places like GameStop for their practices while places like Amazon and eBay go on chugging with little to no backlash for their users' resale practices. Although the reselling of games does not directly benefit the games creators, it certainly does benefit the consumer.

The most obvious reason used games aid players is because it saves them money. There might a resounding "No shit" for that, but for some people, it's either buy the game used or don't buy the game at all. For those that can not afford to get very many games but still wish to play, buying used can be a savior for them. Viva Pinata for $40? Psh. Oh hey, half.com has it for $20. Granted, it might not look pretty, come with a box, or a manual, but to some people, it's the game that matters alone.

This, by far, is the number one reason that used games benefit players: gamer history. That's right. Some games you can't even buy new anymore. So where do you get Earthbound? Goldeneye? E.T.? The original SimCity? Places where you can buy used games, that's where. For most classic and not-so classic games, the only option is used. One can argue that some games such as Banjo-Kazooie, Chrono Trigger, and Super Dodgeball are being rereleased by either virtual or physically upgraded cartridge means, which is terrific. It makes sure the youngins are getting their dose of game history. But for those that want the original experience, the experience with the original cartridge planted in a console with a grimy controller just begging for your hands to warm it up, then there's not other option than used.

Although I believe used games can serve a higher cause, I am wary of recommending it outright. Certainly, preowned can go quite a long ways for us as players, but what about the developers? How can we send the message "Yes, we love this game. Make more like this, NAO!" without sales directly representing that? No matter how many fan-boy letters may be written regarding Psychonauts,  there's not going to be a sequel. Why? It didn't sell well. Now on the flip side of things, no matter how strong financially a series has done, sometimes sequels just aren't going to happen anytime soon. Such is the case with the ever pending Monkey Island 5. Such instances aren't very common though, so it's best to directly benefit games that are genuinely worthwhile plays. How else are Tim Schafer, Mark Healey , and Slash going to eat? Not with low game sales, that's certainly how. So please, when it comes down to buying Patapon for $20 or $15, unless you're really strapped for cash, go for the new one.