Okay Geek Farm
Game rentals coming nationwide to Redbox starting today
Ricardo Trejo
I live in Las Vegas, y’know Sin City, and because so I’ve had access to $2 a night rentals of newly released 360, PS3, and Wii games for a while now — actually for like the past 2 years. And I actually wasn’t aware that this wasn’t available everywhere until Redbox issued a statement saying they would be supporting many more regions starting today. Yay, I suppose for everyone who wants to try out a game before actually throwing down the cash to buy it. I mean, 2 bucks a day? That’s worse than Blockbuster!
Okay, so I don’t hate Redbox prices but there’s no way anyone can fully enjoy a newly released game for $2 a day can they? Well, now that I think about it: you could rent the game for two days, like the weekend or your days off and play it non-stop, then take it back during the week and then rent it again when you have time free, so I suppose it might actually be convenient.
Here’s the official word on the news:
Game On! Redbox Announces It Will Offer Video Game Rentals Nationwide This June
Redbox, America’s movie rental destination, today announced it will offer video game rentals at more than 21,000 redbox locations nationwide beginning June 17, 2011. Top video games will join new release movies for only $2 a day complementing $1 DVD and $1.50 Blu-ray™ daily rental prices. The announcement follows a test of video game rentals in select U.S. markets that began in August 2009.
“Redbox will increase consumers’ access to video game rentals by leveraging our incredible technology and business model to keep rental prices low for consumers,” said Mitch Lowe, president, redbox. “With more than 21,000 redbox locations slated to feature video game rentals alongside movies this June, redbox will be the one-stop shop for entertainment.”
Redbox, a Coinstar, Inc. brand, has tested video game rentals alongside movies at 5,000 redbox locations. “Redbox has rented more than one million video games in less than two years at these locations, underscoring the popularity of video game play in America,” added Lowe.
Today, nearly 64 percent* of people in the United States own a game console.
Upon launch, redbox will feature games across the three major console platforms: PLAYSTATION® 3, Nintendo Wii™ and Xbox 360®. Video game titles will range from top releases to popular family and kids titles.
“Redbox will make discovering the latest games as easy as a trip to the local grocery, convenience or drug store,” said Joel Resnik, vice president, games, redbox.
