Hey everyone. I wanted to write something for the C-Blogs for awhile now, but I couldn't think of any ideas. However, after waking up in 8 in the morning, knowing what I have in store for me today...and what's been going on as of late for me (not going to get into it), I decided to create a guide on how to game when you're poor.

This was inspired after being in the mood for Burger King's breakfast, only to be greeted with a single 1 dollar bill in my wallet. How screwed up is that.

Anyways, note, this guide is for anyone who really is in a financial hole or wants to game at an affordable price, so you can save some cash for other things. Like food for example, or even clothes, or other bigger and better things. So here goes.

So this is just a thought.

1. Don't have a next gen system? No problem!

Some people out there can't afford a Xbox 360 or a PS3. Hell, some people can't even afford a Wii. What do you do if you're in this situation and want to play these systems?

Well, for starters, you can game on other consoles. Like the PS2, Gamecube, and I'm going to go out the limb and say the original Xbox. Of course, there's more. The SNES, Genesis, Dreamcast, the N64, and list goes on and on and on. Any system before the Dreamcast you can probably find in a local thrift store, like a Salvation Army or, even better, a Goodwill store. You can also find old systems at a reasonable price on eBay. Also, you can try ask friends and family if they don't want their old systems anymore. It gives the system a better home and you might get the system at a better value. Maybe even for free depending on the friends and relatives. Hell, it may even come with games.

You can even try some gaming stores...that are not Gamestop. Play-N-Trade is a good example. They sometimes sell old consoles and even old games. The best way to find these gaming stores is to look in the Yellowpages. Or, go to yellowpages.com and you can look for the gaming stores in your area. You may be surprised in what you find.

Plus, if you really can't find a good deal, there's the newspaper. Yes, sometimes people will post an ad in the paper about selling their old games. Also, of course, there's Craig's List. Most people here know how to use Graig's List, so Google it, search it, and hope you run into a goldmine.

Now, of course, if you really want to play anything next gen, just go to a friends house if they own a next-gen console, the demo booths in electronics stores, or even gaming centers (some gaming centers actually have consoles available to play, so be sure when you find a gaming center, be sure it has both PC and console play.).

To find the nearest gaming center near you, go to http://www.igames.org/.

Now, I know what some of you are thinking...I'm missing something 'important' in regards to playing anything from the Nintendo 64 and below. Well, it's not condoned here on Destructoid, so I might as well say this right off the bat.



It's up to you whether you do it or not. So, I'll just leave it at that.

Oh, if you want a system that bad and you're that broke, wait til Christmas and your birthday.

Hey, there's always your PC or Mac to play games on. Don't forget about that.

2. Games are expensive? Here is a solution!

Let's say you got a next-gen system and you want to play some games on it. Games can add up...alot. So here are a couple of ways to go about it.

If you have any of the current gen systems, then right off the bat, here are your best friends:









These services provide some seriously awesome games (you just have to search around for them) and they're all at an affordable price.

Plus, in terms of the virtual console, you have alot of old titles to choose from and you can play them from there on the Wii. No need to go crazy in finding a SNES or Genesis. You just save yourself some cash.

Now, of course, if you do own any of the older generation systems, getting games for them can be difficult.

You can try the same methods I mentioned above in regards to consoles, but for games (Craig's List, eBay, etc.).

Now, if you want to play some games, but don't own a system. You got a PC!...or Mac.

There are many PC games out there that are at an affordable price. Finding PC games is alot easier than finding older gen console games. Try Gamestop right off the bat or any electronics store that sells computers. You're bound to find some cheap, but good titles (be sure to do some research to find the good PC games from the bad ones).

Now, if you don't want to leave your home, you know, to save gas on your car and such, here's your PC friend:



There's TONS of games to choose from in there. Plus, there's even some deals for certain games on there, thus saving even more money. You even saved yourself some gas money! How about that.

Now, if you are beyond broke, you can always search Google to play Flash versions of old classics, like Pac-Man, Tetris, Asteroids, and so forth.

Speaking of Flash!





These 2 websites offer some seriously awesome Flash games. You'll be surprised in what you find.

Also, again, no piracy. Again, look else where for that stuff.

3. I am still broke! I want some quality titles! What do I do?!

Beggers can't be choosers at times...but if you really want some high end titles...here is a tip.




For those who have a job and are still broke:

-Get a better job, if you can.
-Cut back on fast food, pizza, and takeout in general.
-Do groceries.
-Don't waste gas.
-Sell junk.
-Donate blood or sperm. Or both.
-Odd jobs.
-Take junk to a recycling plant. Stuff that can be recycled.
-Do favors for money. LEGAL favors mind you.

There could be more, but that's what came into my head off the bat.

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So there you have it, the guide to the poor gamer. Hopefully this will help you guys who are short in cash game like everyone else.

Now, if you will excuse me, I'll be practicing my vocal chords in Rock Band.







Oh crap! I forgot! If you are going to the ScrewAttack gaming convention this July, be sure to click on the link below! I would appreciate it very much! Thank you!

http://www.sgconvention.com/register.php?ref=experiment3

If you do go to SGC, I'll see you there....or at least try....Anyways, thank again.

BACK TO ROCK BAND!