For $50 you could buy ten movie tickets, 80 candy bars1, or one new video game2. Most new video games are pricey3, and getting more expensive. Experts predict most games will cost $10 more in two years! How can you find and play the games you want for less?
1 Among Friends
If you've run into4 problems loaning5 or borrowing a game, try again. This time form a gaming club with your friends and establish ground rules6.
Tip #1 Agree on the rules of the club and write them down. Use library rules as a guide. Consider these basics:
*Who can be a member?
*How long can a borrower keep a game?
*What happens if a game is lost or damaged?
*What's the consequence7 of keeping a game beyond its due date8?
Tip #2 Everyone gets a copy of the master list of all the games and who owns each. The game owner acts as librarian for his or her own games.
Tip #3 If you're tired of one of your games, make a deal to trade with or sell to another club member. (Ask a parent first.)
2 At A Store
Rent Head to your local video store to rent a game. Renting is one good way to see if you like a game enough to buy it.
Buy used Some video and game stores sell used games—often you can find the same title for half price. Check the shelves for boxes with a “pre-played” sticker9 (and cheaper price tag10), or ask the clerk if the store has used copies of a game you want.
Tip #1 If the game is on a disc, look carefully for scratches11 on the bottom of the disc. If in doubt, find another copy or ask the clerk to test the game to make sure it works.
Tips #2 When you want to trade in12 your games, timing13 is everything—older games sell for less. Keep the box and instructions in good condition.
Tip #3 Another place to find used games at bargain prices14: Campus sales15.
3 Online Sites for Parents
There are a lot of game bargains online, but you must ask your parents to find them for you. Only adults are allowed to buy online.
用50美元你可以买10张电影票，80块糖，或者一款新的电子游戏。大多数电子游戏价格不菲，而且越来越贵。专家们预测两年内大部分电子游戏的价格将提升10美元！如何花较少的钱获得并享用你想要的游戏呢？
1. 朋友之间
如果你在借出或借进一款游戏时遇到了麻烦，可以尝试新的办法。这次你可以和你的朋友们组成一个俱乐部并制定基本准则。
提示 #1 就俱乐部规则达成一致，并把它们写下来。可以参考图书馆的规章制度。考虑以下基本因素：
*谁可以成为会员？
*一款游戏能借用多长时间？
*假如游戏丢失或损坏怎么办？
*借用游戏超期应承担什么后果？
提示 #2 人手一份记录全部游戏母带及其主人的清单。游戏主人各自管理自己的游戏，类似于图书管理员。
提示 #3 假如对自己的某一款游戏玩厌了，你可以和别的俱乐部成员做个交易，将它交换或出售。（先跟父母商量。）
2. 游戏商店
租借 到当地的电子游戏商店去租借一款游戏。租借是考验你对一款游戏是否喜欢到想要买下的好办法。
买二手游戏 有些电子游戏商店出售二手游戏——同样的东西常常可以半价买到。留意货架上那些贴有“使用过”标签（和打折价格标签）的盒子，或询问店员是否有你想要的二手游戏。
提示 #1 如果游戏刻在光盘上，要仔细检查底面是否有划痕。若有疑虑就另换一张或请店员测试，以确保能正常运行。
提示 #2 假如你想以二手游戏抵价购买新游戏，那么时机选择最重要——游戏越旧越不值钱。保存好游戏盒和说明书。
提示 #3 还有一个可以廉价买到二手游戏的地方：校园旧货甩卖。
3. 父母购物网站
网上有大量的廉价游戏出售，但你必须请父母为你选购。只有成年人才允许在网上购物。
1. candy bar 单独包装的块状糖
2. video game 电子游戏，计算机游戏
3. pricey adj. 昂贵的
4. run into 撞上，偶遇
5. loan v. 借出，借给
6. ground rule 基本规则
7. consequence n. 后果，结果
8. due date 到期日
9. sticker n. 背面有胶的标签
10. price tag 价格标签
11. scratch n. 划痕，抓痕
12. trade in 折价以旧换新
13. timing n. 时间选择，适时
14. bargain price 廉价 bargain
n. 廉价（品），特价（品）
15. campus sale 在大学校园进行的旧货抛售