One of the most disappointing (and expensive) trends of the last five years in the video game industry is the rise of downloadable content packs. While it’s admirable that a developer and publisher want to continue supporting a new release with more content, the cost to the consumer is high and DLC doesn’t depreciate as quickly as the base game.

Take EA’s Star Wars: Battlefront as an example. The base game cost $60 at release, but can currently be picked up on most platforms for $20 to $25. However, the Season Pass for the game has remained at $50 for most platforms since release. Depending on the publisher, it can be rare to see a season pass significantly discounted within the first 6 to 9 months of a game’s launch date.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you are completely screwed. There are a select number of ways to score discounted DLC; we have put together a list of potential options for you.

Option 1: Invest in Discounted Gaming Network Cards

(Works for Xbox, PlayStation & PC)

Available in the form of Steam cards, PlayStation Network Cards and Xbox Gift Cards, retailers will occasionally run promotions discounting cards around 20 percent. For instance, Best Buy ran a promotion on a PlayStation Network Card in March, offering $100 of buying power for just $80. Staples ran a similar promotion this week, discounting a $50 Xbox Gift Card to $40, and Fry’s ran a Steam card promotion in April discounting $50 cards to $40.

This will give you a 20 percent discount on all video game DLC purchases on your respective network. That $40 season pass just cost you $32 instead of full price. These types of promotions will pop up randomly during most times of the year. Be sure to check eBay for the most frequent discounts, unless a store is specifically offering a discount code on all purchases.

Option 2: Watch for Network Sales

(Often on PC / Rare on Consoles)

Anyone that plays PC games is likely familiar with the popularity of Steam sales. These large sales hit a few times during the year, typically during the summer and winter. In fact, the next Steam sale is right around the corner, likely starting during late June. On Steam, you will see discounts on DLC packs ranging between 10 to 90 percent.

However, be sure to check other networks for exclusive discounts. EA’s Origin just offered a 30 percent discount on all orders in May. That included all DLC packs from popular games like Star Wars Battlefront and Sims 4. You should also watch Amazon for these types of deals, particularly on physical versions of DLC cards. These are often overlooked in favor of digital codes delivered instantly to your email inbox.

Unfortunately, you just won’t find the same caliber of sales on Xbox Live or the PlayStation Network. While the benefits of joining those two premium networks include access to an allotment of free games each month, store sales are typically minimal, even when adding in additional discounts for being a member. That being said, we have seen the occasional sale on Xbox Live, but on older DLC for older games.

Option 3: Use Preorder Bonuses on DLC

(Occasionally Works for PC & Consoles)

We rarely recommend purchasing season passes for games prior to the release of a game, only because the quality of said game could end up being poor. However, if you know the game will be solid due to the developer’s track record, look for bonus gift cards offered with the game that can be spent on DLC packs. These gift cards are usually specific to the store, thus you need to check and see if the store carries an option like the Season Pass.

In addition, you should look for early discounts on the season pass. Green Man Gaming is a popular choice for anyone on PC, as the site offers the occasional site-wide discount that may work on DLC packs. For example, Fallout 4’s season pass was discounted at 25 percent off the original $30 price prior to the release of the game; a price that brought it down to less than half the eventual $50 price.

Option 4: Wait for the Ultimate Edition

(Works for PC & Consoles, if you don’t mind waiting)

If there’s one constant in gaming, it’s that publishers will eventually re-release successful games with all DLC content packs. This strategy is usually pretty terrible for multiplayer games as the player base will have shrunk significantly from the original release date, but it’s fantastic for games with an extensive single player mode. Games like Fallout 4, Skyrim and Witcher 3 come to mind.

You can also snag discounts on the Ultimate Edition, basically driving down the price even farther. Just make sure you compare the cost of the base game plus the DLC packs against the ultimate edition. We recommend waiting even longer as the MSRP on Ultimate editions fall even faster after release than normal releases.

How to Save Money on Expensive Video Game DLC

Many video game collectors would balk at the idea of selling off pieces of their hard earned collection.  You never know when that one readily-available game will suddenly become rare and particularly expensive to buy.  However, if you’re not a collector, there may not be much point for you to keep around video games you’ve already finished–especially if you weren’t particularly fond of the experience.

But, if you want to trade in or sell your games, you definitely want to get the best deal, right?  But, finding the best deal for your used games may not be the easiest process… but I’m here to help!  Let’s talk about maximizing your trade in profit.

Know Your Game’s Value

This is the single most important thing to remember when you’re downgrading your collection… roughly how much your games are worth!  Video games are a volatile market in terms of value, and they can go up and down in price at the drop of a hat.  For example, the prices of the PS4 title Gravity Rush Remastered skyrocketed over the past week, and used copies are easily going for $100.  On the contrary, older versions of annual sports titles are never in demand, and as such asking prices for those games plummet quickly.

Sometimes, trade in values are slow to reflect these changes in demand and price–and you can use that to your advantage, or weigh out the benefits and drawbacks of trying to outright sell your game, as opposed to trading it in.

Research Where You Can Trade In Games

In the past, you pretty much only had Gamestop, and maybe one or two local places available to trade in your games.  Nowadays, though, there are tons of options available for getting credit for your games.  Here’s a list of some of the places you can go to unload your used video games:

• Gamestop
• Best Buy
• Amazon
• Walmart
• Target

Don’t forget local mom and pop gaming/electronics stores, either.  Many local places will take retro games as well as modern, and may give you a far better deal than the corporate chains.

Figure Out Which Retailer Will Give You The Best Price

With so many options at your fingertips, it’s only natural to make sure you’re getting the highest value for your games. So, it’s best to use the online search of all the companies to find who values your games the most.

Let’s take and example with a semi-recent title, The Last Guardian.  At Gamestop, it’s worth $22, or $27.50 if you have a Pro card.  Amazon will give you $24.15.  Best Buy is an even $25. Walmart will give you a slightly lower $24.87, and Target is the lowest of the bunch at only $20.55.

So given this information, it would seem best to turn in The Last Guardian at Gamestop if you have the Pro membership, and Best Buy if not.  However, there is one more caveat to consider.  When you are trading in games, you are essentially trading for store credit.  Sure, some places offer cash, but it’s often at a reduced rate, which sours the deal significantly.  So, depending on your situation and preferences, it might be better to take the 85 cent hit and trade it to Amazon, as their credit is a bit more versatile than Best Buy’s.

Remember that Trade-In Values Are Volatile

Trade-in values of games can change day by day, so if you see a really nice value on a game you have, it’s best to take advantage of it ASAP.  Trade-in values on games, especially new releases, can drop very quickly as more people bring in their copies and the new versions go on sales.  So if you, say, have beaten all of Resident Evil 7 and decided you’re probably not going to play it again (or at least not any time soon), make sure to trade it in sooner rather than later, and you can hold onto the store credit for the next big release.

If A Trade In Doesn’t Seem Worth It, Wait For A Trade-In Deal

Sometimes you really want to offload a game, but the price doesn’t seem worth it.  Only around $12 for Watch Dogs 2 on the PS4 might seem like a bad deal in your eyes, but if there is a week where trade in value is double, that quickly turns into a $24 trade in, and seems like a much more favorable value.  Gamestop and Best Buy tends to have double credit deals and deals for consoles trade-ins most regularly, though the other chains can have their own deals from time to time.

Of course, this does mean being a little patient, so it’s best not to wait for these if you plan on trading in newer releases, only slightly older games that have settled down in terms of value.

How to Maximize the Trade-In Value for Your Video Games

After ten years, this is just the beginning.

SEGA’s ‘Yakuza’ series began life in the latter days of the PS2, and after ten years, ‘Yakuza 0’ brings the landmark series full circle. Focusing in on the beginning of this PS4 gem, (which releases in the West on January 24th, see here), and players get to be both a member of the Yakuza and a member of the Dojima family. We are talking dragons and back tattoos that are both stylish and mind-blowing.

Series’ fans know what to expect, but happily, newcomers can start right here on the PS4. And it’s here where players will learn how to walk the streets of Kamurocho (a very red light area of Tokyo). Forget modern day, this is 1988. It takes a mean mug to subsist on all the glitz and sleaze exuded by the desperate, drunk, mean and goofy types of people here, and that is where we find Kazuma Kiryu.

Just look at him.

Pretty mean looking, right? But now see him when he’s had a few and is relaxing with friends.

Kazuma has plenty of fun diversions, but he tends take his leisure pursuits a bit seriously. Of course, who can resist relaxing with a hot shower after a long day?

Right. So after carefully checking out the beginning of ‘Yakuza 0’ on the PS4, here are the top reasons why this is a can’t-miss game:

1. You Can Befriend a Mushroom Dealer

No really. Not just friends, but good friends. Even the best of friends.

2. All Cab Drivers Know Where the Crime Families Live

It really says something when the homes and HQs of all the crime families and their subsidiaries are requisite knowledge for cab drivers. Who needs a smart phone when cabbies are this capable?

3. You Can Break Up Burusera Rings… from the Inside

This is serious. Way before ‘Orange is the New Black,’ Kazuma came face to face with a mess of Burusera, and it’s up to the player to decide how to play it. (Fewer words and more punching makes for a strong statement.)

4. The Thrill of Defending Miracle Johnson from Zombies

Miracle Johnson has pop starred his way into town. Now just defend him from zombies while Stephen Spining directs the music video. (Yes, it’s that Stephen Spining.)

5. The Fashion of 1988

Just look at these guys. They mean business. And that business is looking damn good while they beat your ass Yakuza style. The mere sight of this trio alone would make ‘Final Fantasy XV’s Prompto delete all of his pictures.

Ok, so these select reasons highlight how the beginning chapters of ‘Yakuza 0’ are overflowing with undeniable swag. But here are a few more just for kicks.

Runners-Up

The Scary Clown Guy Gives You Stuff

Remember when ‘Dead Rising’ was cool?

There are Time Paradox Mega Drives With Legs

Just in time for the ’88 launch.

Learn Words Like Pseudanthium and Subotenuhigeukiro

And of course, Burusera.

Dabble in Real Estate

I really want to play a game called “Insane Cash War.” I think I may just be attracted to the action.

Collect Telephone Cards

Finally, something worth collecting (apparently). These cards so much better than those inventory-clogging tissue adverts.

Rob Mr. Shakedown

Funk this guy. Taking Mr. Shakedown down is one of life’s most just pleasures.

Space Harrier Forever

‘Space Harrier’ is hard, but it’s not ‘Out Run’ hard.

Order Yakuza 0 (PS4) at Amazon

The Top 5 Reasons ‘Yakuza 0’ on the PS4 is Can’t-Miss

It’s been years since Smash Bros.‘s Marth and Roy first drew attention to the Fire Emblem franchise, which until then had been predominantly supported by its Japanese audience.

But now that the tactical RPG series has exploded in the U.S., it can’t be un-exploded, and to get the next installment Fire Emblem Fates we’ll happily jump through whatever meticulous, calculated hoops Nintendo tells us to.

But now, the company known for its gimmicky games surprises us with a new gimmick! Three versions of the same game! (Maybe not a “new” gimmick to Pokemon fans, but done in a new way.)

Birthright, Conquest, and Revelation all involve the same characters and world, and both start the same. However, the three different games all diverge around an early and significant decision of the main character. And each of the three options unfolds three entirely different games, each showing a unique perspective of the same story.

You are a young warrior in the Nohr kingdom. While on your first mission, you are captured by the opposing Hoshido family, who drop this bombshell on you: you were born a Hoshido, but kidnapped and raised by the Nohr.

So here’s your decision: fight for your blood relatives (Birthright), fight for your adopted family (Conquest), or fight for neither (Revelation). Birthright is geared for new players, Conquest for experts, and Revelation as a nice middle-ground.

Which one will you choose?

Ha! Trick question! Choosing only one is for noobs and people who only have a few months to live. True gamers — the ones with the patience to play Fire Emblem in the first place — won’t be satisfied until they’ve played all three. That’s where the Special Edition comes in: all three games come in one cartridge, with special achievements for playing all three.

And the true Fire Emblem fans won’t be disappointed, as the latest installment continues the franchise’s legacy of moving forward and never back. Better features, better graphics, better story.

Fates introduces a lot of new features. First, there’s the new concealed weapon, which can debuff enemy stats. Next is a town-building side-game, not uncommon to RPG games. There’s also a “Dragon’s Vein” features, which provides new options to altering battles, and the “Phoenix Mode” where dead players are resurrected the following turn (only available in Normal Mode). Plus, as expected, a few new classes, weapons, and skills.

Coming from the highly successful Awakening installment, the game keeps the children feature, where you can creates new, playable characters depending on whom you hook up with whom in your team.

The game also enlisted the help of Shin Kibayashi, an award-winning manga and film writer, to spruce up the game’s story and plot in response to criticism about the previous games’ writing. It’s an effective solution, and this game’s dialogue really stands out.

So, will you like the newest Fire Emblem game? If you liked the previous games, you’ll probably like these one… but there are only three ways to find out for sure.

Shut Up and Take My Money: Fire Emblem Fates

There’s no better medium than video games to step into the role of your favorite hero or villain from the Star Wars saga. Check out some of our best picks for Star Wars video games in 2015:

Star Wars: Battlefront

While it’s not released yet, Star Wars: Battlefront is an action game that’s quickly climbing the pre-order charts due to impressive beta footage released in the last couple months.

Available for the PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 on November 18, players will be able to re-enact classic Star Wars battles as well as play iconic characters like Darth Vader and Boba Fett. This game is best for older players experienced in online shooters. (MSRP: $60)

Check Sale Price on Amazon

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

While this Bioware game is now 12 years old, it still holds up as one of the best single player experiences within the Star Wars universe. The adventure explores both the light and dark side of the force as you learn the ways of the Jedi & Sith. If you are playing on PC via Steam, we recommend the Ultimate mod to upgrade all the textures and resolution for modern computers. (MSRP: $10)

Steam –  Google Play –  iTunes

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords

Following up on the success of KOTOR, Obsidian Entertainment picked up where Bioware left off to release the second greatest single player story in the Star Wars universe. This adventure brings more attention to the gray area between the light and dark sides of the Force. Interestingly, the PC version was updated during July 2015 with 4K resolution support as well as support for gaming controllers. (MSRP: $10)

Steam –   iTunes

LEGO Star Wars: Complete Saga

Not to be missed, this treatment of the first six Star Wars films is absolutely fantastic. While definitely geared at younger players, there are plenty of jokes in the game that will make adults laugh as well. While it originally came out for the previous generation of consoles (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii), you can also find it on the PC as well as mobile platforms like iOS or Android smartphones or the Nintendo DS. (MSRP: $7 and upwards)

Check Sale Price on Amazon

Star Wars: The Old Republic

Star Wars: The Old Republic is a MMORPG, a free-to-play RPG that offers significant bonuses when you subscribe. Different from most MMORPG games, the focus on story is absolutely amazing—basically providing 8 different story-lines for the character classes in the game. Look for the best deals on this PC title when new expansions are released, such as Knights of the Fallen Empire on Oct. 27th.

Check Prices on Amazon

Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition Starter Pack

Integrating Star Wars characters into the same universe currently occupied by Marvel, Disney and Pixar characters, the Disney Infinity 3.0 pack is another great game targeted at a younger generation of players. Besides the current generation of consoles, the Infinity 3.0 pack can also be picked up for the Xbox 360 or the PlayStation 3. (MSRP: $65)

Check Sale Price on Amazon

Angry Birds: Star Wars

Available on pretty much every console platform as well as mobile devices, this game is great for all ages. Adapting the popular Angry Birds game into the Star Wars universe, the player gets to destroy the Death Star as well as take on Sith lords like Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine. It’s a fun game to pass the time and likely addictive if you have played any of the previous Angry Birds games. (MSRP: Varies)

Check Sale Price on Amazon

Star Wars Pinball: Balance of the Force

Receiving praise from both critics and gamers, this Star Wars adaptation of pinball from Zen Studios is both beautiful and tons of fun to play. This is actually a DLC set of tables that can be purchased to add onto Pinball FX2. Look for the best deal during Steam sales, usually knocking between 50 to 75 percent off MSRP. (MSRP: Stars at $2)

Check Price on Steam

Ready Your VR Lightsaber: The 8 Best Star Wars Video Games

Developed by the creative genius of illustrator Joey Spiotto, this collection combines the classic 1980’s design of children’s books with popular video games of today. Video game franchises represented within this collection include Super Mario Brothers, The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Mass Effect, Half-Life, Bioshock, Portal, Skyrim and Red Dead Revolver.

In addition to the video game designs, Spiotto also created a number of children’s book designs spoofing the Cornetto Trilogy as well as popular characters from the Predator / Aliens franchises and characters from shows on the Cartoon Network. If you are interested in purchasing any of Spiotto’s designs, be sure to check out his Etsy storefront. But first, check out the nine children’s book covers below:

Bioshock

Half-Life

The Legend of Zelda

Super Mario Bros.

Mass Effect

Metroid

Portal

Red Dead Revolver

Skyrim

9 Amazing Children’s Book Covers Inspired by Video Games

Us gamers have our own language, full of acronyms (“GG”), insults (“N00b”), and poetry (“wankfest”). Which is why holiday cards that say things like “Wishing You and Yours a Merry Christmas” don’t make us excited for the season – but do make us gag. Luckily, these “bricked” Christmas cards aren’t the only ones available. Mario, Pikachu, Samus, and even Solid Snake may not send out cheesy photos of themselves wearing ugly sweaters, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to extend their best holiday wishes to friends and family.

We here at The Checkout proudly present these Video Game Christmas Cards to Reset Your Holiday Spirit. 

Pick up your set of Video Games Christmas Cards directly from designer Gamer Print.

Video Game Christmas Cards to Reset Your Holiday Spirit

Gaming on the iPhone has always been a mixed bag for me. Game like Angry Birds or Tiny Tower are absolutely perfect for touchscreen devices, mostly because you can play at your own pace.

However, I absolutely abhor first- or third-person shooters on the game device, specifically because virtual touchscreens offer no touch feedback. I have no idea if I’m shooting an enemy in the game or mashing my thumb up against the wrong area of the glass frantically.

Enter the Logitech PowerShell Controller + Battery, a device that wraps around the iPhone 5, iPhone 5S or 5th generation iPod Touch. The Powershell provides an analog d-pad, shoulder triggers and 4-button cluster very similar to a traditional controller for a gaming console.

In addition, the Powershell has a built-in 1500 mAh battery which increases the total amount of time that users can play games. Users can also plug in the Powershell in order to charge both the iPhone 5 and case battery at the same time.

While there are no thumbsticks on the Powershell, it’s likely a huge improvement over the standard touchscreen. However, if you want thumbsticks plus an extra set of triggers, check out the Moga Ace (released this week for the same price). It also has a slightly more powerful battery at 1800 mAh capacity.

However, the downside to the Moga Ace is that it’s significantly thicker when compared to the Logitech PowerShell. It would be much easier to slip the PowerShell into a pocket, ideal for anyone who commutes quite a bit.

You can check out the launch video of the Powershell below:

Shut Up and Take My Money: Logitech PowerShell Controller

When we’re considering the most iconic images of the 20^th century, the one that catches our eye most isn’t some sailor returning from the war and getting action in the street, nor is it that Marilyn Monroe upskirt shot that everyone thought was racy because Lindsey Lohan hadn’t been invented yet… No, for us the most visually stimulating and emotionally evocative image of the last century is the Game Boy, the clunky NES Jr. that saved handheld gaming from the tyranny of Mr. Game-and-Watch.

Just look at that simplicity, the functionality, the aesthetics.   A perfect machine really, at least for the time.  There were no eye warnings or numb hands back then… Just you, your video game world, and the long drive to grandma’s.  But now Game Boys exist only in memories (and the houses of hoarders and collectors).  And yet… it seems that the world feels its absence.  Artists, designers, and everyday people find themselves drawn to that little green screen and those little red buttons.

Game Boy Nursery Art Print

What better sight could a newborn set its brand new eyes on than an obsolete gaming system from the 80s!  Show your child you love them – but not with words or action or stuff like that… do it with pop culture art!  That’s why the this Nursery Art Print has a heart on the screen!

Buy the Game Boy Nursery Art Print Here

Game Boy Dress

Here’s a handheld device we can’t take our hands off of… Girls wearing this Game Boy Dress sure know how to push gamers’ buttons.

Buy the Game Boy Dress here

Game Boy iPhone Case

Some scientists theorize that Game Boys actually never went extinct… they just evolved into iPhones.  It’s only natural to think of Game Boys when you’re using your thumbs to interact with a handheld screen – this iPhone Case is kind of like the missing link.

Check Amazon for the Game Boy iPhone Case

USB 3.0 Game Boy Hard Drive

Still, nothing beats the feel of that big mechanical box in your hands, and if you need the real thing (or at least the shell of the real thing), the USB 3.0 Game Boy Hard Drive is for you!  Just the thing to back-up your Game Boy emulator!

Buy the USB 3.0 Game Boy Hard Drive Here

Beach Boy Towel

There’s just something about the crisp ocean air and calming rhythm of the waves that make us want to escape into a video game.  The Beach Boy Towel proves the theory that anything rectangular can be made Game Boy-themed.

Buy the Beach Boy Towel Here

Travel Boy Carry On Luggage

… Further proof anything rectangular can be made Game Boy.  We’re not complaining though, because the Travel Boy Carry On Case adds fun to your voyage, and makes us wish that flying game was real.

Buy the Travel Boy Carry On Luggage Here

Game Boy Watch

“Hey, what else can we use this low resolution screen for?  How about a low resolution Game Boy Watch?”

See the Game Boy Watch Here

Nerdtendo Gamebooze 8 oz Flask

On the heels of the Game Boy Dress, we appreciate products for adults that make Game Boy a Game Man.  The Nerdtendo Gamebooze 8 oz Flask features one game that we never grow too old for… heavy drinking.

Buy the Nerdtendo Gamebooze 8 oz Flask Here

Game Boy Cartridge Soaps

They look almost identical to actual cartridges… but we don’t recommend jamming them in the slot.  The Game Boy Cartridge Soaps offers a variety of your favorite classic Game Boy games.  Get them as wet as you want!

Buy the Game Boy Cartridge Soaps Here

Human Game Boy Print

And our last and final entry… any product you want!  The Human Game Boy Print can be printed on a variety of things, including hoodies, shirts, mugs, pillows, bags, pins, stuffed animals, water bottles, business cards, mouse pads, and even footballs (because if it’s one thing us die-hard gamers love, it’s outdoor sports).

Buy the Human Game Boy Print Products Here

Top Ten Questionably Licensed Game Boy Products

The fine folk over at Chipotle may move a bit glacially when it comes to adding new items to their menu, but this week they launched something new and exciting for the company: a video game that may just serve as some of the best advertising I have ever seen (or eaten).

Meet Chipotle’s The Scarecrow.

On the surface, The Scarecrow is merely a new free game for iPhone & iPad, of which there are millions made every day. (Generally this occurs when a cat walks across a keyboard and accidentally sets an app to build and submit prematurely.) To win, players must “join the Scarecrow on his quest for better food.” As a game, this means fetch quests, high scores, time trials, and the occasional level obstacle.

Check out the trailer, complete with a variant on the theme from the classic Willy Wonka movie:

Looks promising, no?

But damn, if you play this game, you may want to get ready for a blast of food sadness. Not because the game is lousy — far from it. It’s just that the Scarecrow’s world is depressing.

In the accompanying short film by Moonbot Studios, giant metal crows (like BioShock Infinite‘s Songbird), stalk the land, take all of the good ingredients, and turn those ingredients into evil, un-fresh food. Dairy cows are haphazardly sealed inside of fast food mascots, while food factories are stacked triple high.

Fortunately, while other scarecrows are being displaced by more and more metal monsters, your scarecrow has caught on to a secret. Outside of the cities, there are swaths of land where things like little chipotle peppers grow. By cultivating such super freshness, the scarecrow finally manages to get people in the City of Plenty to buy and eat his chipotle food.

Holy Burrito! Chipotle Made a Game