Most people don't give used items for gifts, whether they be games, movies, cds, etc. A product loses a lot of its value when it's opened, let alone used. I agree, there is no comparison between new and used. There's more of a difference than plastic wrap. You don't know whose house that game has been in, whose touched, it etc. I'll take new anyday.
So if I get a game that is used, and you have a game that is new, how can you distinguish the value of the game when we both start playing it? Look at it objectivly, and you will realize that you a new game that has just been played has no greater value than a used game, played on twice.
I'm honestly floored by the fact that some people will turn their noses up at the concept of used videogames for gifts, be it receiving or giving, espcially at a site that thrives on saving money. Maybe as a newlymarried 24 year old I have just grown up in a different generation, but if the choice came down to buying a game, say Rainbow Six Vegas 2 for $20, verses wasting double of that on a new version, I would definintely take the used copy. And in the same respect, I wouldn't want my relatives buying me a copy that cost that much either. Why would you waste the money? Why are used games looked at with such disgust, like a severed head?
Now, Don't get me wrong...I'm not throwing the baby out with the bathwater here... I understand that if you are collecting it (which is the only reasonable explanation I hope that you are providing) then obviously you want to keep it in mint condition, even unopened. Fine, that makes sense.
As well, some things shouldn't be used, obviously. But it seems to me that this is the same logic people have with buying new cars. They argue that they don't know whose the previous owner was, etc. But truth be told, it just doesn't make any fiscal sense to buy it new off the lot. Games are the same way, including movies, cd's, and books. I guess pinching pennies has a whole different meaning for myself and my wife.
