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A PSA : Check your used games for scratches BEFORE you buy them
A word to the wise about buying used games. When you are getting a disc based game check the underside of the disk for excess scratches and scuffing.
Today I stopped by a used game store and decided to give Super Smash .Bros Melee on Gamecube a second chance. I checked the disc and it looked like some one licked it and let it dry but I did not see any scratches. When I got home I sprayed it with water and dried it with a fine non abrasive cloth only to find some scratches that were hidden by the dried spit. I tried it in my Gamecube and the damn thing will not load rendering the game unplayable. I still have the receipt and I intend on exchanging it for a non scuffed up disc but I did learn a valuable lesson.
Check the disc and don't feel bad about asking to see another copy of the used game. If it is a rare used game ask to see if you can try it out to make sure that the copy is good. There few nerdly things worse than a freaking Gamecube disk that some idiotic kid used as a coaster for his Mountain Dew.
Update: They did not have another used copy so they gave me a new fresh in the box copy. Woo hoo!
Jake at August 2, 2006 
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Comments
There's always that bogus scratch protection you can buy at Gamestop. Sometimes it's not bad because it's only a dollar, but still. If the game isn't scratched right off, then it never will or should be.
I always check my movies and games when I rent especially now that Movie Gallery has this scratch protection thing too, they will just blame you for the scratches and charge you for a new one because some retard can't hold a disc properly.
Posted by: Shawn L ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.8bitjoystick.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at August 3, 2006 3:46 AM
I stay away from used games completly. Sometimes GameStops and EB games have been found to unknowingly sell bootleg games such as for the GBA. So I don't buy used games if I can help it. :\
Posted by: ShotgunSteve at August 3, 2006 1:18 PM
In NZ, all stores are required to show you the surface of the CD before paying for it. You cannot return afterwards because of potential piracy issues and whatnot.
But in my experience with used games, only 1 or 2 have been scratched somewhat. Usually, a trip to the videostore and a relayer fixes it for a few dollars.
Posted by: Matt at August 3, 2006 9:00 PM
did you buy from ebgames? i love their return policy on used games, ie, if it doesnt work, they give you a new one! plus if you have an edge card, you pay even less for the used ones, and they have basically the same warranty. w00t for eb!
Posted by: sunami88 at August 5, 2006 8:52 AM
