Amazon.com Begins Selling Used Games, Taking Trade-Ins

Amazon.com already ticked off book publishers, now they're taking aim at video game publishers. They have started not just selling used games, but also accepting trade-ins from customers.

It should be noted that the video game industry has gone so far as to say the sale of used games "defrauds" the industry.

Amazon has previously allowed users to sell their own used games via its website.

A few caveats on the trade-in program:

• No PC games (so far). You choose game platforms from a drop-down list, and then search for the game (or you can see a few top trade-in titles for each platform).
  

• Supported platforms: PS3, PS3, Nintendo Wii, PSP, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS

• Games must be in "good condition." That is defined as: no damage, original packaging including manual, case, cover art, etc. etc.

• You will receive an Amazon gift card in your account.

Examples of the trade-in value of a few titles: Lego Batman for PS3 is worth $17.50, Super Paper Mario for the Nintendo Wii is worth $13.00.

What's nice is, much like returns to Amazon.com, after submitting your item(s) to return, you get a mailing label to print. No mailing cost to reduce the value of your trade-in! Pretty nice.

Another perk is that for the first two weeks of the beta (until March 19th), Amazon.com is offering 10% off a future purchase of any game or accessory in Amazon’s video game store.

It's not like Amazon.com is the only retailer offering trade-in and used games, but of course, it's obviously the huge elephant in the corner of the room, right? It will be interesting to see how video game publishers react to this.