Streaming video games was once a big promise for Netflix, which announced plans to offer the service, but soon dropped it. The plans were part of Netflix’s ill-fated Quickster service. Netflix already streams movies and TV to every console, and it is only a matter of time until it offers video games, too. But in the meantime, a new service has emerged that lets you rent video games.

GameFly

If you have been hesitant to rent video games from a rental service, GameFly may be the answer. The video game rental service ships the games to you for free, making it easier for you to enjoy them while saving money. While downloading takes a little longer, there are times when you can’t play a game unless you have a physical copy. Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about returning the game after it’s over. The games are also available for sale at discounted prices, making GameFly a much better choice than buying a new game from a store.

Unlike Netflix, GameFly also offers physical copies of movies and video games. Rather than waiting for your DVDs to arrive, subscribers can simply choose the titles they want to rent from the GameFly website and have them shipped to them within two to five business days. However, some subscribers have reported a longer wait than that. Once you have received your games, you can play them for as long as you like and return them free of charge using the pre-paid mailing envelope.

iFlipd

Redbox used to be a source for affordable video game rentals, but has quietly phased out video game rentals. The company confirmed this change on Twitter. The new strategy is to focus on physical media, streaming on-demand, and new exclusive content. In its place, Redbox will exclusively rent movies and TV shows. The change comes as Netflix and Redbox are competing for customers. However, the future of video game rental remains bright.

Netflix announced plans to launch a video game rental service in September 2011 but cancelled the initiative after hearing complaints. The company spun off its DVD rental business as Qwikster, which offered game disc rentals for the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and Wii. The company heard complaints about Qwikster’s inability to integrate with Netflix, and decided to kill it. However, Netflix executives said during their recent earnings call that video game rentals aren’t a priority.

Family Video

If you are looking for great family movies, consider Subscribing to Family Video on Netflix. The service offers an enormous catalog of movies, TV shows, anime, and award-winning originals. There’s something for every family member, from children to grandparents. With over 100 titles in its catalog, you’ll be sure to find something your kids will enjoy. Streaming subscriptions start at $10 per month and go up from there.

You can also choose from animated movies, including The Mitchells vs. The Machines, which has something for everyone in the family. The visuals come from the team behind Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and the cast includes Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride, Maya Rudolph, and Eric Andre. Some of the more recent family movies available on the service include The Spiderwick Chronicles, Annie, and Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs.

Game Pass

You may have heard of Xbox Game Pass and Netflix’s video game rental service, but you’re not sure what it is. Originally, the service was just a way for you to rent a video game and keep it. That’s fine, but if you’re the type of person who likes to play games for extended periods of time, Game Pass might be a better option for you. The company has a strong subscription base, and it’s easy to see why. Xbox Game Pass has surpassed 18 million subscribers.

XBox Game Pass offers more than 100 games from different developers, including Bethesda and Microsoft. You can choose games from Xbox Game Studios, EA Play, and other companies. And you can get free in-game perks, such as unlocking achievements. Xbox Game Pass even includes games from independent developers and publishers, including indie and independent developer studios. However, it’s not as convenient as Netflix.