Gamesenders was launched in summer 2007, Ireland's first, and only dedicated online video game rental service. They cover the next generation consoles very well--Playstation 3 (290+ titles), Xbox 360 (340+), and Wii (350+), as well as the latest handhelds, the Nintendo DS (150+) and PSP (70+).
They have a large inventory with many of the latest titles and new releases, and if there's a title they don't have, email them and they'll do their best to acquire it. In fact, we noted they added over 300 unique titles in 2009 (heavily weighted toward the main PS3, 360, and Wii consoles), and we expect these heavy acquisitions of new releases to continue.
The website looks smooth and well done. The actual title information pages are quite good, with tabs for summary, images, info, and even videos of the gameplay on some titles. The info lists publisher, platform, genre, release date, and number of players. Once you become a member, you can view and add your own reviews of the games--very useful when scouting out new titles. In late 2008 Gamesenders also added an option to purchase ex-rental games for a discount, which we understand has proved quite popular.
The site also provides customized recommendations based on your past ratings and ratings of other GameSenders members. The titles are broken into nine genres to aid browsing, with additional lists of Most Popular, New Releases, and Coming Soon. You can even sign up for alerts when new games come out, and can add unreleased games into your queue for shipment when they come out.
Gamesenders is a 100% Irish owned and run company. Founded by avid gamer Neil Jones, a June 2008 survey of their members found 95% of respondents rated the service as "Excellent" or Good."
Unlike many rental companies, you can freeze you account, which is handy if you're away, though this process is not automated, and you'll have to email customer service. As an added plus, you can buy gift certificates--a perfect present for a gamer.
Prices: Gamesenders usually has a 10-day free trial, but currently has a special offer of an unbeaten 30-day free trial! If you want to cancel, but sure to get the games back to them at least two working days before the end of the free trial, or you will be charged.
Gamesenders has three membership packages; two unlimited ones--one game out at-a-time for €18.99 per month, two games out for €24.99, and a capped plan for two total discs in a month (one out at a time) for only €14.95. This is excellent value when you consider how much games cost retail.
Ireland's only game rental service, new, but very slick and reasonably priced--why pay retail for games when you can rent?
DVD/Game Rental Basics