GameFly is an American online video game rental subscription service that specializes in providing games for game consoles and handheld game consoles.
Similar to the DVD rental subscription service Netflix, GameFly sends games to subscribers via the United States Postal Service in re-mailable, pre-paid mailers (non-US residents are ineligible for the service, as GameFly does not ship overseas). The subscriber then can keep the games for as long as desired while paying the monthly fee, although the number of games is limited by the type of subscription plan chosen by the subscriber. Additionally, the user can create a queue, known as the “GameQ”, of up to 50 games. Upon returning the game to a GameFly distribution center, GameFly automatically ships out the next game in the “GameQ”, making the process cyclical for as long as the user is a subscriber and updates his or her “GameQ”. Customers typically expect delivery of their requested games within 2-5 days of shipment. If the received game disc or cartridge is damaged or unplayable for some reason, or if the wrong game was received, the customer can return it for a replacement or have the next item in their rental queue sent instead.
Subscribers can also purchase selected pre-played games at a reduced price should they choose to keep the game, in which case the jacket and instruction booklet will be subsequently mailed to them. Non-subscribers may also buy games, though not at a discounted price afforded to subscribers.
The process is all managed online, where the user must provide a credit card as a form of payment and means of verification.
Also, retail outlets such as Best Buy offered “pre-paid” versions of GameFly for new subscribers (where they pay one month for two months worth of service), and gift certificates can be sent to friends and family — although these require the people receiving the “pre-paid” pack or gift certificate to furnish a credit card as a means of verification and incurring future charges.