Where to Rent Video Games Online in 2024 (Physical & Digital)

Traditional mail-order game rental (GameFly's peak) has largely vanished. Digital subscriptions and streaming replaced it. Current landscape:

Digital "Rental" via Subscription (Best Value)

• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($16.99/mo): 400+ games (Xbox, PC, Cloud), day-one first-party, EA Play included. Closest to "unlimited rental."
• PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium ($14.99/$17.99/mo): 400+ PS4/PS5 games (Extra); + Classics, cloud streaming, trials (Premium)
• EA Play ($4.99/mo or $29.99/yr): EA library, 10-hr trials of new releases, 10% discount
• Ubisoft+ ($17.99/mo): Ubisoft titles day-one, classics, DLC
• PC Game Pass ($11.99/mo): PC-native library, EA Play included

Cloud Streaming (No Download/Install)

• Xbox Cloud Gaming (in Game Pass Ultimate): Play Xbox games on phone, tablet, PC, TV, Meta Quest
• GeForce Now (Free/$9.99/$19.99/mo): Stream your owned Steam/Epic/GOG games from cloud RTX rigs
• PlayStation Plus Premium Cloud: Stream PS3/PS4/PS5 games to PS5/PC

Physical Rental — Nearly Extinct

• GameFly: Still exists ($15.95/mo for 1 disc, $22.95 for 2), but slow shipping, shrinking selection, no day-one new releases
• Redbox (Kiosks): Mostly movies; game selection minimal/declining
• Local Shops: Rare. Search "video game rental near me" — call ahead

Alternatives to "Renting"

• Humble Choice ($11.99/mo): Keep 8-10 curated games/month forever
• Free-to-Play + Sales: Fortnite, Apex, Warframe, Path of Exile cost $0. Wishlist on IsThereAnyDeal for 50-90% off
• Library Apps: Some public libraries offer Steam keys or console loans via Hoopla/Libby

Recommendation: For 99% of gamers, Game Pass or PS Plus is the modern "rental"—instant, vast, no late fees. Physical rental only for collectors/specific retro titles.