GameKingdom is a new Auckland based game rental site which stocks the largest range of next gen console games we've seen. GameKingdom also has a selection of anime DVDs for rental, fare which you won't often find at the mainstream DVD rental sites like Fatso.
GameKingdom focus on the next gen consoles only: 238+ PS3 titles, 239+ for PSP, 344+ Xbox 360, 279+ for Wii, 363+ for DS, as well as 550+ anime DVDs. This is a considerably larger inventory than the original New Zealand game rental outfit, Gamehog, and GameKingdom are the only ones to offer titles for the Nintendo DS.
GameKingdom also has one of the most generous rewards programs we've seen, which accumulates benefits the longer you've been a member. If you've been a member for 3 months or longer, you get $5 off every third month. If you're on the heft 4 or 5 disc plans, you also get $10 off on your sixth month, And if you refer a new member, they will credit you $10 off your next bill.
Their browsing system, looks promising, breaking games into 8 genres like Shooter, Sports, etc., until you find that when you click one, you see all games for all consoles in that genre. For example, let's say you own a Wii and want to see their Wii Racing games--instead, you see all the PSP, PS3, Xbox 360, and even Anime DVD titles in that genre--we believe gamers (who generally have one or two systems) expect console specific genres.
We've noticed a few bugs; before when we clicked Contact Us at the bottom of the page, we got an error screen, but this has been fixed. GameKingdom is a new company, only launched in 2008 in Auckland, and given the quality of the site and service in general, we're sure such issues will be ironed out.
GameKingdom's site notes that average shipping times are one day to Auckland, 2-3 days for North Island, and 2-4 days for South Island residents. However, unlike all other New Zealand DVD and game rental companies, they currently ship seven days a week. Unfortunately, they do not have a customer service phone line.
GameKingdom plan to release a forum soon so members can talk about games and anime, but GameHog long planned such a forum as well, and we'll believe it when we see it.
Prices: GameKingdom offers either a 14-day free trial, or 50% off the first month's tariff--essentially the same value value. You get get one game out (unlimited swaps) for $19.90 per month, 2 games for $29.90, 3 games for $38.90, and 4 games for $46.90.
Note that their terms and conditions note they allow 7 days to return games after cancellation, so be sure to get them in the post quickly, and possibly with a registered delivery method.
Excellent new game rental service with the widest range of next gen console titles in New Zealand, but still a few technical issues to resolve.
DVD Rental Basics