We’re not talking environmental here, but we should be. Pre-owned games are much more environmental than buying new.

Less are manufactured as a result and fewer are shipped across seas in tankers to get to us.

Of course the developers would argue that the loss of profit means that less development can go into their creation and the public sufferers.

I’d like to hear the car industry arguing that one if they ever tried to ban the purchase of second hand cars.

Now, with the growth of online gaming, it may be possible for the developers to have the best of both worlds - to be more profitable and green - to the detriment of pocket money all over America.

In the meantime continue to enjoy pre-owned games and buy sell and trade pre-owned and used consumer electronics like cellphones, PC hardware, and digital cameras when you can, knowing that you’re being good to our wallet and your planet (nicked that one from upstairs).

What is a pity is that the pre-owned electronics industry is not as mature as the pre-owned games, music or movie industry. With camera and cellphone upgrades now coming out as fast as new games and movies, its time is surely coming.