Amazon enters pre-owned games market

Online retailer Amazon has entered the pre-owned videogames market, with the beta launch of a new service.

Users send Amazon their games, and in return are issued a gift card for a pre-arranged amount.

The retailer already allows users to sell their own games through the site, but this is the first time Amazon has taken a more active role.

On PlayStation 3 titles, Amazon is currently offering users USD 33 for Capcom's Street Fighter IV, and at the other end of the scale, USD 9 for Ubisoft's Far Cry 2.

Amazon is the latest retailer to jump on the pre-owned market, traditionally an area for specialist games stores.

In the US Toys R Us has begun trialling a service, while the UK's HMV launched its second hand offering last year.