Play for free: When you're too cheap to buy a Wii

We'll be at 1820 bar this Monday, Aug. 17, from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. to play a little Pac-Man, drink a few and generally pretend we're 13 again. You should join us. We promise to play nice.

So you're a cheap bastard, huh? "It's just too much money to buy a PS3" you whine as you head over to your brother's house to keep him up all night playing Resistance 2. You know, eventually you will have to plunk down some of your hard-earned cash for a gaming system. But until you do, here are some places to play for free, or at least relatively so. Maybe now your brother can get some sleep.
Wii
• 1820 [1]
1820 bar is located right next door to Joystix, and they unite as one on the first and last Friday of each month. For $15, you can play classic and new arcade games all night. Check the schedule for the very popular Pac Man Fever events.

• Crocker bar [2]
Crocker believes in gaming fun. The Wii is free for use, with boxing, bowling and other Wii standards.

• Firkin and Phoenix [3]
Firkin & Phoenix often hosts Guitar Hero competitions, so if that's your thing, go sign up. Check its events schedule for dates and entry rules.

• Lucky's Pub [4]
Lucky's has Wii Bowling League tournaments on Tuesdays, Rock Band & Guitar Hero Wednesdays and, if you're just looking for the standard bar games, the old Big Buck Hunter and Golden Tee Golf are available. Don't miss (as if you could) the 21-foot hi-def screen.

• Guava Lamp [5]
Nintendo Wii is available all night, every night. The same cannot be said for the cutie you meet playing Wii tennis.

• Ranch Hill Saloon [6]
On Fridays, patrons can join the Wii bowling tournament from 7 p.m.-9 p.m., with Wii Fun & Games on Sundays from 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

• Discovery Green [7]
Though we're not really sure what's so "extreme" about the Wii, Extreme Wii Thursdays at Discovery Green are an option for those looking to get their game on for free. You have to register for the weekly contests and games vary weekly. Registration is from 5-6:30 p.m., with the competition starting shortly after. The tourney is divided into age groups - the first hour for ages 4-11, the second for ages 12-17 and the third is 18+.

• Or as a last resort, play free online games. You won't even have to leave your house, you bum. If you're into being on a cartoon battlefield try Battlefield Heroes [8]. Real Arcade [9] allows you to step back in time and play some of your favorites from childhood. A little Galaga, anyone?