One of the worst parts about being an avid gamer is that it can be hard to find the newest and coolest video games the day they launch. I have been trying to get a copy of Mario Kart for the Wii for months and can’t find it.

Target has announced a new video game reservation program that is a bit easier to swallow than many pre-order programs that require you to pay for the entire purchase price of the game. The Target program has little cards, which look like gift cards. You pay $1 for the reservation cards and guarantee yourself a copy of whatever game the card is for.

The cool part is that once you come back and buy your game you get a $5 gift card good towards a future purchase. That means you can’t get $5 off the game you reserved, but you can use it on the next game you get. Target is kicking the program off with cards for Punch Out!!, EA Sports Active, Ghostbusters, Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings, and UFC 2009 Undisputed from THQ.

Target