Video gaming is a popular pastime for people of all ages. However, it can be an expensive hobby, especially if you are a hardcore gamer who wants to keep up with the latest releases.
In this article, we will take a look at the costs of gaming and whether or not it is worth the investment.
Price Of Games
The average price of a new video game is around $60. This may not seem like much, but it can add up quickly if you are buying multiple games per year. Additionally, many gamers like to purchase DLC (downloadable content) or in-game microtransactions, which can further increase the cost of gaming.
If you want to stay current with the latest releases, you will need to buy a new console every few years as well. The cost of a new console can range from $200 to $800, depending on the system.
A PC will usually last longer but a new PC could cost you anywhere between $500 and $5000 depending on how powerful you want the PC to be. You will also need to purchase games for your console, which can add up over time.
That being said, there are also tons of free games to play. Many hardcore gamers find themselves playing a single game for years. These games are usually competitive online games that are constantly refreshed with new content.
As a kid, gaming will seem expensive. As an adult, gaming would seem cheap compared to other hobbies.
Time Required To Play Games
According to a report done by Limelight, worldwide gamers spend around 8 hours and 27 minutes each week playing games. To many, these might seem like rookie numbers but this is purely based on the average.
During COVID times the amount of time spent playing games has increased and is not showing any signs of slowing down any time soon.
PC or Console Gaming – Which is better?
There are pros and cons to both PC and console gaming. It really depends on what you are looking for in a gaming experience.
PC gaming is often seen as the more expensive option due to the cost of buying a PC being slightly higher than that of a console, but you do get what you pay for in terms of performance. PCs can easily be upgraded over time, so you don’t need to buy a new one every few years like with consoles.
PCs also have a wider selection of games to choose from, as well as exclusive titles that are not available on consoles.
When it comes to PCs, there are new hobbies besides gaming that people enjoy. Hobbies like making beautiful mechanical keyboards come to mind. There are also communities online where people show off their battle stations.
Console gaming is simpler and often cheaper in the short term. You just need to buy the console and then you can start playing. However, over time, the cost of buying new games can add up as PC has a much wider selection of addictive and fun-free games.
Consoles also have a shorter lifespan than PCs, so you will need to upgrade every few years to stay current.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual gamer to decide whether PC or console gaming is better. It really depends on what you are looking for in a gaming experience.
Handheld Consoles – Worth it?
If you are a more casual type of gamer, a handheld console like the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck might be perfect for you.
The cost is usually lower and you can hook them up to a TV or play on the go.
The Nintendo Switch is a popular handheld console that can be played both at home and on the go. It has a wide selection of games, including first-party titles like Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda.
The Switch is also region-free, so you can play games from any country. You will need to buy a separate charger, however, as the Switch uses a unique charging port.
The Steam Deck is a handheld PC that can be used to play Steam games on the go. You can also buy many cheap indie games (which can be absolutely amazing) at a much lower price point.
Handheld consoles are fantastic for casual gamers or gamers that like to play on the go or just wish to have a more affordable console.
Conclusion
So, is gaming an expensive hobby? It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a variety of options available to fit any budget. Whether you want to play the latest and greatest AAA title or an indie game, there’s a gaming solution for you. And, with the current state of the world, gaming is a great way to stay connected with friends and family. So, what are you waiting for? Pick up a controller and start playing!
