Every gaming fan out there should rejoice because we live in an era of technological prosperity. Back in the day, gaming was expensive. Everything from gaming consoles to PCs, and the games itself was expensive. Not to mention that game titles were scarce. Nowadays, the times are better. We have plenty of affordable tech solutions that allow players to enjoy high-end gaming without having to pay a fortune for it. If you’re looking for an affordable solution to your gaming cravings, keep reading. The first option is always the amazing Xbox Series S.
Xbox Series S
Almost everything the Xbox Series X has packed in a smaller container, and more affordable? Where can I get it? You can have it with the Xbox Series S. Yes, it is a smaller version and less potent. The good part is that it is compatible with almost all games as its X version. The downside, of course, is the end product’s quality. As far as 4K games go, it is not up to standard. You’ll just have to get used to 1080p or 1440p with S. On the positive end, it is fast and works well with almost any game. The console is a digital one, so it does not bode well with discs. All games need to be downloaded before playing, which is yet another way of making this product affordable. For the best money-wise package, you need to consider Game Pass too.
Steam Deck
Steam Deck is a fine piece of technology. In essence, we’re talking about a portable PC. If you’re attached to your desktop PC, but you can’t have it everywhere with you, the Steam Deck is your ideal solution. This piece of tech allows you to play your favourite casino games, and those you have on your Steam library, on the go. Many folks often argue that it is a bit bulky for a portable product, but for its price, we can live with it. The good news is that it works well with most game stores, including Apple and Windows, making your gaming library even more expansive. The device includes a touchscreen and a trackpad. Its battery life provides two to six hours of game time, depending on whether you’re playing slots or Call of Duty. If you already own many games on Steam, using Steam Deck will be like inventing a wheel for you.
Nintendo Switch OLED
Don’t get confused with this product. In most categories, it is an ordinary Nintendo Switch. What makes it better is its screen, which is packed with OLED technology. This screen brings forth more colours and is brighter, making it ideal for playing in daylight. The entire Nintendo Switch experience is elevated with the OLED version for a fraction of the price. Do not worry, it is still quite affordable. Another aspect making it worth your while is its flexibility. You can use it as a portable device and connect it to your TV. With Switch, you get access to Nintendo originals such as Zelda, Mario Kart, and Animal Crossing.
PlayStation Portal
While it carries the PlayStation name, we need to warn the buyers that the PlayStation Portal is not a full console. For the most part, you ought to view it as a streaming device. The only way it makes sense to use it is if you already own a PS5. So, what makes it an affordable buy? Well, if you own a PS5, you can stream all of your games to this one-handed screen. So, if someone is using the PS5 on the TV, you can play different games in another room without interruptions. If you’re in love with your PS5, it is good to know that PlayStation Portal comes with identical controls. Its display is quite decent, and while it can access your game library, it is not compatible with all games. The titles that require fast responses and quick screen movement are off limits due to their streaming properties. So, if you own a PS5, go get the Portal. If not, well, this one is not your cup of tea despite being affordable for what it brings to the table.
Nintendo Switch Lite
We’re back with the Nintendo family, and Lite is just like your regular Switch with one major difference – it is a handheld-only version. This is good news. It is both lighter and cheaper than the regular version. The bad news is that it’s only for portable play and lacks TV connectivity. On the positive side, it is compatible with all standard games that a Nintendo Switch is, with a bit of a downside that games that are dependent on the Joy-Con will not work as intended. While it is great for everyday usage, it pales in comparison with the standard Nintendo Switch, but at its price, it is ideal for kids, in case they break or misplace it.
Evercade Alpha
A blast from the past. If you’re a retro gamer, Evercade Alpha needs to be your go-to solution. Yes, it is not a console dependent on game downloads, but rather one cartridge. While this could be a bit of a hustle, every cartridge for Evercade Alpha comes with more than one game. All of them are old-school, arcade games. For anyone reminiscent of the days of classic arcade machines, you will hit a jackpot with Evercade Alpha. Modern gamers will not find this product viable for gaming, but we old heads will make it work for its money. The games and controls are simple, as using this product is about reliving part of the past and fully enjoying the modern gaming solutions. So, a blast from the past on a budget sounds just about right, doesn’t it?
Bottom Line
Modern gaming doesn’t need to be expensive. With the tech products intended for gaming we’ve listed above, you can have your fair share of playing games while not thinking about how much you’ve spent.
