At a time when the latest gaming consoles and graphics cards are pretty pricey, many gamers are trying to figure out how to stay within their budget yet feed their passion without spending a fortune. Considering the video game industry is already making billions, it makes sense to think about how we can be thrifty and enjoy gaming without handing over all our hard-earned money to the big game companies.
Smart planning can help stretch your gaming budget. Knowing how to pick the right platform, find affordable games, or even play in minimum deposit casinos can make a huge difference in your gaming experience. This is where we come in – we’ll show you some practical and easy-to-follow tips to enjoy gaming without spending a fortune, helping you keep your gaming hobby fun and financially manageable.
PC Gaming on a Budget
If you choose PC as your preferred platform, you’ve likely chosen the most expensive way to get into gaming. But there are some ways to make your wish more cost-effective.
Use your Home PC
You can continue using your old PC instead of purchasing a pretty darn zippy machine. One way to use your old machine is to opt for a game-streaming device like Nvidia’s GeForce Now. You only need a decent WI-FI connection or Ethernet cable for this gaming. The streaming device allows you to play 1 hour of the free session and an opportunity to re-enter the queue for an all-nighter playing session.
Pimp your PC
Instead of buying a new computer, consider upgrading individual components like graphics cards or RAM. Remember that purchasing the latest components on the market separately can still be expensive, so don’t always choose the most expensive products.
Discover Affordable or Free Games
Some gaming platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft provide many free games. While you might not find the newest releases on these platforms, classics like DOTA and Counter-Strike are still great options. Watch for periodic sales on these platforms to grab some good deals.
One thing you need to consider when playing free games is to watch out for in-game micro-transactions. The best way is to factor these costs into your planned spending budget. In most cases, these transactions are optional, so you can skip them altogether at the cost of a more dedicated experience.
Consoles on a Budget
The price for PlayStation 5 starts at nearly $500 for the essential bundle; plus, if you want the newest “The Last of Us™ Part II Remastered WLF Edition” game, there will be an additional $99. Recognizing that this price tag is steep for many, we’re going to dive into some realistic, wallet-friendly tactics.
Know where you are buying
The official sites for PlayStation or Xbox are the last places to look when purchasing a console unless you catch a good bundle. You could look up local listings where you can negotiate the price or catch a discount.
Find Free or Cheap Games
Even with a newer console, there are options for free or inexpensive games on contemporary platforms, though the selection might be limited. For those with older consoles, you’ll likely find a variety of retro video games that might not have caught your attention in your younger years.
Look for older models
Older models come with a lower price. So, instead of buying the newest PS5, consider the PS2 or Xbox 360 Slim. These consoles have one of the most extensive libraries in gaming history. Presumably, Nintendo was your first gaming adventure, so why not consider it the best option for modern gaming since its price for the newest version is much lower than PS5 and Xbox Series X? Also, Nintendo has top-performance handset consoles, like Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite, with price tags ranging from $200 to $300.
Explore Minimum Deposit Casinos for Gaming Variety
Making money while playing video games is hard, except if you are a professional player. That’s why exploring minimum deposit casinos can be a great way to save a few bucks and earn a bundle. These online casinos allow players to wager a small amount on many games, usually between $1 (or lower) to $10. Some popular minimum deposit casino games are blackjack, roulette, video poker, and slots. Players can also get the same advantages despite the small financial deposits, like free spins or other online casino bonuses and promotions.
Before you start playing, you should carefully consider the risks involved with casino gaming, considering many games (but not all) are based on pure chance.
Tips and Tricks for Thrifty Gaming
These tips and tricks for thrifty gaming can help you control your budget or even make some money for yourself.
- Buy second-hand discs
- Trade games with friends
- Sell the games you don’t play anymore
- Look for sales and promotions on new games and consoles
- Create a joint budget with friends
Final Thoughts
Active gaming can be costly, but thrifty gaming can be a low-risk adventure. Choose your gaming platform thoughtfully, seek out free or cheap games, and use some tricks like trading or buying secondhand, and you will enjoy video games while staying within your budget.
