Gaming is one of the most popular recreational activities for people of all ages, all over the world. However, it can be an expensive hobby, especially for those without much room in their budget for entertainment. The cost of equipment like consoles and computers, as well as the prices of the games themselves, continue to be unaffordable for many people. Fortunately, there are ways you can get some of the best games and gaming equipment on the market at a more reasonable price, and there are definitely deals to be had at sites like The Old School Game Vault. If you’re looking to start gaming on a small budget, keep reading for five tips that will help you get the equipment you need and start playing.
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5 Tips To Start Gaming on a Small Budget
1. Consider playing competitively.
Gamers who don’t have thousands of dollars to spend on their setup or new games may want to look into the competitive gaming opportunities available in their area. World LOL is just one example of an esport with a massive prize pool, but there are a number of options for competitive play. Larger competitions like the League of Legends World Championship may not be a great first tournament for beginners. Depending on the esport and the league, you can win cash, gaming equipment, and consoles in many smaller local and regional competitions.
2. Sell and trade in old games and equipment.
One of the best ways to save a little money for your next gaming purchase is to sell or trade in your old stuff. Many retailers will give you cash, store credit, or a discount on the purchase price of a future product. The amount of money you’ll receive depends on several factors like condition, age, and rarity. The retro gaming market in particular has exploded in popularity since the start of COVID-19, so if you have any old-school games, you can make a tidy profit if you consider selling now.
3. Keep an eye out for sales and bundles.
While everyone wants to be able to buy the latest consoles and games as soon as they’re released, it’s much cheaper to wait. Don’t sign up for expensive preorders or rush to pay a fortune to a reseller. Most games are discounted after a few months or are offered as part of a bundle that lowers the purchase price.
4. Read reviews first.
Most of us have had the experience of buying a game without knowing much about it, booting it up, and finding that you don’t actually enjoy playing it at all. A good way to avoid wasting money on games you’ll never finish is to invest time in reading reviews carefully. With the advent of Twitch and YouTube gaming content, you can even check out gameplay videos and see how major game systems work before you buy the game.
5. Explore indie games.
When people think about buying video games, it’s often the blockbuster titles that can cost upwards of $60. By sticking to the most highly anticipated offerings from major studios, you aren’t just costing yourself money, you’re missing out on some of the best games on the market. Modern classics like Stardew Valley and Celeste are available at lower price points and received rave reviews for the experiences they provide.
While everyone wants to be able to buy the latest console or newest game at full price as soon as it comes out, spending that kind of money isn’t realistic for most people. Gamers with limited funds may need to make some compromises or be patient with new releases, but there are high-quality, exciting gaming experiences available that won’t break the bank. There’s no denying that playing video games can be an expensive hobby, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time playing incredible games on a small budget.
