I used to be a PC-only gamer but the older I get the more I gravitate toward very ‘simple’ platforms.
Because my gaming time slots can be unpredictable and sometimes short I can’t take too much time setting things up.
I was surprised to find that I use the Nintendo Switch a lot because the games are on cartridges (usually few to no downloading needed) and I can continue playing the game when I am away from home. Really surprising, considering I bought it out of curiosity in 2017 and that it is in some ways underpowered compared to my other devices- I never had a Nintendo ‘home’ console before that.
I thought of adding the PS4 to this mention however recently I’ve been avoiding playing it due to the constant updates. The worst example was when my SO bought me Red Dead Redemption 2. I sat down, excited to play it, when suddenly it pormpted me to download a HUGE update . It really kind of ruined my first session.
What are your experiences and your preferred devices?
My favourite way to play games at the moment is with a retro emulator handheld. But with new games it’s ps5. I’m still rocking a 1050ti in my pc so I prefer to play the big budget games on console.
Definitely a mix for me, depending on what I want to play and how I’m feeling, but primarily PC (massive GOG and Steam libraries), Xbox (I have a series X and adore the backwards compatibility), and an Evercade handheld for portable fun and the occasional exclusive, like the Duke Nukem 1 & 2 remasters.
Android phone with Razer Kishi v1 controller. Stream PC games via Steamlink/Parsec. Emulators (NES / SNES / Genesis / GBA / DS / PS1 / PS2 / Gamecube / Switch).
Boring answer, but I play on the PC exclusively. When I’m not playing, I’m usually already using the PC for other stuff, so it’s a faster switch than jumping to some other device. I thought about getting a Steam Deck for a while, but I gravitate so much towards the PC that I think I’d probably put it down after a while.
There’s usually “routine” games I’ll play during the week when I have little time - which are usually games that are unlikely to receive any big updates - and I’ll leave new games to moments when I know I can sit down for a long while without worries.
The PC I use for gaming is practically only a gaming box, though. I don’t tinker with it nearly as much as I used to. And I’ve started using a controller more, when that’s an option.
PC 100% and tbh, i don’t usually play games that are that big and still receive updates. The only actively developed games i play are pretty small in size, a 1 GB update is the biggest i got for the last 5 years. Also i love Building games, they cant really be played on consoles.
PC. I only touched my series X lately to clean the dust off.
I like modding games and just a few games support mods on Xbox. I bought it when graphic card prices went up astronomically. After I got me an 6750XT haven’t played on the Xbox. Also older games run @30FPS or some half assed resolution on Xbox. Meh.
Steam Deck (so technically PC).
I can lay down on the couch while my SO watches some show on the TV I am not interested in but depending on the game, I can still follow the general story so we can discuss and react to things together. Enabled me to finally do some more gaming (~1 hour per evening) again (compared to a few hour per month previously).
It is honestly the best “pick up and play” platform. I love how everything just pauses when you lock the screen.
I’ve got some young kids and the Steam Deck makes it a lot easier to take them places and keep myself (or them) entertained. It also means I can get some game time in while they watch their shows.
Best part was taking it in vacation, plugging it into a TV, and using it like a console we all play together. It felt like I was sitting on the floor playing N64 with my siblings again lol.
I’ve loved having this thing. I still do more gaming on my PC but I’m glad I bought it.
Glad to hear thay! Can you give some examples of the games you played with the kids? I’m trying to find titles like that
Used to be a huge PC guy but lately I like chilling in my recliner with my ps5. I can sit next to the wife this way and won’t catch flak for being on the PC too much. She games too and will move to the PC for those instances
Playstations that are old enough to become cheap to get but new enough that the local libraries still have a game collection.
Otherwise a Linux pc and gog, flea markets, local used sellers, or other sources.
You can generally avoid big updates simply by keeping the machine offline.
Unfortunately, with the current popularity of digital downloads, consoles aren’t great for patient gaming because they rarely give a good discount for older titles on their online stores (especially nintendo).
I use a sbc device with emulators now a days. It’s the perfect “pick up and put down” situation for me. I’d really recommend looking into it especially for quality of life things like save states and being able to pick up where you left off exactly.
As for deciding what platforms to play, my biggest advice is looking at how many buttons a controller has. I don’t see people talk about this a lot, but when I’m looking to play a simple game, my first thought is “how many buttons do I feel like using?”
With this thought in my mind I’ve been gravitating towards things like GBA, SNES, N64, and when I want something a little more complex, Ps1 or Dreamcast.
PC running Linux with games purchased via Steam. Nothing extra to set up as the PC is always on and available anyway,
Steam Deck
So PC
Console (xbox, ps, switch) because i got tired of buying a new gpu or whatever upgrade for pc every couple of months. Now i dont have to stress for updated drivers or if it crashes because windows wants something done at the most fucked up time. Just sit in my comfy chair turn it on and play. Dont have time for all the other bs.
I’m the same way but I bought one of those mini pcs that has a laptop cpu/gpu in it, installed ChimeraOS on it which essentially turned it into a steamdeck.
I have that hooked up to my living room tv and it’s my main gaming device. It’s essentially a console. I never upgrade anything. It runs what I play at 1080p with med or high settings.
Suits me just fine. I mainly just want to sit on my couch and game on the TV instead of being at a desk like I did years ago.
Oh thats a good idea. I do find that some games i miss out on because there not on console… this is a good idea. What mini pc did you get?
The Minisforum HX80G. That’s the older model. They have the HX99G, HX100G and others now. They all range in price but Amazon has sales.
I picked mine up for $650.
Tnx gonna check that out.
Why so often? I just updated my almost 10 year old PC that had one gpu upgrade in its life, and was still happily playing the 10 year old games I wanted to play.
Then I got the new PC with decent specs and decided to push its limits with some Stardew Valley.
Huh. I built my PC with mid-level specs 3 years ago and haven’t upgraded anything but RAM and storage. Didn’t even need either for gaming…
Yet another dude in his 40s here using a Steam Deck. I travel a lot for work so something portable and easy to just pick up for a short period is important. It has run pretty much every game I’ve wanted to play flawlessly.
2nd
Also my axe, additionally.
