While it may not seem like it to an outsider, those who game a lot know how expensive the hobby can be. Whether you use a PC or a console, the upfront cost can be quite substantial, and then there are the additional costs for accessories, games, and subscriptions. With so much to pay out for, finding the money to game can be quite tough, especially for young gamers. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at just how much everything costs with a focus on consoles.
The Cost of a Console
The two main consoles on the market currently are the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4. Most gamers own one of these, and may also own an additional console such as the Nintendo Switch. While both consoles have now been out for quite a while, you can still expect to pay between $300 and $500 for a new one. As this is a large cost, it’s worth looking into bad credit personal loans if you see one available for less than this but won’t be able to afford it before the deal ends. Choosing a console is not an area that you should skimp on, though, as it will be the core of your experience.
The Cost of Games
The cost of games varies quite considerably. For a brand-new AA title, you could be looking at as much as $60, or even more if you choose to purchase a game with DLC content included. For an older game, the price could be as little as $10, and as much as $40. Indie games can be found for relatively little once they have been out for a while. It is possible, however, to rent games from libraries and also purchase them second hand to save some money. You could also sign up for a subscription service like the Xbox Game Pass, which gives you access to a library of games for a set fee per month. This is currently $1 for 3 months for new subscribers.
The Cost of Subscriptions
We mentioned Xbox Game Pass above, but it’s also important to note that if you want to play any multiplayer games, you will need to subscribe to a subscription service that enables you to do this. On the Xbox, this is Xbox Live, and on the PlayStation, it’s PlayStation Plus. Deals are available throughout the year, but you can expect to pay around $50 for an annual membership for either console. If you choose to buy an Xbox, you’ll also receive four free games a month for the lifetime of your Xbox Live membership, which makes the cost worth it for many new gamers.
The Cost of Accessories
Finally, it’s also important to consider the cost of accessories. What you’ll need will vary, but most gamers will want to buy an extra controller and a pair of gaming headphones. PlayStation gamers may also want to invest in a VR headset, while gamers of both consoles may want to invest in driving wheels, gaming chairs, a 4K HDTV, and more. There are tons of gadgets available, many of which will enhance your experience, but the good news is you don’t need a lot of them to get started.
So how expensive is gaming as a hobby? It depends. Once you have purchased a console, everything else is up to you.
