There’s an ongoing discussion on Reddit about how much you need to spend for a decent gaming PC. Most Redditors claim $800 is the bare minimum, but if you’re serious about going pro, be prepared to shell out much more. Plus, you also need a good monitor, which would cost you another couple of hundred dollars, at the least. You also need a good keyboard, mouse, and speakers. And that’s just the hardware – you also need to spend money on software.
Video gaming is an expensive hobby, but the good news is that there are ways to reduce the costs. This post will reveal some foolproof tips for getting the most out of your gaming budget. But first, let us tell you that there’s no need for budgeting at all. By turning this pastime into business, you can make enough money to achieve your gaming dreams.
Build Your Gaming Rig
Keep in mind that pre-built gaming PCs usually cost more than those that users configure on their own. The difference can be significant, hundreds if not thousands of dollars. If you configure a gaming PC on your own, you will have the luxury of choosing more affordable components.
For example, you don’t need a high-end cooling system used by esports players if you’re just an amateur gamer. In addition, you can opt for used components for some of your PC’s parts. Search eBay and Amazon for second-hand CPUs, GPUs, and hard drives, and you will save some money.
Another affordable option is to forget about getting a gaming PC. Instead, you can get a video game console like PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch. The latest PlayStation model, PS5, costs roughly $500. A gaming rig that’s ten times as expensive probably won’t provide you with a gaming experience that’s ten times superior to the one provided by PlayStation 5.
Finally, to save money, you can switch to mobile gaming. Many mobile video games can be played on a smartphone or tablet, costing about $200.
Turn Your Hobby Into Business
If you’re a passionate video gamer, why not go pro? The prize pool of some esports tournaments is measured in tens of millions of dollars. For example, The International Tournament (Dota 2) has a prize pool of roughly $40 million annually. While not everyone can compete at that level, local tournaments often offer substantial prizes that could fund a new gaming setup.
Another way for gamers to make quick money is to play some skill-based online casino games. Assuming that your gaming skills are higher than those of a regular online gambler, you stand a good chance of winning cash in specialty games like Aviator, Banana Jones, and Fish Catch. The best thing is that you only need a little money to start. Look for the best minimum deposit casinos 2024 on Google, and you will find some that will let you play with as little as $5.
If you’re looking for a long-term source of income, becoming a streamer might be a good decision. Starting a channel on Twitch or Kick could be a great start. However, for this, you need to have a decent gaming setup. This requires some cash, although less than you’d think, as we’ll elaborate in the next section.
Give Free Games a Chance
Video games can be quite expensive sometimes. For example, if you’d like to buy a Stream subscription for the 2023 horror game Spooky Men, you must pay $199. The good news is that not all games cost as much. There are hundreds of free games on Steam. Among those are such hits as:
- Counter-Strike 2
- Apex Legends
- Dota 2
- War Thunder
- PUBG: Battlegrounds
- Destiny 2
In addition, some games that require a paid subscription offer discounts. Steam and other platforms reduce prices during promo periods around New Year’s Eve, Easter, etc.
You can also save money on video games by teaming up with friends and/or like-minded gamers. By joining forces, you can buy video games that you’d play from a single account.
Final Thoughts
While gaming can often come with a hefty price tag, there are strategies to enjoy it without breaking the bank. As discussed, turning your hobby into a business through esports tournaments or streaming can be lucrative. Alternatively, building your gaming rig can save significant costs compared to pre-built options. Embracing free games and taking advantage of discounts and promotions further stretch your gaming budget. With savvy spending and resourcefulness, gaming can remain enjoyable without draining your wallet.