Gaming on a small budget can feel limiting at times, but it’s often because we aren’t ready to make sacrifices. Just making a few minor changes could allow you to enjoy roughly the same experience without spending thousands of dollars. Sometimes, just picking the right games, consoles, or platforms could be enough. You also have to take a long hard look at how much you’re spending and maybe reevaluate how much time you dedicate to gaming. Let’s take a look at how you can make the most out of a small gaming budget.
Play Free Games
The simplest thing you could do to reduce the amount of money you spend on gaming would be to play more free games. But, before you start playing a game just because it’s free, you need to know how far you’ll be able to go without paying and how much not paying will affect your experience.
Most MOBAs like Dota 2 and League of Legends have a great freemium model that will allow you to have a blast and be competitive without spending. Games like Call of Duty and Fortnite are also great options for people who like first-person shooters and open arena elimination games.
If you like online casinos, pick a website that is listed on Gamble Online that offers great bonuses and free spins. Make sure that you check on which games you can spend those spins, however. This is because the selection might be very limited and the games that you’ll be able to play may have such terrible odds that they would be a complete waste of time.
Buy Refurbished Consoles
One smart trick you could use to have a console that will look and feel just as new for a fraction of the price would be to buy it refurbished. Both Nintendo and Xbox offer certified refurbished consoles and it’s always better to buy them directly from the source. However, places like GameStop are still great for refurbished units as they come with a warranty.
Time Your Purchases Wisely
You should also know how important timing is when buying games and consoles. Fall, for instance, is considered the best time to buy since prices are lower during that period. Some people say that it’s because the weather is just starting to get cold but not enough to force everyone inside. The third quarter also tends to be slower for most industries, and that could explain why you’ll see so many discounts on gaming consoles and accessories in the fall.
Waiting before buying a new console is also a smart decision. Consoles will have multiple price drops during their lifecycle and waiting for the first price drop is always a better idea. This will allow you to save money, but also to get an idea of how good the console actually is and how much support it’s getting from developers.
As you can see, there are tons of ways that you can enjoy gaming to the fullest without breaking the bank. Spend responsibly, be patient, and know the difference between must-haves and nice-to-haves.
