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?
In my mid 50’s. I use a steam deck and my PC running Linux.
I’ve been considering switching my PC over to Linux as well. Would you recommend it from your experience? Anything you’d do differently if you could?
Based Unix coomer
I’m not sure what your definition of “older” is, but I’m past my 20s so I probably qualify.
I really like my Steam Deck. I have a Switch as well, but I only use it for exclusives. The Deck is great because it lives next to my bed and I can easily pick it up and play pretty much anything on it.
I used to love my desktop PC, but I keep feeling like I should be productive instead of playing games when I’m on it, and it’s just not as comfy as laying in bed.
Then again, I’m a grumpy Linux user since 15-ish years, so using locked down consoles is offensive to me.
Same here. I have a gaming laptop that sees the majority of my play time but the Steam Deck is perfect for picking up where I left off in bed or chilling on the couch with my partner instead of being shut away in my office.
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.
Probably the Xbox Series S because of the quick-resume feature. Sometimes I just want to play for 15 minutes in-between other stuff so skipping the loading time is great.
Xbox Super Sport.
I’m glad you went with that and not on a history lesson…
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.
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.
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…
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.
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
PC running Linux with games purchased via Steam. Nothing extra to set up as the PC is always on and available anyway,
Do you have a few minutes to talk about our Lord and Saviour, Gabe Newell? But seriously, get the Steam Deck. It’s awesome.
Yep, OP uses his Switch way more than expected. The Deck is an extremely flexible device in a similar form factor. I’ve been able to beat so many games in my backlog with it, just excellent.
I run the game on PC but use Steam link on the TV to connect to it and use a controller most of the time. It’s not the absolute best for playing keyboard + mouse games but it’s very nice for Subnautica for example.
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.
Still mainly my PC/steam deck but I mix in the switch in there for specific games and the xbox every once in a while for spider heck.
I play only on PC. I like mostly cRPGs and strategy games, so there is no need for console for me.
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.
43 I use GeForce Now. I get made fun of a lot for it. But $17/mo, and no hardware to buy is very affordable. An additional 5ms lag is fine for me.
Unfortunately, it is really buggy. A lot of trouble connecting. So, It is not perfect.
