5 minute read
The battle for the top gaming console has been raging for many years between PlayStation and Xbox, but they’re not the only gaming devices on the market. Consoles can cost hundreds of dollars, making them less accessible to gamers who don’t have as much disposable income.
Luckily, there are several alternatives to expensive consoles that offer immersive, quality gaming experiences. Below are the eight best gaming devices that aren’t consoles that will give you access to your favorite games.
1. Handheld Consoles
Handheld consoles are extremely convenient since they allow players to take their games on the go. These consoles can also be linked to smart TVs or monitors to enjoy games on a larger screen. Handheld devices are an all-in-one gaming console, with a built-in screen and controller. The screens are usually excellent quality, deliver games with good graphics. They have Bluetooth functionality, allowing you to connect your headphones for total immersion.
The most popular handheld console on the market today is the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch Lite, where players can enjoy popular titles like The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon Legends, and Super Mario Odyssey.
2. PCs
PCs (personal computers) were the OGs of the gaming world, with the very first video games enjoyed in black and green on the desktop computer. PCs have come a long way since then, and gamers build dedicated gaming setups with custom hardware parts for the ultimate gaming experience.
PCs can be used for a variety of games compatible with the operating system, and games can be played online and offline. From immersive RPGs and real-time strategy games to digital board games and casino titles, players have access to a range of genres. In fact, the growing popularity of online casino platforms, whether you’re accessing poker rooms in Nevada, slots in New Jersey, or an online casino in California, shows how versatile PC gaming can be.
Many console titles are also available on PC, making it an accessible option to desktop computer owners who don’t have funds for a console.
3. Smartphones
The first color-screen phones had games like Snake and Bounce, but today’s smartphones are as functional as top-range consoles. Modern phones have powerful processors and high-refresh-rate displays that deliver a smooth gaming experience. There are even dedicated gaming phones on the market, like the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro and the REDMAGIC 10S Pro. These phones have internal cooling mechanisms and AMOLED displays to completely immerse you in your games.
Of course, phones are also perfect for casual gamers who enjoy a couple of minutes of Candy Crush Saga or Angry Birds 2.
4. Laptops
Laptops share many of the same functionalities as PCs, but are much more portable. Platforms like Steam have made it easy to download games directly onto your laptop and take your games with you wherever you go.
Most laptop games are played with the keyboard and mouse, and are perfect for the smaller screen and lower processing power of the device (compared to consoles and PCs). Of course, there are also dedicated gaming laptops that are able to deal with the demands of hour-long, intense gaming sessions.
5. Tablets
Tablets are similar to smartphones but with a slightly larger screen. The same kind of gaming apps that can be downloaded on mobile can also be downloaded for your tablet. The larger screen gives a more immersive gaming experience, and your tablet can be connected to a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, or controller for better gameplay control.
Similar to phones and laptops, there are gaming tablets on the market, like the Asus ROG Flow Z13, which can run almost every Windows-compatible game on Steam.
6. Arcade Machines
If you’re feeling nostalgic and you want a retro gaming device, then you should look into getting an arcade machine. Most of these standalone machines are only able to offer a single game, like Pac-Man or Tetris, but they’re incredibly fun and will remind you of a simpler time.
There are also retro gaming consoles, like the SEGA Mega Drive and the Atari 2600, although it is not as easy to get your hands on the games themselves.
7. Smart TVs
Although your TV screen can easily be hooked up to a modern console, smart TVs themselves can be used as sources of gaming. These types of TVs allow you to download apps straight onto the device, and some of these apps include games. You can access the app store directly on the TV and browse for games that tickle your fancy. Samsung’s Gaming Hub allows you to play 1000s of games from Xbox and NVIDIA GeForce.
Streaming services have also started including games. Netflix has an entire range of games that can be played using your TV remote, including LEGO Party! and Pictionary: Game Night.
8. Board Games
Nothing beats the camaraderie of playing board games with your friends. Although these games are not an exact alternative to consoles, since they’re not digital, they’re still highly immersive and entertaining, and you can spend as many hours playing a board game as you would a video game. Instead of building empires on Age of Empires, why not build your civilization in Catan? Or, instead of slaying dragons in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, you can physically play a dungeon crawler with the Gloomhaven board game.
Wrapping Up
Consoles may be incredibly popular, but they’re not the only gaming option out there. There are almost as many console alternatives as there are gaming genres, and all types of gamers, from the most hardcore to the most casual, will be able to find an accessible device to game on. Whether that’s a phone you already use or a Donkey Kong Jr. arcade machine is up to you.
