Is video gaming an expensive and disposable hobby?

Question

I want to buy a DS and PSP and start gaming (I also have a PC and will be buying more games for that).

However I'm begining to wonder is it worth it finance wise? The games are expensive and they could be a waste of money because you only play them once then leave them and get another.

My mother voiced this concern yet my brother is an obsessive gamer in PC, Xbox360 and PS3. He must have spent mass of pocket money on games over the years yet he often plays them again.

Answer 1

Actually when you break it down it works out incredibly cheap, depending on what console you want to have. Obviously a PS3 is very expensive at the moment, and you'd have to play it a lot to get your moneys worth. However things such as the PS2 are dirt cheap, you can pick up the console for £40-£50 and games for anywhere between £5 and £25. Most games are far better value for money than other entertainment products of the same price. For example, say you buy a game that takes you about 15 hours to complete and it costs you £40, compare that to a dvd in which you get about 2 hrs for £15. Plus most really good games will have you wanting to play them through again, to either get things you missed or to do better, there are also often rewards for completing games eg special weapons, costumes, mini games etc. which give the game a longer lifespan. And if you are quite sure you won't want to play through a game again you can take it with you when you get another; most game stores will offer to buy your game or offer store credit (you always get more in store credit than in cash, perfect for getting money off your next game).

Answer 2

Do you really need a portable video game system? I absolutely love my PSP but I use it for watching videos and I only have two games - both bought for under £8 each.

If you're a big fan of visually sophisticated games with state-of-the-art graphics then you should buy an XBox 360, Wii or PS3 and the games to go with it; wait for a month or two and you can pick the games up pre-owned on Amazon, eBay or at GameStation at a big discount.

If I could afford one I would very much like to have a modern console, but there are plenty of very good games on the older PS2 and GameCube for much less money - especially if you buy them pre-owned.

Games that were fun 10 years ago are still just as much fun if you don't mind the graphics not being as good; atmospheric sound fx and music are more important to me than graphics and a lot of older games are just as good as their modern equivalents in that respect. None of my PC or PS2 games cost me more than £10 and most of them were under £2.

Short answer: Buying new games is expensive, buying old games is cheap.

Answer 3

its good if you like gaming and enjoy being competitive and want to play your Friends on-line which trust me is well cool. i have a 360 and ps3 i have the elite which brakes all the time but is the best for on-line and game wise for the moment but the ps3 is quiet you cant hear it and also has better graphics and also will have better games once the games in 2009 come out but saying that i would if you like gaming go for it its fun and exiting to play also its a very competitive hobby with great rewards and also the 360 and ps3 are both the same consoles none better none worse the both the same as each other  

Answer 4

It turns into a something like a lifestyle for us gamers. We play lots of games, but I for one, make sure I'm buying something that will last a while.

Answer 5

yes if you have all the latest systems and games it is very expensive-i tend to stick with older systems and buy newer ones later when the price comes down or when even newer ones have come out-if you're not bothered about having all the latest stuff as soon as it comes out its a good way to enjoy video gaming at a lower cost!

I only have a ps2 at the moment but the games are very cheap,I think i'll wait a couple of years for ps3 tho I wouldn't mind an xbox 360!

Answer 6

okay if your going into gaming you want to consider what you want from gaming in general. i enjoy the xbox 360 the most as it tracks your achievements and in general it is best for the game types i enjoy (First person shooters,Horrors etc) ive had every console to date except the ps3 and the only one ive kept is a xbox 360 but depending on your preference is the console you should choose if you enjoy family fun gaming with loads of friends around you having fun and getting fitter at the same time then you want a Nintendo Wii (£200 console £30-£40 per game depending on how long the game has been out) the xbox 360 and ps3 is for more hardcore gamers or for those who generaly enjoy the violent racing etc aspect of gaming psp is pretty much the same nintendo DS is like the Nintendo Wii except its just for you if you enjoy games were you look after a dog for instance or brain training games and eye training then head that way.