Hardware How much money do we actually need for a decent gaming set up?

[K3Nv2]

I'd like to do a research topic on this subject. Granted over the years I'm quite satisfied with what I have now I'm looking at the specific costs on what you can get for a decent gaming set up in 2024.

On the low end my personal preference being:
SteamDeck 2tb ssd upgrade and a 1.5tb SD card.

Refurbished SteamDeck can go for around $300

A 2tb 2230 can go for about $150

A 1.5tb SD card can go for about $100

So for this set up I'm about $550 in, granted you don't need this much storage I use my deck for compaitable AAA titles as well as the higher performance emulators such as rpsc3, cemu, and dolphin.

For retro stuff I prefer the classic nostalgia of handheld devices. Such as Anbernic products. Their products generally release for $65. My current favorite way to play is using the Anbernic rg35xxsp

I went ahead and put in a 1tb SD card for the same amount Because why not.

So for decent emulation for older games I'm looking around $130.

Its crazy to me that we don't even need high end rigs to enjoy gaming anymore just this set up alone in my opinion will get you by just fine. So I'd like to know what's your preferred way of gaming on how much you actually spent on something to enjoy it.

 

[Hayato213]

Depends on what you buy, if you buy higher end model of like pc handheld it can cost you over $1000

 

[impeeza]

From 0 to infinite Dollars.

 

[KenzieRobinson]

When I become a millionaire, I will definitely make such a setup

 

[Scarlet]

At the moment I’m primarily playing on the Odin 2 Mini. The system itself goes for $400, with the dock I got with it being a further $50. Not usually one for docks but I’ve been rather enjoying the ease of it all now everything is setup.

Has a respectable 256 GB of storage, but I had a spare 1 TB Micro SD lying around that I threw in it. Think that was £100ish.

With that I play everything up to GameCube and Wii with no issues, with a DolphinBar being plugged into the dock for the Wiimote-centric games. Handles the vast majority of Switch stuff I throw at it too, so really a great all rounder for its form factor.

 

[actualkoifish]

Definition of "decent" varies wildly. Would free online games be enough? If so, a used computer could be decent. Okay with piracy? A world of opportunity exists for you, sometimes without even downloading games. Or maybe a deck of cards is all you need for a decent gaming setup.

If you wanted my opinion of a quick fix for decent gaming fun, it would be a hacked wii. I have found wii consoles as low as 15USD at thrift stores recently. Any SD card you can easily find today would do for hacking. Add a 128GB USB stick (also not crazy expensive) and you have space for a huge amount of games. Then it's as simple as knowing where to go. Controllers can add up admittedly, but you could get two wiimotes and nunchucks for a not unreasonable amount. Lastly you either use the TV you have, or get an older flat panel that someone is throwing out (newer ones don't always support 240p). This setup alone would give you a world of excellent games and probably cost under 100USD.

But of course, if you have no interest in these older games, or if you prefer computer games, or want only online multiplayer, then my solution won't impress you at all as a gaming setup. So here again, you have to decide for yourself what is meant when you say "decent".

 

[QT2U]

A decent system with an RTX 2080 and other components in used condition can be had at 600 - 650 Euro.