When you have more time to talk about games, than actually play them.
Every true gamer ends up with a collection of PC gaming hardware. Each PC gamer starts out with the basics: CPU, motherboard, RAM, SSD, PC tower, video card, power supply, keyboard, mouse, desk, chair, monitor and a headset or speakers. Those make up the PC Gamer starter pack. It’s a lot of equipment that can get really expensive, but those are just the start.
Obviously all those parts can be upgraded from the low end to enthusiast/take my money level, but the next level of gamers get other hardware. Now I’m talking PC gaming hardware like HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick), racing wheels (with pedals and h-gate shifter), webcam or TrackIR for head tracking, game synced lighting and VR headset with motion controls.
That’s not even the top level, because there’s crazy stuff that is just becoming consumer ready PC gaming hardware like: sim cockpits, VR treadmills, tactile vest (feel the gunshots), AR controls, etc.. The basic hardware is always improving with the latest and greatest priced in the thousands for months or years before it becomes affordable.
Console players have to wait for the next generation to buy the next version of the console, but PC gaming hardware can be upgraded every year or even after a few months. It’s a costly hobby for anyone that feels the need to always have the latest and greatest. PC tech consumer tech usually catches up to new consoles before they even release.
PC gaming hardware can be a lot more complicated than a simple plug and play console, but the amount of customization it allows make it worth learning how to install and maintain it.
For example, it took a lot tweaking, but I was able to play GTA V with racing wheel for cars, HOTAS for airplanes/helicopters, then keyboard/mouse for on foot. There really is nothing like having one hand on the wheel in GTA and the other on the mouse, controlling the aim of a gun.
When my wife gave me a Woojer Vest 4 for Christmas, I wasn’t entirely sure what to make of it. Part of the confusion was that she thought it was a VR haptic vest, something designed specifically to work with VR games and provide physical feedback from events happening inside the virtual world. While that … Read moreWoojer Vest 4: A Confusing Gift that Now, I won’t Play Without
The Steam Frame feels like Valve finally decided to build a headset for people who don’t just want VR — they want freedom. Freedom from the monitor, freedom from the desk, freedom from the “VR must be tethered” mindset, freedom from Meta. And for me, freedom means one other thing: slaying the beast that is … Read moreSteam Frame: A Headset Built for the Way We Actually Play
I spend plenty of time on my laptop (even as I write this) and am increasing my time on Steam Deck. Both are so much more comfortable now that I have a Laptop Pillow. I’ve had a laptop desk meant for the bed, but it’s not suited for my current usage. My new setup is … Read moreLaptop Pillow for Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch
Like a lot of gamers, I love my cats. Also like a lot of gamers, my cats love to lay anywhere they can to get in the way. That prompted me to look for a Desk Mounted Cat Bed. Not only did we find exactly that, now it’s my cat’s favorite place to nap. Cats … Read moreDesk Mounted Cat Bed FTW
Lately, life is busy and I found myself sneaking more time on my OLED Steam Deck. That means more battery drain and charging. I had a power bank battery, but I wanted Steam Deck battery holder to keep things cordless. Well, I found one with huge battery with magnetic attachment. My Steam Deck Charging Dilemma … Read moreSteam Deck Battery Holder to Play Longer
I loved my Steam Deck LCD, so upgrading to a Steam Deck OLED was not appealing, at first. After much mental deliberation, a stolen package and fun with Steam support, my new Steam Deck OLED finally arrived. The short version is no, it’s not worth upgrading if you already have a Steam Deck, but also … Read moreSteam Deck OLED Limited Edition Arrived