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.
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
During the last Amazon Prime sale, I saw an Nvidia RTX 4080 drop to $900 range. After taking too much time convincing myself to pull the trigger, I missed out. In a fit of revenge, I pulled the trigger on a Galax Geforce RTX 4090. It’s totally overkill for my ultrawide monitor gaming, but I … Read moreGalax Geforce RTX 4090 is Mine Now
Way back when I started playing Vertigo 2, I had an issue where my controllers would turn off after only 1 minute. I fixed it back then by changing chargers and letting it sit overnight. Unfortunately, that was only a temp fix. Fast forward to this month and nothing kept my controllers running. I finally … Read moreReplacing Valve Index Controller Batteries