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.
Another of my Christmas presents was the Logitech G920 racing wheel. I love Forza Horizon 5 with the Logitech G920 racing wheel. It’s a decent upgrade over my old Logitech G27 racing wheel. The game and new wheel are the perfect combination. Found and fixed an issue with the brake pedal. Now I just need … Read moreForza Horizon 5 with Logitech G920 Wheel
After months of dealing with headset problems, one of my Christmas gifts is the new Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headset. All of my old problems with my previous headset are gone. No more using a paperclip to pair my old headset over and over. The sound is great in Halo Infinite, but now there’s a new … Read moreMicrosoft Xbox Wireless Headset in Halo
After running into problems with boosting in Rocket League, I narrowed the problem down to my existing mouse. The left mouse button mapped to boost failed or the mechanical switch was faulty. My search for a new mouse ended with the Razer Naga X mouse. I’m very happy with the purchase and the performance. Rocket … Read moreUpgraded to a Razer Naga X Mouse
After my wife and I bought our son a Nintendo Switch for his birthday (he’s 20 now lol), we planned a Gamestop trade in trip. It turned into a nightmare. It took three trips and a near meltdown to finish the trade with new games in hand. Atlthough Gamestop enjoyed boost in their stock by … Read moreGamestop Trade in Nightmare
When I started playing Twelve Minutes via Game Pass, I knew it was a perfect game to stream with the point and click gameplay. I don’t feel like subscribing to Microsoft xCloud just yet, so I figured out streaming Game Pass via Steam Link on PC. When I searched for ways to stream Game Pass … Read moreStreaming Game Pass via Steam Link on PC
By now, every gamer knows about the Steam Deck announcement. Valve lit the internet on fire with their Steam Deck reservation announcement. A handheld gaming PC that can run the whole Steam library is crazy and I decided I wanted one. I spent time finding reasons to not buy one, but my wants won over … Read morePlaced my Steam Deck Reservation