- Gaming PCs cost a lot more today than they used to due to component shortages worldwide.
- After entering the PC ecosystem, gamers must also consider the cost of buying games, subscriptions, etc.
- PCs also require regular maintenance to ensure they stay healthy.
The gaming PC market grew rapidly over the last few years, with many expressing interest in this segment of the industry. Although PC gaming is still quite appealing to a huge audience, rising DRAM prices, expensive GPUs, and global inflation have made it less desirable than it should’ve been.
Where PC gaming was once quite accessible, the real cost of getting into the ecosystem has gone up considerably today.
Why it matters: PC gaming offers a lot of advantages over other options, but it is quickly becoming unaffordable for the masses.
The Upfront Hardware Cost
Even an entry-level build aimed at 1080p gaming starts at $1000, but in most cases, PC users spend around $1500 or more on a 1440p PC build. Some enthusiasts end up spending even more than $3000 to make the most of 4K gaming, but this is not always feasible for the masses.
Of course, this does not factor in the cost of other components, such as the monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.
The Hidden Costs of PC Gaming
Once gamers have a PC on hand, they must take into account the cost of running it. Because capable PCs can sometimes consume a lot of electricity, costs can add up quickly over the course of a month.
Similarly, buying games themselves can be quite expensive, especially now that AAA titles are beginning to cost $80 in some cases. Subscriptions and DLC purchases further add to these costs.
This is why planning ahead is a smart move, and many builders rely on dedicated savings rather than a credit card. Managing an upgrade fund over a two-to-three-year cycle comes down to basic financial planning.
Understanding how is APY calculated can help gamers in this regard and ensure gaming remains affordable.
Depreciation And Maintenance
PC hardware typically loses its value quite fast, which is why going for the used market may not be a bad idea when building a new PC.
Similarly, maintaining hardware is important. Replacing thermal paste, AIO management, and storage clean-up are all things that can extend the life of a gaming PC when done regularly over a few years.
Ultimately, it’s important to understand that PC gaming is currently more expensive than it has ever been. With a game like GTA 6 also skipping the platform, it may be a good idea to consider an alternative like a PS5.
Of course, a gaming PC still has tons of value, though the pricing itself might prove to be a turn-off for consumers.
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[Senior News Reporter]
Avinash is currently pursuing a Business degree in Australia. For more than 5 years, he has been working as a gaming journalist, utilizing his writing skills and love for gaming to report on the latest updates in the industry. Avinash loves to play action games like Devil May Cry and has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as IGN, GamesRadar, GameRant, Dualshockers, CBR, and Gamespot.
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