Gamers Robbed Blind: Tech Giants Demand Your Wallet!

The State of Play: Are We Being Priced Out of Our Hobbies?

Folks, let me tell you, things are changing in the gaming world, and not always for the better. It seems like every week there’s a new gadget, a faster processor, or a shinier console vying for your hard-earned money. And increasingly, that money is all they’re after.

We used to be able to pick up a console and have a good, solid five or six years of enjoyment. Now? It feels like you’re constantly chasing the next upgrade. Sony’s raising the price on the PS5 again. Again! They say it’s due to… well, everything these days. Supply chain issues, tariffs, the usual suspects. But let's be honest, it’s a business. And businesses want more money.

And it's not just the big consoles. Look at Nintendo. They’re teasing this Switch 2, which I’m sure will be a fine piece of kit, but knowing Nintendo, you’ll need a second mortgage to afford the games for it. They’re even pushing this Virtual Boy accessory for the existing Switch – a Virtual Boy! Talk about nostalgia bait.

Now, I'm not against progress, mind you. I've been reading about what Sony's planning for the PS6 – incorporating AI to boost graphics. Sounds fancy, but frankly, I’m a bit wary of all this artificial intelligence creeping into everything. We need to be careful about where we're headed.

But the real story lately is this explosion of handheld gaming. The Asus ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go are flying off the shelves. People want portability, and these machines deliver. But even the Legion Go has issues - pre-orders are getting cancelled because they just can’t keep up with demand. It’s a good problem for Lenovo, I suppose, but frustrating for gamers who just want to play.

Microsoft might be doing something sensible, though. Word is they’re considering dropping the multiplayer paywall on Xbox. About time, if you ask me. Gamers shouldn't be nickel-and-dimed for every little thing.

And let's not forget about the PC side. Nvidia’s releasing the GeForce RTX 5080 Founders Edition. Powerful, no doubt. Expensive? Guaranteed.

I’m not saying don’t buy new tech. But I am saying we need to be smart about it. Do we need the latest and greatest? Or are we being manipulated by marketing and the constant push for more, more, more?

It’s a good time to be a gamer, technically. But it’s also a time to be a cautious consumer. Remember folks, a good game isn’t about the horsepower under the hood, it’s about the fun you have playing it. And that shouldn’t cost you a fortune.