Video games are amazing pastimes for people of all ages. With the advances in technology over the past decade, a decent gaming PC is readily available (and affordable) for nearly everyone. Playing a game can be there to help you relax, provide you with challenges, or even add some social flavor to your online activities.
There are many ways to enhance the video game experience. With a few touches here and some adjustments there, playing a game will never be the same. All you have to do is check out your current setup and see what upgrades you can do. Here are some suggestions you can consider when you are trying to improve your gameplay experience.
A Solid-State Drive
Hard drives do more than simply store your game data. Solid-state drives (SSD) have a number of advantages over their predecessor: the hard disk drive (HDD). SSDs are lighter, more resistant to shocks, and more durable. They can take a bit of impact, especially during bumps, drops, or accidental hits. The SSD’s durable design also means it is less likely to produce errors and block data access.
However, the main selling point for video games is that the SSD offers faster loading times. SSDs offer faster transfer rates, faster response times, and better overall performance. This means that your game will run at a much faster, more efficient pace when stored in an SSD.
Loading screens are the bane of every player’s existence. They take you out of the action, and for a lot of games, take up a lot of your time. For video games, loading screens are inevitable. It is a way for the game to process data
Of course, there are some downsides to an SSD. The main issue is price – SSDs have a much higher price tag than your basic hard drive. This can turn off some potential clients – why buy something for more when you can stick with the standard HDD for half the price? Size is also another issue when it comes to SSDs. Unlike HDDs where you can purchase two terabytes for cheap, for SSDs even its smallest ones (256 gigabytes) cost more than your average HDD. For those who prefer not waiting, switching to an SSD for your main hard drive as well as the game location can be an amazing change. Those who switched never looked back. While the price may be a bit high, nothing can match experiencing loading screens at the fraction of their time.
A Controller
Some players may not enjoy the use of the mouse and keyboard combo when playing their games. Several games on the PC are better played with a console controller. A console controller has easier controls, easier to navigate buttons, and for the most part, easier to learn. It combines both buttons and a navigation tool into one device, bringing the capabilities of the mouse and keyboard into one compact item. While a controller’s analog sticks pale in comparison to a mouse’s accuracy, it still provides a strong alternative. Best of all, it does not require a surface to function, unlike the mouse.
If you do not know whether the game handles better with a controller, here are a few things to note. Racing games as well as sports games are often better played with controllers. Controllers offer a simplistic, straight-to-the-point approach when it comes to the classic racing game. With a controller, you do not have to worry about accidentally pressing wrong buttons – a common complaint for keyboard users. Games that require a ton of buttons and accurate mouse movements, such as strategy games or even several adventure games, require a mouse and keyboard.
Perhaps it is not even in terms of function but a matter of convenience. A controller takes you farther away from the screen, whereas a mouse and keyboard often require you to stay within close distance of your PC. With a controller, you can walk away from your desk and go play at a more liberal environment, such as the couch in the living room.
A Better Headset
To appreciate the atmosphere of a game completely, you need the proper audio equipment. By combining visuals with amazing sound, you can create a completely new level of immersion. Speakers are the standard equipment for audio, but plenty of players want to isolate themselves while playing. Using noise-cancelling effects, you eliminate sound from the real world – leaving you with audio from the game world alone.
With proper audio equipment, you can enhance the playing field by feeling as if you are inside the game yourself. Of course, this can also result in some negative effects. Noise-cancelling headphones can make you oblivious of your surroundings. You may be too immersed in the game that you ignore phone calls, notifications, and even people around you.
Virtual Reality Setup
For some, the standard monitor setup just is not enough to ‘embrace’ the game they are playing. If you have the hardware and the budget for it, a virtual reality setup can bring you as close to the action as possible. A VR setup brings the screen right in front of your eyes, bringing you into the game itself.
For the ultimate gaming experience, a virtual reality setup is necessary. However, it still has its downsides. For one, the price of quality VR equipment can burn a hole through your bank account. It takes a lot of funding, and is considered a huge investment for the person playing. Not all video games on the market are also compatible with a VR setup. Odds are, with you purchasing one, you may have a very limited gaming options to choose from.
A decent VR setup also requires a solid PC rig that can handle games at their highest settings. Why bother going into a gaming world if the graphics is subpar? There are plenty of ways to enhance the gaming experience, and it is all up to you to decide which path to take. Some can be expensive, while others can be a simple case of changing the environment around the PC.
