Sunday 22 February 2026
With the computer RAM/Storage in complete collapse in 2026, here are my thoughts on what you can play right now if you have the chance, though.
So many games to play, but what should u get if you're tight on a budget?
I know that not every Kid or young adult has the money to buy everything from the roof or get the latest games or hardware.
Getting a Console in 2026
If you have already been aware of the prices of AAA games, you may know that they are $69.99 from now on, for all devices, including consoles and C. However, not all games are listed; the price is $ 69.99. Each game at the store could be priced at $39.99 or higher.
Physical route at GameStop or at a retail store
PS4 games cost 9.99-39.99
PS5: Depending on the sale, $ 19.99-$ 69.69.
Switch 1/2 games are expensive as well, ranging from 9.99-79.99.
What about a retro console?
Retro gaming stores in your local area may sell Games for $19.99 or for $100 or more if they're rare enough to make that sale.
PS1 games are $ 19.99-$ 200 or more. However, newer games are cheaper than PS1 games, but that will depend on the game you're playing.
If you're still going to the physical route, ahh, it kinda depends what you're gonna play lol, because it's gonna cost money and the return rate is kinda low, unlike emulation on a budget PC system. "It's not gonna cost you a lot. But you're keeping the physical stuff right?
So yeah, just choose which games and what system you're gonna play very wisely.
I forgot you must need to change the battery on those gameboy games and hope your ds/3DS game doesn't melt or isn't broken.
I don't have money, but I do have a cheap computer. Is there a way for me to play retro games? Or just play games at all??
Yes, you can!! Emulation is the best way to get into gaming. Thanks to emulation, you can play every single Handheld or console up to the PS2. Arcade systems as well.You can also download the ROMs or ISOs. Just hope you have enough storage, though.
What if I don't have the hardware, but I do have money wink wink
A laptop with integrated graphics can work priced around $499 laptops Or get a Steam Deck, lol, at the same price with the OLED since the LCD 399 is now discontinued lol..Opps sorry SteamDeck is Sold out meaning they are no longer being sold on their store page unless you can find them used on ebay or FB marketplace.
Cheap laptops will do the job. However, you may need to install Linux since Windows 11 will not work for you. But if you still have Windows 10 installed, keep that and play your emulation games.
As I said, if you still have Windows 10, keep that and just game to the end on that machine.
You have to look at YouTube videos on how to install them on your Windows computer; it will get you there.
PCSX2 and Duckstation
ZSnes Or BSnes
MGBA or Visual Advance
Etc..
Xbox 360 and PS3 are kind of in the grey area.
Some games may work or may not work at all.
It wouldn't matter if you have windows 10/11 or Linux; they all work the same way.
But if you're still using that computer for work and other things, uh, install Linux if it's an old computer from 2010-2016
Less Computer hardware for emulation
Ok, what if you don't have enough money for a Steam Deck or a computer and can only afford 200 dollars? or less
Get a cheap Android phone to play retro games up to the PS1 games.Or get AYN Thor at 200 bucks to play all retro games up to the PS2.
If you were that desperate, bottom-of-the-barrel gamer Get a Gameboy Advance, you can buy a GBA flash at 119 bucks or more from Everdrive or Omega. Buy a Game Boy Color or a Pocket at 119 bucks or so, get an EZ Flash Jr. cartridge for the Game Boy.
You can never go wrong starting gaming on a Game Boy. I just think Nintendo handhelds are really good, with such a variety of games from each lineup of their handhelds. There a good start to gaming for a kid, or if you're that broke Adult of the bottom of the barrel person.
PSP, on the other hand, is best for emulation because the batteries are rare, and so it's best to play it on your phone, Laptop, or Steam Deck.
Computer are now expenisve!!!
When you go to Best Buy, your heart will sink really fast lol.
Storage cost is 299-400 bucks
Ram at 400 bucks lol
a Arm and a Leg lol
If you have everything in place, then you can be a Cheap PC gamer.
So yeah, be wary of what you want to do with that computer.
On Steam, there will always be a Steam sale every quarter.
If you're on a PC with Windows 11
6 cores and a budget GPU can get you into a lot of games these days
From Emulation to Free-to-Play Games
Free-2-Play Games that I can think of?
Pub G
Fornite
League of Legends
CounterStrike 2
Old School Runescape "OSRS"
Genshin Impact
Cheap games that can run on your computer to get if you have a Steam account.
No Man's Sky
GTA4/GTA5
Garys Mod
Half-Life Series
Old School Runescape "OSRS" is the easiest game to run, no matter what, and it's free unless you pay 12.99 a month for a subscription to play the whole game, but otherwise the base game can take you a long, long time to grind lol.
The Epic Game Store is an odd caveat, you get free games, but are u gonna support this asshole who doesn't support Linux?
If you read this far and still don't have the money, save and get one thing at a time, or just go through emulation.