How to choose the right gaming platform – we’re here to guide you

Is it so sunny outside that it is 25 degrees in the shade and almost too hot to leave the house? Or perhaps it’s raining so heavily that you can barely see what’s outside your window? When the weather doesn’t lend itself to outdoor activities, it’s time for some indoor gaming.

If you don’t already have a gaming computer or game console, but you’re thinking of getting one, here are some tips to help you choose. Buying a gaming machine can quickly become an expensive investment, so we hope our pros and cons will help you along the way.

Do you already have a proper gaming rig at home that you prefer? Please write to us and tell us what you are gaming on! Perhaps you have some really good gaming tips you want to share?

Email [email protected] and let me know!

Gaming PC

A gaming computer is the best choice for those who prefer a computer mouse and keyboard to a controller. It’s also the best choice for those who want control of the performance level and who want to stream their gaming sessions online.

With a desktop gaming computer, you choose the performance level in a way that isn’t possible with game consoles. With the right hardware, it is possible to obtain much better graphics quality than our other options in this list, but not without the price quickly becoming much higher as well.

In addition to the internal hardware of a gaming computer, you can also choose many useful accessories to enhance the gaming experience. These include a monitor, keyboard, computer mouse, headphones, mouse pad and microphone. Game consoles also support some accessories, but a gaming computer has many more options.

Another advantage of a gaming computer is that it can be used for more than just gaming. It is a versatile gadget that can be used for much more, such as office and school work if necessary. And of course, you can connect your gaming computer to your TV if you want for a bigger gaming experience.

Game console

A game console is an easy and convenient choice for those who prefer gaming with a controller, want to use their TV as a monitor and don’t need the functionality of a gaming computer.

When you buy a game console, it comes with everything you need to get started quickly, apart from a game if you don’t buy a bundle. Game console, one or two controllers, and often a headset if you want to talk to others online.

A big advantage of a game console is that you don’t have to think about expensive hardware upgrades, you don't need to install new drivers all the time, and you don’t even have to restart it particularly often. Put simply, it’s less hassle and more gaming.

However, not everything is sunshine and daisies with game consoles. Games for consoles are generally more expensive than games for PC, the hardware limits the graphics quality, and there are only a small number of games that support the use of a keyboard and computer mouse.

In addition, a game console can only really be used for gaming and watching movies, lacking the versatility of a gaming computer. Also keep in mind that VR support is limited as only the Playstation consoles have a headset, and this is not as good as the options currently available for PC.

Portable game console

Portable consoles are game consoles for those who like to play on the go and who don’t necessarily need a big TV to play on. This gaming machine can be used as a complement to your existing gaming computer or game console, or be your primary gaming machine.

There are currently two major advantages of portable consoles. The first is that you can take your device with you wherever you go. Whether you’re on a plane, train or bus, or lying in a hammock. You don’t run the risk of draining the battery on your mobile phone and don’t have to carry a gaming laptop in your bag.

The other advantage is that you get access to all the popular Nintendo game characters. Since the Japanese gaming giant dominates the market for portable consoles, this is where you can play Zelda, Super Mario and Pokémon, as well as other Nintendo games. However, you lock yourself into Nintendo’s restricted ecosystem, so it’s not without its drawbacks.

Portable consoles are technically limited by their format and cannot deliver the same graphics quality as the a gaming computer or game console. Nor do you have access to the wide range of games that the other options have. If you want to connect your portable console to your TV, there is only one model to choose from, which is the Nintendo Switch.

Streaming service for games

A relatively new option is streaming games over the internet, just like when you watch movies or series.

The advantage of streaming games through so-called streaming services is that you don’t need an expensive gaming computer to play the latest games. The biggest requirement is a fast and stable internet connection as well as a monthly subscription to one of the few services available today.

Cons include the fact that you cannot play without an internet connection and that the graphics quality is not as good as with installed games. Today, the selection of games is limited and games may be removed from the gaming services without notice.

There are three main gaming services to use today – Nvidia Geforce Now, Sony Playstation Now and Google Stadia.

All three work in much the same way, with you streaming your games from their servers to your chosen gaming machine. What sets them apart is the selection and how you access the games.

With Geforce Now, you connect your Nvidia account to other gaming services like Steam and can only play the titles you already own. Playstation Now is a pure subscription service where you don’t own the games yourself, just like Netflix for movies, and Stadia offers both free games included in a subscription as well as the purchase of games.

Mobile phone

The mobile phone is a versatile and practical gadget used in most homes today. In addition to making calls, surfing the internet and sending messages to others, you can of course also play mobile games on your mobile phone.

And with the hundreds of game titles available in the app stores, your mobile phone is perhaps the most accessible gaming machine on the market today.

As long as you have a relatively recent mobile phone, you can play virtually any game available to download to Android or iOS. These games are of course very different to what gaming computers and consoles offer, both in terms of content and how you are expected to pay for your experience.

A mobile phone is more of a practical complement to than an actual substitute for a gaming computer or game console. A gaming machine that offers completely different possibilities with its built-in GPS and cameras. AR games, for example, have become incredibly popular since the launch of Pokémon Go.

Another advantage of a mobile phone is that many games for gaming computers and game consoles have so-called companion apps that give you more details about the game directly on your mobile phone. Examples of this include the Star Wars: Battlefront series, which has an app for both Android and iOS.

Tablet

The tablet is a gaming machine, a work tool and a media player in one. A versatile gadget with multiple applications that makes an excellent complement to your regular mobile phone and other gaming machines.

With a tablet, you can play many of the games that are already on your mobile phone.

Just make sure you’re using a tablet with the same operating system as your mobile phone, and that you’re signed in to the same Google or Apple account on both. Otherwise, you won’t be able to sync your game and in-game purchases between devices.

As with your mobile phone, many tablets can be used with a controller and connected to a bigger screen when you’re at home. However, far from all tablets can do this, so check carefully before making a purchase if this is important to you.