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By Alex Diaz · How we calculate this
The console itself is often the smallest part of what a gaming setup actually costs. Individual games regularly run $60 to $70 each, and getting online for multiplayer usually means paying for a separate subscription on top of the hardware. Because a console is a one-time purchase, this estimate weighs the price you enter against roughly three months of your budget rather than a single month's income.
These key factors affect gaming console affordability
Console price vs. bundle price
Current console generations typically launch somewhere between $400 and $550 depending on the model, storage size, and whether it includes a disc drive. A bundle that throws in an extra controller or a game or two usually costs more upfront than the console alone, but it's often still cheaper than buying those same extras separately once you add up their individual retail prices.
Games and subscriptions
The console itself is frequently the smallest line item once you actually own it. New releases regularly run $60 to $70 each, and playing online with friends almost always requires its own subscription, typically $60 to $80 a year for a basic tier or well over $100 a year for a premium tier that bundles a rotating library of games.
Accessories
Extra controllers, a headset, and additional storage aren't required to use the console, but most households end up buying at least one of these within the first few months. A single extra controller alone commonly adds another $50 to $70 to the real cost of owning the system.
How to use your results
- The base console price against a bundle that includes a game or extra controller.
- Factor in an online subscription's annual cost if you plan to play multiplayer.
- Include your existing debt for a realistic picture of what's actually left over.
Ways to make a gaming console more affordable
- Wait for a seasonal sale - consoles are regularly discounted around major shopping holidays.
- Buy a previous-generation console at a steep discount once a newer model has launched.
- Watch for bundle deals that include a game or accessory you'd have bought anyway.
- Consider a certified refurbished console from the manufacturer for a lower price with a warranty.
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