What’s the Best Video Game Platform for Retirees? What to Look for (and How Much it Will Cost You)

So, you’ve read about the benefits of video games for retirees and want to get started, but … what is the best platform for retirees?

The choice is, frankly, bewildering!

Do you want a games console, a gaming PC, or some form of mobile gaming device?

In this post, we’ll take a look at the main contenders and what they have to offer, so that you can make an informed decision as to what will best suit you.

You can then focus on the best part – buying games and playing them!

1. The Best Video Game Platform for Retirees

OK, let’s begin our consideration of what is the best video game platform for retirees …

There are 2 broad categories of video game platforms:

• The static ones, using a TV or monitor
  and
• The mobile ones, that you can carry around with you

The static ones include dedicated game consoles and gaming PCs. The mobile ones include mobile phones and handheld consoles with small screens.

Let’s take a look at what’s on offer.

1.1 Sony PlayStation 5 (PS5)

Sony knows a thing or two about game consoles. The first Sony PlayStation was launched way back in 1994.

And each generation since then has pushed the boundaries of what is possible for video game entertainment.

The PlayStation is the king of video game consoles.

1.2 Microsoft Xbox (Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S)

Some 7 years after Sony’s first PlayStation, Microsoft entered the console market with the Xbox (fearing that it was losing PC video game sales to the console).

If the PlayStation is the king then the Xbox is the potential usurper. There really is very little between them these days (apart from Sony’s greater range of games).

There are 2 versions currently available:

1. The Xbox Series X is the direct competitor to the PS5.
2. The Xbox Series S is an Xbox-lite, if you will, at a cheaper price in order to appeal to a broader range of customers.

1.3 Nintendo Wii

Nintendo has been producing consoles for a long time (the first was in 1977).

However, it was the release of a number of iconic games that made them a household name in the video game world. Games such as Donkey Kong and Super Mario Bros in the early days and then Legend of Zelda, Pokemon, and Animal Crossing.

The Wii was a departure from the traditional console approach in that it introduced different ways of interacting with the games being played:

• Nunchuck-style controllers as default (with wrist straps to stop you from throwing them through the TV when you get too excited!)
• Steering wheels for your Mario Kart races
• Balance board for physical workouts, skiing

1.4 Gaming PCs

OK, this is going to be a little tricky.

The video game console market is quite narrow, with few manufacturers and few products. The gaming PC market, on the other hand, is huge, with many manufacturers and many products.

And there is a huge variation in price, too. You can get one for under £300 (although you would also then need to buy a monitor). Or you could spend nearly £4,000 (but with a monitor included!).

Oh, and if you are thinking of using that dusty old desktop PC that you bought 20 years ago to do a few spreadsheets with … don’t! It would be like using a Robin Reliant to compete in the 24-hour race at Le Mans – you could drive around the course but it will be nowhere near fast enough!

You need:

• A fast processor (CPU)
• A dedicated graphics card (GPU)
• Lots of memory (RAM)

If this is your first foray into video game platforms I would caution against spending a fortune on a gaming PC at this stage.

Just try searching for Budget Gaming PC Bundle at Amazon and see what set-up appeals to you. You’ll find plenty on offer.

1.5 Nintendo Switch

Nintendo has a second entry in our list – the more recently released Switch.

And its big selling point is … it’s portable!

1.6 Mobile ‘phones

Once upon a time, we were incredibly impressed if a mobile ‘phone could simply make and receive calls while we were away from home.

Those days are long gone.

Today’s smartphones are many times more powerful than the computer used on NASA’s Persevarence rover that landed on Mars recently.

So they are more than capable of running video games!

In fact, research by Newzoo shows that mobile gaming is the market leader (see below).

I suspect most people already have a mobile that they can try playing games on. You could try Amazon if you want to buy a budget gaming ‘phone outright but in terms of cash flow, you may be better off going for a monthly contract deal.

2. Chips and Covid-19

No, your chosen video game platform can’t catch Covid-19!

However, the inner workings of these technological boxes of joy include a number of microchips (or just ‘chips’ for short). And Covid-19 has had a 2-fold impact:

1. Increased demand
   With many of us confined to our own homes during the pandemic there has been an increased demand for various forms of entertainment.
2. Reduced supply
   What happens when the people that normally produce chips are all at home because of the pandemic? Supplies rapidly decline, that’s what.

So, when you begin looking for your chosen platform hardware, keep in mind that there may be some scarcity.

Also, when looking at how much you are going to pay, remember your basic economics – supply and demand.

Basically, suppliers are more willing to make supplies at a higher price (more profit for them) and less so at a lower price and so the supply line runs from the top left to the bottom right.

Conversely, customers are more willing to make purchases at a lower price (saving money for them) and less so at a higher price and so the demand line runs from the bottom left to the top right.

The intersection of the 2 lines is where the deal is made, with both parties finding the price acceptable.

At the moment, each of the lines has shifted and so in a perfect market, we would be paying more for these products.

However, fortunately for us consumers, most retailers are sticking with the manufacturers’ Recommended Retail Price (RRP).

Unfortunately, you will find that there are console scalpers about. These individuals buy consoles not because they want to use them but because they want to take advantage of the supply difficulties and charge a higher price. Boo!!

Whether you choose to go this route is up to you but I would make 2 observations:

1. If you have any issues with your purchased console, good luck getting a refund from the scalper!
2. If you use a scalper you are rewarding their behaviour and perpetuating the problem.

3. FAQ

What gaming system is best for seniors?

Start by thinking about where you want to play your chosen games. If you want to play:
* On your TV – look at consoles
* On a monitor – look at gaming PCs
* On the move – look at mobile ‘phones or the Nintendo Switch

In terms of video game consoles, there are 2 main contenders; the Sony PlayStation 5 (PS5) and the Microsoft Xbox Series X. Either one would make a fine choice but some people believe that the PS5 has the edge for its greater range of games.

Is it beneficial for retirees to play video games?

Absolutely!

Numerous studies have shown that there are many benefits of video games for retirees. These include; improved memory, social interaction, mental well-being, cognitive improvement, prevention of Alzheimer’s, and mobility and balance.

And it’s fun!

4. Conclusion

So, there we have it, a quick outline of the potential candidates for the best video game platform for retirees.

Which one should you choose?

Well, give some thought to where you would like to be playing your games.

If you want to be able to play at places other than your home then you need to use either a mobile ‘phone or the Nintendo Switch. Personally, I always find it a bit fiddly playing on a ‘phone so that would make me inclined to choose the Switch.

If you want to play on a computer monitor rather than a TV screen then you will want a gaming PC. Note that if you want a high-spec PC then a gaming PC is likely to be, by some considerable margin, the most expensive of all of the options.

And finally, if you want to enjoy your gaming experience with the video and sound capabilities of your TV then a traditional games console is your best option.

Which console is best for gaming?

Of the two main contenders, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Xbox Series X, the PS5 probably has the slight edge because of its choice of games but there really is very little between them.

If you are on a budget and the PS5 and Series X are too pricey then the Xbox Series S would be a good choice. Or you could look for second-hand options like the Nintendo Wii – I wouldn’t be inclined to buy one new at a price that exceeds the Series S!

Which one would I choose?

I wanted impressive graphics, immersive sound, and a traditional controller, so I narrowed it down to the PS5 and Xbox Series X.

In the end, and after a considerable delay due to the aforementioned chip shortages, for this particular (nearly) retiree, the best video game platform was a game console in the form of a …. PS5. And I’ve been extremely happy with it!

And once you’ve chosen your platform – take a look at some recommended games to get you started.