Buzz
The year 2011 was a landmark for gaming: Bethesda launched Skyrim, Nintendo released two Zelda games, and Valve introduced Portal 2. It was an incredible year for gamers. Fast forward to 2021, and revisiting 2011 isn’t just a nostalgic escape from a challenging year—it’s also a brilliant gaming approach.
My suggestion is to focus on older gaming systems and their libraries instead of chasing the latest releases. Consoles like the PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii, and even the Wii U (yes, really) offer an extensive collection of games that can deliver equal, if not greater, satisfaction and fun compared to modern titles.
You’ll end up saving a significant amount of money
To enjoy the newest gaming systems, you naturally need the latest consoles. However, the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S are incredibly hard to come by. Casual searches on retail websites are unlikely to yield results, so you’ll need to rely on tracking tools for restock alerts or check physical stores for availability.
Sony has introduced a system where you can register for a chance to purchase a PS5 within a limited timeframe (imagine needing permission to buy a product). Even Nintendo Switches are increasingly scarce. And once you finally secure one, you’ll face the steep prices of current-generation hardware.
Now, think about opting for a PS3 instead. These older consoles are available at a fraction of the cost of a PS5 or even a PS4 (which, surprisingly, remains pricey online). You might even know someone with a neglected PS3 collecting dust in their home. Older consoles often end up unused, and you could snag one at a bargain or even borrow it for free.
Let’s extend this idea to games. While sealed PS3 games are collector’s items with high price tags, pre-owned titles are incredibly affordable. You can play classics like The Last of Us for $10, Dark Souls for $9, and Uncharted for $5. Even a new, sealed copy of GTA V for PS3 sells for just $20 on eBay.
Purchasing games for modern systems can be costly. While discounts and sales exist (especially on platforms like Steam), AAA titles often remain priced at $60–70 long after release. Nintendo, in particular, rarely reduces prices for its flagship games; while Breath of the Wild is currently discounted on Amazon, Super Mario Odyssey is still $50, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe remains at $60.
You can gain insights from history
With modern gaming being so costly, many of us rely on reviews to make informed purchasing decisions. However, pre-orders and early access often push us to commit to games before we know if they’re truly worth our time and money.
This issue doesn’t exist when you explore older gaming generations. Titles for the PS3, Xbox 360, PS4, and Xbox One have been thoroughly played, reviewed, and analyzed over the years. A quick search can lead you to curated lists of top games, which are perfect for starting your retro gaming adventure. While these lists aren’t definitive, they’re a great way to discover the best Wii U games or to begin building your Xbox 360 collection.
Some games that were initially overlooked have since gained a cult following, while others that were highly praised haven’t aged well. By diving into older games, you can benefit from hindsight, ensuring you experience the best titles without wasting time or money.
The games available today will always remain accessible
I enjoy saving money and having access to well-established recommendations on which games to play first. Most importantly, it’s reassuring to know these games will always be available whenever I’m ready to dive in. There’s no urgency to hunt down and pay full price for a PS5 right now—I still have plenty of PS4 games I haven’t even touched!
I’m not suggesting you must wait a decade to explore the PS5; even being one generation behind can make the console, its games, or the entire setup far more budget-friendly. Of course, some gamers will always want to stay at the cutting edge, and that’s perfectly valid! But for those of us with a massive backlog of timeless games we’ve yet to start, I believe it’s entirely reasonable to embrace the past.
