Many people would love to get into playing videogames, but the price keeps them at bay. And at first glance, it’s a valid assumption. To get started in the current Xbox 360/PS3 generation of gaming when it started would’ve cost a good $800.
But when you break it all down and factor in time, if you can come up with that initial scratch, playing videogames is actually a very economical hobby when placed against other popular activities you may already partake in.
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When you start, yes, there’s a lot to get, and, no, it’s not cheap. You’ll need the console and most likely at least one more controller. You’ll probably also want at least two games to get you started.When the PS3 was first released, the top model was $600. If you tack on two games, that brings it to $720. Adding a second controller makes the total $770. Once you add in 6% PA sales tax, it’s over $815. Ouch!
But is that really so expensive? PS3 was available at the end of 2006, and the recently confirmed PS4 is not expected until 2014. If you assume an eight-year lifecycle, it works out to just over $100 per year for that initial expenditure. Surely there’s a hobby you spend at least $100 per year enjoying?
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And the price has lowered since then, with the most robust PS3 now available for $350, which is also more powerful than anything Sony had at launch. PS3 was also the most expensive of the three consoles this generation; Xbox 360 and Wii set you back less.