To state that gamers have more choices than ever before would be an understatement. There has been an explosion of options in recent years as even more people embrace the hobby of playing games online.
There are also so many different types of online games. Some people spend hours building on a strategy game or working with a team on a massive MMORPG and others would rather just play a quick word game or table game. The choice of which devices to buy can also vary depending on what kind of games somebody is into (a Steam Deck might be overkill for someone who just wants to play Wordle).
Before going into the devices themselves it is a good idea to look at the different types of games (there are so many of them).
A lot of people still play online table games and this is a form of gaming that has truly survived through the ages. Table games first came to the internet in the 1990s and simple games like blackjack have continued to be very popular. These games are often quick and people can duck in and out at their leisure which has helped to retain the level of popularity that people have come to expect. Playing an online table game is an option for somebody who may not have a lot of time or just wants a casual game to play while they have a break or are on public transport. There are loads of different scenarios where this kind of mobile play is preferred.
There has been another option entering the market in recent years for the types of people who like table games and this has come in the form of Crash games. These are typically played in crypto casinos and have an interface that looks a bit like a stocks and shares chart.
The debate is always going to rumble on. iPhone or Android? The truth is that they are both different options and it doesn’t matter too much which kind of device somebody wants to use. Both have some brilliant features now but for Apple enthusiasts, the iPhone stands as one of the top choices.
Apple knew early that gaming would be part of the offer – the iPhone offers an excellent platform for a variety of gaming genres. The App Store is packed with a vast selection of games with quick puzzle apps but also graphic-heavy titles that push the hardware to its limits.
What really sets the iPhone up for playing games is its seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem. The iPhone supports game streaming services which allows players to access console-quality games from the cloud. Remote play and cloud gaming are becoming the norm in the industry now. This device also works well with wireless controllers so it is an ideal option for those who prefer more precise control than what touchscreen gaming usually.
Apple Arcade also provides more of an inherent gaming experience by offering a subscription service with access to premium games that don’t rely on microtransactions and form part of a user’s Apple subscription.
For those who crave more than casual mobile gaming and want to play detailed titles on the go, the Steam Deck is a game-changer. While not a traditional mobile device, this handheld gaming system is designed for serious gamers who want to take their PC games on the go.
Steam Deck is a portable console but is unique because it runs SteamOS, giving players access to a vast library of PC games via their Steam accounts. Via the Terminal it is also possible for players to add things like mods and updates.
Steam Deck is ideal for those who enjoy AAA titles that typically demand more power than a smartphone or tablet can offer. It has an ergonomic design that makes longer gaming sessions more comfortable compared to touchscreen-based devices. Steam Decks’s sales numbers weren’t that high to start with but seem to be growing now.
Steam Deck’s design means it can be docked and connected to a larger screen (this is similar to how Nintendo Switch works) giving it some versatility beyond just mobile use and allowing people to use it just like any other PC. While it might not fit in a pocket like a phone it does provide a portable device that offers a full gaming experience. The Steam Deck is a standout.
Picking the right type of game console or mobile device to suit the needs of the player is really the only relevant metric. People who just want to play some table games or casual games may not need to buy something like a Steam Deck but those who want access to the same kinds of games that they play on their PC will be looking for advanced options.
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