The soaring cost of video game consoles has become a pressing concern for British gamers, with many questioning whether the latest hardware offers sufficient value for money. Recent discussions in the GameCentral inbox reveal growing frustration about the financial barrier to entry for modern gaming.
The Price Problem
Readers have expressed significant concern about the escalating upfront costs of gaming hardware. The reaction to Steam Machine pricing being closer to PC levels than traditional consoles, combined with the desperation for Black Friday discounts on PlayStation 5, highlights how console gaming has become increasingly unaffordable for the average person.
While game prices can be mitigated through sales and physical purchases, console buyers face a substantial initial investment with few opportunities for savings beyond seasonal promotions. The situation has reached a point where many gamers would prefer to spend £500+ on games rather than on marginally improved hardware needed to run them.
Technical Explanations and Market Realities
The reasons behind these price increases are complex and multifaceted. Contributing factors include Trump-era tariffs, the growing demand for AI processing power, and the increasing expense of components required for even modest graphical improvements.
Modern gaming hardware operates at a level of complexity far beyond what was available twenty years ago, making direct comparisons largely meaningless. However, this technical reality provides little comfort to consumers trying to manage their budgets during the Christmas shopping season.
Developer Approaches Under Scrutiny
The conversation extends beyond hardware costs to development practices. Readers have contrasted Bethesda's troubled release of the Fallout 4 Anniversary Edition with Nintendo's year-long polishing of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom and Rockstar's careful development of GTA 6.
Many gamers are calling for developers to focus on creating new experiences rather than repeatedly re-releasing older titles. The sentiment reflects broader concerns about value and innovation within the industry.
Game Awards 2025 Predictions
Looking ahead to The Game Awards 2025, readers have shared their expectations for potential winners. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 appears to be a frontrunner, having received numerous perfect scores from reviewers.
Other strong contenders include Death Stranding 2, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, and Hollow Knight: Silksong. The competition for best family game features Donkey Kong Bonanza against the latest Mario Kart title, while Hades 2 and Blue Prince are highlighted in the independent game category.
The diversity of nominated games suggests that 2025 has been a strong year for gaming, setting a high bar for future releases. However, the underlying concern about hardware affordability continues to cast a shadow over these celebrations of gaming excellence.
