Gaming gets bigger and better by the year, with the latest releases realizing the true potential of the hardware that powers them.
Gaming has become a source of entertainment, relaxation, and even extra income for some people. Many people enjoy playing different games to have fun during their free time, from physical board games like monopoly, chess, and scrabble to video and mobile games. These games are evolving with new features, characters, and ways to play them.
If you are in the market for a fresh way to play in 2022, or you want to know how to maximize the impact of your existing hardware, read on for a rundown of the best options for interactive fun right now.
Xbox Series S
Microsoft made an interesting decision when launching its next-gen consoles back in 2020, pitching the flagship Xbox Series X as the expensive yet powerful iteration of the platform, while the smaller and more affordable Xbox Series S aimed at more casual audiences.
With the ongoing shortage of Series X units, and the greater availability of Series S, now is the time to pick up the budget-conscious little brother.
There are many good reasons to play your favorite online games using Xbox Series S. It enhances the graphics, promotes higher frame rates, and makes load times faster for some games. These games have been optimized for this Xbox console version, making your online gaming experience more enjoyable.
In addition, Smart Delivery-supported games update this new console automatically. Smart Delivery refers to a gaming technology applicable to Xbox Series S, which delivers the game’s best version automatically. Hence, the gamer doesn’t have to do anything else. The gamer can purchase a game for the Xbox One and obtain an inclusive version for the Xbox Series X, and play the game in its best quality version.
There’s one great reason to select the Series S without feeling like you are making compromises, and that is its exceptional backwards compatibility.
It might not be fit for 4K 120fps graphics in new titles, but if you want to enjoy literally thousands of games from every Microsoft console ever made, this is the way to do it.
Forget fiddling around with emulation on a Raspberry Pi or suffering the inconsistent frame rates of the Xbox 360. Grab a Series S and play everything from Knights of the Old Republic to Skate 3 without a hitch.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
From a cost-conscious console to a range-topping smartphone, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 from Samsung is still riding high as the top tier handset of choice for those who don’t want to compromise on screen size or pocketability.
In terms of its gaming credentials, the huge main display is particularly well suited to titles that scale to take advantage of it.
This includes mainstream titles like Pokemon Go and Geshin Impact, as well as the majority of online casino sites and apps. If in doubt, visit the world’s best online gambling blog to work out which games to play on your Galaxy Z Fold 3.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is excellent for gaming, not only for its massive size but also for its fast refresh rate. Hence, gamers have a broader game view field for a more immersive gaming experience.
Of course there are some imperfections to take into account, aside from the eye-watering asking price.
That aforementioned scalability is not guaranteed for every game, so you might find that you are stuck with an odd-looking or curtailed aspect ratio. Even so, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is still the choice for big screen mobile gaming in 2022.
Analogue Pocket
It might seem odd to talk about playing Game Boy games in the age of the Nintendo Switch and the smartphone, yet retro gaming has never been more popular, and there are some seriously compelling ways to enjoy your old collection, enhanced with modern technology.
The Analogue Pocket is the ideal example of this. It is built to offer complete compatibility with cartridges for the Game Boy, Game Boy Color and GameBoy Advance, and also has modules that will let you play games from the Atari Lynx, Sega Game Gear and Neo Geo Pocket Color.
What makes this all the more impressive is that this is done without emulation, but is rather achieved through hardware. The upshot is that you get an authentic, lag-free portable gaming experience, beefed up with a modern display and internal battery.
A variety of filters and adjustments can also be made so you can see the games in whatever way feels most natural to you. The design of the Analogue Pocket is also stunning, which is worth shouting about in its own right.
Nintendo Switch OLED
We mentioned the Nintendo Switch earlier, and it’s definitely worth recommending to gamers who are more interested in modern titles, but don’t want to pay hand over fist or wait months to get hold of an Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5.
Moreover, the newest edition of the Switch which features an OLED screen only came out a few months back, and is able to deliver stunning results which go well beyond what was achievable with the older LCD-based panels.
Vibrant colors, unbeatable contrast and smooth motion all bring a new sheen to tried and tested games. Couple that with newer releases, such as Metroid Dread, as well as the prospect of hot upcoming games like Breath of the Wild 2, and getting onboard the Switch bandwagon is well worth doing in 2022.
Whatever way you prefer to play your games, there are so many options at the moment that you really are spoilt for choice. So don’t worry about the shortages and uncertainties of the future, just grab your favorite device and get gaming.