Gamers are in for a treat in the next few months. Starting with Diablo 2 Resurrected this month (Sept 23), followed by Far Cry 6 (Oct 7), Battlefield 2042 (Oct 22) and Age of Empire 4 (Oct 28), these are some of most highly anticipated games of the year. Hence, it is probably a good idea to get your gaming setup in shape ahead of time. After all, you don't want to be scrambling at the last minute, especially with the ongoing supply chain shortages. And don't worry if you have a tight budget. The five budget gaming gadgets here will level up your gaming experience while offering good value for money.
Acer Nitro 5 (Intel, 2021)
With its mid-range specs (Intel Core i7, 144Hz display and RTX 3060), the Acer Nitro 5 is fast enough to run the latest games at 1080p. Its design is somewhat plain, but it's functional with sufficient room to upgrade to a second storage drive. More importantly, the Nitro 5 hits the spot for price and performance.
Aftershock Rapid
Gaming laptops may offer portability and a smaller footprint, but desktop PCs are more customisable, especially if it's one from local PC builder Aftershock. Its Rapid desktop can accommodate anything from integrated to flagship graphics, with plenty of space left for storage and RGB fans, of course. You can even have it delivered to you on the same day — if you place the order before 2pm.
Creative T60
While I prefer using headphones in games, desktop speakers like the Creative T60 have their place. For instance, when I'm watching a movie or when my kids are watching me play. That's when the loud, balanced sound and wide soundstage of the T60 come in handy. These speakers offer plenty of power, including strong bass, even without a subwoofer.
Razer Barracuda X
The thing about headphones is that they can get warm and heavy after several hours of usage. But it's not an issue with the Razer Barracuda X, which are super light at just 250g. Fans of action games may also like how bullet sounds and explosions come across loud and clear through these headphones, which add to the immersion.
SteelSeries Prime Gaming Mouse
Substance over style — that's what you get with the SteelSeries Prime Gaming Mouse. It's a simple and lightweight mouse that's focused on giving you the edge in competitive online games. Its optical magnetic switches also produce a satisfying click, and they are rated to last for a while — a 100 million clicks.
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