Video games: 5 solutions to play light during the holidays

This is the dilemma of the summer for gamers: how to continue their video game adventures away from home? With setups that are often difficult to move around, consoles and PCs are often deprived of vacations. Here are five solutions to keep playing from your vacation spot, without having to organize a whole move.

1/ The Nintendo Switch

With its portable mode, the Nintendo Switch seems to be the perfect party console. Thin and light, it easily fits in a beach bag. Equipped with a catalog of Nintendo exclusives, such as Mario or Zelda games, the Switch also has a solid offer of independent games.

The only downside is its autonomy. It takes 2.5-6.5 hours for the first released models. This value is revised very slightly upwards with the Switch Lite, dedicated solely to mobile use. The latest version of the console, the Switch Oled, has a battery life of 4.5 to 9 hours.

2/ The steam cover

If poor performance is a hindrance, Steam Deck is a ready alternative. Launched in February, this new mobile device offered by Valve, publisher but above all distributor of video games through its Steam purchase platform, is halfway between a PC and a console.

Its main advantage is that of being able to embed the entire Steam catalog. If they’re not all compatible, Valve indicated in early June that the milestone of 3,000 verified games for the Steam Deck had been reached. Here again, it is from the point of view of autonomy that you will have to be vigilant: the battery can run out in the space of an hour and a half depending on the parameters, or last five hours in the least greedy games. .

3/ Cloud gaming

To avoid hassles, cloud gaming is still the perfect option. This device allows you to play games over the Internet without downloading them from a phone or TV. Today, the American Microsoft, Google or Amazon have already positioned themselves in this niche. The French Shadow is also part of the equation.

In this configuration, it is the speed of the Internet connection that becomes crucial. Because the player controls are sent to a server to be interpreted and visible on the screen.

4/ Laptops

Good balance between performance and scrolling, laptops are a suitable compromise for mobile gamers. With a very wide range of budgets, players will be able to find the right configuration for their use.

Although classic, this solution is still risky for outdoor use. It is difficult to imagine a game on the beach with this material. Also, it seems difficult to move away from a power outlet if you want to finish your game.

5/ Transport cases

Even more cumbersome, the carrying cases are aimed at gamers who want to find a “just like home” experience. They allow you to carry the latest generation consoles and play with them thanks to an integrated screen.

Microsoft has developed its own model to ship its Xbox Series S, its model without a disc drive. Unfortunately, this is a marketing model presented on the occasion of the game’s release. flight simulatoran airplane piloting simulation.

On the other hand, Poga specializes in designing cases for games. With several models suitable for Xbox Series X and S, as well as for PlayStation 5, the brand will be able to satisfy those inseparable from its console. But with high prices, often more expensive than the consoles themselves, I’m not sure it will finally be able to go on vacation.