The gamer rug, a budget-friendly gaming accessory, is available online for just $USD10 on Temu. This affordable option can help parents manage their gaming expenses.

If you have more than 1 child or an adult and child to entertain, then these ideas are for you. Firstly, you won’t be buying a PS5, however the PS4 Pro and similar are available, refurbished on a lot of gaming stores, usually with a 3 month warranty. This warranty is a crucial aspect of your purchase, providing you with a sense of security. I wouldn’t buy a console without a warranty, just in case.

Expect to pay about $200 Australian or $150 American for a good refurbished console. Cash Converters, like EB Games, are good at refurbishing in Australia. You will be looking for a 500GB, as soon as you go to 1TB the price doubles. Your “children” may get upset about the storage, but 500GB is more than enough to run 4-5 games plus storage and a few TV apps. In a previous article, I touched on not giving out your credit card details but using gift cards for any purchases and being firm about that. 

You can pick up a good used monitor for $75-$100 or a new TV for about $150. A headset with a microphone is about $10-15 online or at Kmart.

So, about $500 will set up two consoles, headphones, and two monitors or TVs. Do not feel embarrassed to ask your family for help with headphones and gear if they can. We are setting you up for a year’s worth of gaming. With people focused on the cost of living, we will be shaving costs, but not lifestyle everywhere.

Act Now

Do not delay getting these items as soon as possible. Due to their popularity, they will be hard to get fast. If you have a PC that is good for gaming, maybe have that set up as a backup, just in case. 

Setting Up

Setting up a gaming area can be a manageable amount of space, although you need it to be comfortable. 

• Starting from scratch? No worries, a small table about the height of a coffee table is all you need, and it won’t break the bank.A floor cushion or pillows on the floor to lean on, Even a quilt, doona, or some blankets, is fine if it is cold. A floor cushion would need to be about 60 x 60 centimetres to be comfortable.
• The monitor or TV
• A console 
• Headphones with a microphone
• Internet is key. Check your country for the most affordable option. For instance, Canada offers a stay-connected program for about $20 a month. You need to be connected, especially if you’re not hosting a live-chat on YouTube.Be savvy about your internet usage. Cutting costs everywhere if you are caught up in the cost-of-living crisis
• Go with black. Like the Temu picture, use that as inspiration. Go with black, and then add a bit of colour as you can. Most consoles and TVs are black and look coordinated, keep tables and other items in black too, to match.
• Be resourceful. Use Facebook Marketplace or other free sites to find what you need. You can even sell a few items you no longer need to cover some costs.Free. Be firm about the free ideas on the free games article.