Why Gaming a Console Generation Behind Saves You Hundreds

Falling a console generation behind in the mid-nineties was one of the best things that ever happened to me as a gamer. In the early nineties, I skipped the fourth generation of consoles (Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and others) while getting into PC gaming. I played on my friends' systems but never owned one myself, and I have never truly caught up since.

Over the last many years, I have almost always paid a fraction of launch prices for my consoles and games. Even when finances were tight, I could still enjoy console gaming without stretching my budget, and the games I played still felt new to me. With the holiday season always bringing pressure to buy the latest thing, I recommend considering a different approach: embrace being a console generation behind.

The Table of Contents

How I Fell Behind (On Purpose)

I picked up my NES three years after release in 1988, got a hand-me-down PlayStation in 2000, and finally grabbed a PlayStation 2 in 2006. Later on came a Wii U, a Game Boy Advance, and used Xbox 360 and PlayStation 4 consoles, some of which remain beloved retro systems today. All well after their launch windows.. 

Originally, limited funds pushed me away from day-one purchases. But once I slipped behind, staying there turned into one of the smartest gaming strategies I could have adopted. It also connected me to the broader world of retro gaming and the vibrant community around it.

Spending Less, Playing More

Being a generation behind has allowed me to avoid paying more than around $20 for a game in nearly every case. And when I finish games, I trade them in online to build
credit toward my next purchase, stretching my gaming budget even further.

The rare exceptions were a few titles I picked up for academic and game studies work, such as Destiny 2, Star Wars Battlefront II, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, each bought used at a discount not long after release. 

When I really want a newer game, I usually wait and suggest it as a birthday or Christmas present. Because I am already used to waiting on games, a few extra months does not feel like much. It also makes those games far more reasonable gift options for friends and family.

The Backlog Advantage

One of the best perks of arriving late to a console generation is walking into a fully formed library. By the time I buy in, it is already clear which games are must-play classics, which are solid, and which are best avoided.

I can work through a system's lineup in release order and experience series as they evolved, or I can start with the greatest hits and then dig into second-tier titles in my favorite genres. Thanks to years of reviews, recommendations, and community discussion, I can spend my limited gaming time on the best experiences instead of guessing at launch.

On top of that, many developers continue to support older consoles for years after a new generation arrives. Late-cycle releases like Persona 5 and sports titles on previous-gen hardware show that you do not instantly fall behind on quality just because you are not on the newest box.

Cheaper Hardware, Fewer Headaches

Buying consoles later in their life cycle is easier on both your wallet and your nerves. New hardware prices come down, used prices are even lower, and accessories like controllers and specialty peripherals become much more affordable.

By the time I pick up a console, early hardware issues are usually well known or fixed, firmware is more stable, and the overall experience is smoother. I pay significantly less than early adopters and end up with a better, more reliable version of the same machine.

It also makes gifting easier. Asking family to chip in for an older console or a stack of used games is far more realistic than expecting them to grab the latest premium hardware at full price.

Making Retro Setups Great Gifts

In the years since the Nintendo Switch launched, I have gone in with others to put together full Wii U setups for casual gamers: consoles, controllers, and a generous starter library. The reactions have been great.

These systems feel like big, thoughtful gifts, and expanding their library is simple and affordable thanks to low prices on many Wii and Wii U titles.

Avoiding Launch Day Chaos

Another major perk of showing up late is dodging launch problems. New consoles and games often arrive with hardware defects, unstable firmware, and large day-one patches. When you wait a few years, you skip a lot of this growing pain.

By the time I buy in, the console usually runs better, offers more features, and comes with a refined ecosystem of games and updates. In short, I pay less for a more complete product.

The Drawbacks (And Why I Accept Them)

There are a couple of real trade-offs to gaming a generation behind.

• Smaller multiplayer scenes: Online communities shrink over time. For players who live for competitive matchmaking, this can be a serious downside. For me, it is minor. I tend to favor single-player games or playing with friends, which is still easy.
• Higher spoiler risk: If you wait years to play story-heavy games, you are more likely to encounter plot spoilers. That said, both players and publications have gotten better about using spoiler warnings, so careful browsing goes a long way.

These issues exist, but they are a small price to pay compared to the hundreds, even thousands, of dollars saved and the reduced stress that comes with sidestepping the hype cycle.

Why Being Behind Still Feels Fantastic

Being a console generation behind is not about missing out. It is about playing smarter: saving money, avoiding launch problems, and enjoying a steady stream of great games that are new to you even if they are old to the market.

The next time a new console launches and everyone rushes to be first, consider taking a different path. Wait, step back a generation, and see how fantastic it can feel to fall behind on purpose.