With the prices of GPUs going through the roof in the past two generations, what is one alternative you have found for gaming at an affordable price?

Cloud gaming can be a surprisingly effective way to play high-end games without needing to invest in pricey GPUs. Services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW and Xbox Cloud Gaming let you stream games over the internet, meaning all the heavy lifting happens on servers equipped with powerful graphics cards. All you need is a decent internet connection and a device capable of streaming-like a basic laptop or even a tablet. This option not only saves you money on hardware but also gives you access to a library of games that keep expanding. Another idea is to explore indie games, which often require less graphical power but pack a punch in creativity and unique gameplay. Many independent game developers focus on intriguing storytelling and innovative mechanics instead of pushing for high-end graphics. This means you can enjoy quality gaming experiences on older hardware. Besides, indie games can offer refreshing breaks from mainstream gaming, often at a fraction of the cost.

With GPU prices soaring in the past two generations, one alternative I've found for affordable gaming is utilizing cloud gaming services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud Gaming. These platforms allow you to stream high-quality games without needing a top-tier GPU on your local machine. Cloud gaming works by rendering the game on remote servers equipped with powerful GPUs, and then streaming the gameplay to your device. This eliminates the need for investing in expensive hardware, as all the heavy lifting is done in the cloud. You only need a stable internet connection to access the games, making it a cost-effective solution for gaming on a budget. Another advantage is that cloud gaming services are often subscription-based, so you can pay for access to a library of games without buying individual titles or hardware upgrades. It's especially useful for those who don't want to deal with the hassle of constantly upgrading their PC components or worrying about high upfront costs. While this solution may not be suitable for everyone due to latency concerns, for casual or even competitive gamers with a good internet connection, cloud gaming presents a solid alternative to investing in expensive GPUs.