How do you decide to make big(ish) frivolous purchases?
February 22, 2022 12:25 PM Subscribe
I have a yearning to purchase a Nintendo Switch OLED console upon which to play Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and its forthcoming sequel. However...
... I have never owned a video game console before and feel squeamish about spending £370 on something that feels very frivolous. How do you come to a decision about this kind of thing? I can afford to pay the money, but saving up is always better, right? And gaming sorta is a waste of precious time, right? Although I'd probably replace some of my problematic internet use with playing Legend of Zelda, so at least it would be a more fun and entertaining waste of time... Argh. Help?
... I have never owned a video game console before and feel squeamish about spending £370 on something that feels very frivolous. How do you come to a decision about this kind of thing? I can afford to pay the money, but saving up is always better, right? And gaming sorta is a waste of precious time, right? Although I'd probably replace some of my problematic internet use with playing Legend of Zelda, so at least it would be a more fun and entertaining waste of time... Argh. Help?
I got around this by having my spouse get me a Switch for my birthday. The other day I was saying that I may end up getting an Xbox in the summer because there are a few games on that I'd like to play and she was like "no you aren't". My kids play a lot on it too, probably more than I do, but it is still my Switch.
But games for the Switch are much better than mobile games if for no other reason then they aren't trying to make you addicted so that you will pay them money - they've already got your money and are just trying to give you a good experience.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 12:38 PM on February 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
But games for the Switch are much better than mobile games if for no other reason then they aren't trying to make you addicted so that you will pay them money - they've already got your money and are just trying to give you a good experience.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 12:38 PM on February 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
How much saving and charitable giving is enough for you? Hit that target, then spend the leftover with a clean conscience. Entertainment fulfills legitimate needs for most of us.
posted by michaelh at 12:43 PM on February 22, 2022 [6 favorites]
posted by michaelh at 12:43 PM on February 22, 2022 [6 favorites]
Bucket out your money so that you're saving sufficiently enough and you have a set amount of money that is for strictly discretionary/personal enjoyment spending. That way, the choice isn't whether to save the money or spend it for personal enjoyment, but whether to spend it on this or that thing for personal enjoyment.
Also. You're entitled to "waste your time" doing whatever you want, whether that's browsing the web or playing on a Switch. We all deserve time to just do things that bring us enjoyment.
Get the Switch if you have the money for it. If you don't like it, return it within thirty days and buy something else that'll bring you enjoyment.
posted by TheLinenLenin at 12:44 PM on February 22, 2022 [7 favorites]
Also. You're entitled to "waste your time" doing whatever you want, whether that's browsing the web or playing on a Switch. We all deserve time to just do things that bring us enjoyment.
Get the Switch if you have the money for it. If you don't like it, return it within thirty days and buy something else that'll bring you enjoyment.
posted by TheLinenLenin at 12:44 PM on February 22, 2022 [7 favorites]
A quick internet check indicates that Switches really hold their value. So you can always resell it if it doesn't do for you what you hope it will.
posted by OHenryPacey at 12:45 PM on February 22, 2022 [3 favorites]
posted by OHenryPacey at 12:45 PM on February 22, 2022 [3 favorites]
Worth every penny. I'm on my fourth play through. Playing BOTW is no more "wasting" your time than reading a book is.
posted by saladin at 12:45 PM on February 22, 2022 [10 favorites]
posted by saladin at 12:45 PM on February 22, 2022 [10 favorites]
If you're going to use it as a handheld (I would, that's the fun!) you can get a 2nd hand one for £159. I always look for used first, you can save loads!
posted by DarlingBri at 12:48 PM on February 22, 2022
posted by DarlingBri at 12:48 PM on February 22, 2022
I wouldn't say gaming is a waste of time. If it entertains you, and makes you feel good, and isn't hurting your relationships or interfering with practical things you need to do (like working, taking care of yourself, etc.), then it's a good use of your time.
One way I look at big purchases is to break it down by cost per use. If you spend 100 hours playing on the Switch, then that's only £3.70 per hour. I can speak from personal experience that if you find just one or two games you really like, you'll exceed 100 hours in no time.
Another thing about a console is that there's not really an expiration date. I bought my Switch in November 2018 and barely touched it until May 2020. I used to feel guilty about that, but at this point I've spent... well over 1000 hours playing it? Maybe even 2000? I probably play something on it for at least 30 minutes per day, at least 5 days per week. So I don't feel guilty anymore. It just took a while for the time to be right.
posted by neushoorn at 12:48 PM on February 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
One way I look at big purchases is to break it down by cost per use. If you spend 100 hours playing on the Switch, then that's only £3.70 per hour. I can speak from personal experience that if you find just one or two games you really like, you'll exceed 100 hours in no time.
Another thing about a console is that there's not really an expiration date. I bought my Switch in November 2018 and barely touched it until May 2020. I used to feel guilty about that, but at this point I've spent... well over 1000 hours playing it? Maybe even 2000? I probably play something on it for at least 30 minutes per day, at least 5 days per week. So I don't feel guilty anymore. It just took a while for the time to be right.
posted by neushoorn at 12:48 PM on February 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
Can I do this and still pay my bills?
Can I do this without dipping into any kind of emergency savings?
Is my partner ok with this purchase or is it under the "check with spouse first" threshold?
Will this give me enjoyment for many years? If so, what is the actual cost per year?
How many hours will I spend on this? What is the cost per hour?
Have I been giving serious thought to buying this for a while or is this just an impulse?
Is this all I will spend or will I need endless accessories in order to fully enjoy it?
I find when I make a purchase for something that I will use the actual cost per hour ends up being less than say, seeing a movie or going to a ball game. It can be frightening to pay hundreds of dollars for something but if you break it down it may end up not being that much.
Enjoy your Nintendo
Edit to add: I don't play video games much and don't own any consoles but games are no more a waste of time than TV, reading, watching sports, tending to an aquarium, or any number of hobbies that will bring you a small amount of joy in what can often be a difficult life.
posted by bondcliff at 12:51 PM on February 22, 2022 [9 favorites]
Can I do this without dipping into any kind of emergency savings?
Is my partner ok with this purchase or is it under the "check with spouse first" threshold?
Will this give me enjoyment for many years? If so, what is the actual cost per year?
How many hours will I spend on this? What is the cost per hour?
Have I been giving serious thought to buying this for a while or is this just an impulse?
Is this all I will spend or will I need endless accessories in order to fully enjoy it?
I find when I make a purchase for something that I will use the actual cost per hour ends up being less than say, seeing a movie or going to a ball game. It can be frightening to pay hundreds of dollars for something but if you break it down it may end up not being that much.
Enjoy your Nintendo
Edit to add: I don't play video games much and don't own any consoles but games are no more a waste of time than TV, reading, watching sports, tending to an aquarium, or any number of hobbies that will bring you a small amount of joy in what can often be a difficult life.
posted by bondcliff at 12:51 PM on February 22, 2022 [9 favorites]
I struggled with this same decision last year regarding whether to buy a gaming laptop. I didn't need one not only because no one "needs" a gaming laptop but also I have a desktop for that. I am also a pretty frugal person so this was hard for me. But my thoughts were:
1. I could afford it. I had money in the bank and the purchase would not affect my ability to pay my bills in any way.
2. I had been thinking about buying it for A LONG TIME. On and off for about a year. I'm not saying you need to wait a year, but rather is is a newfangled interest or have you been toying with this idea for a while and just haven't pulled the trigger?
3. I would keep and use it a long time - I keep my laptops and computers for quite a while. Phones too.
4. It was a good deal. I had researched the price for what I was getting extensively. Not sure how applicable this is to the switch.
In the end I got it shipped to me and STILL didn't open for box for a week in case I wanted to return it. But I didn't and have not regretted buying it at all! Especially since the price of all things computers has skyrocketed.
posted by Saucywench at 12:51 PM on February 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
1. I could afford it. I had money in the bank and the purchase would not affect my ability to pay my bills in any way.
2. I had been thinking about buying it for A LONG TIME. On and off for about a year. I'm not saying you need to wait a year, but rather is is a newfangled interest or have you been toying with this idea for a while and just haven't pulled the trigger?
3. I would keep and use it a long time - I keep my laptops and computers for quite a while. Phones too.
4. It was a good deal. I had researched the price for what I was getting extensively. Not sure how applicable this is to the switch.
In the end I got it shipped to me and STILL didn't open for box for a week in case I wanted to return it. But I didn't and have not regretted buying it at all! Especially since the price of all things computers has skyrocketed.
posted by Saucywench at 12:51 PM on February 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
My dad is fond of saying "You can't take it with you" (i.e. better to enjoy it before you croak)
Like neushoorn, I find it easier to stomach the cost of certain mid-range items when I consider how much use I'll be getting from it. Like, spending $50-$100 more on a piece of furniture I really like might seem like a lot in the moment, but becomes next to nothing if I break that down over the course of how ever many years I can reasonably expect to use it. So, compared to many other forms of entertainment (cinema, concerts, etc.) this is relatively cheap.
posted by coffeecat at 1:16 PM on February 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
Like neushoorn, I find it easier to stomach the cost of certain mid-range items when I consider how much use I'll be getting from it. Like, spending $50-$100 more on a piece of furniture I really like might seem like a lot in the moment, but becomes next to nothing if I break that down over the course of how ever many years I can reasonably expect to use it. So, compared to many other forms of entertainment (cinema, concerts, etc.) this is relatively cheap.
posted by coffeecat at 1:16 PM on February 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
Bondcliff has a great list, plus "wait one month and is the thing still something I want, or is it something else now?"
That extra 30 days worth of anticipation really builds up the good emotions for a purchase too.
If it is, feel comfortable to make your purchase!
posted by The_Vegetables at 1:19 PM on February 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
That extra 30 days worth of anticipation really builds up the good emotions for a purchase too.
If it is, feel comfortable to make your purchase!
posted by The_Vegetables at 1:19 PM on February 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
If you have any savings in the stock market at all, you have likely lost more than £370 today on paper. Or even if you don't, you lost it over a small period of time with inflation.
I know this is a slippery slope that can be taken to an extreme, but it personally helps me get over the hesitation.
posted by redlines at 1:23 PM on February 22, 2022
I know this is a slippery slope that can be taken to an extreme, but it personally helps me get over the hesitation.
posted by redlines at 1:23 PM on February 22, 2022
Another thing to consider is whether or not you have friends who own a Switch. You could end up finding some fun co-op games to play with them (either online or couch co-op).
A Switch has good resale value, so that is another option if you end up not liking it. It's ok to buy one and realize it's not for you! You can also buy a physical copy of BOTW and decide whether it's enjoyable or not. I've bought used copies of games and resold them when I wasn't into them.
posted by extramundane at 1:32 PM on February 22, 2022
A Switch has good resale value, so that is another option if you end up not liking it. It's ok to buy one and realize it's not for you! You can also buy a physical copy of BOTW and decide whether it's enjoyable or not. I've bought used copies of games and resold them when I wasn't into them.
posted by extramundane at 1:32 PM on February 22, 2022
Games are good for people and cultural exposure/appreciation is good for people. Only reason to not get it is 1. You don't think you'll use it or 2. If you use it it could become problematic for addiction reasons or 3. You need the money for an immediate or foreseeable need that if you don't have the money at that time you will be in trouble. If none of those conditions apply then congratulations on your new switch. (I have 2 & used the same calculations as these to decide that was ok!)
posted by bleep at 1:38 PM on February 22, 2022
posted by bleep at 1:38 PM on February 22, 2022
I have recently spent a much larger sum of money on something much more stupid. To wit: there's a 5 foot tall velociraptor statue outside my house now. (She arrived on Valentine's Day, V-Day, the V standing hereafter and forevermore for Velociraptor.)
Things that went into this decision:
-I have wanted one for literally years. Years and years and years. The wish never lessened.
-My lifestyle could support one physically without impacting the welfare of others--I have a house now, with a yard, vs my previous years as a renter with none or shared yard.
-My lifestyle could support one monetarily. I'm solvent, I have a good savings routine, I'm not in the habit of making extravagant purchases, and I had financial good fortune last year where paying a velociraptor bill would not cause me any negative impact.
The point of saving up is to buy yourself comfort. Comfort for the future, comfort for now. I didn't want to be 65 years old with a fat retirement account and no velociraptor, I wanted to be 36 years old with a reasonable long term savings plan and yes velociraptor.
She makes me happy and while I realize it's only been a week, I have zero regrets.
If you can afford it, if the non-monetary costs of owning it will not cause stress to you or those who depend on you, and it makes you happy: it's worth it.
posted by phunniemee at 1:44 PM on February 22, 2022 [52 favorites]
Things that went into this decision:
-I have wanted one for literally years. Years and years and years. The wish never lessened.
-My lifestyle could support one physically without impacting the welfare of others--I have a house now, with a yard, vs my previous years as a renter with none or shared yard.
-My lifestyle could support one monetarily. I'm solvent, I have a good savings routine, I'm not in the habit of making extravagant purchases, and I had financial good fortune last year where paying a velociraptor bill would not cause me any negative impact.
The point of saving up is to buy yourself comfort. Comfort for the future, comfort for now. I didn't want to be 65 years old with a fat retirement account and no velociraptor, I wanted to be 36 years old with a reasonable long term savings plan and yes velociraptor.
She makes me happy and while I realize it's only been a week, I have zero regrets.
If you can afford it, if the non-monetary costs of owning it will not cause stress to you or those who depend on you, and it makes you happy: it's worth it.
posted by phunniemee at 1:44 PM on February 22, 2022 [52 favorites]
How do you come to a decision about this kind of thing?
"I want this and I can afford it," basically. I grew up in a frugal household and lived paycheck to paycheck for a long time. It's been hard for me to adjust to frivolous purchases, but you can be responsible with money and make frivolous purchases. Giving myself permission to make frivolous purchases has been kind if great, to be honest. I don't have anything as cool as a velociraptor, but I have some stupid things that I don't need that make me happy.
If you're saving money and paying all your bills, buy that Switch. You can't take it with you.
posted by Mavri at 1:52 PM on February 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
"I want this and I can afford it," basically. I grew up in a frugal household and lived paycheck to paycheck for a long time. It's been hard for me to adjust to frivolous purchases, but you can be responsible with money and make frivolous purchases. Giving myself permission to make frivolous purchases has been kind if great, to be honest. I don't have anything as cool as a velociraptor, but I have some stupid things that I don't need that make me happy.
If you're saving money and paying all your bills, buy that Switch. You can't take it with you.
posted by Mavri at 1:52 PM on February 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
Consider whether you'll play any other games. If yes, it's well worth it. If it'll just be BOTW, then just resell the Switch and game when you're done. Consider it a rental.
As far as consoles go, the Switch is on the low end of the cost range. There are lots of great games that are well under the $60 BIG GAME price: Hades $25, Jackbox party packs $30, Among Us $5, Untitled Goose Game $20, Hollow Knight $15, Baba is You $15, Stardew Valley $15)
posted by meemzi at 2:04 PM on February 22, 2022 [3 favorites]
As far as consoles go, the Switch is on the low end of the cost range. There are lots of great games that are well under the $60 BIG GAME price: Hades $25, Jackbox party packs $30, Among Us $5, Untitled Goose Game $20, Hollow Knight $15, Baba is You $15, Stardew Valley $15)
posted by meemzi at 2:04 PM on February 22, 2022 [3 favorites]
I've got a handful of automatic savings accounts set up and one of them is labeled as 'for fun' that gets a small percentage of savings. Then I've already given myself permission to spend the money on something fun, so there's less of a guilt barrier.
posted by platypus of the universe at 2:05 PM on February 22, 2022 [4 favorites]
posted by platypus of the universe at 2:05 PM on February 22, 2022 [4 favorites]
I more or less tell myself that I can get whatever I want, so long as I get it in the future, with a period more or less proportional to the value of the item.
Items that are tens of dollars? Wait a day.
Items that are hundreds of dollars? Wait a week.
Items that are thousands of dollars? Wait a month.
I find that I either still have the same desire when the wait period is done, or it has disappeared. I'm generally pretty happy with my purchases.
posted by saeculorum at 2:14 PM on February 22, 2022 [3 favorites]
Items that are tens of dollars? Wait a day.
Items that are hundreds of dollars? Wait a week.
Items that are thousands of dollars? Wait a month.
I find that I either still have the same desire when the wait period is done, or it has disappeared. I'm generally pretty happy with my purchases.
posted by saeculorum at 2:14 PM on February 22, 2022 [3 favorites]
Side note: Also budget for a "real" controller (the wired ones are fine and not very $$$). With Zelda on the TV I'm pretty sure you won't want to use the teeny hamster-size controllers. Get comfortable and enjoy it!
posted by nkknkk at 2:14 PM on February 22, 2022 [4 favorites]
posted by nkknkk at 2:14 PM on February 22, 2022 [4 favorites]
My son has been playing Breath of the Wild for the last 4 years, he's 7 now, so there's replayability there. He plays other games too but he always comes back to BOTW.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 2:51 PM on February 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 2:51 PM on February 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
"I want this and I can afford it"
This.
I also take issue with something like this being called "frivolous". Why would something that brings you joy and fun be frivolous? (I would guess that's due to the protestant work ethic and America's obsession with work being the only virtuous pastime). Fun and joy are not only good but crucial for our happiness, and they're things we should invest in.
If you still need justifications, I'll also nth the fact that I have literally hundreds of hours into three or four playthroughs of BotW and each one has been unique and satisfying.
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 3:10 PM on February 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
This.
I also take issue with something like this being called "frivolous". Why would something that brings you joy and fun be frivolous? (I would guess that's due to the protestant work ethic and America's obsession with work being the only virtuous pastime). Fun and joy are not only good but crucial for our happiness, and they're things we should invest in.
If you still need justifications, I'll also nth the fact that I have literally hundreds of hours into three or four playthroughs of BotW and each one has been unique and satisfying.
posted by Special Agent Dale Cooper at 3:10 PM on February 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
Breath of the Wild is amazing, and I'm looking forward to the sequel. Are you excited about, and experienced with, the handheld aspect? I've found BOTW to be more immersive and enjoyable on the big screen TV than handheld, though I do appreciate the option to play in handheld mode on the couch next to my wife, if she wants to watch TV. What I'm getting at is you might be ok with the regular (cheaper) version of the Switch. In contrast to some of the folks in this thread, the regular controller included with the switch worked fine for me.
posted by mrgoldenbrown at 3:11 PM on February 22, 2022
posted by mrgoldenbrown at 3:11 PM on February 22, 2022
One of the things about budgeting ahead for fun is that it automatically adjusts itself to the size of the expense. If something is a tiny fraction of your monthly fun-budget, you have enough money regularly, no worry needed. If it takes a year's fun-budget, and you put that money aside for the eighteen months it takes to have little funs plus the goal, and you still want it, you had a proportional time to change your mind. If you *didn't* change your mind that's reassuring info and also you now have the money set aside.
It doesn't have to be a fancy budget -- e.g., my sweetie, who hates bookkeeping, has "living expenses, generously estimated", "direct to retirement savings", "checking account for little fun", and "savings account for Big Fun". Me, I budget into a bunch of specific goals because it reminds me why to not spend it all on books right now. But sometimes I change the name of a goal because my tastes have changed.
posted by clew at 3:11 PM on February 22, 2022
It doesn't have to be a fancy budget -- e.g., my sweetie, who hates bookkeeping, has "living expenses, generously estimated", "direct to retirement savings", "checking account for little fun", and "savings account for Big Fun". Me, I budget into a bunch of specific goals because it reminds me why to not spend it all on books right now. But sometimes I change the name of a goal because my tastes have changed.
posted by clew at 3:11 PM on February 22, 2022
Def play it on the TV and def get a good controller, like the Pro controller. You're gonna love it. I'm stoked for you.
posted by capnsue at 4:37 PM on February 22, 2022
posted by capnsue at 4:37 PM on February 22, 2022
Something I've done to justify my more frivolous purchases is award myself guilt-free money for habits I'm trying to build. For instance every time I worked out at home I gave myself five bucks. And every time I skipped a beer and got a water instead I gave myself three. Had ramen instead of ordering a sandwich for lunch, four bucks.
It's totally arbitrary but I was honest with myself and after not that long I had a couple hundred bucks that I felt completely OK with spending on literally anything I wanted.
You could of course give in to your want now and then set it the other direction — no more frivolous purchases until you "pay off" this one with good stuff.
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 5:18 PM on February 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
It's totally arbitrary but I was honest with myself and after not that long I had a couple hundred bucks that I felt completely OK with spending on literally anything I wanted.
You could of course give in to your want now and then set it the other direction — no more frivolous purchases until you "pay off" this one with good stuff.
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 5:18 PM on February 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
You deserve BOTW in your life. Seriously, it's insanely good and justified in so many ways (MENTAL HEALTH) I am not joking.
If you look after your Switch OLED then it will retain much of its value in a year or two from now. So you can sell it on. And get a good chunk of your money back.
Basically, it is worth it. And it's not forever.
posted by 0bvious at 7:06 AM on February 23, 2022
If you look after your Switch OLED then it will retain much of its value in a year or two from now. So you can sell it on. And get a good chunk of your money back.
Basically, it is worth it. And it's not forever.
posted by 0bvious at 7:06 AM on February 23, 2022
hey, I bought a Switch about a year ago primarily for MarioKart and BOTW! It was my first gaming system (??) and I also felt uncomfortable about spending the money. Playing BOTW is an absolute delight for me (I haven't gotten far as I am a very casual gamer and I also love foraging) and I feel much happier playing my Switch versus scrolling the internet or watching trash TV (I love trash but there's unintentional trash I watch too).
Do it; you'll love it. And if you hate it you can sell it on Marketplace in like 10 seconds.
posted by quadrilaterals at 7:27 AM on February 23, 2022
Do it; you'll love it. And if you hate it you can sell it on Marketplace in like 10 seconds.
posted by quadrilaterals at 7:27 AM on February 23, 2022
I got a Switch in 2020 to play Breath of the Wild, my first video game since Super Mario 3 in the olden days. It was worth every penny. I always thought I didn't need another way to waste time, but what I wasn't factoring in is that video games are super fun. Especially BOTW! It turned me into a full-on gamer. Buy it.
posted by something something at 7:38 AM on February 23, 2022
posted by something something at 7:38 AM on February 23, 2022
Also, I have said this before on metafilter, but: if you're the kind of person who agonizes for a long time over whether to buy something that's sort of expensive, it's okay for you to buy it. You don't throw money away frivolously and spontaneously. You sit around and think, for a long time, about how you want a thing. That means you should buy it.
posted by something something at 7:41 AM on February 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by something something at 7:41 AM on February 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Well boy howdy, I've only gone and done it. You're all right, having fun is a good thing. It's wrong of me to think I don't deserve to have fun. I am insanely excited. (In case it's helpful to anyone reading this in the future: I have played some of the game already on a family member's console, so know I am in to it and am really excited to have my own proper game instead of playing in dribs and drabs. I don't have a TV but am ok with hand-held, plus my hands are child-sized so the wee little controls don't bother me).
posted by Balthamos at 1:24 PM on February 23, 2022 [4 favorites]
posted by Balthamos at 1:24 PM on February 23, 2022 [4 favorites]
Weighing in after the fact of your decision, with more support! I bought my partner a Switch two years ago for exactly the same reason - he loved playing Ocarina of Time at friends’ houses as a kid (still whistles the lullaby!), but never had a console, never buys himself anything. He has played BOTW with joy and absorption for hundreds of hours, so the cost per unit time just for that one game is minuscule.
I also went out on a limb and decided to get myself the two Ori games, because I never even played video games as a kid - not even on my parents’ radar, and I was so ashamed about my lack of skill that I would only ever watch friends play. I shit you not, I’ve had some serious emotional breakthroughs because of that purchase - like folks are saying above, coming to feel ok with wanting to have and do something “frivolous” - feeling like, in middle age, I finally share an experience that was so formative for my peers and a huge number of people since, both to see what can be positive and what can be negative about games and gaming culture - working through my own judgment about being a beginner and, as of last night, playing through my second coop game with my partner, which has been SO much fun (Unravel was quick but so much fun!) - appreciating the art and music and story that game developers have invested so deeply in, for experiences that can stretch out far longer than any movie or tv show and still feel compelling and fresh.
In addition to resale, if you ever feel like you’re done with your Switch, I bet there’s some young person in your community who could never afford it and would be overjoyed to inherit a treasure trove. Congrats on your new fun thing! Have so much fun!
posted by rrrrrrrrrt at 6:09 PM on February 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
I also went out on a limb and decided to get myself the two Ori games, because I never even played video games as a kid - not even on my parents’ radar, and I was so ashamed about my lack of skill that I would only ever watch friends play. I shit you not, I’ve had some serious emotional breakthroughs because of that purchase - like folks are saying above, coming to feel ok with wanting to have and do something “frivolous” - feeling like, in middle age, I finally share an experience that was so formative for my peers and a huge number of people since, both to see what can be positive and what can be negative about games and gaming culture - working through my own judgment about being a beginner and, as of last night, playing through my second coop game with my partner, which has been SO much fun (Unravel was quick but so much fun!) - appreciating the art and music and story that game developers have invested so deeply in, for experiences that can stretch out far longer than any movie or tv show and still feel compelling and fresh.
In addition to resale, if you ever feel like you’re done with your Switch, I bet there’s some young person in your community who could never afford it and would be overjoyed to inherit a treasure trove. Congrats on your new fun thing! Have so much fun!
posted by rrrrrrrrrt at 6:09 PM on February 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
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Can you borrow a Switch for a while and play it to see if the investment will be worthwhile? This will better inform you as to whether the purchase will feel good for you personally. Give it a try of several hours, even if it's a different game... BotW is an enormous game and can eat up 100s of hours. Again, I was physically uncomfortable playing it for long periods of time. My idea that I would play it in bed before sleep never came to be, because of the discomfort.
I know my dislike of the Switch is in the minority here at Metafilter, and I'm not trashing it with a bad review. I just found that it wasn't a good fit for me personally and it ended up an expensive and much appreciated gift for my 30 year old niece.
TL,DR: try for several hours before you buy.
posted by SoberHighland at 12:37 PM on February 22, 2022 [1 favorite]