The gaming industry has come a long way with advances in technology and being able to create an immersive experience for consumers, however, this comes with a price.
Over the years, video game prices have skyrocketed, and given the current cost of living crisis, the gaming industry could be impacted due to the prices of games and consoles
Surprisingly, there has been no differentiation in cost when it comes to physical and digital copies of video games. According to Amazon data, the most recent game from the Pokémon series starts at £49.99 for a physical copy and the same for a digital download code. Consumers would expect a difference in pricing when it comes to digital and physical copies, due to fewer materials and shipping required.
Gaming experts at Solitaired.com analysed data from digital distribution stores (Nintendo eShop/PlayStation Store/Microsoft Store) and Ahrefs to determine 10 budget-friendly video games that consumers can purchase on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, and Xbox One without having to break the bank.
1. Rocket League – Psyonix
Rocket League is a hybrid soccer-racing game that is available on the Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One. Despite the game being released in 2015, it is the most popular on this list with a global search volume of over 1 million. In addition, the game is free to play on all platforms.
2. Inside – Playdead
Inside is a single-player adventure and puzzle game available across all platforms. It is currently available on the Nintendo eShop for £1.99 and £15 on the respective consoles. It has a global search volume of 472k and received an IMDb rating of 8.1/10.
3. Limbo – Playdead/Microsoft Games
Limbo is a dark adventure game that was released in 2010, and due to its popularity, it received ports for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The game is currently available for just under £8 on the Microsoft and PlayStation store, whereas on the Nintendo eshop it is currently available for £1.79.
4. Overcooked – Team17
Overcooked is a cooking simulation party game that has a large fanbase and is available on numerous platforms. The game has a global search volume of over 222k. Due to its popularity, it is often sold alongside its sequel for a reduced bundle price. The game starts at £14.99 on the Nintendo eShop and is available for £12.79 on both PlayStation and Microsoft stores.
5. Trivial Pursuit Live! – Ubisoft
Trivial Pursuit Live! is a digital version of the well-known trivia board game. It allows users to play remotely or online and follows the scenario of a game show. It is currently available for £4.79 on the PlayStation Store.
6. Boomerang Fu – Cranky Watermelon
Boomerang Fu is a fighting party game that allows for up to six players at once, compared to other party games that only allow up to four players. It has received a 10/10 rating on Steam. The game is currently available on all platforms for under £14.99.
7. Tools Up – The Knights of Unity
Tools Up is a co-op video game available on all platforms that focuses on teamwork skills. It has a free demo available on the Nintendo eShop and is available for £17.99, however, it is available cheaper on the PlayStation store for £15.99.
8. Death Squared – SMG Studio
In eighth place is Death Squared. This was initially released in 2017 and due to its popularity, it received ports to iOS and Android devices. It is a puzzle video game that focuses heavily on cooperation and communication skills. Similarly to Tools Up, this game also has a free demo available, with the full game being available from £11.49.
9. Screencheat: Unplugged – Unity
Screencheat was released back in 2014 and deserves a place on this list due to its fresh take on first-person shooter games. The game is a split-screen shooter where players are all invisible. Players will have to ‘screen cheat’ to find their opponents and shoot them. The game is available for £10.79 on the Nintendo eShop and £11.99 on both PlayStation and Microsoft stores.
10. Om Nom: Run – ZeptoLab
Om Nom: Run is an arcade action video game, that is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch. It is available £4.49 and is the only game on this list that allows for up to eight players. The game originally was only available on iOS and Android devices but received a upgaded port to the Nintendo Switch
Solitaired.com commented on the data, “Indie game publishers can create just us fun games compared to bigger publishers such as Nintendo, Konami or Sony. The only difference is that the majority of the time indie franchises are much cheaper and more affordable in today’s climate, and it is important to put a spotlight on them.
