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How to Buy a High-End Gaming Console

How to · Tech

How to Buy a High-End Gaming Console

Get your gaming setup for about $1100 without wrecking your monthly cash flow.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,100 before anything else
Across the 0% window $61.11/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,100 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

You are buying this rig so you can play current games without stuttering, and if you pick the right bundle, it should easily last you through the next console generation. Aim to buy once and keep it for years rather than chasing every minor hardware refresh.

We always look for holiday bundle deals because that is when retailers actually throw in extra controllers or game libraries for the base price. If a brand new version just dropped, look closely at last year's model instead, since you usually get 90 percent of the performance for a lot less cash.

The intro window is a deadline, not free money. If you still carry a balance when those 18 months run out, you will get hit with back interest on the whole amount.

The steps

  1. 01

    Track the holiday bundles

    Start watching prices a month before major holiday sales hit. Retailers love to bundle consoles with top-tier games or extra controllers during November and December, which saves you buying them separately later.

  2. 02

    Set your total budget

    Figure on spending about $1100 for the console, extra controllers, and a solid starter library of games. Do not guess at the total cost; get the exact cart price before you make a move.

  3. 03

    Line up your payment terms

    If you want to spread out the payments, the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. That breaks your $1100 total down to about $61.11 per month.

  4. 04

    Check digital sales

    Game prices drop fast in digital storefront sales a few months after launch. Do not buy every game at full price on day one unless you plan to play it immediately.

  5. 05

    Buy the hardware

    Pull the trigger once the bundle price hits your target and your payment plan is in place. Keep your digital receipts organized in one folder so you can track your warranties and game licenses easily.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Should I buy extra storage right away?

Modern games take up massive amounts of hard drive space. Wait until you actually fill the internal drive before buying an expansion card, as prices tend to drop over time.

Is digital or physical better for games?

Physical discs let you trade games in with friends or sell them when you finish them. Digital versions are convenient, but you can never resell them.

Do I need a special TV to match?

You need a display that supports 4K resolution and a high refresh rate to actually see what the hardware can do. Otherwise, you are paying for performance your screen cannot show.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

Missing a payment can trigger late fees and might cancel your promotional rate early. Set up autopay for at least the minimum so you stay on track.