How to Keep Gaming When You’re on the Road

As one of the biggest entertainment industries in the world, it’s no surprise that gaming is incredibly popular. It offers the perfect chance to unwind, connect, and have fun, no matter your interests.

But one thing that catches many passionate gamers off-guard is travel. You often have to leave your big consoles and screens behind when you’re on the road. And this can be frustrating, as so many games reward daily play.

If you miss a login streak, your progress could be reset. Or, you might miss out on new content released during your trip.

So, whether you’re a fan of Candy Crush or Fortnite, what can you do to fill the void of traveling with a game? Thankfully, technology is leveling up in this regard.

Now, gamers can play their favorite games while on the move—but only if they prepare accordingly! Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can keep gaming while on the road.

1. Pack the right gaming console with you

If you’re going on a long trip and want to keep gaming, invest in a portable console. These devices are tailor-made for gaming on the move. They have a wide range of features that simplify everything while giving you an amazing user-friendly experience.

But what if you’re new to portable consoles? Well, there are a number of different options for you to consider. Your choice may depend on the type of games you enjoy and your budget. The most popular options include:

• Nintendo Switch: Selling over 143 million units, the Switch is the most successful handheld console ever. It has advanced battery life, a high-quality screen, and handheld or docked options. A lite version is tailor-made for gaming on the move and comes at a much cheaper price point.
• Steam Deck: This is a portable console as powerful as a gaming PC, allowing you to play your entire library of Steam games, including AAA titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man and Elden Ring.
• Gaming laptop: While more expensive, gaming laptops can be ideal for frequent travelers. They strike a great balance between performance, power, and memory storage.
• Smartphone: You might not even realize it, but your humble smartphone can be a gaming console. A wide variety of games have made the jump to the app store. Just preload compatible games before your trip to conserve battery and data.

2. Keep yourself (and your console) charged up

Bringing a great handheld console is only half the battle while traveling. Whether in a car, on a bus, or simply walking around town, you’ll always have a watchful eye on the battery level!

To combat this, travelers must pack the right equipment to power up their consoles. For example, you should always pack the original charger of the device you are using. This ensures that it holds its charge and won’t be damaged.

That said, you might not be near a power outlet while traveling, so how can you keep gaming? In these instances, it’s helpful if you have a spare battery to swap in if needed. You can also bring a portable charger and power bank for a pit-stop charge.

3. Stay connected to keep gaming

Connectivity is a huge part of gaming on the road. Games often need internet access to play, update, and log in to servers. Without it, you’re severely limiting the amount and type of games you can play.

However, staying connected can be an obstacle for people on the move. Gamers might hope for a public Wi-Fi network to log on to.

However, these networks have many problems, including poor speed and reliability. To make matters worse, public Wi-Fi networks often have strict fair-use policies that prevent you from playing for long periods.

An eSIM is an amazing solution to this problem. It helps you to stay connected online while traveling. It is a digital version of a traditional SIM card with several advantages for avid gamers.

Firstly, an eSIM allows you to change your network quickly and easily. You don’t need to buy new SIM cards or agree to an expensive roaming plan. Instead, you can change networks through an eSIM app.

There’s also a huge selection of destinations to choose from. No matter where your trip takes you, there’s an eSIM plan for you. Taking a trip to Costa Rica? Take out an eSIM for Costa Rica to connect to all the best local networks along your travels. This seamless connectivity ensures you can continue gaming without interruption.

An eSIM can also help your other gaming gadgets connect. You can turn your smartphone into a mobile hotspot to update and download games. All the while, you’ll be able to see how much data you’re consuming—and can top-up your plan when and if needed.

4. Remember gaming accessories you might need

While on vacation, we all love our creature comforts. And sometimes, gaming accessories and peripherals can level up the experience. When planning your trip, spare some space in your suitcase for some of the following:

• Noise-canceling headphones: You don’t want to be disturbed while gaming. Nor do you want to annoy those around you. Invest in a high-quality pair of headphones so you can focus on your games.
• Portable microphone: Pack a suitable mic if you want to chat with friends through a game. Even a simple lapel mic can be enough to communicate through.
• PC accessories: If you’re bringing a gaming PC, pack a suitable mouse and keyboard. Also, consider getting a mouse pad to game on any surface.
• Your favorite games: It might seem silly, but in this digital age, many forget to pack…games! If you need a physical copy of a game, remember to take it on the road!

Game on: making the most of your trip

Like taking a stack of books to read or TV shows to watch, people want to bring video games on the road. And thanks to new technology, playing your favorites is now possible.

All you have to do is make the right preparations. Investing in a high-quality portable console is half the battle. But you must also consider other gaming essentials. eSIMs, for example, are crucial to seamless connectivity. You also need high-quality chargers to keep the fun going on the road!