It’s a common conundrum that faces video game enthusiasts of all stripes: You have a system that you play regularly, but new systems enter the market seemingly every year, tempting you to switch. If video game systems weren’t so pricey, this wouldn’t be an issue; you would change them out with the same regularity that you change toothbrushes. But considering the average system will run you anywhere from a couple hundred dollars even into the thousands, this isn’t a decision you can take lightly if you’re at all in a position where you need to consider your budget.

There are many different considerations which come into play when deciding whether or not it’s time to make the switch from the system you currently utilize to a newer competitor. You have to weigh the convenience of having a system which has already been paid for by the opportunity to purchase one that might be more advanced and more in the line with what your current tastes might be. What makes the decision even more difficult these days is that there are so many different players in the gaming market, offering systems of all shapes, sizes, and capabilities.

If you’d like to skip all that and stick with free games that are a load of fun and won’t dent your pocketbook at all, FreeGamePick is an excellent resource to help you get this done. For those who might be considering making the switch, here are some ways you can make the choice a little more clear-cut.

Judging Your Need

If you are in the position where you have enough free time to play games on a regular basis for multiple hours at a time, you probably will be more likely to switch systems, since staying on top of the most recent technological advances will be of paramount importance to you. But if you find that your job or other obligations are eating into the time you have to play, it’s an indication that you can wait a while before making the switch.

Timing the Switch

The holiday season is usually the time when video game makers bring out their new systems, taking advantage of heavy demand to price the items at a premium. You can avoid this by waiting out the rush and presumably getting a bargain. Hold off to the new year if you’ve decided on a new system and you’ll likely find prices dropping.

The Game’s the Thing

You’re never really playing a system; you’re playing the games provided on it. If you find that a new system is stacked with titles that you find desirable, you might have to bite the bullet and buy the system. Don’t just rush out to get the newest hardware just because of novelty. Make sure that there are games which will provide an excellent reason for you to switch.

These are just some of the factors which will likely play into your decision if and when to switch your system. Do your research and some soul-searching and you should be able to make the decision with confidence.