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Whether you’re waiting to board a flight, train or bus, chances are you’ll be stuck. Instead of aimlessly scrolling through social media or worrying about what you packed and what you didn’t, relax by playing a video game. Whether it’s a simple puzzle or an intense shooter, gaming is a great option to pass the time and focus on something less stressful, since traveling can be traumatic enough. However, you should plan ahead to ensure the best gaming experience. Playing in an airport terminal or 30,000 feet in the sky requires more forethought than playing from the comfort of your own couch. If you’re planning a trip and want to take your games with you, keep these tips in mind.
Bring the right device for the job
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First, let’s talk about the types of devices that are primed for gaming on the go. A smartphone glued to your hip is the obvious choice, but you might also want to consider a dedicated gaming device. It could be a portable console, such as the Nintendo Switch or Nintendo 3DS, or it could be a gaming laptop, which offers more utility, although it’s more expensive and will add to your carry-on baggage. If you do decide on a laptop, for solid performance and portability, you can’t go wrong with the Razor Blade. If you want something that plays games well but isn’t technically a gaming laptop, check out the Dell XPS 15 (it’s also significantly cheaper).
Don’t forget your charger
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Obviously? Yes, but the first thing you should bring with your gaming device is a charger. Nothing is more annoying than buying an overpriced USB charger at the airport.
Also, we recommend plugging in your devices whenever you can. It’s the fastest way to charge your devices and you never know how long you’ll have to use your battery between now and the next charge. Fortunately, more and more airplanes are equipped with in-seat power outlets, but this is not always the default or reliable.
But you should also invest in a portable battery
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While the charger is your most important gaming accessory, the portable battery comes second when you travel. Gaming on your smartphone can drain your battery quickly. The Nintendo Switch can only provide about three hours of gameplay before shutting down. Fortunately, both types of devices support USB batteries.
Power outlets are never unavailable at the airport, but finding a place to sit and sit while charging is generally a crap shoot. Again, the sockets in the seat are nice to have, but they are not 100 percent reliable. With a high-capacity portable battery, you can charge your devices multiple times and never have to worry about your gaming session ending abruptly.
We’ve compiled lists of solid external batteries for Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. Finding a solid pack that works with a laptop is a bit more of a challenge given the power needs, and those that support laptop charging tend to be large and heavy. Nintendo uses its own charging port for the 3DS, so be sure to get a compatible USB charging cable, like this one.
If you’re the carry-on type, check out the new Incase ProConnected 4 Wheel Hubless Roller we recently reviewed, which has a 20,100mAh battery and available USB ports. It behaves like a power plant when there are no outlets available.
Note: never check the portable battery. It should always be in your carry-on bag.
Headset
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It is recommended for you and your companions to bring headphones or earbuds. You probably want to hear the sound of the game while playing, but it’s pretty rude to turn up the volume while sitting close to other passengers. Plus, gaming with headphones is almost always a better experience to begin with. Your smartphone and gaming laptop can support both wired and wireless headsets, but the Switch and 3DS only support wired options (check out AirFly, which adds wireless support to wired-only devices or the plane’s entertainment system).
The headphone and earmold market is full of great options. If you want the ultimate in sound quality, check out our list of the best headphones. However, when you travel, you might want to bring a cheaper but still solid option in case something happens to them. Our list of headphones and earbuds under $50 has tons of solid choices. As far as headphones go, you absolutely can’t go wrong with the Shure SE112. For over-the-ear options, the Marshall Major II is a fantastic wireless choice, while the Audio Technica ATH-M20X, as a wired set, will work with all your devices.
Not all games are made for travel
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Image used with permission of the copyright holder
This mainly applies to travelers using smartphones and laptops. Before you travel, check if you can play the games you want to play without internet. Although many airports and many flights today have Wi-Fi, it is often unreliable, expensive and not ideal for intensive tasks such as gaming. Games that do not require a network connection are safe.
Bring some great “travel” games
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In addition to games that don’t require the internet, think about the types of games you’ll be playing. Just like some people buy a magazine at the newsstand, even when they’ve brought a book from home, there are games that provide extra pleasure when you’re on the go, and it’s always good to keep a few lined up just in case.
Ideally, you want something quick and easy to pick up and play anytime. Story-intensive games with lots of dialogue and cut-scenes are probably not ideal candidates, as traveling often requires movement and frequent interruptions. On smartphones, you shouldn’t have any problems since those types of games rule the roost.
If you’re looking for something to download to your PC or console before your flight, we’ve got a few ideas:
Gaming laptop:
Look for games that don’t emphasize precise mouse controls.
- Into the Breach: a masterful turn-based strategy game that can be played in shortened sessions.
- Stardew Valley: a charming, relaxing city simulator.
- The end is near: A tough-as-nails platformer where each level only lasts a few seconds.
Nintendo Switch
Nintendo 3DS
Carrying bags
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If you’re traveling with a dedicated gaming device like a Switch or 3DS, you should definitely have a carry-on bag. Not only will the case protect your device, but it can store additional games. Both the Switch and 3DS have a myriad of case options, most of which include slots for additional games. Check out our picks for the best Switch cases here. The Orzly box offers the best combination of price, durability and size. For 3DS this Brendo case fits every 3DS model except the original 2DS, it has card slots and a case for your charger.
For gaming laptop users, you should bring a separate laptop bag or sleeve. A backpack with a laptop slot would do (see the new Timbuk2 Collective Pack), or you could go with a messenger bag designed for travel like the Command TSA-Friendly Messenger, also from Timbuk2. You may need to take it out while going through airport security, but it’s important to keep your expensive piece of hardware safe and comfortable as you move around the airport and on the plane.
Also, be careful not to overfill the backpack or suitcase in which you put your devices. Even if you have a dedicated wearable, you could unknowingly damage your gaming device. Give your expensive toys some breathing room.
Cleaning cloth
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Smudges, fingerprints, random debris — you never know what smudges you’ll discover on your screen during your travels. Carrying a microfiber cleaning cloth with you can help you remove those fuzzy marks on your screen without worrying about damaging the screen. We know it’s tempting to clean screens with a shirt, but you shouldn’t because you could permanently scratch your screen.
Editor’s recommendations
Categories: GAMING
Source: newstars.edu.vn