Gaming on a budget: Upgrade your setup without paying all at once
Gaming gear can be expensive, but you don’t have to pay upfront to get the setup you want. Learn how you can make smart accessory upgrades to enhance your gaming experience.
Key takeaways
You don’t need to buy everything at once to level up your setup. Strategic upgrades such as headsets, chairs, or controllers can improve comfort and performance without replacing your entire system.
Quality accessories are available at entry-level prices. Brands like Razer, HyperX, and SteelSeries offer gear with immersive features such as noise cancellation and surround sound.
Your screen makes a big difference in gameplay. Look for affordable monitors or TVs with high refresh rates and fast response times to avoid lag and blur during fast-paced action.
Snap Finance lease-to-own lets you shop now, pay later for the gaming upgrades you want today.
Your gaming setup is your command center. It’s where you win battles, explore new worlds, and connect with friends. But top-tier gear often comes with a high price tag.
Are your finances holding you back from the immersive experience you want? If you can’t pay upfront for the setup you’re eyeing and don’t qualify for traditional financing, Snap Finance can help you level up your gameplay now and pay later. No credit needed.1
It’s possible to build an amazing gaming rig without emptying your wallet all at once. You can find affordable electronics gear and use convenient pay-over-time options to get what you need now.
Affordable upgrades: headsets, chairs, controllers, and more
You don't need to buy a whole new system to improve your gaming. Small, strategic upgrades can make a huge difference in your comfort and performance. By focusing on key accessories, you can transform your experience piece by piece.
Gaming headsets for clear communication
A good headset is a must-have. It lets you hear every footstep and communicate clearly with your team. You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars for great sound. Brands like Razer, SteelSeries, and HyperX offer excellent entry-level models that deliver crisp audio and a quality microphone. Look for features like noise cancellation to block out distractions and surround sound for a more immersive feel. Many wired headsets offer better audio quality for the price than their wireless counterparts, which can make them a budget-friendly choice.
Ergonomic chairs for long gaming sessions
If you’re spending hours in front of a screen, a comfortable chair is a necessity. A good gaming chair supports your back, neck, and arms, helping you avoid pain and stay focused on the game. While some high-end chairs are pricey, many brands offer ergonomic designs at more reasonable prices. Look for chairs with adjustable armrests, lumbar support, and the ability to recline. Your body will thank you after those marathon gaming nights.
Responsive controllers and keyboards
Your controller or keyboard is your main connection to the game. A slow or unresponsive device can be the difference between victory and defeat. For console gamers, consider pro-style controllers that offer extra paddles or customizable buttons. These can give you a competitive edge without buying a whole new console.
PC gamers can find mechanical keyboards that provide satisfying tactile feedback and faster response times for a fraction of the cost of premium models. A high-precision gaming mouse can also improve your aim and reaction speed. These smaller investments can lead to big improvements in your gameplay.
Gaming monitors and TVs
Your screen is your window into the game world. A blurry or slow display can ruin the experience, no matter how powerful your console or PC is. Luckily, you can find fantastic gaming monitors and TVs that deliver stunning visuals without a high price tag.
When shopping for a display at a lower price point, focus on these key features:
Refresh rate: This measures how many times your screen updates per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate results in smoother motion. For gaming, aim for at least 120Hz. Many budget-friendly monitors now offer 144Hz or even higher, which is great for fast-paced action and competitive games.
Response time: This is how quickly pixels can change color. A lower response time (like 1ms) reduces motion blur and ghosting, making your picture look sharper during fast scenes.
Resolution: This determines the clarity and detail of the image. Full HD (1080p) is a solid standard for budget gaming, offering great visuals without requiring a super-powerful graphics card. Some monitors in this price range even offer Quad HD (1440p) for an even crisper picture.
Panel type: You'll generally choose between IPS and VA panels. IPS panels have better color accuracy and viewing angles, while VA panels typically offer deeper blacks and better contrast.
You can find 24-inch and 27-inch gaming monitors from brands like AOC, Acer, and Sceptre that check all these boxes. If you prefer gaming on a bigger screen, some budget-friendly 4K TVs from TCL and Hisense also offer special game modes that reduce input lag and improve refresh rates.
Financing your setup: Pay over time with Snap Finance lease-to-own financing
What if you find the perfect monitor or chair, but it’s still just outside your immediate budget? Waiting to save up to pay for it upfront can be frustrating, especially when your old gear is failing. Snap Finance lease-to-own financing can be a game-changer if you want to shop now and pay later, especially if you have less-than-perfect credit.1
Snap Finance is a leading provider of lease-to-own financing. How does it work? In a lease-to-own agreement, Snap purchases the merchandise from the retailer and then leases the merchandise to you, the customer.
As part of your agreement, you make payments over time to Snap. Once you make all your payments and have completed the terms of your lease agreement, you obtain ownership of the merchandise and it's yours.
Lease-to-own is an option that lets you get the items you need right away and pay for them over time through scheduled payments. It’s not a loan or traditional credit.
How does Snap Finance work?
Apply online or in-store. No credit is needed and it won't impact your FICO® score to apply.1
Get approved for up to $5,000 in lease-to-own financing.2 Use your approval amount to shop at home office retailers near you or online for desks, chairs, and tech.
Pay later. Make payments over time. When you complete your payments and your lease agreement, the items are yours.
Pay early and save. Snap’s Maximum-Term Plan is 12-18 months or you can choose an early ownership option to save on overall lease costs.3
With Snap’s lease-to-own financing, you can upgrade your entire setup, from the console to the headset, and pay for it over time. It’s a convenient way to get the gear you need to compete and have fun. Look for participating Snap retail partners on our Store Locator.
Where to shop locally for budget gaming gear
Here are some places to check for budget-friendly gaming gear online or near you:
Big-box retailers: Stores like Best Buy have a wide selection of gaming accessories, monitors, and even PC components. They often have open-box deals or sales on previous-generation models, which can save you money. Their staff can also answer questions and help you find products that fit your budget.
Electronics stores: Local and regional electronics chains are treasure troves for gamers. They carry a variety of brands and may have competitive prices.
Furniture stores: Don’t forget about furniture retailers when shopping for a gaming chair or desk. Many now carry lines of furniture designed specifically for gamers.
Shopping at local stores lets you see and test products before you buy them. Plus, many local retailers partner with Snap Finance, so you can apply for lease-to-own financing right in the store. Look for retailers with the Snap Finance Store Locator.
When you shop locally, you can take your new gear home the same day. There’s usually no waiting for shipping. If you use Snap’s lease-to-own financing, you can walk out with a brand-new setup without paying for it all upfront.
Level up with the gear you want
Building your ideal gaming setup doesn't have to be a financial burden. By focusing on smart, affordable upgrades, you can enhance your experience one piece at a time. A new headset, an ergonomic chair, or a responsive controller can make an immediate impact on your comfort and performance.
When you're ready for a bigger upgrade like a monitor or TV, look for options that deliver the speed and clarity you need. And lease-to-own financing from Snap gives you the power to shop now and pay later. You can get the gear you want, even if you have less-than-perfect credit.
Is it time to build the gaming setup you've always wanted?
The advertised service is a lease-to-own agreement provided by Snap RTO LLC. Lease-to-own financing is not available to residents of Minnesota, New Jersey, and Wisconsin.
Some restrictions may apply on leasable auto parts, electronics, or sporting goods. Please check with merchants for details.
1Not all applicants are approved. While no credit history is required, Snap obtains information from consumer reporting agencies in connection with applications, and your score with those agencies may be affected.
2Approval amounts vary from $300 to $5,000, subject to underwriting, and apply only to the cash price of leased items.
3The default payment plan is the Maximum-Term Plan, which includes 12- to 18-month renewable terms and is your highest cost option. To exercise an early ownership option, including any early buyout promotions, you must make all regular payments on time and ensure the required amount is paid within the applicable timeframe through the customer portal or by contacting Customer Care at 1-877-557-3769. Early buyout promotions may include a cost of lease above the merchandise price. For details and limitations, including relating to applicable early ownership options, refer to your lease agreement.