Updated November 3, 2026
PC gaming means playing on a desktop or laptop computer instead of a console or phone. It can be as simple as a laptop you already own or as fancy as a custom-built rig. Here’s what to know before you jump in.
What makes PC gaming different
- You can upgrade it. Instead of buying a whole new console, you can swap parts like the graphics card or memory over time.
- Huge game libraries. PC stores carry everything from big releases to small indie games, and many games are free to play.
- Keyboard and mouse, or a controller. Most PC games work with either, so you can play the way you like.
- More setup. You may need to update drivers and adjust settings, which takes a little more effort than a console.
How to get started
- Start with what you have. Many popular games run fine on an ordinary laptop with the graphics settings turned down.
- Check a game’s requirements before you buy. Store pages list the minimum and recommended computer specs. Compare them to your computer.
- Decide: buy a ready-made gaming PC or build one. Ready-made is easier; building can cost less and teaches you how your PC works.
- Try free-to-play games first to see what you enjoy before spending money.
- Keep your graphics drivers up to date. Updates often fix bugs and improve performance in new games.
Buying games without regret
On Steam, you can request a refund for a game within 14 days of buying it, as long as you’ve played it for less than two hours. For pre-orders, the 14 days start on the release date.1 That gives you time to make sure a game runs well and that you like it.
Picking games for kids
Check the ESRB rating on the box or store page:
| Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
| E | Everyone |
| E10+ | Everyone 10 and older |
| T | Teen, 13 and older |
| M | Mature, 17 and older |
Of the console and boxed games ESRB rated in 2025, 52% were rated E, 15% E10+, 23% T and 10% M.2
Want to get better at the games you play? Read How to Get Better at Video Games.
Sources
- Steam, Steam Refunds, last updated April 23, 2024.
- ESRB, Rating category breakdown: games rated in 2025, February 18, 2026.