When people think about gaming in Canada, they probably immediately imagine studios like Ubisoft Montreal, Next Level Games, and Beenox. All are some of the industry’s top developers; Beenox, for example, was a prominent part of Activision Blizzard before it split. Plus, Vancouver is home to one of the world’s largest game testing facilities.
In other words, Canadians have a tighter relationship with video gaming than most others—especially big-name productions. But what about casual gaming? Back in 2022, Statista found that casual games were the country’s fastest-growing gaming sector, while smartphones were actually the most popular hardware for gamers.
With the shift toward casual games seriously underway, there are more people trying out new games than ever before. Let’s break down which types of hardware can be used for casual games and why they might be a good fit for you.
Tablets
Tablets are the best option on the market for casual gamers who mostly play at home. Let’s cover an example of what makes an iPad or a Lenovo Tab a great option. Blackjack, for instance, is an incredibly popular card game for virtual players. That’s because online platforms offer convenience compared to heading to a brick-and-mortar casino and the ability to play from a couch.
To play virtually, they can download the appropriate software straight from a browser. While some prefer to play on a laptop, a tablet is more portable. Plus, the touchscreen makes it a bit more dynamic for players as they hit and split in hopes of making 21. So, if you’re diving into a game that will have you concentrating for an hour or two, a tablet is a great option.
Laptops & PCs
Not all casual games are quite as brainy as blackjack. In fact, many casual games focus on stunning visuals. Many of these titles are puzzle games, which are visually dynamic in order to add an element of atmosphere. A great example is Monument Valley.
The game was originally developed for mobile devices but has since been ported to PC and Mac, too. So, while you can easily play the game from a smartphone or a tablet, there’s an even more immersive experience in store for laptop and PC users. After all, laptops and PCs offer the largest screen size of any hardware on this list. For this reason, they’re best used for games with top-tier graphics.
Smartphones
The ultimate function of the smartphone is convenience and playing on the go. And one reason that people gravitate toward casual games is that they’re easy to dive into and more relaxing than competitive titles. For this reason, smartphones are the most robust option for anyone who wants to dive into a casual title.
That’s because just about every type of casual title has been developed specifically for smartphones. Although laptop and tablet versions are also available, the smartphone user experience is likely to be the most seamless. So, if you’re totally new to gaming (whether casual or competitive), downloading titles straight from a mobile app store is the easiest way to sample new titles (by the dozen, even).
Handhelds
So far, we’ve outlined hardware that can be used for gaming or for a variety of other purposes, from watching sports to responding to emails. This makes them popular for non-competitive gamers who don’t want to shell out big bucks for a gaming-specific option. However, if you’ve found that you’re starting to spend more time on casual gaming and want to explore the industry a bit more, then consider a handheld device.
Handhelds are specific to more traditional video games. For example, the Nintendo Switch is a handheld that was released back in 2017. It allows players to play video games straight from a tablet-like device or hook that device up to a screen and play using de-connectable controllers. Another popular choice is the Steam Deck, which is geared toward older gamers. While both cost a pretty penny, they’re a much more accessible and portable option than an Xbox, PlayStation, or PC computer.