Buying a gaming console in Bangladesh

Faisal Hossain, a medical student, harbours a deep passion for gaming that transcends his professional pursuits. Beginning with classic 8-bit handheld game consoles and progressing through various gaming platforms, he has honed his skills and experiences to embrace the latest in gaming technology and now immersed himself in the world of PS5 gaming. 

Faisal's journey exemplifies a broader trend in Bangladesh, where gamers from diverse professions and age groups share a common love for gaming. Indeed, in this vibrant gaming community, age and profession serve as no barrier.

According to Faisal, the PlayStation 5 (PS5), PlayStation 4 (PS4), and Xbox series stand as the leading choices for gamers in the contemporary gaming scene in Bangladesh. 

The PS5, Sony's latest iteration in the PlayStation line-up, delivers cutting-edge performance with its powerful custom-designed hardware, including a lightning-fast SSD and advanced ray-tracing capabilities, providing stunning visuals and immersive gameplay. Its innovative DualSense controller introduces haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, enhancing tactile immersion and responsiveness in games.

Meanwhile, the PS4 remains a beloved choice among gamers, offering a vast library of exclusive titles, robust online multiplayer features, and a user-friendly interface. With its sleek design and reliable performance, the PS4 remains a staple in many gaming households.

On the other hand, the Xbox series, including the Xbox Series X and Series S, offers a compelling alternative with its own set of features and exclusives. With powerful hardware and backward compatibility, the Xbox series delivers high-fidelity gaming experiences and seamless integration with Microsoft's ecosystem, including Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service offering access to a vast library of games. 

What are the available sources for acquiring these items?

Retailers have created a robust infrastructure to support the gaming community, from stocking the latest gaming consoles, accessories, and peripherals to ensuring a diverse selection of games. 

Talking to another game lover Fahad Ahmed, from a literature background residing in Dhanmondi, he prefers stores like Ryans and Star Tech for their detailed customer service. Ryan's Computer in Bangladesh provides a comprehensive selection of gaming consoles and virtual reality systems catering to the diverse preferences of enthusiasts. 

The Microsoft Xbox Series S 512GB Console, priced at Tk 38,000, delivers a balance of affordability and performance with its 8X Cores @ 3.6 GHz Custom Zen 2 CPU, 10GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. 

In contrast, the META Quest 2 128GB All-in-One VR System, priced at Tk 43,500, offers an immersive VR experience driven by a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. 

For those seeking enhanced VR capabilities, the Pico Neo 3 Link 6GB RAM 256GB Storage All-in-One VR System, priced at Tk 54,500, stands out with its display port, Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor, and 6DoF controllers.

 Moving into premium territory, the Sony PS5 Digital Edition, priced at Tk 61,900, boasts HDMI connectivity, 16GB of RAM, and 825GB of storage, while the Microsoft Xbox Series X 1TB Console, priced at Tk 69,500, offers superior performance with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB storage capacity. 

The Sony PlayStation VR2 OLED Gaming VR System, priced at Tk 72,000, promises an immersive experience with its high-resolution display and wireless controller. Ryan's Computer caters to international gamers with editions like the Sony PS5 Slim Digital Edition (Japan, UK, and USA editions), each offering 1TB of storage and priced at Tk 72,000 - Tk 79,500. 

VR enthusiasts can opt for the META Quest 3 Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 VR System, priced at Tk 76,000, or the META Quest Pro Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Black VR System, priced at Tk 139,000, offering varying levels of RAM and storage. 

Lastly, the Asus ROG Ally RC71L Gaming Handheld, priced at Tk 89,900, with its AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage, offers a portable gaming solution. With an extensive range of products spanning different categories and price points, Ryan's Computer aims to cater to the diverse needs of gamers in Bangladesh.

But Fahad's friend Sabbir Hossain, a Marine Engineer, wants to explore more options. He shared that a store titled Game Zone, located in Bashundhara City on Level 6, offers a variety of gaming consoles. As mentioned by the shop owner, Md. Farid Hossain, they carry a selection of PS5, PS4, and Xbox Series X and S, both new and pre-owned. 

The prices for second-hand PS4 consoles start at 16 thousand taka, while used Xbox 360 consoles begin at 10 thousand taka. The Xbox Series S is available from 33 thousand taka, and a brand new PS5 is priced at 62 thousand taka. 

Additionally, Exclusive Game Zone, situated on the same floor, showcases a range of PS5 consoles, including limited versions such as the Disk and Digital. Prices range from 55 thousand to 95 thousand taka. 

They also offer brand new PS4 consoles at 42 thousand taka and a selection of used ones, starting from 14 thousand and reaching up to 35 thousand taka. Xbox 360 consoles are available from five thousand to 13 thousand taka. 

Shanto Hasan from Game Software states they offer a wide range of products, with used PS4 consoles priced between 15 to 40 thousand taka. New PS5 consoles start from 63 thousand taka, while used ones are available from 45 thousand taka. The used version of the Xbox Series S starts at 15 thousand taka. 

At Ryan Electronics on Level 6, they stock PS5 Disk Version Slim priced at 62 thousand taka and another model, known as the Fat Model, priced at 65 thousand taka. They also offer used PS4 consoles starting from 17 thousand taka. Moreover, shopping malls like Jamuna Future Park and Multiplan Center are renowned for their diverse range of shops, catering to various needs and preferences of shoppers.

Aside from the gaming consoles themselves, another significant aspect of gaming is purchasing games and additional accessories. According to the shopkeepers, popular titles like FIFA 24, RDR, and Farcry are among the most sought-after games, typically starting from 1500 taka for the disc version. 

Controllers are essential peripherals that need to be acquired separately. For instance, Star Tech offers a PlayStation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller priced at 8500 taka, while Xbox Series X controllers generally have a market price of around 6500 taka. 

However, prices can vary between shops depending on the controllers' quality. In Gaming Software shops, PS5 controllers are available for around 7000 taka, whereas used PS4 controllers are typically priced at 3000 taka, with new ones costing around 6000 taka. Additionally, replicas are available, with prices usually starting from 1500 taka, offering more affordable alternatives to the original controllers.

Mr. Farid from Games Zone stated that customers prioritise verifying the features when purchasing new models of gaming consoles. They are particularly interested in understanding the capabilities and specifications of the console to ensure it meets their gaming needs. 

On the other hand, when considering older or used consoles, customers focus more on the overall appearance, condition of the console, the functionality of buttons, and any additional accessories included with the console. This suggests that while functionality is essential for both new and used consoles, the emphasis shifts slightly depending on the product's condition.

Besides, the rise of online shopping platforms have allowed unparalleled convenience and access to a vast array of gaming consoles, games, and accessories. With detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and competitive pricing, online retailers provide a seamless shopping experience from browsing to purchase. 

Fast shipping options ensure timely delivery, while digital downloads offer instant access to various games. Online communities further enhance the experience, fostering connections among gamers and providing valuable resources and advice. 

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