I Combined a Phone, AR Glasses, and Cloud Gaming into a Hybrid Gaming Rig

howtogeek.com:

I like to play games. I just don't play them the way most people do. I don't have a console, a TV, or a gaming handheld. I play real "gamer" games, sure, but I do so on my phone. Lately, I use AR glasses, too, and I think it's the best gaming experience I've ever had.

Why I Don't Have a Gaming PC

I've never been particularly drawn to the idea of either building or buying a gaming PC. To me, a keyboard and mouse feel better suited for work than for fun. Plus, as someone who has spent his entire adult life in a committed relationship, I haven't wanted to confine myself to a desk when it's time to unwind.

I grew up a console gamer, though I haven't had one in around a decade. I owned a Steam Deck for a while, and it was the closest thing yet to being what I would consider my ideal dedicated gaming machine. But I sold it anyway. I found it too big and unwieldy for my lifestyle.

I've ultimately discovered that I really enjoy Android gaming. The selection is vast, ranging from casual-but-gorgeous mobile experience to console ports that play better with a controller. Importantly, my phone offers the most flexibility about when and where I can play.

I can game in the car while I wait to pick up my kids without having to first remember to grab a bulky carrying case. I can play something chill while my wife and I are curled up with each other and our screens. I can drop my phone on a dock and use a Bluetooth controller. I can connect to an external display when I can go for a more immersive experience. And I can go all in with AR glasses, combined with cloud gaming, to create a shockingly good hybrid setup.

Here's The Hardware I Use Instead

These are the specific devices I've purchased to make my hybrid gaming setup work.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

My current phone is the Galaxy Z Fold 5. My previous one was the Motorola Edge+ 2023. Both offer desktop modes and, by extension, have the ability to display video on an external display when you connect via a USB-C