Hotspots for gaming on the go
There’s no denying that console and PC gaming have their advantages, but sometimes you want to take your game with you — whether it be on your smartphone, tablet, or a portable gaming device. The only problem? Gaming these days often requires being connected to the internet.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to remain connected wherever you are, ensuring a great gaming experience — just like you would enjoy in your living room, with the proper connections and internet speeds. Here are some of the best ways to stay on your game away from home.
Data for gaming
If you’re gaming on your phone without WiFi, you’ll need a great cellular data plan. There are a few things to consider when looking at a data plan if you’re an avid gamer: for starters, you’ll want to consider how much data (or what strength of "internet connection", essentially) you need. If you use your data network every day, you’ll need enough data on your plan to avoid overage costs. Unlimited data plans allow you to use as much data in a month as you want. Xfinity Internet customers qualify for Xfinity Mobile cell phone service.
Hotspots for gaming
Sometimes, a basic cellular data plan on your phone simply isn’t enough, especially when it comes to connecting with handheld gaming devices like the Nintendo Switch.
The solution? WiFi hotspots. Hotspots are basically like WiFi on the go. Using a hotspot for gaming works by connecting your gaming device to a wireless access point that's already set up to connect devices to the internet. There are several ways you can take advantage of a mobile hotspot for online gaming. For the best mobile hotspot for gaming, look to your internet service provider. As an Xfinity WiFi customer, you already have access to millions of Xfinity WiFi hotspots around the country.
Some hotspots are public, allowing you can connect instantly, while the private, more secure connections will require you to log in with your Xfinity username and password. These hotspots are fast and secure, as they’re attached to a WiFi hub rather than a data plan (which could be spotty in some areas).
Another way to get connected on the go when you're online gaming (if you don't have access to a hotspot nearby) is by “tethering.” When you tether, you’re actually using your phone as a mobile hotspot, meaning that you’re using your data plan. It works by connecting your gaming devices to a hotspot created by your mobile device. Setting up tethering varies a little depending on what phone you’re using, but you can usually access this feature through the settings on your phone. After turning on tethering functionality, you can connect to your phone’s network on your devices such as Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation Vita, or any other portable gaming device.
What’s right for me?
The solution that is best for your mobile internet access needs depends on a few different factors, including pricing options, how much data you have, which device you want to use for gaming, and which hotspots are available to you. Luckily, as an Xfinity customer, you have access to all of these different mobile WiFi hotspot plans and options, so get gaming!
Looking to amplify your mobile gaming experience? Check out the best phones for gamers.
