5G is the next generation of wireless technology and is set to revolutionize the world as we know it. But is 5G better for gaming? That is a question that many gamers are asking themselves. In this blog post, we will take a look at the advantages of 5G and answer the question once and for all:
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Is 5G Better for Gaming?
Yes, 5G is better for gaming. The reason it’s better for gamers is because it offers lower latencies, higher speeds, and more consistent connections. 5G is capable of hitting 10Gbps, delivering speeds up to 100 times faster than current 4G LTE networks.
5G and Latency
When it comes to gaming, one of the most important factors is latency. Latency is the time it takes for a signal to travel from your device to the game server and back again. The lower the latency, the smoother the gameplay will be. And that is where 5G really shines…
For starters, let’s take a look at the latencies that are associated with different types of wireless networks:
- 5G: 1 millisecond
- 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution): 50-70 milliseconds
- Wi-Fi: 20-40 milliseconds
- Ethernet: 0.15 milliseconds
As you can see from the latencies above, there is a significant difference between the different types of wireless networks. And that is why many gamers believe that switching to 5G is a no-brainer.
But there is more to consider than just latency when it comes to gaming on a wireless network. Another important factor is bandwidth:
Bandwith
Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transferred from one point to another in a given amount of time. And when it comes to gaming, you need all the bandwidth you can get.
Let’s have a look at the theoretical speed of 4G, 5G, Wi-fi and Ethernet.
- 5G: Up to 20 Gbps
- 4G: 50-100Mbps
- Wi-Fi: 150-300Mbps
- Ethernet: Up to 100Gbps
As you see, Ethernet is the clear winner when it comes to bandwidth. But 5G is starting to catch up and is the superior choice for wireless gaming.
Benefits of 5G for Gaming
Now that we know the basics let’s look at some of the benefits of using a wireless network for gaming.
Excellent Speed
As shown in the table above, 5G is faster than 4G and wi-fi. This is important for gamers who need to transfer large files quickly or stream live gameplay without any lag.
Since 5G is almost 20 times faster than LTE, it will be around 20 times faster to download games, updates, and DLCs on a 5G network.
Low Latency
One of the most important factors for gamers is latency. This is the delay between when you make a move and when it appears on the screen.
Less latency can be the difference between winning and losing a game.
Wireless networks have always had higher latency than wired connections like Ethernet. But, with the release of new technologies, the gap is getting smaller, and 5G is leading the charge.
Next-level VR gameplay
If you want to experience the newest and best in VR gaming, you’re going to need a good connection.
Because of the large file sizes and high bandwidth requirements, most VR games can’t be played on anything less than a wired connection.
However, with the introduction of next-gen VR headsets like the Oculus Rift S and HTC Vive combined with 5G’s low latency, playing demanding VR games wirelessly is finally possible.
What does this mean for the future of gaming?
The potential for wireless VR is huge, and with the release of new headsets and the rollout of more widespread coverage, we’re likely to see a significant increase in the number of people playing VR games.
Augmented Reality – The Next Frontier
While VR is an immersive experience that takes you to another world, augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information in the real world.
One of the most popular examples of AR is Pokemon Go, which allows players to catch virtual creatures in the real world.
With the release of new AR headsets and the rollout of more widespread coverage, we’re likely to see a significant increase in the number of people playing AR games. As the development of AR technology continues, we can expect to see the need for high-speed connections to support gaming experiences that are even more realistic and immersive.
Having 5G will then be a major advantage for gamers who want to be at the forefront of this cutting-edge technology.
How Can You Get Started With 5G Gaming?
If you’re interested in trying out gaming on a new level, you’ll need to make sure you have a few things in place first:
- A supported device: at the moment, only certain smartphones and laptops are able to connect to 5G networks.
- Access to a network: this is currently only available in selected areas.
- A subscription with a 5G operator: in order to get access to a network, you’ll need to be a customer of one of the few companies currently offering this technology.
Once you have these things ready, you can start gaming on your supported device using a fast and stable connection!
If your device is not supported, don’t worry- you can still enjoy all the benefits of a reliable and high-speed internet connection by using a 5G dongle or router. This will connect your devices to the internet via a fast and stable connection, allowing you to enjoy gaming without any lag or interruptions.
Bottom Line
So is it better for gaming? The answer is a resounding yes! Having a high-speed connection is key if you’re looking to get the most out of your gaming experience. And with the release of new VR headsets and games on the horizon, now is the perfect time to consider making the switch to a faster network.
Do you have any questions about whether or not to upgrade to a gaming-specific data plan? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other blog posts for more tips on how to improve your gaming experience. For example, click here to read our comparison between gaming laptops and the Xbox Series X. Or why not learn the answer to whether you can use a lens cleaner on a laptop screen? Thanks for reading!