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In recent years, the technology necessary for gaming on the road has been improving by leaps and bounds. Portable technologies are now better than ever and have a place in your truck.
Gaming on the road as a truck driver is now more realistic than ever. As a driver and gamer, you can get the best video game experiences in a portable form factor. Technology like cellular or satellite for the internet also keeps you in the game during periods of downtime anywhere and anytime.
Trucking is a demanding job, but so is gaming. Learn how you can keep your gamers edge while tackling the challenges of the road in this guide.
Truck drivers absolutely play video games these days. However, not all drivers take part in the most popular entertainment medium. This is not a blanket statement, of course, and some seek their entertainment elsewhere.
However, truck drivers like you are gamers and love transporting themselves to faraway lands or arenas of valor. While reading or watching a video on your iPhone or iPad might be fun, nothing quite stimulates your mind in the way that gaming can.
There are truck drivers all over the world who are gamers and those who are very casual with gaming. There are those who must get their World of Warcraft, Call of Duty, Legend of Zelda, or even Candy Crush fix in daily.
Whatever your favorite genre or game might be, this guide has you covered! Currently, there is a way to get any platform or gaming preference as a working mobile option. Back in the 1980s and 1990s, we were tethered to the tv. Now we are tethered to the internet.
New technologies and upgrades to existing ones are making it easier and easier to game on the go with any platform or device while being connected to the internet. As an over-the-road truck driver, you do have downtime, so why not harness your inner gamer and game like a pro?
As a truck driver, your space for a gaming setup is quite limited. Depending on whether or not you are driving a day cab or a sleeper cab, you must consider the available space you have to use.
As a truck driver, no matter the setup, you will use a portable gaming setup. With the limited space of a day cab, handheld gaming devices are the most beneficial to use. However, if you are driving a sleeper cab, your options for a more elaborate setup are greater.
As you can see, there are several ways to stay in the game no matter your situation. Regardless of the type of semi truck you are driving, an option is available. Thanks to the latest in gaming tech, all your favorite games can be enjoyed anywhere.
Having already discussed the options for gaming on the go, such as handhelds, tablets, and laptops, let's take a deeper look at what platforms are available depending on your situation. Platforms and form factors will vary between devices, which is good because it gives you options.
It’s almost as if portable gaming was made for truck drivers. Handhelds are a perfect fit for any scenario while on the road. Situations like gasing up, stopping for a certified weigh in, or parking at a truck stop for mandatory off-the-road hours are a perfect time to get some gaming done.
| Nintendo | Switch | Switch Lite | Switch OLED |
| Sony | PSP | PSP Go | PS VITA |
| PC | Steam Deck | Ayaneo | Onexplayer |
| Cloud | Razer Kishi | Backbone One | GameSir X2 |
| Clone | Abernic Win500 | Evercade EXP | Analogue Pocket |
| Retro | Nintendo Game Boy | Sega Game Gear | Atari Lynx |
| Nintendo | GameCube | Wii - Wii U | Switch Docked |
| Sony | Playstation 3 | Playstation 4 | Playstation 5 |
| Microsoft | Xbox 360 | Xbox One | Xbox Series S or X |
| Retro | NES - SNES - N64 | Saturn - Dreamcast | PS1 - PS2 |
| Tablet | Apple iPad | Microsoft Surface | Android Tablet |
| Laptop | MSI Gaming | Razer | Alienware |
| Mini Desktop | Origin PC | NZXT | Alienware |
These platforms all have a situational use depending on the kind of trucking job you are currently driving. For example, short-haul trucking is a perfect fit for handheld gaming. Although handheld gaming is excellent for any trucking situation.
On the other hand, short-haul trucking is not an ideal environment for console or PC gaming. Long haul trucking while driving a sleeper cab is perfect for console and PC gaming due to the vehicle's living space and proper power and TV hookups.
As a gamer truck driver, you are undoubtedly thinking about gaming setups for your truck and the routes you drive. Depending on whether or not your route is short haul or long haul, your setup will change. The amount of space you have and the trip duration will dictate your setup.
Examples of semi-truck gaming setups are as follows:
Short Haul: For short-haul scenarios, you need something compact and easy to stow away. Gamers usually have a mix of media on their handhelds, like digital or physical media.
Storage options for your handheld and accessories are perfect. Oftentimes, you can find an all-in-one case that holds the device, accessories, and games.
Long Haul: You can have a far more robust setup for long-haul scenarios. Since you will typically be driving a sleeper cab, there is room for laptops, mini towers with a monitor, and much more.
Also, you can actually equip your space with gas spring monitor mount arms that can clamp on any flat surface and are moveable. You could also get removable mounting brackets to stow a console or mini tower PC inside the sleeper cab
Whenever you think about a gaming setup for your semi-truck, how it can work, what approach you should take, etc. First, start with how much space you have available to make temporary or permanent modifications inside the cab or the amount of room you have for handhelds.
It all comes down to practicality and function; the semi-truck gaming setup must be practical and completely functional. The game's name is comfort and ease of use; relaxation is the most critical aspect when gaming.
The technology in the gaming space has evolved dramatically over the years as it relates to handhelds. This technological evolution is great for when you are on a route and have downtime to play the latest games without much sacrifice in terms of graphics and performance.
Internet connections are truly critical in terms of gaming these days. Most games have an online multiplayer component, or they are what are known as “live service” games. These live service games can only be played online as there is no single-player or offline component.
Some examples of the hottest live service games are:
One of the best ways to combat the problem or need for a reliable internet connection comes in a couple of form factors to keep your online gaming steady when over-the-road truck driving. The following are some examples of options currently available.
There is a mountable/portable solution for obtaining extremely high-speed internet with unlimited data anywhere that will be rolling out soon known as Starlink. This portable satellite platform is cost-effective and outperforms traditional mobile satellites in every way.
There are many who believe that Starlink is the future. The reasoning behind it is that, unlike traditional mobile satellites, it's not static. Starlink can be planted on a tripod, and it will automatically adjust its position and establish a connection anywhere.
As Starlink begins to roll out, this would be the best option for you. You can place it on a portable tripod, which is included with the device, or you can install several mounting options on your vehicle.
As a truck driver, you work extensive hours on the road, sometimes for extended periods. There is always downtime when your mind needs to relax or be adversely engaged. Life and work can become stressful and tiresome.
That is why it is so critical to cover both bases in your time spent on the road. Whether there is the time at the pump when gassing up, relaxing after long hours of driving at an overnight truck stop, or taking a break to get something to eat.
There are always moments and times throughout the day that offer you time to kick back and stomp out some Koopas in Super Mario Bros., execute a kill streak in Call of Duty, or even take out a crazy boss in Elden Ring.
Whatever your game, whenever you have free time, you can 100% take your gaming on the go. The important thing to remember is to determine two things: 1.) What type of semi are you driving, and 2.) What is the expected duration of your trip?
Based on these factors, you know what device or devices are best suited for your trip. Taking handhelds or tablets for short-haul trips in a day cab is ideal. As for long-haul trips in a sleeper cab, any option becomes a choice.
ABCO recognizes the need for a healthy mind as well as a healthy body. Gaming has the luxury of accomplishing two goals, keeping you entertained while keeping your mind sharp. As the years go by, gaming as an entertainment medium has catapulted itself to the top.
With the flexible scheduling that ABCO offers its drivers and excellent compensation, your driving career with ABCO will get you to the next level! Our benefits package and excellent starting salary will keep you gaming like a pro.
Call us at (866) 980-2710 or click here for more information about joining the team at ABCO. We care about our drivers and believe that your comfort, happiness, and love for the road are our top priorities.
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