[jerf]

Video games are dirt cheap, especially on a per-hour basis. A given game may be expensive, but if you just want "a good game", even $10 can buy you some good stuff if you spend it carefully. Hardware may not be free, but if you don't mind not having the latest & greatest it isn't necessarily expensive compared to other entertainment options either.

I seem to recall reading an article several years ago about how video games are becoming the entertainment of choice for poor people, because it is becoming the cheapest option available (again, especially per hour). And good stuff has gotten cheaper since I read that.