I've been a PC gamer for over 15 years. Pinball...offers something a little different.

There is certainly a cost difference between digital gaming and owning a pinball machine. However, at least with a pinball machine, you can get some money back when you tire of your machine.

That's because the overall concept doesn't change all that much. A ball, flippers, some flashy lights, and doohickeys on a playfield. Digital gaming, since it relies on hardware horsepower and developing software, is basically replaced by something new on the market every 6 months and does not age well. A 30-year old pinball machine, on the other hand, still plays fine.

However--it's tough to call a gaming hobby an "investment". Hobby, yes, but you really have to be in the top tier or do a lot of volume to actually get ahead.

Heck, these days you can set up an HTPC in your living room, install some Steam games, hook up a controller, and you're ready to roll. No need for a pricey dedicated box with a monthly membership fee with pricey games.