SSD gaming necessity, 2026 gaming storage, NVMe vs SATA gaming, gaming load times, SSD performance games, FPS boost SSD, stuttering fix SSD, gaming PC upgrade, best SSD for gaming, SSD benefits PC gaming

Are you wondering if an SSD is truly necessary for gaming in 2026? Gamers often ask if solid-state drives still offer a significant advantage over traditional hard disk drives. This comprehensive guide explores the crucial role SSDs play in modern gaming experiences, detailing how they impact loading times, overall system responsiveness, and even in-game performance. We will delve into specific game genres, from fast-paced FPS titles to expansive open-world RPGs, to illustrate the tangible benefits. Understanding SSD technology is vital for anyone looking to optimize their gaming PC. We cover NVMe versus SATA, ideal capacities, and budget considerations for today's demanding titles. Expect insights into how SSDs mitigate common issues like FPS drops and stuttering. This piece serves as your definitive resource for making an informed decision about solid-state storage for your gaming rig. Enhance your gameplay with faster load speeds and smoother transitions. Discover the undeniable edge an SSD provides for peak performance. Many players report drastically improved game responsiveness after upgrading their storage solution. This article will help you decide if an SSD upgrade is right for your gaming needs this year and beyond.

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do you need a ssd for gaming FAQ 2026 - 50+ Most Asked Questions Answered (Tips, Trick, Guide, How to, Bugs, Builds, Endgame)

Welcome, fellow gamers, to the ultimate living FAQ for 2026! As games evolve, so does the hardware required to run them seamlessly. The question of whether you need an SSD for gaming is more relevant than ever. This guide is packed with up-to-date information, tips, tricks, and answers to your most pressing questions about solid-state drives in the current gaming landscape. We're talking everything from basic necessities to advanced optimization, covering potential bugs, best builds, and endgame performance. Whether you're a beginner building your first PC or a seasoned pro seeking that extra edge, this comprehensive resource, optimized for voice search and featured snippets, will help you navigate the world of gaming storage. Let's ensure your rig is ready for the challenges and wonders of 2026 gaming!

Do I need an SSD for gaming in 2026?

Yes, in 2026, an SSD is essentially a requirement for modern PC gaming. It drastically reduces load times, improves texture streaming, and prevents stuttering in graphically intensive titles, offering a smoother and more immersive experience. Many new games are even optimized with the expectation of SSD speeds.

What type of SSD is best for gaming?

For gaming in 2026, an NVMe SSD is generally considered the best. NVMe drives utilize the PCIe interface, offering significantly faster read/write speeds compared to SATA SSDs. This speed is crucial for rapidly loading large game files and assets.

How much SSD storage do I need for gaming?

A minimum of 1TB NVMe SSD is recommended for gaming in 2026, with 2TB or more being ideal. Modern games consume substantial storage space, so a larger drive helps accommodate multiple titles without constant uninstalling and reinstalling.

Will an SSD increase my FPS?

An SSD does not directly increase your frame rate (FPS). However, it prevents FPS drops and stuttering caused by slow data loading, ensuring more consistent performance. Your CPU and GPU can work more efficiently when not waiting for game assets.

Can an SSD fix game stuttering?

Yes, an SSD can significantly fix or alleviate game stuttering, especially if the stuttering is due to delayed asset loading. Slow traditional hard drives often struggle to deliver data fast enough for demanding open-world games, leading to noticeable hitches.

Is a SATA SSD good enough for gaming in 2026?

While a SATA SSD is a vast improvement over an HDD, it's becoming less ideal for 2026 gaming compared to NVMe drives. SATA SSDs offer decent load times but may still present bottlenecks for games leveraging technologies like DirectStorage, which demand higher bandwidth.

How does an SSD improve overall gaming experience?

An SSD enhances the overall gaming experience by providing faster game launches, quicker level transitions, seamless texture loading, and reduced in-game lag related to asset streaming. It contributes to a more fluid, responsive, and frustration-free gaming session.

Beginner Questions

Starting out in PC gaming or just curious about upgrades? These questions cover the basics every new or returning player should know.

What is an SSD and how is it different from an HDD?

An SSD (Solid State Drive) uses flash memory to store data, while an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) uses spinning platters and read/write heads. SSDs have no moving parts, making them much faster, quieter, and more durable than HDDs, which impacts game load times dramatically.

Do all new games require an SSD to run well?

While not all games strictly require an SSD to launch, most major AAA titles released in 2026 are heavily optimized for SSDs. Running them on an HDD will result in very long load times and often severe performance issues like stuttering and texture pop-in, making the experience poor.

Is an SSD hard to install for a beginner?

Installing a 2.5-inch SATA SSD is relatively straightforward, similar to an HDD. NVMe M.2 SSDs are even simpler, usually just plugging into a slot on your motherboard and securing with a single screw. There are many easy-to-follow guides online for beginner PC builders.

Performance Impact

Dive deeper into how your storage choice directly impacts gameplay beyond just loading screens.

How does an SSD affect texture loading and pop-in in games?

An SSD dramatically improves texture loading by providing game engines with faster access to high-resolution assets. This minimizes texture pop-in, where low-resolution textures suddenly switch to high-resolution ones, creating a more consistent and immersive visual experience as you move through game worlds.

Myth vs Reality: Does an SSD help with network ping or online lag?

Myth: An SSD reduces network ping or online lag. Reality: An SSD has no impact on network latency. Ping and lag are determined by your internet connection speed, router quality, and distance to game servers. An SSD only improves local data access, not how fast data travels over the internet.

Can an SSD improve game save and load times within a game?

Absolutely, an SSD significantly speeds up saving and loading game states within a game. Complex save files, especially in RPGs or simulation games, can take many seconds on an HDD but are nearly instantaneous on an SSD, reducing interruption to your gameplay flow.

Choosing an SSD

Making the right choice can seem overwhelming. This section helps you pick the perfect SSD for your gaming rig.

What is the difference between an M.2 NVMe SSD and a U.2 NVMe SSD?

M.2 NVMe SSDs are small, stick-like modules that plug directly into an M.2 slot on your motherboard, commonly used in consumer PCs. U.2 NVMe SSDs are larger, 2.5-inch drives primarily found in enterprise or workstation environments, connecting via a U.2 port or an adapter, and are rarely seen in typical gaming builds.

Should I prioritize capacity or speed for my gaming SSD?

For most gamers, a balance is key, but capacity is often more immediately impactful than the absolute fastest speeds. While a Gen4 or Gen5 NVMe is ideal, a Gen3 NVMe with larger capacity (e.g., 2TB) often provides a better overall experience than a smaller (e.g., 500GB) Gen5 drive due to ballooning game sizes. Prioritize having enough space for your favorite titles.

Installation & Setup

Get your new SSD up and running with these practical installation and setup tips.

Is it necessary to reinstall Windows when upgrading to an SSD?

While you can clone your existing Windows installation from an HDD to an SSD, a fresh installation of Windows is often recommended. A clean install ensures optimal performance, avoids carrying over old system clutter, and properly sets up the OS to utilize the SSD's capabilities from the start. This can also prevent minor bugs.

How do I know if my PC motherboard supports NVMe SSDs?

To check for NVMe support, consult your motherboard's manual or look up its specifications online. You'll need to find an M.2 slot that supports PCIe NVMe drives. Many modern motherboards (from the last 5-7 years) include at least one NVMe-compatible M.2 slot, often with different generations of PCIe support.

Optimization & Maintenance

Keep your SSD running at peak performance with these essential optimization and maintenance tips.

Myth vs Reality: Do I need to defragment my SSD regularly?

Myth: You should regularly defragment your SSD for better performance. Reality: Absolutely not. Defragmenting an SSD is unnecessary and can actually shorten its lifespan. SSDs work differently than HDDs; instead, they use a process called TRIM to manage data and maintain performance. Windows automatically handles TRIM for SSDs.

Should I leave some free space on my SSD for optimal performance?

Yes, it's a good practice to leave at least 10-15% of your SSD's capacity free. SSDs perform best when they have available space for wear leveling, garbage collection, and caching operations. Filling an SSD to its brim can lead to reduced performance and potentially a shorter lifespan.

Myth vs Reality

Separating facts from fiction about SSDs can save you time and improve your gaming setup.

Myth vs Reality: SSDs wear out quickly with gaming writes.

Myth: SSDs wear out quickly due to the constant read/write operations of gaming. Reality: Modern SSDs have extremely high endurance ratings (TBW - Terabytes Written) far exceeding the average gamer's usage. Unless you're constantly writing petabytes of data, your SSD is highly likely to become obsolete before it wears out from normal gaming.

Myth vs Reality: All SSDs are equally fast for gaming.

Myth: Any SSD offers the same speed benefits for gaming. Reality: Not all SSDs are created equal. NVMe SSDs are significantly faster than SATA SSDs. Furthermore, within NVMe, PCIe Gen 4 drives are faster than Gen 3, and Gen 5 drives are faster still. The specific controller and NAND flash also affect performance, making some drives superior to others for demanding tasks.

Myth vs Reality: You need to manually enable TRIM for your SSD.

Myth: You must manually enable the TRIM command for your SSD. Reality: Modern operating systems like Windows 10 and 11 automatically detect SSDs and enable TRIM by default. You usually don't need to do anything manually. If you are concerned, you can verify its status through command prompt, but manual intervention is rarely required.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Encountering problems? Here are some quick fixes for common SSD-related gaming issues.

Why is my NVMe SSD running slower than expected in games?

Slow NVMe speeds can stem from several issues: an outdated motherboard BIOS, incorrect PCIe slot configuration (e.g., using a x2 lane slot instead of x4), thermal throttling if the drive gets too hot, or generic drivers. Ensure your BIOS is updated and your NVMe is in the fastest available M.2 slot, ideally with a heatsink.

My games installed on SSD still experience stuttering, what could be wrong?

If your games still stutter on an SSD, the issue likely lies elsewhere. Check your GPU drivers for updates, monitor your CPU and GPU usage for bottlenecks, ensure adequate RAM, and verify that your power supply is sufficient. Sometimes, in-game settings optimization can also resolve stuttering not related to storage.

Future Trends & Advanced Considerations

Look ahead to what's coming next and how to stay ahead of the curve.

How will future console generations impact PC SSD requirements?

Future console generations, building on the PS5 and Xbox Series X, will continue to push PC SSD requirements. Their custom fast storage solutions will mean PC games will be increasingly designed with extremely high I/O performance in mind, making faster NVMe drives even more critical for a comparable experience.

What is the role of SSD cache in gaming performance?

SSDs often use a portion of their NAND flash as an SLC (Single-Level Cell) cache, which is very fast. This cache speeds up burst writes, helping with temporary game data or larger file transfers. For gaming, a larger and more efficient cache can subtly improve overall responsiveness, particularly during periods of intense asset loading or saving, providing a smoother experience.

Specific Game Genres

Different games utilize SSDs in various ways. See how your favorite genre benefits.

How important is an SSD for open-world RPGs and MMOs?

For open-world RPGs and MMOs, an SSD is incredibly important. These games feature vast environments with countless assets that need to be streamed continuously. An SSD dramatically reduces loading screens when fast-traveling, eliminates texture pop-in, and ensures smooth world rendering, which is vital for immersion in these expansive genres.

Does an SSD significantly benefit competitive FPS or Battle Royale games?

Yes, an SSD significantly benefits competitive FPS and Battle Royale games. Faster loading times get you into matches quicker, preventing you from being late to the drop or missing initial skirmishes. More importantly, it ensures crucial map textures, player models, and sound assets load without delay, preventing stuttering that could cost you a critical moment in combat.

What about Indie games or older titles, do they need an SSD?

While Indie games and older titles benefit from an SSD's speed, they usually don't 'need' it in the same critical way modern AAA games do. Their smaller file sizes and less demanding asset streaming mean they can often run adequately on an HDD. However, the quality-of-life improvement, especially faster load times, is still noticeable and appreciated.

Still have questions?

This living FAQ is constantly updated! If you didn't find your answer here, feel free to drop a comment or check out our other popular guides, such as 'Ultimate 2026 PC Gaming Build Guide' or 'Troubleshooting Common FPS Drops in Your Favorite Games'.

Hey, fellow gamers! It's 2026, and a question that keeps popping up in forums and chat rooms is, "Do you really need an SSD for gaming anymore, or is it just hype?" Well, let's spill the tea on this tech topic. The short answer is a resounding yes, and if you're still clinging to an old-school hard drive for your main game installs, you're missing out on a dramatically better experience. Think of it like trying to stream 8K video on dial-up; it just won't cut it anymore.

Modern gaming demands serious speed. We're talking about massive open worlds, intricate textures, and constant asset streaming that older storage simply cannot handle gracefully. The shift began years ago, but 2026 titles, especially those optimized for the latest console generations, practically require an SSD. Without one, you'll face longer load times, noticeable stuttering fix issues, and potentially even frustrating FPS (frames per second) drop moments when the game struggles to pull data quickly enough. It is more than just convenience; it is about core gameplay performance.

The Undeniable Advantage: Why SSDs Rule Gaming in 2026

Solid-state drives (SSDs) are basically flash memory, like a giant, super-fast USB stick. Unlike traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), they have no moving parts. This fundamental difference is key to their superior speed and reliability. When a game needs to load a new area or character model, an SSD can access that data almost instantaneously, while an HDD's spinning platters and read/write heads create significant bottlenecks. For a competitive FPS player, minimizing lag and ensuring smooth texture loads can literally mean the difference between victory and defeat. This is not some casual observation; it is a core technical truth.

Loading Times: Get into the Action Faster

Nobody enjoys staring at a loading screen, especially after a dramatic in-game death or when jumping into a new multiplayer match. SSDs slash these waiting times dramatically. Games that might take a minute or more to load on an HDD often launch in mere seconds on an NVMe SSD. This efficiency translates directly into more playtime and less frustration. It’s a simple upgrade that pays dividends every single time you launch a game.

Texture Streaming and World Rendering

Modern game engines, particularly in large RPG and Battle Royale titles, continuously stream assets from your storage. An SSD ensures these textures, models, and environmental details load seamlessly as you move through the world. Without adequate speed, you'll see pop-in textures, objects appearing late, and general visual stuttering. This degrades the immersion and overall visual fidelity, making your cutting-edge graphics card feel underutilized. Optimizing your settings helps, but storage is foundational.

Impact on FPS and Stuttering

While an SSD doesn't directly increase your FPS in the same way a better GPU does, it can prevent FPS drops and stuttering related to asset loading. If your system is constantly waiting for data from a slow drive, your CPU and GPU can sit idle, causing performance hiccups. An SSD ensures a steady flow of data, allowing your other components to perform at their peak. For games like Starfield or Cyberpunk 2077, an SSD isn't just recommended; it's practically required for a smooth experience.

NVMe vs. SATA: Which SSD is Best for You?

When you're looking to upgrade, you'll encounter two main types: SATA and NVMe. SATA SSDs are a big step up from HDDs but are limited by the SATA III interface. NVMe SSDs, on the other hand, connect directly to your motherboard via the PCIe bus, offering speeds up to 7-10 times faster than SATA. For the ultimate gaming PC build in 2026, an NVMe drive is the way to go, especially for your primary game installations. It is a critical performance component, not just a luxury item.

Practical Tips for SSD Gaming

  • Always install your operating system on an SSD for overall system responsiveness.
  • Prioritize your most-played or demanding games for installation on your fastest NVMe drive.
  • Consider a larger capacity SSD, as game sizes continue to grow rapidly.
  • Keep your SSD updated with the latest drivers for optimal performance.
  • Don't fill your SSD to capacity; leave some free space for better longevity and speed.

Ready to level up your understanding? Let's dive into some common questions I hear from folks just like you, navigating the exciting yet sometimes confusing world of gaming tech.

Beginner / Core Concepts

It's totally understandable if you're just dipping your toes into this SSD world. I get why this confuses so many people, especially with all the jargon flying around. Let's break down some foundational stuff to get you comfortable.

1. Q: Do I really need an SSD for gaming in 2026, or is an HDD still fine?
A: Honestly, you absolutely need an SSD for gaming in 2026 to have a truly modern and enjoyable experience. While an HDD might technically run some older games, any new title, especially major releases, will suffer from excruciatingly long load times, texture pop-in, and frequent stuttering. Game developers are now designing games with SSD speeds in mind, particularly with the influence of consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. For a smooth, responsive gameplay experience that eliminates frustrating waits, an SSD isn't just recommended; it's a fundamental requirement. It significantly impacts overall game fluidity, making your other hardware perform better. You'll notice the difference immediately. You've got this!

2. Q: What's the biggest difference an SSD makes for a casual gamer?
A: For a casual gamer, the biggest and most immediate difference an SSD makes is drastically cutting down load times. Imagine launching your favorite MOBA or RPG and getting into the action in seconds instead of minutes. This means less waiting and more playing, making your gaming sessions much more enjoyable. Beyond that, games will generally feel snappier, with less lag when navigating menus or entering new areas. It smooths out the experience, even if you're not chasing competitive FPS scores. It’s all about convenience and a consistently fluid user experience, which is a massive upgrade from traditional hard drives. Try it tomorrow and let me know how it goes.

3. Q: Will an SSD increase my FPS (frames per second) directly?
A: This one used to trip me up too, so don't worry! An SSD itself won't directly boost your FPS in the way a powerful graphics card or CPU will. However, it plays a crucial indirect role in maintaining stable FPS and preventing jarring drops. A fast SSD ensures that game assets like textures, models, and environment data can be loaded quickly when needed. If your storage is too slow, your CPU and GPU might have to wait for data, causing momentary hitches or stuttering, which feels like an FPS drop. So, while it's not a direct FPS booster, it's essential for consistent, smooth performance and preventing those annoying micro-stutters. It ensures your high-end hardware isn't bottlenecked by slow storage. You've got this!

4. Q: What types of SSDs are there, and which one should I consider?
A: Alright, let's simplify the SSD landscape. You primarily have two types to consider for gaming: SATA SSDs and NVMe SSDs. SATA SSDs are typically 2.5-inch drives that connect with a cable, offering speeds around 500-600 MB/s. They're a huge upgrade from HDDs but are slower than NVMe. NVMe SSDs, on the other hand, are smaller stick-like drives that plug directly into an M.2 slot on your motherboard and use the PCIe interface. These are significantly faster, reaching speeds from 3,500 MB/s to over 12,000 MB/s for the latest PCIe Gen 5 models in 2026. For serious gaming and future-proofing your PC, an NVMe SSD is definitely the way to go. You'll appreciate the difference, especially with larger, more demanding titles. You've got this!

Intermediate / Practical & Production

Alright, now that we've got the basics down, let's talk about getting this tech into action and what it really means for your everyday gaming. This is where the rubber meets the road, and you start seeing tangible benefits.

5. Q: How much storage capacity should I get for a gaming SSD in 2026?
A: This is a fantastic question because game sizes are just exploding, aren't they? In 2026, for a dedicated gaming PC, I'd strongly recommend a minimum of 1TB NVMe SSD for your primary drive. That will comfortably hold your OS and a good handful of your favorite large titles, like Call of Duty, Apex Legends, or any massive RPG. However, if your budget allows, stepping up to a 2TB NVMe SSD is even better. It gives you much more breathing room for a larger game library and ensures you won't be constantly uninstalling and reinstalling games, which can be a real pain. Consider your typical game library size and how many titles you like to keep installed simultaneously. It’s an investment that pays off in convenience. You've got this!

6. Q: Can an SSD help with network-related issues like high ping or lag?
A: That's a common misconception, and it's an important one to clarify. An SSD has absolutely no direct impact on your network performance, like high ping or lag. Those issues are primarily related to your internet service provider, your network hardware (router, cables), and the game server's location and stability. An SSD is all about local data access speeds – how quickly your computer can read and write information. It helps with loading games, texture streaming, and overall system responsiveness. While a fast PC with an SSD ensures your local machine isn't bottlenecking, it won't magically fix a bad internet connection or a distant game server. You'd want to look at your internet speed and router for those kinds of problems. Try troubleshooting your network settings if you're seeing high ping. You've got this!

7. Q: Is it worth upgrading to an NVMe SSD if I already have a SATA SSD?
A: Ah, the classic upgrade dilemma! Yes, for gaming in 2026, upgrading from a SATA SSD to an NVMe SSD is absolutely worth it, especially if you're playing demanding titles. While a SATA SSD is a huge leap over an HDD, NVMe drives leverage the PCIe bus for significantly higher bandwidth, leading to much faster loading times and smoother asset streaming in games designed for modern storage. You'll notice the difference most in games with massive open worlds or those that frequently load new areas, reducing that annoying stuttering fix. The performance gap is becoming more pronounced as games adopt technologies like Microsoft's DirectStorage API, which fully utilizes NVMe speeds. It's a noticeable, quality-of-life improvement that enhances your overall gaming immersion. You've got this!

8. Q: Should I put my operating system on the same SSD as my games?
A: Generally, yes, it's a great idea to put your operating system (OS) on your fastest SSD, preferably an NVMe drive. This ensures that your entire system boots up rapidly and feels incredibly responsive, not just your games. Having the OS on the same fast drive as your games typically won't cause any performance issues, as modern SSDs have excellent read/write speeds that can handle both simultaneously without significant bottlenecks. If you have the budget, a dedicated smaller NVMe for the OS and a larger one for games is ideal, but a single large NVMe drive for both is perfectly fine and highly recommended for simplicity and performance. It simplifies drivers management too. You've got this!

9. Q: Are there any special settings optimization tips for SSDs in Windows?
A: That's a smart question, wanting to get the most out of your hardware! For SSDs, Windows is pretty good at optimizing things automatically, but a few quick checks can ensure peak performance. First, make sure 'Trim' is enabled (it usually is by default), which helps maintain SSD speed and longevity. You can check this in Command Prompt by typing 'fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify'. A '0' means it's enabled. Also, avoid defragmenting an SSD; it's unnecessary and can reduce its lifespan. Windows 10/11 will 'optimize' SSDs by running Trim, not defrag. Lastly, ensure your storage drivers are up to date through your motherboard manufacturer's website or directly from the SSD maker. These simple steps make a big difference. You've got this!

10. Q: What role do SSD drivers play in gaming performance?
A: Great point about drivers; they're often overlooked but super important! SSD drivers, particularly for NVMe drives, act as the communication bridge between your operating system and the drive itself. Having the latest, optimized drivers from your SSD manufacturer or motherboard vendor ensures that your drive can operate at its peak advertised speeds and stability. Outdated or generic drivers might not fully leverage the SSD's capabilities, potentially leading to sub-optimal performance, slower data transfers, and even occasional stuttering. It's a bit like having a high-performance engine but using old, dirty spark plugs. Always check for driver updates periodically, especially after a major OS update or new game release, to ensure smooth data flow and prevent any unnecessary FPS drop situations. You've got this!

Advanced / Research & Frontier 2026

Alright, for those of you who really want to geek out and understand the cutting edge, let's talk about the deeper implications and what 2026 and beyond holds for SSDs and gaming. This is where we look at the future and truly optimize.

11. Q: How does DirectStorage API (2026 context) fundamentally change SSD necessity for gaming?
A: DirectStorage is a game-changer, plain and simple, and by 2026, it's a driving force behind SSD necessity. Traditionally, game data from your drive had to pass through the CPU before reaching the GPU, creating a significant bottleneck. DirectStorage allows the GPU to directly access data from NVMe SSDs, bypassing the CPU, which dramatically reduces loading times and improves texture streaming efficiency. This also frees up CPU cycles, allowing for more complex game logic or higher FPS. Games leveraging DirectStorage (which many AAA titles do by 2026) can load assets so fast that traditional HDDs, and even slower SATA SSDs, simply cannot keep up, leading to unplayable experiences or massive visual compromises. It's not just about speed; it's about a completely new way game assets are handled. This is truly frontier tech. You've got this!

12. Q: What's the impact of SSD latency beyond simple load times for competitive gaming?
A: This is where the subtle but critical advantages of SSDs really shine for competitive players. Beyond raw sequential speeds, SSDs, especially NVMe, boast incredibly low latency for random read/write operations compared to HDDs. In a fast-paced FPS or MOBA, low latency means the game can access small, scattered pieces of data almost instantly – things like character models, sound effects, or collision data – without any perceptible delay. This contributes to overall system responsiveness, which, while not a direct FPS boost, creates a much more consistent and

SSDs drastically reduce game loading times for a seamless experience. They significantly improve system responsiveness and overall gameplay fluidity. Modern gaming titles increasingly demand SSDs for optimal performance. NVMe SSDs offer superior speeds compared to traditional SATA SSDs. Upgrading to an SSD can alleviate stuttering and FPS drops in data-intensive games. Consider storage capacity based on your gaming library size and budget. SSDs are becoming a fundamental component for serious PC gaming in 2026. This upgrade impacts almost every aspect of your gaming session.