Gaming PC charges you quarters every time you want to power it on, restoring oldest form of microtransactions - $135 in tools and supplies, plus a lifetime supply of quarters to kick it old school

On January 25, 2026, Tom's Hardware highlighted an inventive project by a YouTube engineer that turns a standard gaming PC into a coin‑operated machine. The custom power switch requires users to insert quarters each time they wish to turn the system on, effectively monetizing the act of powering up the PC.

The device costs about $135 for tools and supplies, and comes with a lifetime supply of quarters to keep the machine running. It transforms a regular build into a pay‑to‑turn‑on experience, a concept that hints at a future where everyday computing could be subject to micro‑transaction fees.

Although this project is a tongue‑in‑cheek demonstration, it underscores how easily a simple hardware modification can introduce a new economic layer into personal computing. It also serves as a playful reminder of how the earliest micro‑transaction models-like paying for a quarter to operate a vending machine-are resurfacing in modern technology.

Read the full story on Tom's Hardware for the detailed build notes and video walkthrough by the YouTube engineer.