How to choose a game console

The correct choice of a game console determines not only the number of projects available for it, but also the gaming experience in the future.

How to choose a game console: what to look for

Almost all modern game consoles offer roughly the same gaming experience and range of available projects, but, as usual, 'some are more equal'. When choosing a prefix, you should decide on the following aspects:

1. Type (stationary or mobile);

2. PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo;

3. Generation.

Nevertheless, the vast majority of modern games are cross-platform, so they will be available on almost any game console.

Stationary or mobile set-top box

Stationary consoles have the most 'advanced' hardware and therefore provide the best gaming experience with realistic graphics, detailed physical and combat model. However, you can't take them with you – unlike mobile ones. Portable consoles let you play anywhere – on the go, away from home, at work.

However, the mobile form factor imposes limitations on hardware performance. Therefore, games for portable consoles do not differ in modern graphics or a well-developed gameplay model. With rare exceptions like exclusives for consoles such as the Nintendo Switch.

The current generation of stationary consoles is as follows:

1. Sony PlayStation 4 (including Pro and Slim configurations and PS VR);

2. Xbox One (as well as the upcoming Project Scorpio update);

3. Nintendo Wii .

Current mobile consoles:

1. PlayStation Vita;

2. Nintendo Switch;

3. Nintendo 2DS (and New Nintendo 2DS).

An important feature of mobile consoles is that the games available to them are, in fact, exclusive. Therefore, the range of projects can be very limited. Before buying a mobile console, you should make sure that there are quite interesting games among the games available on it.

PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo

The market for stationary consoles is split between the three largest players – the Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox and Nintendo platforms. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Sony PlayStation

Sony PlayStation is the largest gaming platform on the market. Therefore, almost all flagship projects, as well as hundreds of thousands of independent projects, go to it. Sony PlayStation consoles offer good optimization, great gaming experience and a sophisticated multiplayer system.

Advantages

• A huge number of exclusive flagship projects;

• Can be used in conjunction with PS Vita – and then the video stream of the game will be broadcast to the portable console;

• PS VR virtual reality platform;

• PS Plus subscription, which provides free DLC, select games and multiplayer content;

• Availability of early access, beta testing and other ways to play projects that have not yet been released;

• Early release of cross-platform projects (as was the case, for example, with GTA V);

disadvantages

• Expensive – both the console and accessories or games for it;

• High degree of heating;

• Inconvenient multimedia player;

• Almost all multiplayer games require a PS Plus subscription;

• The need to optimize games for modern console configurations (for example, for Pro);

However, even with all these flaws, the PlayStation is the best gaming console. The fact is that Sony cooperates with game developers, thanks to which projects for this platform are highly optimized, and exclusives are constantly released.

Microsoft Xbox

Gaming platform Microsoft Xbox is the main competitor for Sony PlayStation. These companies, in the race for the gamer's wallet, are constantly improving the hardware of their consoles, offering exclusive projects and interesting technological solutions. However, for some unknown reason, the Xbox regularly turns out to be an 'outsider'.

Advantages

• Software solutions. In-game streaming and video conferencing make the social and multiplayer experience truly deep;

• Unified platform Windows 10;

• EA Access to download games from this publisher;

• Streaming services for music and video;

• Set-top box function with SmartTV support;

• Software infrastructure – Xbox applications that open up additional opportunities can be installed on almost all smartphones, tablets and computers;

• Kinect reality recognition platform for outdoor games;

disadvantages

• Free games are not free – F2P projects can only be downloaded with the Gold platform;

• Insufficiently powerful hardware, which leads to a loss of gaming experience.

So Microsoft Xbox is more of a home media center with a game console function. However, a single platform Windows becomes their most powerful advantage. For example, you can launch a game on a console, minimize it, open the Xbox application on a computer with that operating system, and continue playing there.

Nintendo Wii

The Nintendo Wii console is a rather peculiar solution for games. It offers an extremely unusual gameplay experience and controls, so almost all flagship projects are simply not released on it. Nintendo Wii is more suitable as an additional console than the main one.

Advantages

• A unique gameplay experience that is best manifested in outdoor games;

• A large set of games for children;

• Compatible with GameCube games and older Nintendo titles;

disadvantages

• Few games;

• All this makes the Nintendo Wii a very peculiar platform that is hardly suitable for everyday gaming;

• Weak hardware, which results in poor graphics quality.

• Virtually absent multi-user and cross-platform projects;

• The need for additional accessories for some games (especially the GameCube);

All this makes the Nintendo Wii a very peculiar platform that is hardly suitable for everyday gaming.

Generation

Gaming platforms are updated approximately every four years. At the same time, the previous one remains relevant for some time.

However, when purchasing a console, it is worth taking from the latest generation. This means that it will support the most modern games for another 2 to 5 years.

But the previous generation consoles have a number of advantages:

1. Low price for equipment (the set-top box itself and its accessories);

2. Cheapness of games;

3. Compatible with old TVs;

4. Regular release of various indie projects.

There are also disadvantages:

1. Developers can stop releasing updates for the game or completely stop supporting multiplayer mode;

2. No new flagship games will be released.

Thus, if your budget is very tight, you can purchase a previous generation console. But only for a while. Then it will still have to be replaced with the current model – in order to enjoy modern games.

Other game consoles

Of course, the range of game consoles is not limited to these three platforms. You can also find other set-top boxes on the market – for example, 8- and 16-bit. They are low cost, but have limited support, number of games, and functionality. These consoles are recommended exclusively for fans of old school gaming.

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In the next article, our experts tell you how to choose virtual reality glasses – an overview of the best manufacturers, advantages and disadvantages.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.