If you're looking to buy a console right now, you've got more choice than ever before
There are bags of Black Friday console bargains to be had, but whether you're shopping for yourself or a loved one, it can be difficult to decide which one to go for, be it a PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or a Nintendo Switch.
Luckily, we’ll constantly updating the best discounts and deals in the run up to the big event to make your decision easier.
The Independent's technology editor Andrew Griffin, and avid gamer, has weighed in to explain the major differences, and help you choose the most suitable console for you.
Nintendo Switch v The Rest
To get this out the way: the Switch is an entirely different proposition, but one that’s not worth ruling out. The games are incredible, the console is packed with fun, and Nintendo have pulled out a stroke of genius all around. It has its downsides – the graphics and performance are nowhere near as futuristic and powerful as the other bigger consoles – but that’s what you get for it all fitting in a box you can throw in your bag and play on the move. Ultimately, you’re probably not deciding between a Switch and other consoles; but if you’re deciding whether to buy a Switch, then you should.
Instead, this guide is about whether you should buy an Xbox or a PlayStation, and which of those you should buy. Here’s everything you should think about.
Console Exclusives
First, have a look at the various console exclusives that each platform has. If you want to play any of the Halo games, for instance, you’re going to want to get an Xbox; if you’re really into Final Fantasy, then you’ll need a PlayStation. But remember that almost every big game comes out for both consoles, so unless there’s something you’re especially keen on then that might not necessarily sway your decision.
Special Features
Second, think about exclusive features and products. The PlayStation for instance has virtual reality features, and good ones; the Xbox hasn’t got round to that yet. On the other hand, the Xbox allows you to play games on the PC, too, and the Kinect is still clinging on. But ultimately this comes down to VR – if you’re interested in getting your hands on a headset as soon as possible, the PlayStation wins out.
What Are You Used To?
Third, have a think about the different controllers, and what you’re used to. This, in my opinion, is the big thing that’s underappreciated about the differences between the Xbox and the PlayStation – which is strange when you consider that it’s the thing that’s most obviously different, about something that sits in your hands the entire time you’re playing. The Xbox controller is bigger, tougher and more comfortable; the PlayStation one is smaller and some people find it to be a little more agile. This ultimately comes down to what you’re used to, so if you’ve played one console through all previous generations then it might be worth sticking with what you know.
Branding And Design
And last of all comes the wooliest of all considerations – but the one that will probably make a difference. Think about the branding, design and look of the consoles, both hardware and software. From the outside, the PlayStation is a little less sleek, all tumbling lines and curves; the Xbox is significantly more square and a little more contemporary. Once you boot it up, the PlayStation is more of a swirl of colour and beeps; the Xbox is a little more practical and down-to-earth.
PS4 Slim
Slimmer, lighter and less expensive than the PS4 Pro, the PS4 Slim is the most popular iteration of the family of consoles and is available with either 500GB or 1TB storage and with four colour choices; jet black, glacier white, gold and silver.
Console deals
Slim 1Tb Console with God of War plus optional extra wireless controller, was £359.99 now £299.99, Very
Playstation 4 Slim with Spider-Man & Twin Docking Station, was £262.98 now £259.99, Currys
PS4 Slim 500GB Console, £249.99, Argos
Game deals
Grand Theft Auto V, was £29.99 now £22.99, Very
Doom, low price: £9.99, Currys
PES 2019, low price: £44.99, Argos
PS4 Pro
The latest console from Sony, the PS4 Pro is the most powerful console on the market right now and can output both 4k and HDR Video thanks to its upgraded GPU. Critics describe its improvement on the PlayStation 3 as significant, particularly highlighting the amount of high-speed memory and the impressive graphic technology.
While it doesn’t feature a 4K Blu-ray drive, much to the disappointment of loyal fans, its 1TB hard drive more than makes up for it. The PS4 Pro also supports Remote Play, Share Play and streaming at up to 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second – that’s seriously fast.
Console deals
Playstation 4 Pro Console, 1TB with DualShock Controller, low price: £349.99, John Lewis
Playstation 4 Pro Console, 1TB with Fifa 18, low price: £275, Amazon
Playstation 4 Pro with Fortnite Battle Royale, low price: £349.99, Currys
Game deals
Call of Duty: WWII, low price: £19.99, John Lewis
Resident Evil 7 Biohazard, low price: £19.65, Amazon
Destiny 2, low price: £19.97, Currys
Xbox One S
You’ll have to wait a few more months for the launch of the upcoming Xbox One X, but the Xbox One S is a great alternative for now. Smaller and lighter than the Xbox One – 40 per cent smaller, in fact, it has an impressive 2TB of storage, and the power unit is built-in.
There are more than 100 console-exclusive games to choose from, including some of the biggest games of the year. Critics also praised its ease of use and aesthetically pleasing design. That being said, while the Xbox One S does support 4K resolution, including Blu-ray movies and streaming, it is currently limited to video playback only.
Console deals
Xbox One S 500GB, low price: £229.99, Currys
Xbox One S Console, 1TB with Wireless Controller and Minecraft Bundle, low price: £249.99, John Lewis
Xbox One S, 1TB with Sea of Thieves Bundle, low price: £244.99, Smyths Toys
Game deals
Destiny 2, low price: £19.97, Currys
Assassin’s Creed Origins, low price: £26, John Lewis
Jurassic World Evolution, low price: £41.99, Smyths Toys
Nintendo Switch
A handheld/console hybrid, Nintendo’s latest offering can be connected to your TV to play on the big screen, or you can also take it with you on the go as a high-powered handheld.
Codenamed NX, the Switch became the fastest-selling home console in the company's history, tied to the critically acclaimed Legend of Zelda: Breath of Wind, which has sold more than 4 million copies.
As the newest launch, its game lineup is still growing – but it’s also the only console where you can play the latest Mario titles.
Console deals
Nintendo Switch Neon Red/Blue, low price: £279.99, Smyths Toys
Nintendo Switch Console with Joy-Con Grey, low price: £279, John Lewis
Nintendo Switch Neon Red/Blue, low price: £279, Amazon
Game deals
Minecraft, low price: £20.99, Smyths Toys
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, low price: £41.99, John Lewis
Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy, low price: £28.16, Amazon
IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.
Comments
Post a Comment