Playing video games is a great way to relax at home and spend time with family and friends. These days, hundreds of gaming consoles are available from different brands, such as the PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. That said, since gaming consoles are a significant investment, one should know what to look for when shopping. A few expert tips might help gamers buy the right console for their gaming needs.
Set a budget
Before shopping for gaming consoles, one must set a budget. Doing so will prevent one from spending on a device that is too expensive. If a person finds a console well below the budget, they can use the remaining money to get useful accessories like controllers, gaming monitors, and headphones. When setting a budget, one must consider their income, monthly expenses, savings, and financial responsibilities. Although this may take some thought and effort, it is an essential first step to buying a gaming console.
Consider the available game library
It’s important to understand that every console manufacturer has its own set of games. Some games may also be exclusive to specific consoles, so one may be unable to play them on other devices. A quick comparison of the Xbox vs. PlayStation vs. Nintendo Switch can help put things into perspective.
- The Xbox Series X or Series S is the go-to choice for Halo players, as Microsoft’s gaming platform offers access to this title. The company also provides a Game Pass subscription service that provides hundreds of other games for a monthly fee.
- PlayStation 5 is famed for titles like Spider-Man: Miles Morales, which may not be available on the Xbox series.
- Nintendo Switch has best-selling titles like Super Mario and is the perfect console for casual gamers and families.
Account for performance and graphics
Each gaming console has unique hardware that differentiates it from others. Professional gamers must look for consoles with durable hardware that can handle heavy performance and produce quality graphics. The most modern technology, like 4K resolution, HDR support, smooth frame rates, and life-like graphics, are found on consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. These consoles also support 8K gaming, so one will not need to invest in a new setup when games are produced in this resolution in the future. Furthermore, both consoles have powerful CPUs and GPUs to keep the in-game experience immersive and smooth. The Nintendo Switch, in particular, has a hybrid nature that lets users switch between home console gaming and a handheld mode. This feature is ideal for gamers who prefer flexibility.
Asses multiplayer functionality
It’s always advisable to pick consoles that support multiplayer functionality. Multiplayer enables gamers to compete with friends or other users from across the globe. It is also a necessary feature for participating in e-sports. While most gaming consoles have multiplayer functionality, one must still check this. Buying a system without this feature could be frustrating for competitive players.
Look for a user-friendly interface
While some gaming consoles may come with all the latest features and technology, they may be useless if the interface is cluttered. Some consoles also have poor software optimization, which can render a laggy interface. So, when choosing a console, one must check whether navigating games, settings, and other functionalities is easy.
Look for backward compatibility
Backward compatibility is a feature that allows a gaming system to play games from older-generation consoles. For instance, in the case of a PlayStation, games from the PS4 can work on the PS5 without complications. But, remember, it isn’t possible to play games made for the Xbox on a PlayStation, and vice versa.
Get one with ample RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) is the system’s short-term memory. This memory influences the console’s game load times and in-game lag. Larger games, like Triple A (AAA) titles, need consoles with more RAM onboard. Less RAM may lead to slower load times, frame drops, and crashes during gameplay.
Determine how much SSD is needed
The solid-state drive is where users download, store, and play games. This storage is installed inside the console and comes in various sizes. Users who do not play too many games can buy consoles with smaller capacity SSDs, while gamers who shuffle in between several games daily should look for maximum storage capacity. Having the game saved on the SSD ensures no time is wasted on startup, which is essential for live streamers.
Account for portability
While some people might require a professional gaming rig to participate in online sports or live streams at home, others may want a console to pass their time while on the go. Those who require a system for on-the-go use must prioritize portability and consider picking a handheld gaming console.
The tips in this gaming console buying guide can help both beginners and professional gamers choose the right device.