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With so many different consoles available, it can be hard to decide which one is best for you. With options like handheld, virtual reality, and different models of popular consoles like Xbox and PlayStation, there are just so many things to consider.
That’s why we have created this games console buying guide, to help you pick the right one for your needs.
So let’s look at the popular consoles currently on the market, show you their features and you can decide which one is for you.
Xbox
The Xbox comes to you from the powerhouse that is Microsoft. There are various consoles available to suit people of all ages and over 1,300 games to choose from. So whether you like platform games, sports games, or shooters, you’ll find an Xbox console to suit your needs.
Like many other consoles, you get access to install various apps. This means you can stream your favorite TV shows and movies directly onto your TV in high definition. Not just that, you can also purchase new games and download them right away too.
Xbox One X
The Xbox One X is the latest version currently on the market. It provides the ultimate gaming experience with its 4K quality and is also 40% more powerful than other consoles currently available to buy.
If you have existing Xbox One games, then you can play them all on this latest version of the console. And it will upscale those games to make them higher quality, even if you don’t currently have a 4K TV.
There’s a 4K Blu-ray player built-in, so you can watch all your favorite movies and TV shows in high quality on your TV.
The Xbox One X really is the ultimate console for serious gamers or casual gamers who want to take their gaming to a whole new level.
Xbox One S
The Xbox One S is a more affordable console than the latest version above (you can read our in-depth review of it here).
It is still packed with features and an awesome console to play, it just doesn’t have some of the top features that the Xbox One X has.
Whilst it’s not as powerful, it still provides excellent gameplay and stunning graphics and will be more than enough for most gamers. It also has a built-in Blu-ray player, so you can view all your favorite shows directly onto your TV.
With 2 options of storage, the 500Gb and 1TB versions mean you have plenty of room to store all your movies, shows, and games safely on your console.
The Xbox One S is a great option if you want to experience what gaming is all about but don’t want to pay the higher price for the latest console. It’s more than enough for most people and you’ll get hours and hours of fun and entertainment from the console.
Xbox Live
The Xbox Live feature allows you to play your games online and compete against people from all over the world. Whether it’s your friends and family or complete strangers, you can compete in various games and try to be the winner of each one.
This is a subscription service, so you’ll have to pay monthly or yearly for it. But it does open up a wider gaming experience for you to get involved in. Once you join, you just need to have access to the internet and you’re good to go.
As a member, you will receive discounts on new games each month and also get 2 free games each month too. So there are many other benefits of joining the program.
PlayStation
Let’s now move on to one of the other main players in the industry, PlayStation. Like the Xbox, they have several models available to choose from and are firm favorites with millions of gamers all over the world.
There are thousands of games in all kinds of genres to choose from, so you’ll certainly find ones to suit your tastes. And you can access various apps, to download more games, TV shows, or movies and even stream your favorite shows from Netflix.
PS4 Slim
The PS4 Slim is a new and improved version of the original PS4. It is a lot more compact and lighter and more appealing to the eye too (check out our full review here).
There are 2 different options for storage, you can choose from 500Gb up to the 1TB option. Both are plenty big enough for most people to store their favorite entertainment on.
It has HDR quality and will also support virtual reality gaming with the VR Headset. And the built-in Blu-ray player gives you even more options to watch your choice of entertainment on your home TV.
PS4 Pro
The PS4 Pro is the next step up from the PS4 Slim. It provides greater performance with more power and storage options available. This means better quality in gaming and more vivid colors and graphics.
Original PS4 games are greatly enhanced when played on this console, even if you only have a standard HD TV. But if you have a 4K TV, then you’re going to get the full 4K experience.
And you do of course get access to the app store and it has a built-in Blu-ray player.
PlayStation Plus Service
Just like Xbox, Playstation has its own subscription service too. This allows you to access multiplayer gaming with people from all over the world.
You get special discounts on new and old games to download and you also receive 2 brand new games each month, for the duration of your subscription.
Nintendo
Nintendo has been a leading force in the gaming industry for years too, with a variety of consoles under their belt.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is one of their most popular consoles. It’s a handheld console, so you can take it anywhere you want and aren’t tied to the TV. Although you can display the device on your TV if you wish (see our detailed review here).
You get to play all the classic games including Zelda, Mario Kart, and Super Mario, along with all the new releases too.
Even though it’s a handheld console, don’t think it’s not awesome for gaming, it is. In fact, it provides full HD quality when you connect it to your TV. But if you need to move around, then use it as a regular handheld device.
There are several accessories you can buy too including the Joy-Con controllers. These can be used by one person or can be split into 2 different controllers to allow for friends to join in the fun. These controllers can be used to play games like tennis or boxing as they detect movement (similar to Wii controllers).
Overall, the Nintendo Switch gives you lots of flexibility to enjoy your gaming either at home or on the go.
Summary
We hope this games console buying guide helps you to pick the right console for your needs. There are lots of different options available and you can decide which ones you need and which ones you don’t.
If you don’t have the budget for the latest model, then go for a mid-range console which will still provide hours of great games and entertainment at home.
But if you’re a serious gamer and want only the best graphics and storage, then go for the latest models and you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks for reading and we wish you good luck in buying the best games console today.
