Still waiting for the pandemic to end? Looking to buy a new console to pass the time? Looking to upgrade to a new generation? Don’t know which console is right for you?
Then you have come to the right place! With the releases of the new Sony Playstation 5 and Microsoft Xbox Series consoles, along with the currently running Nintendo Switch and even PC, there are quite a few options in deciding which system to purchase can be an overwhelming decision.
Luckily for you, all of the best and worst features of each of the current-generation options are available right here!
XBOX SERIES X / SERIES S
Price: Series X – $499, Series S – $299.
Microsoft’s Xbox brand has been synonymous with gaming for years and is held in high regard for its thriving online community and multiplatform services. With the 9th generation of consoles, Microsoft offered two new Xboxes for gamers: the power house Series X, and the all digital Series S for those on a budget. If you’re looking for a great place to play with or against friends, the Xbox Series X/S is for you!
Pros
- Series X boasts significant power; leading to gorgeous visuals and fast load times.
- Cross-buy between current Xbox consoles and PC.
- Expansive backwards compatibility with all previous Xbox generations.
- Xbox Gamepass subscription provides access to extensive game library.
- Supports wide variety of entertainment apps.
- Thriving online community with Xbox Network (formerly Xbox Live).
- Online cross-play between platforms and generations.
Cons
- Decent power and price gap between Series X and S.
- Very few exclusive titles compared to competition.
- Most titles also available on PC – further diminishing novelty of system.
- Console currently difficult to find.
PLAYSTATION 5
Price: Base PS5 – $499, Digital PS5 – $399
Following the massive success of the Playstation 4, Sony’s Playstation 5 aims to match its predecessor’s achievements in offering gamers unique experiences for all audiences while not sacrificing power or affordability with hit titles such as Spider-man: Miles Morales and the upcoming God of War: Ragnorok. If you’re looking for the jack of all trades, the Playstation 5 is for you!
Pros
- Fast loading times and graphical prowess.
- Perfect balance between quality exclusive and third-party titles.
- Robust online infrastructure.
- Backwards compatibility with most PS4 titles.
- Supports wide variety of entertainment apps including Netflix, Twitch, and Disney+.
Cons
- Not current backwards compatible with other Playstation generations.
- Fancy design can cause issues in physical placement – cannot stack.
- All digital version costs $100 more than the all-digital Xbox Series S.
- Controller’s sticks may exhibit “drifting” – unintentionally continuing in one direction.
- Console difficult to find (see Xbox Series section).
NINTENDO SWITCH
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5uik5fgIaI
Price: Base Switch – $299, Lite – $199
While already on the market for over four years, the Nintendo Switch is still making strides past the middle of its life-cycle as the best selling console in the United States for roughly two years in a row with the help of premier titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Despite its age, the Switch family still has a future ahead of it. If you’re looking for something a bit different from your standard console, the Nintendo Switch is for you!
Pros
- Relatively lower cost than competition.
- Great selection of high-quality, exclusive titles.
- Fully portable.
- Multiplayer right out of the box due to “Joy-con” controller function.
- Lite model cheapest option of all consoles listed.
- Online subscription at lower cost than competition.
Cons
- Significantly less powerful than competition.
- Lite model does not offer TV play.
- Weaker third-party support with titles for it delayed, inferior, or outright skipping the platform altogether.
- Joy-cons exhibit same drifting problems mentioned with PS5 controller.
- Certain entertainment apps such as Netflix unavailable aside from Hulu, YouTube, and Funimation.
- New, more powerful model rumored to be on horizon for this year.
PC
Price: ranges from $500 – $10,000
The time tested and most versatile platform on this list, the PC is the goto place for those who seek the ultimate gaming experience due to its potential for power, customization, and legacy with top brands such as HP or Alienware. If you have the technical know-how to take the fullest advantages of your games, a PC is for you!
Pros
- Higher-end models are more powerful than any console – leading to higher frame-rates.
- Can support multiple gaming generations both past and future.
- Versatile control support between mouse and keyboard to a standard gaming controller.
- Hardware can be upgraded without full replacements.
- Access to in-game modding from fan-communities.
- Multipurpose – has non-gaming uses.
- Access to digital store-fronts such as Steam and Epic Games.
Cons
- Lower-end PCs may not be equipped to handle certain games.
- Higher-end PCs can be extremely expensive with certain models reaching close to $15,000 on Best Buy.
- Building your own PC can be difficult, time consuming, and still expensive without prior experience.
- Parts may need replacing.
- Viruses can be caught.
