Gaming Console Buying Guide

Aren’t gaming consoles like portals to a whole new world? They take you on an adventure where you are fighting aliens, being an assassin in a colonial era, or driving for an F1 race. 

Some might think that gaming consoles are just for teenagers but with stunning visuals and real-like animations, they have started to appeal to adults as well.

Gaming consoles are making magic happen, transporting us to a fantasy land in a jiffy. They are no longer a mere pastime but many professionals are making fortunes playing video games. So, if you haven’t tried one yet, it’s time to jump on the bandwagon.

As much fun as video games sound, buying a gaming console can be daunting. You have tons of choices to make and factors to consider before you grab the best gaming system. 

To make things a bit simpler for you, we have laid down a few pointers that you must think about before buying a gaming console. Let’s get started:

Games You Can Play

The most important aspect to select a new gaming console is its games library. After all, it’s all about games, right? And they must determine the system you buy. Some may prefer sports games while others may like shooters. And there are franchise games as well that are loved by many.

You might end up buying a shiny and well-designed console but what if it doesn’t have the game you like the most? Therefore, make sure to look at your next-gen console’s launch libraries. Also, check its unique showcases and presentations at events. 

Renowned brands such as Sony and Microsoft have acquired gaming studios and offer exclusive games on their platforms. There are constant upgrades and it’s crucial to keep an eye on gaming news if you don’t want to end up with a console that has none of your favorite games. 

Price of the Console

One of the first barriers to getting the best gaming console is price. The high-tech gaming gadgets cost money – not just for the initial purchase but also for the best use of them. Whether it is a subscription, peripherals, or services. 

So, before you start exploring options, decide an amount in mind that you are willing to spend to buy a gaming system. Avoid exceeding what your budget allows if you want to afford the game that you have been waiting for months to get released.

Generally, brands, such as Sony and Microsoft offer reasonable prices for their gaming systems. They make profits through games, services, and subscriptions. 

Therefore, you might not see a huge price jump even with successive generations of consoles. However, it is better to compare the cost and additional expenses of consoles.

Backward Compatibility

Not many gamers emphasize the importance of this point and often ignore it. However, we highly recommend you consider the backward compatibility of your gaming system, which means that you can play games from the previous generation on your latest console.

Your current-gen console should support older generations of games, especially the ones that you are fond of. So, if you want to play classics, then you don’t have to switch to another system. Or you can sell the older console to pay for the new one and still be able to play old-gen games.

Playstations and Xbox have different takes on backward compatibility, each with its pros and cons. It would be best to read reviews and do a bit of research in this regard before you spend your money to acquire a console. 

The Controller

Do you like gaming controlled with a second screen built-in or sticks that appear to be like nunchucks? With the gaming industry stepping up in all aspects, we can see a significant evolution in controllers as well. The gaming system you are going to buy will also determine the controller.

You must ensure that you are comfortable with its stock controller as it can make your gaming experience more immersive and enjoyable. Compare controllers for next-gen gaming consoles, evaluate different elements, such as build quality, adaptive triggers, shape, haptic feedback, etc.

Moreover, you can have a gaming session at your friend’s to try a controller and see if it’s what you are looking for. You also have a choice of buying a third-party controller but this can be an expensive deal for you. 

Console’s Specs

The next factor that may sound unimportant at first but can make a huge difference is the specifications (specs) of a new gaming console. Specs don’t mean every single component but include what developers have done with software and hardware to build a great gaming system.

Key specs to consider are GPU, expandable storage, CPU, RAM, video output, connectivity, networking features, and system storage. If your potential new gaming console has flaws in its specs, be it in the storage space or CPU, then this could eventually hamper your gaming experience. 

It is also crucial to understand how different specifications translate into a gaming experience. A console may look amazing on paper when you read reviews and descriptions but can underperform when compared to other systems. So, be a bit attentive. 

Services It Provides

In addition to features and other technical aspects, don’t overlook the services a gaming console offers. Companies provide different online services to entice customers. However, the cost and what is included in servers may vary. 

If you are into online games, then your priority should be to seek the best services. Along with standard gaming subscriptions for streaming and online games, take a look at the unique perks offered. It includes stable servers, cloud storage, free monthly games, or special discounts.

You will see improved, new, and unique services across all next-gen consoles. Weigh all the pros and cons of services, consider costs and quality, and look at the possible bonuses they are offering. 

Gaming Consoles That You Can Buy

Microsoft Xbox One X 1TB Console With Minecraft, Forza Horizon 3, Sea of Thieves

For a spectacular and edge-of-the-seat gaming experience, gift yourself the Microsoft Xbox One. This gaming system is the best value for money with popular franchises that you can play and enjoy with your friends. And yes, you won’t be able to get over the real and luminous visuals.

It comes with download codes for three amazing digital games- Forza Horizon 3, Minecraft, and Sea of Thieves. With this world-class gaming console, you can store your games on the cloud and bid adieu to outdated physical discs. 

Features

• Powerful performance
• Immersive experience with 4K support
• Play on Xbox Live, the most advanced gaming network
• Compatible with other Xbox One games and accessories
• Games are responsive, run smoothly, and load quickly on 1080p screens

Microsoft Xbox One S 1TB Console – Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Bundle

Are you a Star Wars fan? Then Microsoft Xbox One S is perfect to transport you to your favorite galaxy world. It is a single-player narrative game where you play the role of Jedi. Experience gear, weapons, iconic planets, and more while meeting new characters and droids.

Xbox One S brings together the Star Wars game with premium functions, making it an ideal bundle for every game lover. Also, with a PEGI rating of 16, it is suitable for kids aged 16 and above.

Features

• Brilliant graphic details
• Access to several high-quality games
• Ultra HD 4K Blu-Ray video
• Stream 4K video on Amazon, Netflix, and YouTube

Microsoft Xbox One X 1TB Console – Metro Saga Bundle

For your weekend game night with friends, there is nothing better than Microsoft Xbox One X console 1TB with Metro Saga Bundle. Experience the best gaming world as you shoot, survive, and sneak through a post-apocalyptic saga. 

The game has a gripping story combined with classic Metro gameplay at non-linear levels. You can play it alone or join one of the greatest communities of top gamers on the fastest gaming network. 

Features

• Access to over 100 games with a 1-month trial of Xbox Game Pass
• Includes all three Metro games
• Compatible with Xbox One and Xbox One S along with Windows 10 via Bluetooth
• A 3.5-millimeter stereo headset jack to plug your gaming headset right into the controller