Are you undecided on which console to purchase next? Don’t be concerned; examine the following factors.
Choosing a new gaming system is difficult. There are a number of competing aspects to consider, as well as your preferences when deciding which console is best for you.
So, if you’re in the market for a new gaming console, here are eight things to think about.
- Your New Gaming Console’s Price
The price of your new game system is the first roadblock in your way.
Like Sony and Microsoft, console makers typically sell their consoles at a loss and make up the difference with games and services. This method of operation might remain unchanged, implying that console prices should not skyrocket with each new iteration.
As a result, it’s a good idea to compare the pricing of the consoles you’re considering and their variations. It usually takes several years for the RRP of a console to drop, so keep that in mind.
- Examine the specifications of a new gaming console
The specs of your potential new console are the next item you should look at across the board.
Specs aren’t everything, and what makes a game amazing is what the developers do with the hardware and software. However, if a system’s specifications are insufficient (for example, if the CPU is underpowered or storage space is limited), it may degrade your gaming experience, especially as the device nears its end of life.
The CPU, GPU, RAM, system storage, extendable storage, extended storage, video output, audio output, connectivity, and networking features are important qualities to consider.
Consider how these specifications will affect your gaming experience. For example, a console may appear to be excellent on paper yet perform poorly compared to its competitors, and vice versa. When it comes to maximizing the capabilities of your platform, Nintendo reigns supreme.
Digital Foundry is an excellent YouTube channel to watch if you want a deep examination of consoles, games, and other gaming-tech-related topics. If you want to see how well your potential new gaming console runs games, it’s something to think about.
- What Games Can Be Played on This Console?
Next, we’ll look at the games library, which is undoubtedly the most crucial factor to consider when purchasing a new gaming console. This is usually how we assess whether a console is the best gaming system. After all, it’s all about the games!
This isn’t easy to assess right away, as new gaming consoles’ game libraries improve in quality with time. Always check out the launch libraries of all next-gen consoles to determine whether they’re right for you and each console’s demos or presentations at events like E3.
Exclusives from Sony and Nintendo are always good, whereas Microsoft’s unique offers are frequently missing. This could change as publishers like Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) and Microsoft buys gaming firms and earns exclusive games for their platforms. If things like this happen, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on gaming news; you don’t want to buy a new gaming system only to find out that you won’t be able to play the next instalment of your favourite game.
- The New Gaming Console’s Designs
When you consider which next-gen console (or previous generation) to buy, the aesthetic will be the first thing that comes to mind. However, it is unlikely to be the most relevant factor. A cool, original design, on the other hand, is always a plus.
There are also the console’s proportions to consider. In the ninth generation of video games, the PS5 has a fantastic design, but you might prefer the Xbox Series X/S for convenience. Although Nintendo and Valve’s consoles are smaller than Sony and Microsoft’s, their handheld and hybrid nature means they have different design ambitions.
Make sure you like the design of a next-generation game system, even if it’s not the most crucial factor.
- What are the features of your new gaming console?
Game consoles have evolved from simple gaming machines to all-encompassing entertainment devices. So have a look at what your new gaming console offers, both in terms of gameplay and non-gaming functionality.
The basic user interface, adjustable system settings, and console-specific features, such as the Nintendo Switch’s handheld and docked modes, are all examples of gaming features.
Backward compatibility is arguably a must-have feature for all next-generation platforms. Gamers were ecstatic when Sony and Microsoft announced that their ninth-generation consoles, the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, would be backwards compatible, with the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S even improving select last-gen games. Backward compatibility also improves a new gaming console’s launch library by allowing you to play various last-generation games.
There are non-gaming features to watch out for in addition to gaming-oriented features. Is it possible to use Spotify, Netflix, and other streaming services on your new gaming console? Is it possible to use it to access the internet? Consider whether there’s anything more you’d like your new gaming console to be able to do besides play games.
- The Services Offered by Your New Gaming Console
Please take a look at the various services your new gaming console offers in addition to its games and features. Standard gaming subscriptions would cover online gaming and streaming games but consider the additional perks, such as free monthly games, special discounts, cloud storage, and more.
Across all next-gen consoles, new services, upgraded services, and unique services will be available with each successive console generation. It’s essential to keep an eye out for new gaming consoles and consider the benefits and drawbacks of their services.
- How does your new gaming console’s controller feel?
Gaming is progressing in all areas, and gaming controllers are no exception. A good controller may greatly enhance the immersion of your gaming experience.
It’s preferable to compare next-generation console controllers. Examine each of its attributes, including shape, build quality, button arrangement, haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, etc. It may not appear significant initially, but it can have a considerable effect.
- What Is This Next-Gen Console’s Ecosystem Like?
Finally, evaluate the ecology of all next-generation platforms before making a purchase.
Switching between game console families (for example, PlayStation and Xbox) can be jarring if you’ve only ever played on one.
This depends entirely on your expectations for your new game console, but the environment should not be overlooked.
The finest gaming system is the one that best suits your needs.
Whether you’re shopping for a new games console from this generation, the previous generation, or future generations, these are factors to consider.
Finally, the greatest gaming system is the one that fulfils your gaming needs, whether it’s an intense single-player experience, VR gaming, or the ability to try out as many games as possible with a streaming subscription. So, do your homework and make sure your new game console delivers exactly what you’re looking for.
