Video game technology is making great strides all the time, but some of the old problems still linger for consumers, particularly the question of which system to buy over the rest. With the latest versions of PlayStation and Xbox still dividing the gaming population, you want to be sure to do your research before deciding which console to buy for your child or the other kids in your life.
For many gamers, the PlayStation 3 represents the pinnacle of home gaming to date, especially with the wide range of multiplayer games available that can encourage kids to socialize while playing their favorite titles. The online capability of modern consoles means that it should never be a problem for players to find friends to fight or cooperate with, but if you know that your child’s friends tend to prefer a certain type of console, it might be a good idea to stick around. . with this to prevent them from feeling left out.
Likewise, if you’ve had positive experiences with one type of console in the past, chances are you’ll enjoy its next-gen system even more, rather than those of its competitors. That means a little brand loyalty can sometimes help you avoid unpleasant surprises by settling for second best.
As any serious gamer will tell you, there’s more to choose from between consoles than just their name, price, or performance attributes. Each console tends to be a haven for a certain type of game, for example high-adrenaline racing and battle games on PS3 and more complicated RPGs on Xbox 360. There are plenty of cross-platform titles that cater to both, of course. , but sometimes the exclusive availability of certain games can be a deciding factor, so you should always check if preferred titles are supported.
Even if you’ve decided that a PS3 is the right choice for you, the options don’t end there. If you’re looking for the cheapest option, you should be able to pick up a console with 60GB of hard drive space for a very affordable price, but if your child is likely to use it more often, spend the extra money on an 80GB one. or even a 120 GB console could save you frustration later.
One of the benefits of the PS3, even beyond gaming, is that it can double as a DVD or Blu-Ray player, saving your household additional costs and ensuring everyone in the household enjoys the benefits of the console this Christmas, not just game addicts.