Console buying guide

So you've just gotten your first paycheck and wondered what to invest it in other than rent and ramen. You worry about spending said money irresponsibly. Being dissatisfied with your purchase is your nightmare. You also want a way to guarantee that the shiny new console you want to buy will make you happy. Fear not! Because this guide can help with your indecisiveness.

In General
REMEMBER! The most important rule is to consider your own needs and situation. Brand loyalty will only benefit the corporation (take a look at Microsoft). Some of the issues you might like to consider are: At the end of the day, it's your purchase, and your money. Make sure that you won't regret your buy, regardless of what /v/ thinks. And remember, if you aren't having fun, you're doing it wrong.
 * 1) Consider the reasons you have for getting a console. Do you want online multiplayer? Or for when friends come over? Or just for fun singleplayer? What about backwards compatibility with older games?
 * 2) Compare the games on each platform. Which console appeals to you more? Which appeals to whoever you're buying it for? Would it be better to get a portable console or a full-fledged home one?
 * 3) Consider what you already have. Do you have an HDTV? What about your internet connection? What console(s) do your friends own? Will you be playing with them a lot? Do you have friends?
 * 4) Think about the stuff ancillary to a console purchase; Do you want "free" games? Do you want to mod your console? Do you need a Blu ray Player? Are you aware of the maintenance needs to prevent RRODs, YLODs, and overheating in general? How long do you plan on using the console for? Do you need any of the millions of accessories or hardware that you could buy for the console?
 * 5) Think about the time. Are you better off waiting for a price drop? Are you better off waiting for a critically-acclaimed game to be released before investing into the console?

If all else fails, stop by a garage sale or used game store and pick yourself up a NES or SNES and ten or so games. Cheap, classic fun. (PC Emulation of classic games is a grey area fantastic way play old games without paying scalpers)

Gen 9
Gen 9 is mostly the same as Gen 8 with one exception. The powerhouse consoles have abandoned all pretense of being anything but locked down PCs with solid state drives and cross play being the highlights of this generation. Steam keeps trucking along adding more and more value added features. Xbox is moving towards a subscription based approach even more than before. Playstation is quintupling down on timed exclusives both first and third party. Nintendo redeems themselves with the Switch, a hybrid console that you can play in your hands or on a TV.

Comparisons
Steam remains the same as ever. Deliver games with added value features like cloud saves and Steam Workshop. New to this generation are Remote Play Together, SteamVR, Proton, and the Steam Deck. Remote Play Together allows Steam users to play games with other Steam users with only a single copy of the game. With the release of the VR headset the Valve Index, Valve effectively competes with PlaystationVR and Facebook Oculus as the triumvirate of VR gaming. Proton is a compatibility layer for Linux created by Valve in collaboration with the developers of Wine to allow Linux users to play Windows games on Linux. Steam Deck is handheld PC developed by Valve by leveraging Proton to create a handheld Linux PC that can play your entire Steam library on the go.

Nintendo entered this generation with the Switch, a hybrid console that you can play in your hands or on a TV. A convenient device, it let's you play games wherever you want. With the default controllers, named the Joycons, you can even play multiplayer games out of the box without buying another set of controllers. Nintendo continues to provide their suite of excellent first party exclusives including re-releases of games from the Wii U.

Microsoft, hoping to backpedal hard on the ire they earned for the Xbox One, has gone in a more consumer friendly direction for the Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X. They continue to support backwards compatibility going back to their original Xbox and Xbox 360. In addition, they are starting to release updates for older titles that can increase framerates and resolutions up to 4K at 120 FPS. One reason for this is because Microsoft is pivoting towards subscription based gaming, so making sure the back catalogue of old games run well could be enticing for potential subscribers.

Sony continues to prioritize the development of exclusives of all sorts whether they be timed, third party, first party, or combination of any of the above.

Gen 8
Gen 8 is the "almost computer" generation with most systems having around the same capabilities as a computer. Some of them, most notably the Xbox One, actually use variations of Desktop OSes as their software. Computers still have their advantages, but the gap is closing fast when it comes to graphics and power at a reasonable price.

Computer Comparisons
In the computer world we have two main competitors for games: Steam and GOG.

Steam has name recognition and a massive library of games from every corner of gaming. Do you want AAA games? Sure. Indies? Yup. Eroge? Why not. That said, publishers get to release their games with whatever DRM they want. This can range from being DRM free or requiring another launcher to be installed such is the case with Ubisoft and Rockstar games. That said, Steam continues to push PC gaming further than either of it's competitors with features like the Proton compatibility layer for Linux gaming, Remote Play Together, and VR gaming without Facebook spyware.

Good Old Games is a relative newcomer started by CD Projekt RED; the group that created the smash hit series The Witcher. From the start Good Old Games (AKA GOG) has been DRM free with a TOS that allows players to actually own what they buy. Game owners can download and share copies of games to let their friends play. GOG also has their own launcher called Galaxy that functions similar to Steam, but is 100% optional.

GOG started with a focus on reviving older games by using system emulation and updating the code to allow them to run smoothly on newer computers, but has expanded it's scope to include a wide variety of indie and AAA titles, and even movies. There also is a wide selection of Linux titles on offer. If you miss the multiplayer aspect from Steam, GOG's Galaxy is the next best thing.

Quick Overall Comparisons
Now for a quick comparison between Computers, the Wii U, the Playstation 4 and the Xbox One. For more in-depth information please view our pages for each system.

Which Should I pick?
This gen it's all about target audience. Look at the pages and ask yourself "What is most important to me"?

Steam's target audience is players seeking convenience. Valve has worked to bring the conveniences of console gaming to PC with some of the bells and whistles that make PC gaming unique such as Steam Workshop and Remote Play Together. They also fund the developers of Wine to help bring the Steam library of games to Linux. It trades personal freedom for ease of use and a large community.

Good Old Games' target audience is players seeking freedom. It is less convenient than Steam, but allows the players total freedom to do as they wish with their games. Unfortunately, that's where their advantage ends. Galaxy development is slow and lacks a Linux implementation. Games are DRM free but the vast majority still require Windows unless used under Steam's Proton compatibility layer.

PlayStation 4's target audience is players seeking big tentpole releases. Between a wide variety of unique games and the option to stream old games there is always something new or unique to find. The online component isn't as streamlined as the Xbox One, but it's still fun for multiplayer and worth many peoples' time.

Xbox One's target audience is hardcore gamers who don't want to worry about computer junk. Xbox One is sort of like Steam, only in a console form and with less monkeyshines from Microsoft itself. Due to being a little more expensive the customer service is generally good and few mistakes are made leading to a fairly smooth and accessible gaming experience.

Wii U's target audiences are old-school gamers and harmonious households with little space. The unusual feature set is there to allow multiple gamers to enjoy the same television without disturbing each other. There aren't many games, but the games that are there are generally high quality and very good. Old TVs and spotty internet connections aren't a problem in general making the Wii U a great choice for long-term collectors or old-school gamers seeking something newer to play with.

Gen 7
Even though these are getting older, games are still coming out on most of these platforms making them a great way to game on a budget. If you can't sping for a new Xbone, Wii U, or PS4, their older siblings are sill viable options worth considering. Considering that the PS4 and Xbone aren't backwards compatible to the Xbox360 and the PS3 and that the backwards-compatability on the Wii U isn't fantastic, choosing a system for your back catelog is important.

PS3 vs 360 vs PC
The three 7th gen platforms are seen as equal in terms of graphical power (mostly because developers have been holding back the graphics so that the consoles can keep up) and strength in games. They also tend to share a great number of titles due to their similarity in controls. This outlook can soon change with the upcoming motion controls, but the core games will generally remain the same. Depending on your setup, the choice comes down to whether or not to own one or a mixture to cover all areas of games available. Of course, there are games found only on any of these particular systems, so the choice then comes down to your particular situation: The reasoning above has to do mainly to what is exclusive to each system in terms of pure numbers. The PS3's recommended list has generally more exclusives than it does cross platform or is available on PC. The 360's recommended list is geared more towards games that are available on both the PS3 and PC rather than exclusives.
 * 1) If you already own a gaming capable PC, it is generally better off that you go for a PS3.
 * 2) If you already own a PS3, then you have the choice between either a 360 (cheaper) or PC (expensive)
 * 3) If you already own a 360, then you are better off getting a PS3.
 * 4) If you own none of the above, use the general guide and price comparison to make your choice.

The Nintendo Wii - Curing Casual-itis
When comparing the Wii with the other consoles of this generation, the Wii is the black sheep for the fact that most of the titles on the console are ...exclusives. Most games are generally ported between the PC, the 360, and the PS3. It's obvious that the unconventional controls of this console make it near impossible for the Wii to be included in this roundhouse porting system. Although unconventional, the Wiimote is innovative at its best, and stale at its worst. The majority of the games that you find on this console are low quality waggling games, but some games stand out from the pack. I fear for anyone who has this as their only 7th Gen console, but it is possible to survive if you know what you're doing.

The best games for the Wii are the ones that harness the capabilities of the Wiimote without being too stale or generic. If you walk into a Game store, you are going to find hundreds of sports, singing, and of course, IMAGINE BABIES (FUCKING GAMESTOP). If you like these kinds of casual games - CONGRATULATIONS, YOU JUST HIT THE FUCKING JACKPOT. I then have to ask the question, if you are a Wii owner looking for good games and you play that shit - WHY ARE YOU HERE? GET THE FUCK OUT. Otherwise, use this to help you in your quest in the Casual Jungle.

If all else fails, play Wii Sports.
 * 1) Nintendo knows what they are doing. Their first party titles are usually always amazing, and since this is their little girl in this generation's BUFFET OF MANLY CONSOLES, you'd guess that they can harness the best out of their console. And they do.
 * 2) Sports, Party, Singing, Shooting, and any game depicting an average activity are generally to be avoided. Although there are some exceptions to this rule, you be the judge on this. Although the Wii doesn't have vast graphic capabilities, I think we can tell if a game looks like shit.
 * 3) MATURE GAMES FOR MATURE GAMERS. If you haven't noticed, most of the "good" games on the "Wiiki" RIMSHOT HUEHUE are rated T and above. Here, we escape from the constant waggling to developers who either treat the Wii as a normal console, or an innovative way to show off their skillz, yo. Games like this are Dead Space: Extraction, and Godfather - Black Hand edition are examples of this. They retain their feel, while adding the Wii's unorthodox controls in the mix. Sometimes you get mixed results, other times, it is a fukken masterpiece.
 * 4) Graphics aren't a priority for the Wii. If you're looking for good graphics, Monster Hunter Tri is what I use for a benchmark for Wii graphics. The Super Mario Galaxy games works as well. Those are the best you are going to get, but it's only my opinion.
 * 5) Use your common sense when in doubt. Study the box carefully! Look at the screenshots! DESCRIPTIONS MAN. I think you'll know the answer if you come across a game like We Cheer 2, and if it is GOTY or not. (It is.)

Price Comparison
All of these prices were when the consoles were new current gen consoles. Prices have dropped since then, however, this older price list is being kept for comparison reasons.

PS3 Slim = $300/£250 Games: $50-60/£40-50 Online play: Free Xbox 360 250GB = $300/£200 Games: $50-60/£40-50 Online play: $60/year Wii = $150/£100 Games: $30-50/£20-40 Online play: Free PC = Varies, a good one will run you at least $500, some high quality builds are ~$850. Online play: Mostly free, depending on the game. Prices vary and you should be able to buy each with games attached. (The Wii comes with 2 free games anyway.)