So it is that time again, and you don’t know what you should buy in terms of console or handhelds for yourself or for your kids this Christmas.
Well, as an "expert" in gaming (I just play the damn things), this is THE guide (Read: My opinion) on what you should and shouldn’t get this Christmas!
NES Classic Edition – This little fella is a re-make of the Nintendo Entertainment System from the mid 80’s and it features over 30 first party games such as the original Super Mario, Metroid, Final Fantasy, etc! While the console itself is good, there isn’t many available as Nintendo decided not to manufacture a lot of them. They are pretty much sold out everywhere and are listing on Ebay for about €500 😮 – I would wait until after Christmas to get this when Nintendo decide to make more!
Playstation 4 – One of the two major consoles on this list recently got a new Slim version and a new "Pro" version. The difference between the two is that the newer "Pro" can now do 4K Gaming (although a lot of games are not set up for 4K yet), a lot of games look nicer but overall don’t perform that well.
The Slim features the same hardware found in the original PS4, while it’s new stronger brother, the PS4 Pro, features beefier hardware for improved graphic fidelity and higher frame rates.
If you are deciding to get a Playstation 4, here is what you should do:
If you already have a Playstation 4, DO NOT get a new Playstation.
If you do not have a Playstation 4, buy a PS4 Slim, but if you have the money OR if you have a 4K TV, then get the PS4 Pro!
Xbox One – The Xbox One got a new "S" model this year within a slimmer design with 4K Blu-Ray support which the Playstation 4 does not have and nothing else to write home about.
As with the PS4, if you already have one, don’t get the new one, but if you don’t have the Xbox One, get the Xbox One S.
WiiU – DO NOT BUY ONE! Simple as! Nintendo have stopped production of the WiiU in Japan a few weeks ago and America/Europe will more than likely follow suit soon!
Nintendo’s new console Nintendo Switch is due out in March 2017, so you will need to wait until then to get a new console.
Nintendo 3DS Family – You have an amazing choice here for the Nintendo 3DS consoles as anyone will fit the bill. There is 3 devices in the 3DS range.
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Nintendo 3DS – This is the original 3DS that was released back in 2011. While it is 5 years old, it is still an amazing handheld device that plays all the games from this generation as well as the previous Nintendo DS generation. There is 2 games that don’t work with it and we’ll get into this later! This is the cheapest solution with the 3D Gimmick. People with larger hands might find some discomfort with it, just bear that in mind. This device is also available in an "XL" version which simply has a bigger screen.
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Nintendo 2DS – Don’t like the 3D Gimmick on the 3DS but still want a 3DS? Then get the 2DS. I have one of these myself and it is fantastic. Plays all the games that you come to expect on the 3DS (Pokémon, Zelda etc) for a fraction of the price. If you are looking for the cheapest solution for a 3DS, then get this! The Nintendo 2DS, does NOT have a XL version unlike the other 2 versions.
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New Nintendo 3DS – Nintendo has never had the best naming scheme for their devices (Wii, WiiU, N64) and the same holds true for this device. This "new" 3DS features a 2nd analog stick and is only used for 2 games. Yup…Only 2. Xenoblade Chronicles 3D and The Binding of Issac: Rebirth. Other than this 2nd analog stick, it is a hardware refresh featuring a better screen, larger than the previous Nintendo 3DS devices. As with the original Nintendo 3DS, it would have an XL variant.
If you don’t have a 3DS, I would get the New Nintendo 3DS, as it has a better screen, brighter than the original and features a better battery compared to the original Nintendo 3DS.
Already have one? You more than likely don’t need a new one.
PS Vita – It is a dead gaming handheld that has failed in the West, but it is very popular in Japan. No news of a newer handheld from Sony coming out, so you can consider them out of the running.
If I missed something out that should be noted, then please let me know in the comments 🙂