Every six to eight years there is a big change in video game consoles: A new generation of devices appears. Of course faster and better than its predecessors, with an even better graphics, livelier worlds, smarter opponents. It should be time again at the end of next year. Sony wants to bring the Playstation 5 on the market, Microsoft the so far known only under the code name "Project Scarlett" successor of the Xbox One. Only Nintendo has not yet announced a successor to the switch console. That's no wonder, as she's only been on the market for two years.
Right at the beginning, Playstation 5 and "Project Scarlett" will only be important to gamers who always need the latest equipment. For casual gamers, the current generation of consoles will probably last a while. Finally, the devices are reasonably cheap to get and the selection of good games is huge. And even in the coming years will probably appear enough titles that can be played on the current devices.
Unfortunately, the right purchase is not that easy with the current generation of consoles. Each of the leading systems is available in different variants.
Xbox One: Dear an X or a S?
The Xbox One from Microsoft had an extremely bad start. Meanwhile it's different, the camera is gone, the focus on games is back. However, this does not quite come down to offering games that are not available on any other console. So the Xbox One is a console that has a very large range of games independent developers - so on games, which are usually synonymous for Playstation 4 or PC - but at the same time only a few exclusive titles. And these titles are often crucial for buying a console.
Typical Xbox series such as the space epic "Halo", the end-time shooter "Gears of War" or the racing game series "Forza" offer excellently made games, but the content width of the Playstation exclusive titles can hardly oppose the console. Even though Microsoft is now radically reorienting itself in the games: Developing a new game takes some years, and with really new rows of games and ideas in the Xbox one can probably only count on the next generation of consoles.
Technically, the Xbox One of the Playstation 4 Pro is at least equal, if not superior - at least in the variant Xbox One X. This is significantly more expensive than the Xbox One S, but provides graphics fans an excellent and fluid 4K image. Who does not find that important, is well served with the small edition, the Xbox One S.
What hardly anyone needs is the Xbox One S without a drive. With her you have to download games first. But it is still - if you pay attention to offers - usually just as expensive as the Xbox One S with drive, without offering added value.
Xbox One X for: All gamers who need the most powerful console and can live with a manageable number of very good exclusive titles.
Price query time:
30.10.2019, 10:08 clock
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DISPLAY
Price:
EUR 441.99
Microsoft Xbox One X 1TB Console, Black, Standard Edition
Manufacturer:
Microsoft
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Xbox One S for: Players who do not care about the best graphics performance, because their TV can not show that anyway and prefer to play "Gears of War" as a Playstation exclusive like "Uncharted"
Price query time:
30.10.2019, 10:11 clock
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Manufacturer:
Microsoft
Xbox One S 1TB console standard
Price:
EUR 246,00
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Playstation 4: Pro or Slim?
The console fight is decided in this generation: The Playstation 4 has now sold more than 100 million copies, neither the Xbox One nor - late in the race - Nintendo Switch can offer such numbers so far. This is partly due to the focus on games. For once, Sony took a slogan seriously, and For the Gamers actually means that the Playstation 4 offering focuses on games - and that there's a wide range of exclusive titles. From Sony's showcase series "Uncharted" to the God-of-War epic poem, to the fabulously mysterious "The Last Guardian," the console has received some unexpected and unexpectedly good titles that only exist there. In addition, it is currently the only console with which you can - assuming the necessary glasses - play VR games.
It was technically improved three years ago. Since then, the device is sold in a pro- and in a slim version. If you're looking for good graphics (and have a TV that can display 4K), VR games or would like to be technically prepared for the next few years, should opt for the Playstation 4 Pro. Those who occasionally play or can do without the last bit of graphics performance should check out the Playstation 4 Slim.
Playstation 4 Pro: For players with 4K screen and VR ambitions
Price query time:
30.10.2019, 10:16 clock
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PlayStation 4 Pro - Console (1TB, Black, Pro, Model: CUH-7216B)
Manufacturer:
Sony interactive entertainment
Price:
EUR 319.00
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Playstation 4 Slim: For little gamers who are looking for a small and quiet console for a round of console football
Price query time:
30.10.2019, 10:19 clock
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DISPLAY
PlayStation 4 - Console (1TB, black, slim) [CUH-2016B]
Manufacturer:
Sony
Price:
EUR 279.90
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Nintendo Switch: Or maybe Lite?
Something out of competition is Nintendo's switch. That's exactly what makes it a secret favorite platform for many players and developers. Quite deliberately, the switch is not another game console, but rather a game idea engine. Even the flexible use on the TV or on its own small screen makes the console very versatile - it also makes it suitable for travel.
The titles from Nintendo series like "The Legend of Zelda" or "Super Mario" are worth seeing and especially without 4K graphics. Easier than the other consoles, the switch can be used for a common family game. Titles like "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" or "Mario Party" are definitely suitable for children's birthdays.
Console to go
Experiments such as Nintendo's "Labo" kits show that the modular design of the console - it is easy to disassemble into different parts - works great in combination with cardboard birds or cardboard rocket launcher and that with a little imagination you can create your own kind of games can develop.
Recently, there is also the Switch Lite. This is a smaller version of the Switch, which can not be connected to the TV anymore and does not have any removable controllers anymore. But the initial skepticism disappears quickly when you just lie down on the couch with the console or take it on a train journey. The Lite version is lighter and easier to hold, making it a great game-changing solution for Nintendo's 3DS handheld.
A special feature is still there if you want to buy the normal switch: It exists in the trade in two variants, one of which offers more battery power. How to get the right device, read here.
Nintendo Switch: For those who are looking for a family-friendly console with a well-adapted range of games, and who can do without the big sellers beyond Nintendo titles. Or for people who are looking for a second console with surprising games.
Price query time:
30.10.2019, 10:24 clock
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DISPLAY
Nintendo Switch Console - Neon Red / Neon Blue (2019 Edition)
Manufacturer:
Nintendo
Price:
EUR 299,00
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Nintendo Switch Lite: For those who do not want to give up their switch games on the go and who are too big at the switch themselves - or who are not allowed to take them with them because the kids are on strike otherwise.
Price query time:
27.09.2019, 10:39 clock
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DISPLAY
Nintendo Switch Lite, standard, gray
Manufacturer:
Nintendo
Price:
EUR 215,00
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