Finding the right games console: Xbox, Playstation or rather the Switch?
Microsoft has the Xbox, Sony the Playstation and Nintendo the Switch. But which console is best for you? And is now even a good time to buy one?
If you already know whether you want an Xbox, Playstation or Switch, you can scroll straight down to find out the differences between the various models. For everyone else, we'll clarify some basics first.
Exclusive games, accessories and your friends
The Xbox and Playstation are very similar in principle: they stand next to the TV, are controlled via controllers and the games come as a download or as a disc on the devices. Both consoles also function as Blu-ray players and - at least in certain variants - have enough power to bring 4K content to your TV set. More important than hardware, however, are other criteria such as exclusive games, additional services, available accessories or where your friends play.
Most games are released for both Playstation and Xbox. However, both consoles also have a number of their own titles on sale. And here you have to ask yourself which of these exclusive titles are more appealing to you: Sea of Thieves, Gears of War and Forza Horizon or rather God of War, Uncharted and Gran Turismo?
If you don't just want to game alone, but together with your friends, it's important to know which consoles they have. Although there are games in which users of different consoles can play against each other, these are still exceptions. Chats or achievements are tied to the respective companion system anyway. The Playstation Network (PSN) and Xbox Live are not compatible with each other. You will need a free account for each service in any case. However, both are also available in a paid version: Playstation Plus and Xbox Live Gold. For a monthly fee, you get access to free games, online multiplayer or discounts in the respective stores.
The accessories available to choose from can also be an important criterion. For example, if you want to immerse yourself in VR worlds with your console, only the PS4 with Playstation VR is an option. There is currently nothing comparable for the Xbox. On the other hand, you benefit from the close connection to your Windows PC, including partially double use of the games on both platforms. Microsoft, on the other hand, has the "Adaptive Controller" on sale, which allows people who cannot hold a conventional controller to play games.
The Nintendo Switch, on the other hand, is very different from the Xbox and Playstation. Although you can also connect the Japanese manufacturer's console to the TV, you can take it with you wherever you go and play with it on the go. Its hardware is not quite as powerful as that of Sony and Microsoft. But that doesn't stand in the way of gaming fun - as long as 4K isn't a must-have for you.
In addition, the game selection for the Switch is very different from the PS4 and Xbox One: Zelda, Mario Kart and other games from Nintendo are only available for the in-house console. Although there are also games from third-party providers for all three consoles, you generally have to do without the big titles with elaborate graphics on the Switch. In general, Nintendo focusses most on family-friendly titles. If you're a shooter fan, you're better off choosing a different console.
With and without drive: Xbox One X and One S
Microsoft currently has three variants of the Xbox on sale: Xbox One X, Xbox One S and the Xbox One S - All digital Edition. Apart from the colour, the biggest difference is the performance: according to Microsoft, the black One X has 40 per cent more performance than the white One S. You can see what the difference looks like in the following video.
The Xbox One S - All digital Edition is technically identical to the One S, but does not have a Blu-ray drive. It is slightly cheaper, but you can only download games and can no longer borrow them from friends.
If you don't need an Xbox right away, it might be worth being patient. Microsoft unveiled the successor to the Xbox One X, "Project Scarlett", at the E3 games fair in June 2019. The new console is set to go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2020.
4K or no 4K: Playstation 4 or 4 Pro
The PS4 Pro is not only larger than the PS4 Slim and consumes more power, but also has roughly twice as much graphics power on board. This allows you to play games in 4K resolution on your TV. The PS4 Slim stops at Full HD. Both Playstation models are available in variants with 500 gigabytes or one terabyte of storage space.
Patience could also pay off with the Playstation: Sony has already officially announced the Playstation 5. The new console is due to go on sale at the end of 2020. Not all of the new functions, details of the features or the price are known yet. However, the manufacturer has already revealed the first details.
Only mobile gaming or also on the TV: Switch and Switch Lite
In summer 2019, Nintendo added the Switch Lite to its range of games consoles. While you can connect the Switch to the TV and get a little more computing power for games on the big screen thanks to the docking station, the Switch Lite is a purely mobile games console with the Joy Cons on the side that cannot be removed. Unlike the Switch, multiplayer games with friends are therefore only possible to a limited extent. Each player needs a separate controller for this.
Header image: Piranhi / Shutterstock.com
When I was but a young student, I'd sit in my friend's living room with all my classmates and play on his SuperNES. Since then I've had the opportunity to test out all the newest technology for you. I've done reviews at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, and have now arrived at Galaxus.de.
