Which console in 2018??
Discussion
Happy New Year lads and lasses!
I want to buy a console this year. Currently I have a gaming PC (nice up to date hardware so no issues here) and also an old Xbox 360. The 360 hasn't seen much action in years, only for DVDs and streaming services, and the odd bit of GTA 5. I've been doing most of my gaming on the PC as I enjoy simulation and building games the most.
My kids are now getting an an age where they want to play games but struggle with a keyboard and mouse. The xbox 360 controller seems ok for them and they've been playing a bit of Minecraft over the Christmas period on it.
So, which is the best console to buy for 2018?
My fears are that none of the current consoles on the market have much life in them. The ps4 and Xbox One have been out for a number of years and have already had to have a performance refresh to extend their life cycle. I've seen rumors of a PS5 for 2019 and I'm sure Microsoft will want to follow suit too. It seems silly to me to buy into a console that will be obsolete in a year or two.
The Switch is the console I feel has the most potential. The games that have currently been released really spark my interest (Zelda, Mario Odyssey, Skyrim (altough I have this on the PC anyway) and there are a few lined up that look interesting. Plus, the game lineup on the Switch and nintendo consoles in general will be much more suited for my kids.
My issue with the switch is the same as the PS4 and Xbox one. I really can't see it being relevant all that long. It's underpowered now as it is and so come 2019 (or whenever it may be) that the PS5 and Xbox two(?) drop, it's going to be so far behind that no one but Nintendo will be developing for it and we'll end up with a Wii U situation again. Also, Switch games are very expensive! As much as £50-60 a game in some cases I've seen and that's just ridiculous. The switch also can't be doubled up as a DVD player, so I would still need to keep the 360 for that purpose. At least a PS4 or Xbox One can read optical disks.
So if you were looking to buy into a new system now, in 2018, which would you go for?
I want to buy a console this year. Currently I have a gaming PC (nice up to date hardware so no issues here) and also an old Xbox 360. The 360 hasn't seen much action in years, only for DVDs and streaming services, and the odd bit of GTA 5. I've been doing most of my gaming on the PC as I enjoy simulation and building games the most.
My kids are now getting an an age where they want to play games but struggle with a keyboard and mouse. The xbox 360 controller seems ok for them and they've been playing a bit of Minecraft over the Christmas period on it.
So, which is the best console to buy for 2018?
My fears are that none of the current consoles on the market have much life in them. The ps4 and Xbox One have been out for a number of years and have already had to have a performance refresh to extend their life cycle. I've seen rumors of a PS5 for 2019 and I'm sure Microsoft will want to follow suit too. It seems silly to me to buy into a console that will be obsolete in a year or two.
The Switch is the console I feel has the most potential. The games that have currently been released really spark my interest (Zelda, Mario Odyssey, Skyrim (altough I have this on the PC anyway) and there are a few lined up that look interesting. Plus, the game lineup on the Switch and nintendo consoles in general will be much more suited for my kids.
My issue with the switch is the same as the PS4 and Xbox one. I really can't see it being relevant all that long. It's underpowered now as it is and so come 2019 (or whenever it may be) that the PS5 and Xbox two(?) drop, it's going to be so far behind that no one but Nintendo will be developing for it and we'll end up with a Wii U situation again. Also, Switch games are very expensive! As much as £50-60 a game in some cases I've seen and that's just ridiculous. The switch also can't be doubled up as a DVD player, so I would still need to keep the 360 for that purpose. At least a PS4 or Xbox One can read optical disks.
So if you were looking to buy into a new system now, in 2018, which would you go for?
My friend got a switch last week. I think its great. Nintendo normally do genuinely different things and the switch is fantastic. Being able to use it handheld is a great feature.
I have not been taken by any games on the xbox or PS4 for ages which is annoying considering I have a xbox one.
Mainly though - Mario Kart and Odyssey
I have not been taken by any games on the xbox or PS4 for ages which is annoying considering I have a xbox one.
Mainly though - Mario Kart and Odyssey
Edited by p1stonhead on Tuesday 2nd January 13:26
Consoles are going to get more like phones I think, very gradual increases in performance and price but no major jumps like 360-to-one. You'll be able to play games on previous gens but may not be as good as a new one.
With 4k gaming the xbox one x should be enough to to last a good few years. My original xbox one is still perfect, I've not had a single issue with it in three years and I won't be replacing with an xbox one x until it breaks. This is very different to the three xbox 360s I had in 5 years..
If you like the 360 controller, there's a good chance you wont like the PS4 controller (I personally wouldn't buy one just because I don't like the feel of their analogue sticks)
With 4k gaming the xbox one x should be enough to to last a good few years. My original xbox one is still perfect, I've not had a single issue with it in three years and I won't be replacing with an xbox one x until it breaks. This is very different to the three xbox 360s I had in 5 years..
If you like the 360 controller, there's a good chance you wont like the PS4 controller (I personally wouldn't buy one just because I don't like the feel of their analogue sticks)
I'd not bought a console since the wii.
However became a chav on black friday and bought the PS4.
I've two children 6 and 8 and a wife an I would say:
Pros
Great with kids, lego and minecraft of the sofa with two players is a lovely way to spend a few hours
Great when everyone in bed as Call of Duty for example is amazing and gory
Cons
No good when the wife wants to watch telly
Games are expensive
Nintendo wise, yes like the switch just seems very expensive and a little limited on the games front.
I choose the PS4 as wanted a dvd/bluray (not sure why) and I do use it for youtube ect over the amazon stick.
I think it comes down to how and where you're playing.
However became a chav on black friday and bought the PS4.
I've two children 6 and 8 and a wife an I would say:
Pros
Great with kids, lego and minecraft of the sofa with two players is a lovely way to spend a few hours
Great when everyone in bed as Call of Duty for example is amazing and gory
Cons
No good when the wife wants to watch telly
Games are expensive
Nintendo wise, yes like the switch just seems very expensive and a little limited on the games front.
I choose the PS4 as wanted a dvd/bluray (not sure why) and I do use it for youtube ect over the amazon stick.
I think it comes down to how and where you're playing.
I've always gone the PS route, although given the limited 4K support on PS4 vs the Xbox I think I'd defect if I was buying now.
I agree with the earlier comment though - even if the PS5 does arrive in the next 18 months (which I doubt) there will be an overlap for quite a long time if you want a decent selection of games. So I should think the PS4 or current XBox were a perfectly good choice with at least 3-4 years life left in them yet.
I agree with the earlier comment though - even if the PS5 does arrive in the next 18 months (which I doubt) there will be an overlap for quite a long time if you want a decent selection of games. So I should think the PS4 or current XBox were a perfectly good choice with at least 3-4 years life left in them yet.
Thanks for the replys.
I'm not fussed about 4k support. My TV is 1080p and I have no intention of buying a 4k TV so I'm not bothered about an Xbox X or ps4 Pro for 4k reasons. I also have the PC if I want to play games with outstanding graphics.
I wouldn't want to pay the extra for the X or Pro either as they'll become just as obsolete as the standard consoles should a PS5 or new Xbox come out in a year or two.
I'm still a little reluctant to go with a Switch just because of Nintendo. They haven't exactly done amazingly well in the last few years and whilst the switch seems to have got off to a great start, it's out of date already in terms of hardware and as games become more advanced (to take advantage of the X and Pro hardware and PC ports etc), the switch simply won't be able to run them. Even looking at ports like Skyrim, they have to run at much lower graphics settings than what you would see on any of the other consoles, and thats a 7 year old game!
Hmmm.. My heart wants a switch but my head says not to buy any of them haha.
I'm not fussed about 4k support. My TV is 1080p and I have no intention of buying a 4k TV so I'm not bothered about an Xbox X or ps4 Pro for 4k reasons. I also have the PC if I want to play games with outstanding graphics.
I wouldn't want to pay the extra for the X or Pro either as they'll become just as obsolete as the standard consoles should a PS5 or new Xbox come out in a year or two.
I'm still a little reluctant to go with a Switch just because of Nintendo. They haven't exactly done amazingly well in the last few years and whilst the switch seems to have got off to a great start, it's out of date already in terms of hardware and as games become more advanced (to take advantage of the X and Pro hardware and PC ports etc), the switch simply won't be able to run them. Even looking at ports like Skyrim, they have to run at much lower graphics settings than what you would see on any of the other consoles, and thats a 7 year old game!
Hmmm.. My heart wants a switch but my head says not to buy any of them haha.
Since you have a gaming PC, a Steam link could be worth a look. It's around £15 posted in the sale at the moment... Wire it in and play your Steam games on your telly, various controllers can be linked up for use.
Even works over wi-fi if they're happy with old 8-bit knock off types that are all the rage at the moment...
Of course if you're planning on playing on your PC at the same time this isn't a go-er!
Even works over wi-fi if they're happy with old 8-bit knock off types that are all the rage at the moment...
Of course if you're planning on playing on your PC at the same time this isn't a go-er!
The wife bought me a Switch for my birthday, and a PS4 for Christmas.
The Switch has been fantastic. I bought LA Noire for it (my favourite game of the last decade) and it's even better than it was on the 360. Very easy to play, I can even sit on the sofa while she watches God awful TV and I can play my games without moving away from the fire.
The PS4 is graphically brilliant. The controller is so much better than the PS3 that I have had for 4 years. I've only really played Gran Turismo on it, and the loading times are great. My friends however reckon the updates take the piss altogether on it. I can't comment, as I leave mine on to get the updates automatically when not using it.
If I had to pick one though, I'd pick the Switch. Quite possibly the best console I've ever used. Full disclosure: I have most consoles dating back to the Master System.
The Switch has been fantastic. I bought LA Noire for it (my favourite game of the last decade) and it's even better than it was on the 360. Very easy to play, I can even sit on the sofa while she watches God awful TV and I can play my games without moving away from the fire.
The PS4 is graphically brilliant. The controller is so much better than the PS3 that I have had for 4 years. I've only really played Gran Turismo on it, and the loading times are great. My friends however reckon the updates take the piss altogether on it. I can't comment, as I leave mine on to get the updates automatically when not using it.
If I had to pick one though, I'd pick the Switch. Quite possibly the best console I've ever used. Full disclosure: I have most consoles dating back to the Master System.
MysteryLemon said:
Thanks for the replys.
I'm not fussed about 4k support. My TV is 1080p and I have no intention of buying a 4k TV so I'm not bothered about an Xbox X or ps4 Pro for 4k reasons. I also have the PC if I want to play games with outstanding graphics.
I wouldn't want to pay the extra for the X or Pro either as they'll become just as obsolete as the standard consoles should a PS5 or new Xbox come out in a year or two.
I'm still a little reluctant to go with a Switch just because of Nintendo. They haven't exactly done amazingly well in the last few years and whilst the switch seems to have got off to a great start, it's out of date already in terms of hardware and as games become more advanced (to take advantage of the X and Pro hardware and PC ports etc), the switch simply won't be able to run them. Even looking at ports like Skyrim, they have to run at much lower graphics settings than what you would see on any of the other consoles, and thats a 7 year old game!
Hmmm.. My heart wants a switch but my head says not to buy any of them haha.
Advantage of the switch is you can take it with you and either use it to keep them quiet for car journeys or keep your self quiet if you're taking any train/plane rides!! I'm not fussed about 4k support. My TV is 1080p and I have no intention of buying a 4k TV so I'm not bothered about an Xbox X or ps4 Pro for 4k reasons. I also have the PC if I want to play games with outstanding graphics.
I wouldn't want to pay the extra for the X or Pro either as they'll become just as obsolete as the standard consoles should a PS5 or new Xbox come out in a year or two.
I'm still a little reluctant to go with a Switch just because of Nintendo. They haven't exactly done amazingly well in the last few years and whilst the switch seems to have got off to a great start, it's out of date already in terms of hardware and as games become more advanced (to take advantage of the X and Pro hardware and PC ports etc), the switch simply won't be able to run them. Even looking at ports like Skyrim, they have to run at much lower graphics settings than what you would see on any of the other consoles, and thats a 7 year old game!
Hmmm.. My heart wants a switch but my head says not to buy any of them haha.
I used a Switch for the first time on Sunday and played some Zelda before turning the 1-2 Switch game into a drinking game (which works very well if anyone is wondering 
) and I have to say they are very very good. I didn't think much of them when they first came out but now I've tried one I'm finding myself looking for a good deal on one.
) and I have to say they are very very good. I didn't think much of them when they first came out but now I've tried one I'm finding myself looking for a good deal on one.I can echo the others re the Switch, I picked up one over Christmas, it's a great console and offers something truly unique. It has a good line up of games now and it set to see some great releases in 2018, many of which will be exclusives. It's also really good if you like indie / retro gaming.
The obvious con is it lacks the horsepower of the XB1 and PS4, but after three years of having to install games on my XB1, I'm liking the simplicity of just popping in a cart and playing the game, every time I play the XB1, I either have to uninstall something, or wait while several GB's of patches and updates are installed! Saying that the XB1 an d PS4 are better for driving sims, and you wont be able to play Red Dead Redemption 2 on Switch!
Apparently the Switch has already exceeded total Wii U sales in its first 9 month alone!!! So longevity shouldn't be an issue. Remember how well the original Wii sold and that was massively under powered compared to its contemporaries (it was basically a GameCube with motions sensors!).
The obvious con is it lacks the horsepower of the XB1 and PS4, but after three years of having to install games on my XB1, I'm liking the simplicity of just popping in a cart and playing the game, every time I play the XB1, I either have to uninstall something, or wait while several GB's of patches and updates are installed! Saying that the XB1 an d PS4 are better for driving sims, and you wont be able to play Red Dead Redemption 2 on Switch!
Apparently the Switch has already exceeded total Wii U sales in its first 9 month alone!!! So longevity shouldn't be an issue. Remember how well the original Wii sold and that was massively under powered compared to its contemporaries (it was basically a GameCube with motions sensors!).
The only games that interest me and are not available on the PC are mostly Nintendo so we have a switch.
Zelda is awesome but is one player only and is quite difficult compared to the older 3D Zeldas.
Mario Odessey is awesome but surprising short if you blast through the story. Will take ages to get all the hidden moons though and is the best Mario since 64. Has a decent 2 player using one half of the joy-con each which I think other games such as Mario Kart also do. It has an assist mode that’s guides you to the stars you need to progress the story, doesn’t punish mistakes as harshly and gives you twice as much life which is handy for the kids.
Zelda is awesome but is one player only and is quite difficult compared to the older 3D Zeldas.
Mario Odessey is awesome but surprising short if you blast through the story. Will take ages to get all the hidden moons though and is the best Mario since 64. Has a decent 2 player using one half of the joy-con each which I think other games such as Mario Kart also do. It has an assist mode that’s guides you to the stars you need to progress the story, doesn’t punish mistakes as harshly and gives you twice as much life which is handy for the kids.
Just because a PS5 might come out in about 2 years doesn't instantly mean a PS4 is obsolete. All playstation models have continued on long after the next model has come out and PS4 will be no different, with 70 million of the things out there they aren't going to disappear overnight.
Does your PC have the very latest GPU ? CPU ? newest motherboard tech and fastest memory ? probably not, does it play games ? of course.. consoles are no different.
If you haven't got a 4k TV and don't plan on upgrading there is little point in a PS4 Pro or Xbox One X, just buy a boggo PS4 / Xbox One S - less of an investment (under £200) and you won't miss much if anything.
I think ambuletz is right, switch for the kids, if you want something that everyone can play on go where your mates are.
Does your PC have the very latest GPU ? CPU ? newest motherboard tech and fastest memory ? probably not, does it play games ? of course.. consoles are no different.
If you haven't got a 4k TV and don't plan on upgrading there is little point in a PS4 Pro or Xbox One X, just buy a boggo PS4 / Xbox One S - less of an investment (under £200) and you won't miss much if anything.
I think ambuletz is right, switch for the kids, if you want something that everyone can play on go where your mates are.
Going on past schedules they release every 6-7 years.
I think we are looking at 2020 earliest especially as they did the Pro "refresh". Originally it seems they saw a 10 year life cycle, although things change.
Not that it means the PS4 is dead as Sony are pretty good at supporting it for several years after the new one launches.
I think we are looking at 2020 earliest especially as they did the Pro "refresh". Originally it seems they saw a 10 year life cycle, although things change.
Not that it means the PS4 is dead as Sony are pretty good at supporting it for several years after the new one launches.
It's not as if the Xbox One or PS4 are that expensive and as for costly games, well anything a year old seems to cost peanuts so just avoid the very newest stuff.
My wife spent countless hours on Tomb Raider and Far Cry 4, both of which cost around a tenner and I'll get an enormous amount of time from Dark Souls 3 which cost me £12.00. You get a few quid trading them back in as well.
My wife spent countless hours on Tomb Raider and Far Cry 4, both of which cost around a tenner and I'll get an enormous amount of time from Dark Souls 3 which cost me £12.00. You get a few quid trading them back in as well.
Too Late said:
Xbox one getting Kodi has to move this to the top of the list now?
Once Kodi is refined and tweaked for the console, it will be the best all round console to own i would have thought?
4k kodi player + one of the best consoles = Winner?
Ironically, Kodi began on the original Xbox (chipped) as XBMC - XBox Media Centre.Once Kodi is refined and tweaked for the console, it will be the best all round console to own i would have thought?
4k kodi player + one of the best consoles = Winner?
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