Gaming consoles have increased in popularity since the first home gaming console, Magnavox Odyssey, was released in 1972. As of 2019 around 1 third of Brits owned at least one gaming console. If you are new to the gaming world or doing research on behalf of someone else you may be wondering why consoles have such a grip on the players who use them. There are 3 aspects of gaming and a multiplex of game types, including online simulation, solo play story games or competitive combat games. Each type of console lends itself differently to these aspects of gaming and every user will have their own preferences. If you are trying to decide what console to buy for yourself or someone else here is our guide to choosing the one!
There are three major brands when it comes to home gaming consoles; Nintendo, Microsoft Xbox and Sony Playstation. From each brand the latest consoles are; OLED Switch from Nintendo, Xbox Series X and Playstation 5. It’s worth noting that you don’t necessarily need the latest console in order to play the games you are interested in. For example, the highly anticipated Harry Potter Hogwarts Legacy game will be released on both the latest Xbox Series X as well as the previous console, the Xbox One.
The main difference to be aware of when choosing a console are how/where it can be used and the games available on that specific platform. For example, the Nintendo Switch is a great handheld console that can be used on the go or at home but it won’t be compatible with games such as Call Of Duty. Aesthetically, the design of each console is also very different with the Switch being the most colourful of the bunch available in coral, yellow and turquoise. Price is also another factor to consider as some consoles may better fit your budget. Remember to check the price of refurbished consoles from The iOutlet to get the best deal and save money. With The iOutlet you can even trade-in your old console for money or get a higher value credit voucher to use on your next device.
Nintendo is a popular choice across generations of gamers. With classic games having been recreated for the Nintendo Switch such as Spyro and Animal Crossing many people will have a strong sense of nostalgia for this device. If you grew up playing with a GameBoy or DS it’s likely you’ll have played either a game from the Mario franchise or a version of Pokemon. If you are interested in playing games like these again then a Switch is a great option for you since these franchises are only available on Nintendo.
Whilst there are three versions of the Switch the biggest differences are between the standard Switch and the Switch Lite. Whilst the standard Switch (or the OLED edition Switch) can be used in handheld mode or connected to the TV the Switch Lite can only be used in handheld mode. Due to this limitation of the Switch Lite, there are a few games, such as Just Dance, Ring Fit Adventure and Super Mario Party, that aren’t compatible. However, if you think you are most interested in gaming on a handheld device then the Switch Lite might be a great choice as you can save around £100. If you are looking to save even more when buying your Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite take a look at refurbished deals from The iOutlet where you can pick up a device from £144.99.
If you are looking for another way to decide between the standard Switch and the Switch Lite then perhaps colour options matter. The Switch Lite is the more colourful choice with options such as grey, blue and coral all available. Meanwhile, the standard Switch is available only in place with a red and blue controller (unless you buy a limited edition console such as the Mario edition) or if you chose the OLED model your Switch will come in white.
An Xbox is a popular choice for gamers who enjoy a wide variety of games and want to have that solid home gaming system. The Microsoft device is an award-winning gaming console both in itself but for the exclusive games you can play on the platform such as Halo and Forza. Whilst the latest released version of the console, the Xbox Series X, remains in limited supply the majority of gamers are still using the Xbox One, meaning it’s not too late to buy this device and get involved.
There are several releases of the Xbox One including the Xbox One S which has a different shape from other models and the Xbox One X which has 4k graphics capabilities. The standard Xbox One is also available with either 500GB or 1TB of built-in storage. If the colour of the console matters to you then there are two options available, the One S version is available in white whilst the standard One and One X are available in black. Depending on the version of the console you think is best for you, you can pick a console up from £129.99 when you choose a refurbished Xbox from The iOutlet. If you already have an Xbox One and are waiting to upgrade to the Series X keep checking back to see if we have any devices in stock.
PlayStation remains perhaps the most iconic of all home gaming devices with so many people having used at least one version of the console since its first release in 1994. Since the release of that first console, there have been 4 new versions of the device to follow, PS2, PS3, PS4 and PS5. Similar to the Xbox Series X the PS5 remains difficult to get hold of which is why the majority of PlayStation gamers are still happily using the PS4. If you are interested in playing some exclusive PlayStation only games we recommend The Last Of Us and GT Sport. These are just two of several exclusive games that the gaming community adores.
There are several versions of the PS4 to choose from including the original PS4, the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro. Each console variation is available with either 500GB or 1TB of storage built-in. The PS4 is only available in black or white, however, the controllers come in a wide variety of colours allowing you to customise your gaming experience with shades such as camouflage and rose gold. These controllers aren’t available to buy with the console itself but make a great added extra or gift for an existing gamer who owns this console. Despite the PS5 having been released in 2020 new games are still available on the PS4 meaning it’s still a great time to buy this device. You can pick up a refurbished PlayStation console from The iOutlet from £189.99 depending on which version of the device you are looking for.
Once you’ve made your decision we’re sure you won’t regret it as all three of these consoles are great to use and provide a lot of fun. If you have an old console to trade in and are interested in upgrading to a new one take a look at trade-in deals from The iOutlet. Remember you can also pick up your new device for less when you shop refurbished consoles from The iOutlet.
