It’s easy to assume that everyone out there already has a favorite gaming system, whether it be Xbox, Playstation, Wii, or something else. But what if you are totally new to gaming? What if you want to play, but you have little experience with any of the available gaming options, and you have no idea where to get started?
As an adult, I’ve mainly been a phone or tablet gamer with occasional toe-dipping into Mac and Wii games. But every time I watch an episode of House of Cards where they show Kevin Spacey’s character, Frank Underwood, “relaxing” by playing some shoot-em-up on his Playstation and big screen TV, I’m reminded that it’s something I’d like to advance to.
But which console? Which system? Where do you even start?
So I put together a list of questions to ask the Gear Diary crew:
1. If money and a catalog of games already owned were no object, what do you feel is the best gaming console system available now?
2. Why is it better than _________?
3. What does ________ have that your recommendation doesn’t have?
4. Is your recommendation a gaming console that a beginner would feel comfortable with, too?
5. What is your favorite gaming controller (and why)?
6. What are your favorite gaming headphones (and why)?
And here were their replies …
Michael Anderson: My easy answer is ‘PC’ But I suppose that is cheating.
– PS4 is better than the XBone … because it is more powerful and has better graphics, a cleaner interface, and a great library.
– PS4 has PS Vita remote play, so you can use your portable gaming device along with your console
– PS4 uses simple interface that anyone with a Sony Blu-Ray player or a PSP device already knows, and it is simple to set up.
– XBox One is better than the PS4, because it excels at media streaming, offering a better depth and breadth of choices to make it your entertainment center.
– XBone has Kinect (sometimes) that has better features than what PS4 offers. It also exclusively has EA Access.
– XBox One is simple to set up and use, not as much so as the PS4, but anyone remotely tech-savvy would have no issues.
WiiU is better than … oh never mind, it just isn’t.
Still, I’d go with a PC hooked into your TV. It is the ultimate EVERYTHING machine! And if you get a new Alienware with the external Graphics Amplifier, then you end up with a laptop that has desktop power!
As for mouse & keyboard … ugh, it is SO true, though! haha but I have adapted pretty well to the XBox controller so that is what I use even playing console-ish games on PC. I think the PS4 controller makes more sense, but it is often about familiarity.
2. Best Headphones? I have 3 options. I often use my iPhone earpods if anything. Then I still use and love the AblePlanet headset I reviewed back in 2009 (really!).
I find it is perfect for online gaming and when I want good sound and a mic, and when playing offline games and I want good sound I have a set of AKG ‘reference series’ over the ear … you hear every detail.
Perry Brauner said, “I’ll try to do this when I have a moment, but Michael, you’d be surprised that I’m actually considering the WiiU as better than the Xbox in certain aspects. First party games are obviously best with Nintendo.”
Michael Anderson: “Yay, can’t wait.”
Joel McLaughlin:
1. If money and a catalog of games already owned were no object, what do you feel is the best gaming console system available now?
XBox One
2. Why is it better than _________?
Quire frankly, say what you will about Microsoft, but Sony has not impressed me with keeping their customer’s info secure. PSN has also had issues with security and quite frankly that’s more important to me than whether the PS4 is better or not.
3. What does ________ have that your recommendation doesn’t have?
I like the XBox One integration that’s promised in Windows 10. Also, the Kinect is a neat experience.
4. Is your recommendation a gaming console that a beginner would feel comfortable with, too?
Not really. The Wii U gets my vote here as it’s much more suited to casual gamers.
5. What is your favorite gaming controller (and why)?
Wii Motes and Wii U Pad
I like the way the old Wii Motes work and the Wii U pad is fun to play with. Like the concept that you can play a game without needing a TV.
6. What are your favorite gaming headphones (and why)?
Any headphones. I don’t typically wear them when I play, but any I have tried do the job fine.
To be honest, I game more on Android than on a console now, anyway.
Mike Siebenaler:
1. I already have it; the PS4. Aside from the hacks and security issues. Sony puts price point, future expansions and customer value at the forefront while still offering physical disc choices — for now.
2. Why is it better than Xbox Live? less expensive, more streaming options (also more user-friendly), innovative controller (touchpad, headphone jack for convenient mobile sound options when my kids are asleep, etc.) and better game library
3. What does Xbox One have that your recommendation doesn’t have? better launch/exclusives thought “The Order” and other spring titles will even that out.
4. Is your recommendation a gaming console that a beginner would feel comfortable with, too? Definitely. More exclusive all-age games. Xbox One relies on 3rd party too much.
5. What is your favorite gaming controller (and why)? Nintendo GamePad – the biggest second screen option. PSVita is a close second
6. What are your favorite gaming headphones (and why)? TRITTON Kunai Stereo Headset – I love that they are minimal and affordable…and universal. Best option for my girls on the go and Nintendo consoles are definitely their first choice.
Perry Brauner:
1. I don’t have much experience with PS4, so I would have to go with the Xbox One here.
2. The Xbox One is better than the PS4 because of the exclusive games, like Titanfall and the Halo series. It’s also superior because of it’s better online service, media streaming, and Kinect 2.0.
3. The PS4 is known as being more powerful and therefore delivering better graphics, but I have had no complaints playing the latest generation of games on the Xbox One. The Playstation Network is free, which is nice, but it’s not as robust or reliable as Xbox Live. The PS4 also has some exclusives like some Destiny content, and other games like The Uncharted series and The Last of Us.
4. Yes, the Xbox One is great for beginners, however if someone is just getting into gaming, I would recommend easing them in with the Wii U. It’s perfect for kids, beginners, and even experienced gamers. I recently bought a Wii U, and I’m happy I did. I honestly believe that the Wii U beats out the Xbox One and PS4 in terms of first party games and inventiveness. As far as games go, Nintendo brings the heat with Super Mario 3D World, Mario Kart 8, and Super Smash Bros. With their Gamepad, you can play games directly on the pad without the need for a TV, which is perfect for families who are always fighting for TV real estate.
5. For serious gaming, I love the Xbox One’s wireless controller. But for casual gaming, the Wii U Gamepad is hard to beat, since you can play games directly on the gamepad.
6. I don’t own gaming headphones that are compatible with consoles. The only gaming headphones that I own are for PC gaming, which I rarely do anymore. The gaming headphones that I own are the Logitech G430 Surround Sound Headphones.
Michael Siebenaler: Virtual Reality (VR) is an important new frontier, and all of the big three could form partnerships with companies. It’ll only be successful with quality stories, otherwise it’s just a hot-cold fad that comes in and out every few years, but cannot sustain gaming companies.
Of course, most people don’t think long-term anymore, so video games will always be driven some “passing fancies”. I have always appreciated the backwards compatible, multi-functional, and forward thinking game hardware, accessories, and software.
I really admired how Nintendo kept fighting, circled their wagons and built some amazing games this year to bring the Wii U back from low participation (in the U.S.). Now they have a very promising game release calendar coming up including this spring’s fun precursor to FPSs – Splatoon!
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So there you have it. I think I am probably going to go with a PS4, but what about you? If you are a gamer, how would you answer my six questions?