Tips on Choosing a Game Console

In 1972, Magnavox released the world's first video game console, the Magnavox Odyssey. The device may have not been a huge hit, but it created a popular trend. After NES was released, video games became popular in most countries. Then came the most advanced console of the time, the PS1. Ever since then, video games became common in the lives of all children and some adults. Although video game consoles have lost some of their popularity to smartphones and tablets, they're still popular among adolescences. Since the PS1, many manufacturers have released their own video game consoles. Here are some tips to help you choose.

First of all, you need to choose which type of console you want, portable or stationary. Both of them have their advantages and disadvantages. The names of both consoles already describe about the uniqueness, but here's an in-depth list to help you choose.

Portable : Advantages

• Lightweight and portable
• Can be charged
• Easy to setup and use
• Games can be viewed upfront

Portable : Disadvantages

• Low resolution displays
• Not very immersive
• Poor speaker quality
• Few control buttons

Stationary : Advantages

• Very Immersive
• High resolution gameplay depending on screen
• Larger library of games
• Ergonomic controllers

Stationary : Disadvantages

• Bulky console
• Not very portable

• Doesn't have built-in battery

As the name already describes, portable game consoles's main advantage is portability, but there are some sacrifices made to ensure a friendly cost. With portability, you'll loose an immersive experience. Many portable game consoles's have terrible speaker while screen only look decent. Here are a list of some popular portable consoles.

1. PSP

Taking consideration about the PSP's price, average game price and game library, the PSP is the best budget-friendly portable game console available in the market now. PSP games usually are very affordable and there a large library of it. You can also homebrew most PSP models. This means you can download pirated content and also install custom software like PS1 games. I highly recommend that you don't do that as it is illegal. Even without homebrew, the PSP is a fun console.

2. Nintendo 3DS

The Nintendo 3DS may not host many graphic intensive games, but offers a very large array of game. The 3D feature would be the reason I would recommend this device to anyone. The original 3DS had a narrow angle of view for the 3D effect, but this has been fixed with the new 3DS. You can only homebrew a few of the 3DS models, though this is not recommended.

3. PS Vita

The PS Vita hosts a much gorgeous screen compared to other consoles. The PS Vita also offer a large library of games, but not as big as the 3DS'. I haven't confirmed if the PS Vita is homebrewable. The PS Vita also has an ergonomic design and beautiful build quality. The only reason I wouldn't recommend the PS Vita is because of it's library of games and current games.

4. Nintendo DS

The Nintendo DS wouldn't be my first choice when it comes to consoles mainly because of it's games' quality. Because of the display resolution, many games look pixelated. Although the DS has a large game library, most of the games seem mediocre. The only reason I would recommend the DS is for it's incredibly affordable price.

As the name suggests, Stationary consoles main disadvantage is that they're not portable. Stationary consoles also require other devices such as a TV in order to work. But with the proper equipment, you're gaming experience could be enjoyable and immersive. Unlike portables, stationery are packed with a powerful graphics processor so all games will have rich graphics, especially the newer consoles. Here a list of some top-notch stationary consoles.

1. PS2

The PS2 is far by the best budget friendly console out there. The main advantage of the PS2 is that almost anyone model can play ripped games, but this is illegal, so not recommended. Always buy original copies of any game. Many games for the PS2 are beautifully made. It may not be as glorious as the PS3's HD games, but they're very affordable.

2. WII

The WII is an awesome console, mainly because of it's wide range of games and the quality of games. The motion controller of the WII is the main attraction of the WII. The games made for motion controller are beautifully crafted. The only downside is that there is no HDMI output.

3. XBOX 360

I haven't reviewed the XBOX yet, but from the viewpoint of many others, I would say that the XBOX is a top-notch console. For more information about the XBOX 360, search Youtube for review videos.

4. PS3

The PS3 hosts numerous beautifully crafted HD games. Many games just look brilliant on a full HD display. Note to law breaker, there are only a few models of the PS3 that supports homebrew. Even without homebrew, the PS3's online store hosts a small number of apps such as Netflix and Spotify.

If you're planning on purchasing a console online. I would highly recommend that you buy from the Malaysian website, Lazada, if you're British, European or American. The exchange rate of our currency is low against yours, plus the console price's are cheaper in my country. Normally, Lazada doesn't offer international shipping, but you get a mail forwarder in Malaysia. If you're wondering what's a mail forwarder, they're technically a temporary address. First, you submit the forwarder's address as your own, then the forwarder mails you your parcel. I don't know how much the whole process will cost, but the prices of consoles and other electronics are way cheaper in our country.

Thank you for reading and have a nice day.