Criterias of choice
First of all, a gaming console is an electronic device that connects to your TV or computer monitor and turns the big screen into a gorgeous virtual playground. Control occurs through joysticks, steering wheels, gamepads, pistols or other manipulators. Each game console is a separate console, which has its own hardware and software characteristics. Different devices can execute commands differently, transmit different effects, and create their own control tools needed to visualize certain conditions in the game. This is a kind of highly specialized computer, with its own processor, hard drive and memory, which allows the operator to play games efficiently. There are modern models of consoles with multifunctional content: such devices allow you not only to play, but also to watch videos, listen to music and even access the global network. However, a gaming gadget differs significantly from a traditional computer, primarily in that it is a closed system that cannot be upgraded, supplemented, or expanded in functionality. You buy a device with a certain set of skills and a recommended level of gaming load.
Performance. There are 3 leading manufacturers in the gaming systems market: Microsoft (Xbox platform), Sony (PlayStation platform) and Nintendo. Using the Internet services of each console, players can not only purchase games, but also communicate with each other. Some games are released exclusively for a specific console and are only available to users of those devices. Each company has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should choose a set-top box based on your personal feelings and requirements.
Control methods. The main control device is the gamepad. They often have additional functionality: a built-in accelerometer (position sensor), a headphone output and a touch panel. The latest generations of consoles feature controllers with motion and spatial movement sensors, which makes the gameplay extremely exciting. Choose a console whose gamepad will give you the most vivid gaming experience.
Additional functions. Modern set-top boxes are equipped with interesting additions: they can act as a media center, play audio-video files from any media, and even have a built-in Internet browser.
Types of consoles. All game consoles are divided according to their mobility and interactivity into the following types:
- Stationary - the most common and frequently used models, which look like a typical console that connects to a TV or other screen. It is equipped with the necessary connectors for a standard gamepad and cartridge.
- Portable – presented in the form of a small-sized device, electronic type, with its own screen for playing games.
- Interactive ones are also called limited ones - a new product on the modern market with a modern console appearance. It is equipped with a special method for intercepting movements by players using a wireless joystick.
- Fully interactive - these devices can support the use of a special platform, a three-dimensional environment and are complemented by voice control. Players who stand on the track can move in any direction without changing position. The device automatically records changes.
What is a game console?
A game console is a high-performance specialized device designed for video games. Unlike computers, the main task of the console is to play games. Home consoles are connected to a TV, projector or computer monitor as a screen on which the game will take place.
Types of game consoles
The gaming industry does not stand still and is developing rapidly. As a result, new consoles and games for them appear.
- stationary consoles;
Such consoles are located indoors and connect directly to a TV or monitor;
- portable consoles.
This toy can be carried with you, because it is equipped with a small screen and a battery.
Which brand of game console is better to choose?
- Sony Corporation is a Japanese multinational corporation founded by Akio Morita in 1946. The company's first name had to be changed because it was difficult for Americans to pronounce. Trying to find a word that does not exist in any language, Morita excluded the letter n from “Sony”. In Japanese it sounded like “to lose money.” The company released its first game console in 1994. Every year, engineers improve models and provide them with new functions;
- Microsoft is an American company that owns production units in different countries. The company's activities are aimed at developing software and portable electronic devices. In 2001, the Xbox game console was released, an improved version of which is considered the most powerful device of its kind in the world;
- Nintendo Company, Limited is a Japanese company founded by Fusajiro Yamauchi in 1889. The company released the first 8-bit gaming console Dendy in 1983. A few years after its release in the United States, it became a sales leader. Devices of this brand gained great popularity among children in Russia and the CIS countries in the 90s.
- Sega Games Co., Ltd is an international company founded in 1940 in America. Later, the creators decided to move their headquarters to Tokyo. The company was engaged in the production of consoles from 1983 to 2001. It competed with Nintendo for market share, becoming the second largest video game developer in the world in 1987. Manufacturers made Sonic the Hedgehog the mascot of the brand. The company has now switched to releasing games for all platforms, which is why its devices are called retro consoles.
The best gaming consoles for children
DENDY Kids
The device is an eight-bit console with 195 games built into it. This console is interesting, first of all, for its appearance, very reminiscent of the design of the retro Sega Mega Drive console, only smaller in size.
The joysticks are made of black plastic and have blue inserts.
The kit also includes an adapter and an audio-video cable.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid touchscreen console with controllers to the right and left of it. Below the display are two speakers that direct sound towards the player and contribute to greater immersion in the gameplay. The game console has a built-in memory of 32 GB. The device supports multiplayer mode allowing you to connect up to 8 people in one game. Joy-Con controllers are equipped with a vibration function and have a gyroscope and accelerometer, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the gameplay. Built-in battery with a capacity of 4310 mAh. will provide up to eight hours of battery life. The Nintendo Switch is also equipped with connectors for installing additional memory.
Advantages:
- is both a stationary and portable device;
- impact resistance;
- large battery.
Flaws:
- noisy in stationary mode;
- small amount of memory;
- large dimensions.
Nintendo 2DS
It is an excellent console for children who are just starting to explore the gaming world. The console is available in three color variations: black-blue, white-red and pink-white.
The body is made of high-quality plastic, without backlash or creaking. The attachment no longer folds in half and because of this it feels more solid in the hands.
An innovation is the presence of a SLEEP button on the bottom edge of the console, which puts the device into sleep mode.
Advantages:
- high-quality case;
- the console fits perfectly in your hands;
- huge game library with 3DS and NDS.
Flaws:
- uncomfortable shape;
- lack of 3D screen;
- monophonic speaker.
Dendy Junior
This model is an analogue of the cult console released more than 20 years ago. The body is made of gray and white plastic. The console itself is shaped like an angular rectangle. The design is almost completely copied from its predecessor, but this model has significant changes: a durable body with tightly fitted and fastened parts. The developers also managed to significantly reduce the weight of the console, joysticks and gun, which makes the game much easier.
The main feature of the console is that it already contains 104 classic games. If you have old cartridges lying around, you can use them in this model.
Important! Such a console will be interesting to play not only for children, but also for adults, because they will be able to remember their childhood and feel a little nostalgic.
Advantages:
- robust design;
- low weight of the console and its manipulators;
- built-in games;
- cheap price;
- evokes a pleasant feeling of nostalgia.
Flaws:
- the gun does not always work correctly on modern TVs;
- outdated console.
Sony PlayStation 4
SP4 released in various colors
This set-top box does not have the ability to connect to television, but it is considered the best TV console. Sony has become famous for its entire line of consoles, and today it is a leader in the video game industry. The device connects to the TV via HDMI. It can work with Blu-ray discs and can connect to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB or the Internet via an Ethernet cable. On the gaming device market, the list of the best includes several gadgets from Sony, including the PSP. The portable Sony is connected to the TV, just like the standard version of the console. The most popular remains “Sony PlayStation 4 500Gb”. The previous versions do not lose their popularity and relevance: Sony PlayStation 3 (Starter Pack) and Sony PlayStation 2. And some fans of the series still play on the first version of the console.
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Price: from 23 to 32 thousand rubles.
Which console should I buy?
Many give recommendations on choosing a console, but not everyone takes into account the size of the budget that the buyer is willing to spend on a gaming device. The best console is Sony PlayStation 4. Some people choose "Microsoft Xbox One". Depending on what games the gamer prefers. If the budget for the device and its content is less than 40 thousand rubles, then consider purchasing one of the Nintendo models. These gadgets are superior to their competitors in their functionality, but have lower graphics and workmanship. You can buy a Sony PlayStation 3 - the console costs less, but is considered outdated.
If you have a small budget, you will have to buy an Nvidia Shield - few games have been released for it, but it has all the necessary functionality. But Dendy and SEGA are suitable exclusively for fans of these series.
Some technologies are only used in TV consoles
Another determining factor: the monitor or TV to which the device will be connected. Find out in advance which consoles can be connected to your screen, otherwise you will have to buy a new TV separately. Most modern models use HDMI, so if you wish, you can connect the console to a monitor from a personal computer. Game consoles are in any case better suited for entertainment than PCs - they are created specifically for this purpose.
Nuances and tips for choosing a game console
To ensure full immersion in the world of virtual reality, you need to choose the best gaming console. There are several important nuances that need to be taken into account. Start with how much money are you willing to spend on a new console? In fact, the choice is not particularly large, since there are two approximately equivalent options - the eighth-generation consoles PS and Xbox.
Does it make sense to pay extra for 4K support? The answer to this question directly depends on which TV the console will be connected to in the future. Of course, it is advisable to have an LED TV with Full HD support at your disposal - this is the minimum requirement. It is important that the TV is equipped with an HDMI interface. Using adapters or connecting through other connectors may cause a decrease in quality.
The most popular video games are multi-platform projects. This means they are coming to all consoles and PC. However, each of the manufacturers has exclusive projects.
Sony has been the absolute record holder for the number of exclusives for many years.
The importance of hardware parameters cannot be ignored as they directly affect the quality of graphics. Pay attention to:
- central and graphic processors;
- volume of built-in and RAM memory;
- cooling system efficiency.
If the console is bought for a small child, then the quality of graphics will not be such an important argument. Therefore, you can save money by purchasing a more budget option.
Microsoft Xbox One
Microsoft produces 8th generation consoles
Users claim that the best gaming TV consoles are Xbox, which is not surprising, Microsoft is one of the main players in the market in this niche. Using the Microsoft Xbox One gaming console, you can broadcast games directly to streaming services, visit social networks and video hosting sites, including YouTube. The hardware characteristics are not inferior to the main player on the market - Sony PlayStation 4, and in some respects even surpass it.
Convenient OS, powerful processor and video card, large amount of RAM and hard drive. The model also has disadvantages. The main one is the high price.
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Price: from 22 to 40 thousand rubles.
