Post by Brandon F. 

I am here to give you the skinny on what gaming system will best fit your wants and needs. I will be breaking down the numerous facets of each system in simple terms that will give you the information that you need. No confusing technical jargon to be found here!

The Nintendo Switch

Here we start with the granddaddy of all video games. If it were not for Nintendo, we would not have video games as we know it now. So what does their latest system, the Nintendo Switch, have to offer?

• Graphics: The Switch comes in last place among the new consoles and it could best be thought of as a Playstation 3.5 as far as visual performance goes. However, Nintendo has mastered artistic design and you will be still be in awe of the majestic fields of Hyrule and any graphical worries will be left behind. You will also be getting High-Definition resolution in both docked and portable mode but don’t expect to find 4K resolution here.
• Gimmick: Since the dawn of the Atari, gamers have wanted a console gaming experience that they can take on the go, and Nintendo has finally delivered on that dream. The Nintendo Switch sits inside a dock which is constantly connected to your TV Simply drop the Switch in for instant TV play and pick it back up and take it wherever your heart desires for a great portable experience. Be warned though that this is purely a gaming system. Streaming services such as Hulu are available for the system but do not expect any physical or Blu-ray support.
• Cost: The Nintendo Switch has debuted at a respectable cost of $299.99. Considering that the system comes with two controllers, this a great deal. Don’t expect any price drops soon as the system has been selling incredibly well.
• Games: The Switch has only been out for a year, but what a year it has been! Three game of the year contenders come from the Switch family and two of those are also in contention for best game ever. Both new iterations from the Super Mario and Legend of Zelda franchises are absolute masterpieces that will provide you with an unrivaled experience in the open-world/adventure genre. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is no slouch itself with a compelling storyline and endearing characters that will give you at least 50 hours of gameplay. As time goes on, you will only have more and more to choose from when it comes to the Switch library.
• Final Verdict: If you are a gamer first, with a love for the classics, the Nintendo Switch is for you with its killer first party games and portability.

The Playstation 4 Pro

• Graphics: The PS4 comes in at a very strong second behind the Xbox One and way ahead of the Nintendo Switch. With the PS4 Pro you are going to get games that have great graphic fidelity and can handle numerous on screen interactions at once. Thousands of characters can be on screen at once with little to no slowdown! When fighting a giant robotic dinosaur in Horizon Zero Dawn, you will see each individual cog and gear moving. That is how much detail can be presented with the power of the PS4 Pro.
• Gimmick: The PS4 is the only home console to feature a high-end Virtual Reality Headset. The Playstation VR truly puts you into the game with a complete 360 degree field of vision and full depth perception. Have you ever dreamed of flying an X-Wing from Star Wars? With the Playstation VR, that dream becomes reality. You will also find the ability to watch all of your Blu-ray movies and DVDS on the PS4 Pro and as well 4K streaming through services such as Netflix and Hulu. I must emphasize that 4K can only be utilized through streaming as there is no 4K disc support on the PS4 Pro.
• Cost: The Playstation 4 Pro currently sits at $399.99 for the standard 1 Terabyte model which comes with one controller. You can get the standard non-pro model of the PS4 for $299.99 but you will be missing out on 4K support and improved performance when it comes to gaming.
• Games: The PS4 currently has the largest number of system exclusive games when compared to the other two console competitors. Seven of these exclusives also currently hold a Metacritic score of 90 or higher, which reflects the top notch quality you can expect from the PS4 library. You can expect Hollywood quality storytelling and voice acting that will truly immerse you into the experience. Lose yourself into the Sengoku Period of Japan while battling your way through Nioh. Roam a future version of Colorado where robotic creatures rule the land in Horizon Zero Dawn. Hunt for ancient treasure in the deepest depths of the jungles of Madagascar in Uncharted 4. The days of being impressed by the beeps and boops of Pong are long gone. You are in the game now.
• ●Final Verdict: If you want the largest variety of great exclusive games then the PS4 Pro is for you. You can also look forward to a full entertainment system that will cover your movie and TV playing needs along with the capability to experience Virtual Reality!

Xbox One X

• Graphics: Here is the king of visual presentation. Not only does the Xbox One X have the strongest processor under the hood, it also features full 4K support, includeing 4K discs. Video game developers who create a game for both the Xbox and PS4 might not take advantage of the former’s full capability, but exclusive games such as Forza and Halo will bring a visual splendor unlike anything you have seen before.
• Gimmick: Power, power and more power. The Xbox One X is the most beastly of the consoles when it comes to what is running under the hood. Combining its processor with the ability to play 4K discs makes it leagues above the other systems. I must say though that you won’t see much visual difference for games that come out for both the Xbox and the Playstation. Game developers have to create a game that can run smoothly for both systems and they tend to adapt to the system with lesser graphical capability. Your system exclusives sure will look great though, as well your 4K movies.
• Cost: Here is the part that hurts. The Xbox One X currently sits at $499.99. It has the most advanced tech out of all of the home consoles and you are most certainly paying for it. The much more affordable Xbox One Slim can be found for $199.99 but you will be missing out on the increased graphic fidelity and the bells and whistles that the X model features.
• Games: The Xbox One X unfortunately does not have the quantity of quality exclusives the PS4 has, nor does it have the best game ever contenders like the Switch; however, this does not mean that the Xbox is without some fantastic games. Cuphead was a fantastic title that came out this year, which was made completely by hand drawn animation reminiscent of the old Walt Disney Cartoons. The visuals then get cranked up to 11 with Forza Horizon 3. This racing game will take you on an adrenaline fueled journey through the beautiful vistas of Australia. True 4K resolution was added on January 15th 2018, so you can truly feel the speed as you are racing at over 170 miles per hour. To wrap it up, you have Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds. Simply think of the Hunger Games in video game form, and you will have the right idea. Will you be the last one standing?
• Final Verdict: If you are the tech junkie who loves having the newest and shiniest toys, the Xbox One X is for you. You will have the most powerful console on the market and a true treasure to show off to friends and family. However, I would only recommend the X model of the system if you have a 4K TV that can take advantage of the system’s true potential. Otherwise, I must recommend you go for the far cheaper Slim model.

  Let us know in the comments which gaming system is your favorite! 

Sources

MetaCritic PS4 overview

MetaCritic PS4 overview

MetaCritic PS4 overview