Games are built into the lifestyle of kids these days. As technology increases more electronics come out every year; each of them improving on old technology and creating new and exciting features for people to enjoy all over the world.
It can be a hard decision to make when deciding to buy a game console that is handheld and portable, or a non-portable game console. Portable game consoles have their own unique advantages but they also have major downfalls such as screen size and sometimes even the game quality is lacking on portable devices.
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Types Of Gaming Consoles
- Non-Portable: These are gaming consoles that are not meant to be moved. The console themselves typically don’t have any kind of display or input mechanism built into console itself.
- Portable or Handheld: These are fully self-contained gaming systems complete with screen and keyboard or joystick input mechanisms.
Non-portable consoles have really improved in recent years offering wireless gameplay, downloads, streaming and more. The quality of picture offered on these consoles is normally much better than that of a portable device, and looks great on some of the newest high definition televisions on the market today.
The big question is, which gaming console is best for your family?
When you are trying to make the difficult decision of deciding what kind of console to buy, it is important to consider what type of games you like to play. If you are allowed to play and like playing shooters, a non-portable console is going to be your best bet.
However, if you like racing games or small mini games you are going to find a ton of these available on a portable device plus you have the added bonus of being able to take your device with you and play on it wherever you want.
Buying Guide
When you really get down to the particular aspects of buying a console it can make choosing one even more difficult. It is important to see what other kids are playing; especially family friends or friends from school.
Best Gaming Console For Young Kids
Nintendo Switch – The Switch is a very versatile gaming device. It can function as a traditional console (use with a TV screen) or it can be used as a portable device (using it’s built-in touchscreen). It’s also got great parental controls integrated into the software, so it’s great for the younger ones still exploring the digital world.
Best games for the Nintendo Switch
If you get a console that no one else is using you can see how one could begin to feel a little left out and maybe even not as cool as the other kids. It is important to determine the activity of the potential user, because if they are never home or don’t like television then they probably aren’t going to enjoy a non-portable console very much.
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 to 9 hours
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
It is a good idea to check and see what kind of reviews the console has in order to get an idea of how many people like it as well as the quality of the actual console itself. It is important to give yourself some kind of a budget because depending on what kind of a budget you have you may be limited to buying certain devices.
Best Gaming Console For Tweens and Older
Xbox One S – Microsoft has been a dominant force in the video game industry with their Xbox consoles. The Xbox One S is their latest generation of consoles with all the power and sophistication to keep the teens entertained while still having lots of games for the younger crowd.
- Bundle includes: Xbox One S 1TB console, Xbox Wireless Controller, full-game download of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Deluxe Edition, 1-Month of Xbox Live Gold, a 1-Month trial of Xbox Game Pass for Console, and 1-Month of EA Access
- If purchased through Xbox All Access: Enjoy low monthly payments for 24 months, no upfront cost, access to over 100 high-quality games and online multiplayer. Plus console upgrade option
- Get the story behind the game with the Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Deluxe Edition, including a cosmetic skin for BD-1, a cosmetic skin for the Stinger Mantis, a Digital Art Book, and a “Director’s Cut” featuring behind-the-scenes videos containing over 90 minutes of footage from the making of the game
- Experience iconic and familiar planets, weapons, gear, and enemies while meeting a roster of fresh characters, locations, creatures, droids, and adversaries new to Star Wars on a galaxy-spanning adventure
- Develop your connection to the force and tap into powerful Force abilities for exploration and combat Master the iconic lightsaber in thoughtful and innovative combat
Most popular games for the Xbox One S
Buying something such as a custom built PC for yourself or your child could cost potentially thousands compared to that of a pre-built console.
Some other things you may want to take into account include things such as battery usage, quality of picture or screen resolution, what the console is compatible with ex. your television, a controller or even your internet connection.
Best Gaming Console For Teens and Adults
Playstation VR Launch Bundle – This is the simplest way to get into virtual reality today. It’s a complete system that is fully integrated. And it’s already got a great start on a games library.
- Bundle includes PlayStation VR headset, PlayStation camera, PlayStation VR Move controllers, Demo Disc 3.0 Disc, Blood & truth disc and everybody’s golf VR game voucher
- Battle through the crime-ridden London underworld as elite soldier Ryan marks in your deadliest mission yet to save your family from a ruthless criminal empire
- Step on to the course like never before in the most immersive everybody’s golf experience yet
Most Popular Games for Virtual Reality
We listed some great consoles to help give you some great information and to get you thinking about what kind of a console you would actually like to buy.