How to choose a game console
When choosing a console, the brand is not the key criterion. We'll tell you what to pay attention to below.
- Execution form factor. All game consoles can be divided into stationary and portable. Stationary ones are powered by a 220V network, connect to a TV and act as a multimedia center. They have the best technical characteristics, provide excellent picture and sound and support cutting-edge games. Portable consoles are less technically equipped, the graphics are not as advanced, and they do not play all games. However, they can be played anywhere, without being tied to a power outlet.
- Games. This is what the console is actually purchased for. Each manufacturer has its own exclusive games, for example, The Last Of Us on PlayStation, Gears of War on Xbox. Nintendo has the most exclusive projects. It is worth noting that Xbox games are gradually coming out on Windows, so there is little point in buying this console for owners of gaming PCs.
- Subscriptions. To save money, you can buy a subscription rather than a separate game. This is a moderate monthly fee for the opportunity to use an extensive catalog of games. The best offer here is from Xbox - there are a lot of games in the subscription, and they are interesting.
- Specifications. For a modern game console, the minimum amount of memory is 500 GB. Many models support the possibility of its expansion. In terms of performance, the most powerful is the Xbox One X (6 teraflops), for comparison, the Nintendo Switch has 1 teraflops. In terms of sound quality, Sony consoles are an outsider, although they promise to correct this failure in the new, 5th generation.
- Multimedia capabilities. It was said above that stationary set-top boxes are a multimedia center. Consoles from Sony and Microsoft are good in this regard: in addition to games, they play audio and movies. Nintendo lags behind in this regard and only offers to play.
The best Sony PlayStation consoles
The rating of game consoles is opened by the Playstation, which has been popular since the 90s. They captivate with an abundance of exclusive games that other devices do not support. Let's look at the best TV set-top boxes from Sony in 2021.
Sony PlayStation 4 Pro
SonyPlastation 4 Pro is Sony's best console at the moment. It supports virtual reality, 3D and is capable of displaying images at a maximum resolution of 4K with HDR mode, which increases dynamic contrast. The model received an 8-core AMD processor, 8 GB of memory and 1 TB of memory. Connection to the Internet is carried out via a LAN output or via Wi-Fi ac, that is, in the frequencies of 2.4 or 5 GHz. The device is capable of reading Blu-ray discs, has 3 USB outputs, an optical audio output and HDMI for connecting to a TV.
Advantages:
- excellent image quality with high FPS;
- many exclusive games;
- VR and 3D support;
- convenient remote control.
Flaws:
- games from previous generation consoles are not supported;
- quite noisy.
Customer Reviews
Name hidden This is my first console since Sega and Dandy. There are a lot of emotions, the graphics in GoW are beautiful. Thanks to Sony for the opportunity to plunge into the world of gaming as in my student years.
Anton Petrov Compared to PS 4, there are several important and minor differences. The differences in graphics are noticeable when you have a 4K TV (preferably with HDR). Much has been said about the biggest differences. I will tell you those minor differences for those who doubt whether to switch or not. The quality of materials has improved: physical buttons on the console itself instead of touch ones (sometimes triggering falsely), the quality of the plastic of the new joystick (tactile sensations, material of levers). The console works faster in the menu. In addition, the Wi-Fi receiver is in ac format - Wi-Fi speed has become noticeably higher.
Sony PlayStation 4 Slim 1 TB
This model is a simplified version of the Pro version. It has a more affordable price, displays images in maximum FHD resolution and offers smaller sizes. Like the older device, it can work with VR glasses and is designed to play 3D content. Compared to the regular PS4, this model has the ability to use the gamepad while charging it from USB.
Advantages:
- the most inexpensive in the line;
- compact dimensions;
- slight heating.
Flaws:
- games from previous lines are not suitable.
Customer Reviews
Alexander Excellent curling iron, I had an xbox one, now I’ll say that the curling iron is better... Cool games included (I went through DEDRROIT 4 times, it’s very addictive).
Vasily G. I bought it exclusively for completing exclusives; for everything else I have a good PC. And the exclusives on this console are worth it!
Sony PlayStation 3 Super Slim 500 GB
Despite the fact that this model was introduced in 2012, it still remains relevant 8 years later. A super-compact, stylish case and reduced power consumption are the main differences between this version and others in the PS3 series. The cooling system is quiet, the only source of noise is the drive. This is due to the design features (there is no usual slot-type optical drive). The graphics are modest by modern standards, the maximum resolution is HD, but overall they look acceptable. Memory 500 GB, can be expanded if desired. Users note the convenience of the gamepad: it fits well in the hand, the buttons are located logically. There is DLNA support. The optical drive can play DVDs and Blu-Ray discs. Has its own internet browser. Overall, this is a good set-top box at an affordable price, but without a reserve of relevance for the future.
Pros:
- many exclusive games;
- compact body;
- fairly quiet operation;
- low energy consumption;
- convenient gamepad;
- multimedia center capabilities: you can watch movies, go online, listen to music.
Minuses:
- the cost could be lower taking into account the year of manufacture;
- expensive games;
- does not read all video formats;
- The glossy inserts on the case are very easily soiled.
Customer Reviews
Alexander G. Of course, compared to 4, the graphics are inferior, but it’s not critical to me, everything is still very cool. For company or relaxing with a beer, it’s the best thing, I generally play all kinds of mortal kombat with my wife)) I’ll say this, I don’t know about the noise like the previous one, but the slim is adequate, doesn’t make much noise, I don’t hear the drive at all, the build quality is pleasing. Pleasant to the touch , wireless joysticks, just some kind of childish joy, I just didn’t have this as a child, so I don’t know this impression, but the toy will be a toy for an adult too