Comparison of video game consoles 2024: Product Analysis of the best options on the market – It all started in 1952 with a video game called “Tic-Tac-Toe” created by Professor AS Douglas at the University of Cambridge. Ten years later, it was the turn of “Spacewar!”, which introduced multiplayer mode into the equation and became a reference for developers at the time, until, in 1972, Atari presented “Pong”, the first video game. arcade that was truly successful in commercial terms.
Since then, consoles and video games have experienced exponential technological growth and, today, the global video game console and video game industry moves around €150 billion a year. Do you want to know which consoles are best rated by reviews from players and experts in 2021? Stay and read our comparison and discover the best options on the market.
What are the Video Game Consoles?
An online game console is a laptop device designed for viewing and gambling interactive videos. The game console works similarly to a PC and is built with the same essential components, including the central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), and random access memory (RAM). However, to reduce the final price, most video game console manufacturers use more basic processors than those installed in computers.
These machines have come a long way since the early days of Pong and Pac-man. We can now play interactive games with stunning 3D graphics from our couch, but this hasn’t always been the case. In a way, the aggressive competition between video game console companies has led to the excellent quality we see in these devices today.
Advantages and fields of application of video game consoles
What types of video game consoles exist?
Domestic
Best video game consolesHome video game consoles are the classic game console standard. They were the first to appear on the market and, since then, they have been transformed to adapt to the needs of gamers. Since the first generation of video game consoles, led by the legendary Magnavox Odyssey, these machines have provided numerous hours of fun to players from all corners of the planet. Since then, video game consoles have been grouped into generations (based on the technology they share in common), which last for approximately six years each.
Its operation is relatively simple: the game console is designed to connect to a display device, such as a television, and an external power source. Once connected, we choose the game and control it using the controls or other control devices.
Laptops
These consoles are, in the opinion of many players, great allies to enjoy their favorite games. They are light, and compact and allow you to play wherever and whenever you want. In addition, we are witnessing how they increasingly integrate better controls, a wider range of games, and improved graphics, which makes them the favorite option for young and old alike.
Hybrid
As can be deduced from its name, a hybrid video game console has dual behavior. And no, we are not talking about the wave-corpuscle duality of its light, but about the ability to adapt to the domestic environment or transform into a portable video game console when you need it. Sounds good right?
At the moment, and despite the fact that many argue that hybrid models have existed in the past (such as the Sega Nomad and the PlayStation Portable), the Nintendo Switch is considered the first and only hybrid video game console on the market since it was introduced in 2017. It is not surprising that, with these tempting features, it is positioning itself as one of the most demanded and best-valued alternatives by the opinions of players. Of course, it is expected that in 2021, Steam will launch its own hybrid console on the market.
Main brands and alternatives
Video game consoles have become essential for many of us, but they are devices that require a considerable outlay and each one offers something slightly different from its competitors, whether it is graphical power, design, or the availability of games. All of this can be confusing if you’re not an experienced gamer, but we have the solution. In this section of the comparison, we have prepared a selection of the best video game consoles of the moment according to the opinions and reviews of experts and players.
Nintendo Switch Lite
The Nintendo Switch Lite is a portable video game console that stands out among the competition for being one of the best entertainment devices on the market. Plus, it’s perfect for all ages, not just kids, something that has been a key component to its success. Its system runs for up to seven hours on a single battery charge, which means long sessions of fun, and its portable nature allows you to take it wherever you want and play anywhere (individually or in a group of up to eight players). As for its aesthetics, it is a compact-looking console with very fun colors.
On the other hand, some reviews and opinions comment that the games do not work as well as on the hybrid Switch version, something that apparently can be easily solved by getting external controllers. Even so, this machine has thousands of positive opinions that place it as the best option among portable video game consoles.
PlayStation 4 (PS4)
Due to the current lack of stock at the time of writing, we are including the Play Station 4 instead of the brand-new Play Station 5. If you are interested in a console that has a large catalog of exclusive games or want to play in reality mode, the PlayStation 4, or PS4, is a magnificent investment and cheaper than the new version. Like the Nintendo Switch, this video game console has a varied offering for players of all ages with incredible graphics and guaranteed fun. Although, far from remaining a simple console, the PS4 goes beyond video games and allows you to access applications such as YouTube or Netflix, in addition to offering you the possibility of downloading music and movies, as well as playing DVDs and Blu-Ray. It also has a 500 GB hard drive (expandable), Wi-Fi, and an optional camera accessory.
In short, this machine is packed with interesting features, integrates excellent hardware, and ensures hours of entertainment for the whole family. This is how we have been able to contrast it with the opinions and reviews of users who are already enjoying it in their homes.
Xbox Series S
The Xbox Series S is a console with powerful performance and a very elegant design that, in our opinion, fits perfectly with the gaming needs of the youngest. Proof of this is its quick resume function, which allows you to jump between multiple games instantly in the same session. Its budget is also a little more affordable than other video game consoles in the same range, which makes it the best option for those who are starting out in the gaming world.
Despite its great features, some reviews that players have shared point to limited backward compatibility and a limited hard drive that fills up quite quickly.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console; On the one hand, it can be used as a standard console and, in turn, it can be transformed into a portable device. With this premise, the brand is betting on the Nintendo Switch to become the only console you will need wherever you are. This new concept of video game console is sweeping gamers and its success is not surprising, as it offers an exceptional level of portable graphic quality, while converting seamlessly into a home console.
However, this incredible versatility, some user reviews say, sometimes compromises the power and functionality of the machine compared to specialized consoles.
Advantages and disadvantages of video game consoles
Video games are often at the forefront of computer technology and have been a part of our culture for the last few decades, but let’s face it, it’s not all about advantages. Although these machines have many of the best opinions when it comes to entertainment devices, they also have a dark side that we will tell you about right away. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of video game consoles!
Advantages
- They offer entertainment and fun.
- They help improve visual ability.
- They sharpen motor reflexes.
- Playing video game consoles helps reduce the brain’s response to physical pain.
- They can help improve mood and anxiety.
- They boost some cognitive functions, such as memory and decision-making.
- They promote social relationships by connecting with other players.
- Certain games are instructive.
Disadvantages
- They could create addiction if used irresponsibly.
- Sometimes, video game consoles contribute to social isolation.
- They promote a sedentary lifestyle and obesity.
- In the case of improper use, they can cause stress to the player.
- Due to their ability to create addiction, they can reduce performance in other personal areas.
- Video game consoles become obsolete in a relatively short time.
- They are not accessible for all budgets.
Purchase criteria
Portability
We start with the most obvious criterion, but also the one that will have the most impact on your gaming experience. Do you plan to use the video game console at home or perhaps you are looking for a machine that allows you to move freely and play in your free time from anywhere?
Home consoles, when using a screen or monitor, usually offer a much more interactive and immersive gaming experience, but they have several handicaps: they depend on an energy source, they are bulkier, they require a display device and their price is usually higher than that of portable consoles. The latter, for their part, allow you to play alone or in a group from anywhere. Its graphics have seen a dramatic improvement in the last decade, as has its battery life, which can now reach up to seven hours on some models.
Game catalog
Games are the purchasing criterion par excellence when making a comparison between different video game consoles. Each manufacturer has a certain number of exclusive titles that are only available for their respective machines. Therefore, it is important to consider which big game franchises are most attractive or which exclusive platforms interest you the most. In short: it is important to determine what games you want to have and go for the consoles that are compatible with them.
Image quality
This may not be an exclusive criterion for many gamers, but if you want to take advantage of the imaging technology of your 4K or ultra-high-definition television, do not lose sight of what image quality the game console offers.
It can be said that practically all console models on the market offer decent graphics today, however, some video game consoles work with hyper-realistic graphics that are any gamer‘s dream. That’s where the difference is made and the gaming experience is elevated from a simple game to something much more powerful. So, in our opinion, if you have the right equipment and like to experience strong emotions, this is a factor you should carefully consider.
Alternatives to a video game console
There is no doubt that the video game console is, par excellence and in my opinion, the star gamer product. However, in this section of the comparison, we want to offer you some alternatives so that you never lack the best fun.
To begin with, some users like to play games on their desktops and laptops. This option has become very popular in recent years, to the point that gaming accessories focused on improving the gaming experience have appeared, such as chairs, keyboards, mice, or gaming monitors. Of course, you can also play on the tablet which, although it may not provide you with the ergonomics of a portable console, will provide you with great doses of entertainment. And we cannot forget the mobile phone, whether Android or iOS, which offers an ever-growing and more improved repertoire of games.
