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There are many video gaming consoles on the market today. Each one is unique in terms of features, games, and capabilities. So how can you make the best choice?
Through this blog post, we will look thoroughly at the 10 top gaming consoles of all time. We will dive into each console’s specifications and contemplate the pros and cons that each console possesses. Whether you are a hardcore gamer or just getting started in the world of console gaming, this post is for you!
Let’s get started!
Xbox One
Xbox One boasts an eight-core x86 processor that can expand into 32GB of DDR3 RAM. The console boasts of a 500 GB hard drive which can be upgraded to 1 TB. It includes an 8 GB video memory unit, which you can upgrade to 12 GBs if desired. For audio support, the Xbox One uses Dolby 5.1 surround sound over HDMI or S/PDIF at 640 kbps. This console also supports 1080p display resolution. With the Xbox One, you can get online and communicate with other gamers via broadband connection or built-in WiFi. This console comes with a controller, HDMI cable, chat headset, power supply, and a one-year warranty on parts and labour.
- Pros: You can now make Skype calls directly through your Xbox One without having to buy any additional equipment or peripherals; it has dramatically improved graphics; it comes with an updated wireless controller; can be used with Kinect for hands-free navigation, and it allows you to record your gameplay.
- Cons: It has a low battery life when playing wireless, takes up more space than its predecessor, the Xbox 360, and there are not enough games available yet.
Playstation 4
Sony’s latest Playstation console is currently dominating the market. Sony has definitely made some noise with this and is certainly back in the game to stay. Like its predecessors, the PS4 offers an excellent gaming experience for casual and experienced gamers alike. Its sleek design and powerful hardware allow for high-quality, immersive gameplay packed neatly into a small frame.
- Pros: It comes with a new touchpad controller, increased blu-ray storage space, built-in WiFi, and is available for play on multiple screens within the household. Next-generation game discs can be played on this console as well as PS3! Cons: Lacks camera compatibility (for VR play), does not include Sony’s PlayStation Now streaming service, and does not support Playstation Move controllers.
- Cons: The controller is not the best. It has a small battery pack that will need to be replaced frequently, and it can have connectivity problems with some games.
The Nintendo Wii
The Nintendo Wii and Nintendo Wii U are among the most incredible gaming consoles ever made.
If you need to ask any difference between the two, this blog post will sort it out.
- Pros: Why do so many people love the Wii? Its unique console makes it unlike any other console on the market today. Gamers just have to move their controller instead of using buttons! This makes playing games much easier because you don’t have to memorize multiple button combinations. In addition, several popular Nintendo franchise games are exclusive to the Wii, such as Super Mario Galaxy and Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess. While it may not be as powerful as its competitors, there is no denying that this console offers a ton of fun regardless!
- Cons: Because of its unique design, there is very little storage space on the actual console itself. Virtual console purchases are only marketed to the Japanese market. This is important to note because over 90% of the games released on the Nintendo Wii are simply ports of Japanese titles.
Xbox 360
- Pros: Everyone knows that 3rd party games are the best titles because they tend to attract wider audiences. The Xbox 360 excels in this area because there are thousands of games made for this console by multiple developers each year. Many great exclusives are found on this console, too!
- Cons: Because of its poor ventilation design, many consoles overheat, which has caused many Xbox 360’s to break down. Although Microsoft will fix your console free of charge, you still have to ship it back and wait for your replacement.
Sega Dreamcast
- Pros: With Dreamcast, not only did you get a video game console, but you also got a full-fledged computer. The controller was futuristic and could be used as a standard controller or as a keyboard depending on the game.
- Cons: Unfortunately, the Dreamcast didn’t catch much support from gamers, and Sega discontinued it just two years after its launch.
Nintendo Wii U
- Pros: The Wii U has a ton of exclusives that you won’t find on any other console, making it an excellent choice for people who don’t want to deal with cross-platform games. It also features Miiverse, Nintendo’s version of Xbox Live, where gamers can interact with each other and share their experiences online.
- Cons: Although the Wii U has several standout titles like Super Mario Maker and Splatoon, it doesn’t have many third-party games that make or break a console. This makes the Wii U feel somewhat hollow compared to its competitors.
- Cons: While the Playstation 4 has a ton of exclusive titles that you won’t find on any other console, it’s primarily used as a gaming machine and not much else. Its premium exclusives and ability to play games in 1080p/60fps are the major selling points of this device. This is great if you only plan to use your console for gaming, but look elsewhere if you want something with more versatility.
PlayStation 3 Console
- Pros: When it comes to consoles, two things really matter – graphics and games. And boy, oh boy, this machine does have both of those! The Playstation 3’s libraries are full of exclusive titles that you simply can’t find anywhere else, which makes it a dream come true for gamers who want the best experience possible.
- Cons: Although it has better specifications than other 7th generation consoles, Xbox 360 and Wii, its extreme focus on being an online hub proved its downfall as Sony made the mistake of charging customers for playing multiplayer games. Luckily, these issues were resolved by adding free online connectivity support in later firmware updates.
Nintendo GameCube (2001)
- Pros: The console design looked like some kind of insect. It was also relatively small, which makes it easy for gamers to carry around and play on the go. Some retro gamers consider Nintendo GameCube a system with lots of potential but failed to deliver it due to poor 3rd party support and a shortage of good first-party titles. This is not surprising considering Nintendo had terrible relations with EA game publishers back then, even though they published many video games for the Nintendo 64 console.
- Cons:Lacks online connectivity support, only has 2 USB ports, no hard disk drive support, etc. Also wasn’t very powerful compared to its rivals, PlayStation 2 and Xbox, at the time. However, the Mario maker game released in 2015 for this console has rejuvenated interest in Nintendo GameCube.
Sega Megadrive / Genesis
Genesis, known as Mega Drive in regions outside of North America, is a 16-bit video game console developed by Sega. In the countries where Mega Drive was released, many people still call it just Genesis, which is the name of the American version of this console. Later on, there were other versions like Sega Mega Drive II and Master System II, but they were not that popular due to the high price and lack of games for this old machine.
- Pros: Considered by most retro gamers to be the second-best video game system ever made. It had great 3rd party support, including Capcom, Konami, Acclaim Entertainment, etc. Also, one of the first consoles to have an add-on device called Genesis CDX, which was a combination of Genesis and CD-ROM drive.
- Cons: There were only two versions of the console. This is often considered a disadvantage by some retro gamers who believe that there should have been another more advanced version, including a Sega 32X add-on device with 64-bit architecture, something similar to what Sega did with the Saturn video game console.
Atari 2600
Price: $199.99 (1977)
The Atari 2600 was released on September 11, 1977, and it retailed for $199.99. For the first time, video games could be played at home without the need to spend a bundle of money on arcade machines to play them at all hours of the day and night. The console was such a success that over 30 years later, handheld versions are still being produced! During its time, this console boasted having 7 of the top 10 selling games of all time – even though few people owned one due to their high price tag! Games were originally played using joysticks, simple buttons, and no directional pad like many today (think Nintendo DS).
- Pros: Used interchangeable cartridges so many different games could be played on one console. Games were also very easy to port from arcade machines such as Space Invaders and Defender. It was considered by most retro gamers to be the best console ever made since it was the first proper home video game system ever created. The handmade quality of each unit makes each one almost unique unto itself – which you don’t see with modern consoles!
- Cons: Costly at its time of release. Only two controllers can be attached to the multiplayer games unit, limiting some game types (e.g., first-person shooters).
Conclusion
Consoles will come and go, but certain classic ones redefined gaming in the era they were launched!
There are a variety of consoles to choose from today; I hope this article helps you choose the one you like!