Believe it or not, it has been slightly less than a decade since we have new game consoles available from all the major players (no pun intended) including a bunch of viable options to join them. Each entry here has a myriad of features included that seek to make these devices more than just the platforms we play video games on, but rather the answer to all of our entertainment needs. Whether it is surfing the web or YouTube, watching movies and shows on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Video, or maybe actually playing video games, these entries are prepped to do it all.
Thus with all the options at your disposal, we thought that we would make a list of what we thought were some of the best options for you to consider. These are the top gaming devices to buy for the 2013 holiday season.
Xbox One
Despite being the most expensive of the new generation of consoles, it perhaps has the most features depending on how you view it. The Xbox One is a beast, with plenty of processing power to handle switching between games and apps with ease. With a large hard drive out the box, 8GB of RAM, and an 8 core processor, this thing is prepared to handle anything you can throw at it. Microsoft has designed the Xbox One to be the one stop shop for your living room complete with BluRay capability, ESPN integration, and a bunch of apps to keep you entertained when your not playing games. Speaking of games, Xbox Live is still the most developed online experience for multi-player games and social interaction. Add that to exclusives like Dead Rising 3, and Forza Motorsport 5 and you have a solid purchase for yourself or a loved one.
Price: $499.99
PlayStation 4
The only other console on par with the one mentioned above, or perhaps better once again depending on your perspective. The PlayStation 4 is a an amazing console to own featuring fantastic features for entertainment in all avenues. You have the same group of internet apps you would expect to find to satisfy your thirst for shows and movies, in addition to BluRay backed by a tremendous monster of specs under the hood to keep you set for the next 10 years. Additionally, you have Sony’s Unlimited Music Service and expansive library of films. PlayStation Plus offers the best value for the services it provides when compared to Xbox Live. Free games, and great discounts, in addition to an ever growing indie game friendly culture are rounded out by exclusive titles from the big boys like Killzone Shadow Fall, remote play with the PlayStation Vita, and you have the complete package through and through.
Price: $399.99
Nvidia SHIELD
NVIDIA Shield is in a league of its own clearly. Take dual analog sticks, a 5-inch multi-touch screen, and then throw in 8 buttons on the controller size game pad for good measure. It runs stock Android 4.2.1(upgrade now to 4.3) so that it plays Android games but wait there’s more! Let’s also add wireless PC game streaming because it’s frankly an amazing feature to have. Finally, let’s top it off with features like Twitter and Gmail and then we pretty much have the reasons why you can’t go wrong with this purchase.
Price: $299.99
Nintendo 3DS XL
The Nintendo DS family is the undisputed Monarchy of the handheld gaming world and the biggest one of the family (literally) is the 3DS XL. Bigger screen, bigger battery, and bigger price, the 3DS XL just doesn’t do small. Steroscopic 3D in full effect here as well as the rest of the cool features found in the OG 3DS. Take for instance StreetPass and the Mii Plaza, as well as the Nintendo eShop for free games and interacting with other DS owners. With smash hits like the recently released The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Two Worlds, and a whole library of quality games, the 3DS XL is the best gaming handheld you can purchase. If the price isn’t your cup of tea, then look no further than at the next entry.
Price: $199.99
Nintendo 2DS
In the same DS family, this latest entry was questioned by many but actually has a bunch of cool merits to it. The Nintendo 2DS basically does everything the 3DS or 3DSXL does minus the Steroscopic 3D and the clam shell design. The loss of 3D is not always something you will miss especially if your planning to gift this handheld to a child. The 3D affect has been known to sometimes cause headaches and is not recommended in large doses for developing eyes. Save the children… and save some money while your at it, because this baby is the least expensive of the family. It’s also the least stylish but that is forgivable when you still get to play all the same great 3DS games that you can on the big brothers.
MOGA Pro Power Controller
Last but certainly not least, we round this guide off with the best controller for mobile devices on the market. Why is this a great purchase? Well in case you missed our review allow me to recap the finer points. A console size controller complete with analog sticks, trigger and face buttons similar to an Xbox 360 controller equipped to hold the Android smart phone of your choice. Couple that with the ability to charge your phone while playing, easy setup, and an ever growing library of supporting games like the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto San Andreas, and you have the best of the best. Not to mention, the price is pretty sweet too.
