In several short months the next generation of console gaming (Sorry Wii-U, you don’t count) will be upon us and like every good little boy or girl you’re prbably wondering; Which system should you get and why. There’s no doubt about it, it’s a perplexing decision and since we’re talking about your hard earned money here, well unless you’re either well off ,your parent’s or significant other is getting for you then you’re going to want to sit down a spell and see what’s best for you.
And of course I am or was in the same spot as you, but we’ll get back to me later, lets talk about you right now. So you want to know which is best for you and why. Alright, what type of gaming do you like? Do you already have a current generation console? Is either the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One a “Must” have for you? Can you afford them? If you didn’t ask yourself those questions then it’s ok, I did the thinking for you. So let’s see;
Q: What type of gaming do you like?
A: Well let’s lay it all on the table shall we? On the PlayStation 4 end of things you have Killzone: ShadowFall (FPS), Drive Club (Arcade Racer), Knack (Platformer), DC Universe (MMO) and Warframe (Action / FPS). Now I don’t know about you but other than Killzone and Driveclub, the other offerings seem kind of weak especially since DC Universe is already available on the PC / PS3 and Warframe is currently available on the PC. So that drops the available offering to 3 titles *Unless you don’t have / didn’t play the multi-system offerings.
On the Xbox One side we have Forza Motorsports 5 (Arcade / Sim Racer), Killer Instinct (Fighter) Dead Rising 3 (Action / Adventure), Ryse (Action / Adventure) Kinect Sports Rivals (Sports) and LocoCycle (Racing). All exclusive to the Xbox One but then again only 2 or 3 of them are viable, a crap shoot once again. Yes I know I didn’t include any multi-platform games and why would I? Since they’re available for both systems what is the point of mentioning them? So what you see is what you get on day and probably until 2014, are these games enough to tide you over util then?
Q: Do you already have a current generation console?
A: This is perhaps the single most important question and one that you should ponder the most. Why? Simple; Just about every 3rd party gaming coming out the PS4 and Xbox One are also coming out for the PS3, Xbox 360 and even the Wii-U, so why would you run out and burn anywhere up to $500 or more on a newer system while you could get the same title/s and something else for your time or even put that money away for system else at a later date. In fact some would agrue that several games that are launch on current generation consoles should have made the just to the next generation already or exclusive to them, Gran Turismo 6 and Destiny I’m looking at you. TLDR; of you can wait then wait. There’s no reason to rush out and procure the next-gen unless you want them or they have something you want to play.
Q: Can you afford them?
A: Please for the love of the gaming Gods, do not kill your wallets or purses trying to make the jump to next-gen console gaming. Sure I love gaming as much as the next person but if you can’t afford or you’re thinking about putting off some bills to get some consoles then perhaps you should re-think your priorities. Sure the PS4 is only $100 cheaper than the Xbox One but that’s still $400 and that’s not counting games, extra controllers and a PSN subscription (Why Sony, WHY?).
Q: Is either console a “Must” have?
A: Let’s be 100% honest here, are either one of these consoles must have? Well if you’re already gotten rid of your current generation console and all it’s games (well the new stuff ain’t backwards compatible so why save em?) then the answer is more clean cut; Yes you do unless you’ve either gone PC gaming only or stop gaming on consoles completely. Otherwise neither console is a “Must” have. Now now, let’s not get violent here, I didn’t say don’t get either system I merely saying that perhaps it may be better to hold off until 2014 when the good stuff drops. Perhaps even longer since there’s no sign that either Microsoft or Sony will be abandoning the PS3 or Xbox 360 anytime soon. Ultimately that’s a decision that you’ll have to make.
So back to me since I said I’d tell you what my next-gen console plans are. Initially I was going to get just the PlayStation 4 but then they announced Killer Instinct and I’ve been a huge Killer Instinct fan since I worked at an arcade many many moons ago. That and despite what a certain someone would otherwise tell you, I do love playing Forza and the next-gen version looks amazing. So I did what any gamer would do; I put down money on both! Simple enough, every paycheck (since I’m no where near rich or well off) I put down $50-$100 and that adds up fast and works out better for me in the long run. I implore anyone else out there who’s also thinking a next-gen console to do the same, it’s easier on the bank account AND it gives you time to think about if you really want these consoles. Heck I may even drop one of both of them …. or not, well since I can’t thanks to two certain companies not bringing certain games to the PC; Destiny and The Division.
The next-generation is coming, are you prepared for the onslaught? Are you?
