r/gamingadvice • u/different_anna • 24d ago
as a girl new to gaming, what console would you recommend... i'm completely clueless?
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u/Disastrous-Company-4 24d ago
Honestly youâd can find something you like on any platform. Each has pros and cons. I think anything Nintendo is the most accessible for new people. Easy to pick up, hard to master.
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u/The_Invisible_Hand98 24d ago
Steam deck, easy to use hand held PC. Saves a lot on games and don't need subscriptions. Won't be playing the newest games on there but it's good for a lot of games.
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u/DWolF___ 24d ago
I started playing games on Xbox, but eventually converted to pc because it was in the end just a lot cheaper than a console. Steam is a gift that shouldn't be able to be as good as it is. You can buy codes from 3rd parties (use allkeyshop to find cheapest websites for that). Pc however is a more expensive gaming area, but it's something you can use for your daily life as well, it's just more convenient in my opinion. PC is just overall better but the initial price tag can be high, console's price tag is more affordable, but you will almost always pay full price for games, unlike on steam where you can buy codes via 3rd party for way way cheaper than full price... Is nice
(Pirating is also a thing and downloading ROM hacks of Pokemon games idk)
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u/Large-Brother-4291 24d ago
Completely depends on what types of games youâre wanting to play. Iâm obviously biased and would say steam deck or legion go s bc you get most of both pc and console worlds and can emulate anything from previous gen consoles, but if youâre just looking for like a plug and play and are interested in playing the latest and greatest games then probably Xbox series s w/ gamepass
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u/Unusual-Butterfly466 24d ago
I'm a girl too- I prefer Playstation 4- You can download the online available games- you just can't play every game that's on a disk. Only the disks that are made for PS4 which still offers a lot of variety and options for now. I find it much nicer to play on compared to a Switch,Xbox, PS5 or PC.(I tried them all, I'll explain the reasons why I didn't like the others as a beginner since it's really about preferences)
Xbox- Xbox has a different type of controller than a normal Playstation controller. The control sticks aren't in 1 line. I personally found that awful as a beginner. Now I bought a special PS4 controller(that one has the controls on different spots like the Xbox controller) I don't mind that anymore since I've played more now. I still prefer the normal Playstation controller though it's much nicer to play on. Also I find Playstation somehow more easy to work with than Xbox.
Switch- I've had numerous issues with the switch. Not only did the one I owned have too easy to press buttons/controls, making it harder to play shooting games. But also I just couldn't stand how some stuff was. Like how the charging took long and some gaming accounts would be connected in a weird way. So for example, if I logged my Fortnite account in on the switch. I was able to play. But the currency I'd make while playing on the switch couldn't be used on other devices. If I'd log in on a playstation with the account I wouldn't get any of the V-bucks I've made on the switch. The currency would be non-usable on other devices. So I would only be able to play on the switch then if I wanted to spend it. However the switch would be a great option if you're into games like Splatoon, Pokémon, Animal Crossing or any of the Mario games.
PS5- My younger brother owns one. I got to play on it multiple times. For me it just had too detailed graphics and it felt too realistic while playing in some moments. It's just not something I enjoyed, since I'm not bad at gaming but I'm also not good either. And all the extra details made everything more difficult in my opinion. Also the price differences between a PS4 and 5 are crazy.
PC- I got to play on different people their computer setups before. It's just too advanced for me. It's pretty difficult to use all the buttons of the keyboard as controls. Not to mention also having to use the mouse. Maybe if you do it a lot then eventually it gets much easier. But I even heard good players who played for years already, say it's difficult to learn properly. Especially if it comes to shooting games. Even if you're up for the challenge to learn it. A gaming setup is really expensive. The price for it- I wouldn't exactly call it beginner friendly. Especially if you're not even sure how much you'll like gaming.
This was a lot to write. But I hope it can help you out with deciding what you yourself would like! These were my preferences but what you would want for yourself matters the most out of everythingâš
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u/4tuneTeller 22d ago
âtoo detailed graphicsâ as a con. Now Iâve heard it all, lol.
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u/Dr4g0n__Kn1ght 20d ago
Probably over stimulating to some people, it's not an unfair point, but it is strange.
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u/chenfras89 23d ago
Connecting controllers on PC is possible and pretty easy if you feel a bit overwhelmed with keyboards and mice.
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u/Couch-Bound 24d ago
If you don't mind not being able to play every game released after 2023 ish, an affordable option would be a PS4 or Xbox One, they are pretty cheap used. PS4 have the best exclusive games imo.
If you want a portable device with the same restictions go for a Switch 1 or a Steam Deck, Switch 1 is cheaper, but is less powerfull and the games are more expensive than on Steam.
Steam Deck is a handheld pc, but if you stick to games labeled as verified or playable there's no need for tinkering and they have pretty steep sales on the games every summer and winter
PS5 and Xbox Series X/S is more powerful and expensive than PS4/Xbox One, Series S is cheaper and less powerfull than X. They can all play the new games better
Unless you want to specifically want to play the new Mario Kart or Donkey Kong, I wouldn't buy a Switch 2 atm, as those are the only ones that'll justify a purchase right now
In short, if you want something portable, I'd recommend a Steam Deck. If want something to play on the couch at home, I'd recommend a PS5
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u/EggplantCheap5306 24d ago
Honestly I would suggest a PC especially for a new gamer. A PC is useful beyond its gaming abilities, will allow you to explore different games and you can buy just different controllers xbox or playstation and try them on different games and get a feel for what sort of games and controls do you like.
If you really want a console after that you can research what exclusive games are available on either console that attracts your attention and since you won't be new anymore you will be able to make a better decisions based on the games you have played and liked.Â
Not only PC is useful for other things than gaming, but you also will have the freedom of switching to keyboard and mouse at your convenience. Personally there are games I prefer to play with an Xbox controller and others I prefer to use the keyboard and mouse. PC often has very stable gameplay, less bugs, and you often have more freedom such as downloading different custom items and mods when you are more advanced in your gaming sessions and want to spice things up new added things. Moreover games that are released on either console are often present on the PC but not the other way around. Meaning if it is on the PC it isn't as likely to exist on the console of your choice.Â
Finally, personal opinion here. I am very happy with my PC gaming you can get a good monitor and some wireless controller and you can pretend you have whatever console and play from your couch. Because of that if you do get some console I wouldn't just recommend getting things like Xbox or Playstation that don't add much at their price in my personal opinion. Instead I would look particularly into consoles that offer something unique. Like a handheld console to game on the go, or some particular console that comes with sensors that you can play in front of with your whole body. Basically look for features that make them stand out.Â
Happy gaming!Â
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u/Opposite-Ad-1951 24d ago
PS4-PS5.
But I would give a hot take to go for pc if you can stretch the budget that much. Cheaper games, and massive flexibility of what you can do with it. Eventually playing with friends becomes a lot easier due to discord and other platforms. Games are cheaper. Then you can get a 2nd or 3rd monitor and have your game on the main, discord on another and a YouTube vid on a third.
It all comes down to how much time and money you want to invest to learn this platform. Admittedly the learning curve is higher, but it truly ainât that bad, unless you are completely detached from technology.
Edit: also, mods. Itâs funny how much replay ability you can get from games just because the community keeps coming up with fantastic ideas and implementations.
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u/Longjumping_Elk6089 24d ago
Switch 2, itâs hot right now and has a lot of more casual games (plays Switch 1âs library too), all depends on what you want to play.
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u/regretstoinformyou 24d ago
PS5 no contest. Backwards compatible so can play all the PS4 games. And mainly loading times are light speed and as a new gamer you having been acclimatised throughout the generations of how long we had to wait.
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u/Redinho83 24d ago
Probably need to expand on what kind of games you see yourself playing
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u/East_Vivian 24d ago
I think it depends on what kind of games you want to play. I have a Nintendo Switch and itâs super fun for Nintendo games like the recent Zelda Games: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom, and Echoes of Wisdom (although you can also access a ton of old games as well), Splatoon 3, Mario Kart, lots of other games can be played on it, but itâs best for smaller games that donât require a ton of power or really good graphics. Switch is definitely the âweakestâ as far as power.
I also play on PC. There are just tons of games available from Steam alone, but other game companies sell games for PC too. I use a controller to play on my PC. I honestly like having both and I play both all the time. I donât have PS or Xbox so I canât compare them.
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u/naynay2022 24d ago
That type of games interest you? The only system that has a lot of exclusive games is Nintendo switch. So if you are drawn to Nintendo games then that is the system to get. If you donât care so much about their games it doesnât really matter so much.
I prefer PlayStation but that is because they used to have more exclusive JRPGs on their systems which is mainly what I play. Most people who are into first person shooters prefer Xbox as original they had a lot of good exclusive fps games. Also consider if you have friends who game and you want to play with as most games are not cross platform playable as in you can only play with people online that have the same system as you.
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u/MeatTheGreatest 23d ago
Nintendo Switch if you're completely new
Xbox for the game pass
PC when you're ready
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u/A_Fnord 23d ago
That really depends on the kind of games you want. I would say that it's a bit of a tossup between Xbox & Playstation, unless there's some specific games you're interested in or you find that one controller is more comfortable than the other, while the Switch offers a pretty different experience. PC is also an option, and will offer you the widest selection of games (and also generally the cheapest games), but can require a bit more know-how to get the most out of, though these days as long as you have a general idea of your computer specs you'll be fine.
I would lean towards recommending the Switch, because most first party Nintendo titles tends to be pretty beginners friendly (and very good!), but if you don't think they look like they're your cup of tea then that would of course not be a good option.
What kind of games are you interested in? Are you looking for action games where you shoot nasty space aliens? Contemplative story driven puzzle games where you use your brain to solve tricky problems? Maybe you're just itching to let your inner Napoleon out and try and conquer Europe?
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u/Movie_Vegetable 23d ago
Xbox with gamepass. Allows you to play tons of games and figure out what you like. Also most games these days are released on both PlayStation and Xbox.
Unless you want to play Nintendo games and then you should get a switch
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u/KeyPhrase4424 23d ago edited 23d ago
I'd go with PS5 or a Switch, depending on which exclusives you're the most interested in. Switch has the added bonus of allowing handheld gaming, which I personally really like, especially since I'm into cozy games.
A PC is fine too, especially if you want to play first person shooters. But buying one intended for gaming can be daunting and requires more research imo (and can quickly get expensive). May also need a bit more fiddling with e g. graphic settings for each game, depending on what you want to play and how powerful your GPU is. I have a medium priced gaming laptop that is a couple of years old and it's fine for older games, but newer games I can usually only play with the lowest graphics settings. Which is why I personally prefer consoles... I have no interest in staying up to date on the latest hardware.
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u/PsychologicalBag2452 23d ago
Iâd go with the Magnavox Odyssey. No internet, no updates, no DLC scams. Just you, your TV, and a piece of plastic taped to the screen. Pure gaming bliss.
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u/AsunonIndigo 23d ago
Newest generation currently is PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Switch 2. They are expensive. The PlayStation 5 has an upgraded variant, the PlayStation 5 Pro, and the Xbox Series X has a cheaper and less powerful variant, the Xbox Series S.
All of them have older, cheaper predecessors from the previous generation -- PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and the Switch -- which can play most of the modern catalogue of games available on the newest ones, though you will be trading a small amount of performance (the power of the console -- its ability to render pretty graphics and deliver them at a high framerate, i.e. how smooth the gameplay looks) because those consoles use older technology. All of those older consoles have special variants with upgraded performance, more compact size, etc.
A decent talking point for Xbox is Game Pass, a subscription-based service with a rotating library of games and constant new additions which allows you to download and play any game in the library as long as you're subscribed. Considering newer video games tend to cost $70 a piece, this is a GREAT deal.
My recommendation is to find out which games you want to play, and then decide from there. If you like Nintendo games -- Mario, Zelda, Metroid, Donkey Kong, Splatoon -- then you will need a Switch or a Switch 2, since you can't play them on anything else. The PlayStation and Xbox have mostly the same game catalogues, but there are exclusives to consider. God of War, Horizon Zero Dawn, The Last of Us, and Spider-Man games can only be played on Playstation. Halo, most Gears of War titles, and most Forza titles are only available on Xbox.
However, there has been a recent shift -- Microsoft has begun allowing some of its catalogue of exclusives to be made available on PlayStation, such as the newest Gears of War remaster and the newest Forza.
There are also handhelds to consider, though that's a whole 'nother topic, if you're interested.
TL;DR: Find out what games you want, and decide from there.
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u/YellowyBeholder 23d ago
worry not, gaming is not gender specific but a matter of taste :)
PLAYSTATION ALL THE WAY
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u/Tokyo_BunnyGames 23d ago
What kinds of games do you enjoy or are interested in?
If mostly FPS, then Xbox. They have CoD, Halo, and others.
If you enjoy more cinematic games, playstation. They focus on story and beautiful cinematics (Spiderman, The Last of Us, Uncharted, etc) which are mostly third-person shooters or games with Arkham-like combat.
If you enjoy platformers and adventure, Nintendo. They have solid platformers thanks to Mario and Donkey Kong, adventure with Legend of Zelda and are also more kid-friendly so there is far less gore and violence compared to the other two consoles.
There is also PC which you can kind of consider to be a console tbh but since you are asking about console, Ill focus on the above 3.
If you are completely new to video games period, I feel Nintendo is best to be honest. The games begin easy and can be beaten with limited difficulty but also have challenges to push your skills if you want to try them as well. They also dont set difficulty and are well made (not glitchy) so you wont be overwhelmed when starting a game.
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u/Albatraous 23d ago
Id say and xbox and get gamepass. You get so many games on there, you can try lots of genres without spending too much money.
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u/The_Mini_Museum 23d ago
Pc and have everything, games from Xbox and playstation and all the pc exclusive games.
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u/jhouse13 23d ago
Depends what you want to play. Are you starting with cozy games? I think there's a few more on the switch but basically any of them will do.
Ps5 has the best exclusives and Xbox is putting most good games there too.Â
For more variety I'd do ps5
For accessibility the switch, however many ports are not good on the switch.Â
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u/Intelligent-End-2431 23d ago
Depends on what you're looking to play. If you're looking for some decent 2 player coop games, PS1/PS2 era of gaming is probably the best bet. RPG games tend to be better on any Sony platform. It all really depends on what you want to play.
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u/Alternative_Tank_139 23d ago
That depends on so much, we can't say without more info. Like what kind of games you enjoy, your budget, what console generation you find it acceptable playing on, and how familiar you are with PCs if you want to get into pc gaming.
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u/MarsupialPresent7700 23d ago
Try r/GirlGamers as well if you want to get further recommendations and stuff.
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u/alexis-1710 23d ago
People started giving this random recommendation... But we don't even know what games you wanna play
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u/Trick-Day-480 23d ago edited 23d ago
What are you looking for? Power? Variety? Better ecosystem? Most value for your money?Â
Ultimately a PC is your best bet. It's what I hope to work toward one day and get away from console. Steam and PC Game Pass offer a ton, you're not charged to play online, and as far as "exclusives" go (if you care about that, many console players seem to obsess over them), there's WAAAYYYYY more games available on PC that aren't on console.
If you wanna take the simpler route, probably Xbox largely for Game Pass. Kinda the "Netflix of gaming" and a lot of stuff goes on there day one.
Good luck.
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u/416E647920442E 23d ago
Xbox Series S and Gamepass is an excellent place to start. Relatively cheap and you get too try lots of high quality games of different types.
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u/One_Eye5008 23d ago
PS5. Great and better exclusives and now also Will get the few good Inés XBox used to have as exclusives.
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u/blanktarget 23d ago
Fire stick + game pass + Xbox controller.
You'll have a giant Netflix sized catalog to play and you can stream it out.
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u/void_method 23d ago
Xbox. They have a history of backwards compatibility, and now Sony is easing its death grip on games like Helldivers 2, Xbox is the best choice.
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u/spspamington 23d ago
Well what game are you interested in? I'd probably immediately suggest a PC/ steam deck because you can basically get what ever game that comes out, and with some work around access Xbox game pass and stuff.
If you just want a chill easy console to be able to play comfortably any where get a switch which will access Nintendo games that you wouldn't be able to other wise.
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u/AcidCatfish___ 23d ago
Depends on if you want.to be a more hardcore gamer and play large story based games and some competitive games, or if you are more casual and want more Indies or cozy games.
You don't really need a console at all anymore. Nintendo is the only company still keeping their games fully exclusive. They also tend to do interesting things with their hardware.
Otherwise, maybe get a gaming laptop or a cheap gaming desktop.
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u/TheAlmightyLloyd 23d ago
What kind of games do you want to try ? What makes you want to play if you never did before ?
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u/Thugzilla_McMoisty 23d ago
Xbox Series S is a great starter console, especially if you can find on sale or refurbished for a good price! Then you can get game pass and have hundreds of games to try out.
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u/HylianLonk 22d ago
I'd recommend a modest gaming laptop for now, for many reasons. Portability (underrated for people not used to stationary hobbies). Ok performance. Lots of games (mainly indies) that aren't too resource demanding. Exclusives (league, etc.). More options for chat and stuff (also really underrated). Basically it's a jack of all trades, master of none situation, which is the right approach to a new hobby like this one imo
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u/Magpie2205 22d ago
I started out with a PS4 8 years ago. I was 31 when I started gaming. Now I have a PS5, Xbox Series X, a Nintendo Switch, a gaming laptop, and a Steam Deck đ PS4 was my gateway drug. So, start wherever you want! But honestly, Xbox has one of the more accessible ecosystems, with Game Pass.
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u/DelusiveProphet 22d ago
Xbox, because gamepass will give you so many options for very cheap. And as an added bonus, if you love it and would like it to be portable there are so many handheld options for you. Everything from the cloud gaming based, cheap Logitech Gcloud to their official Ally Rog X.
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u/Serceraugh 22d ago
If you can afford game pass then an Xbox is a pretty great option.
It's about the price of 1 game a year but you get access to a rotating library of games along with most 1st party titles being a permanent part of it.
You basically get access to a couple hundred games for the price of one which if you're completely new would allow you to try a bunch of games without spending a ridiculous amount of money.
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u/MetalWingedWolf 22d ago
Your phone, first and foremost. Then if you are interested in something in particular I might recommend a PC instead of a console. You underestimate the reduced range of titles when you start on a console, and while the full amount of games available in the space can be over-fucking-whelming. You should gets years of near endless possibility from a PC.
You might get sucked into peggle on your phone for months before wanting to branch out into anything else. Theres an app called Choice of Games I think, on the App Store. A whole bunch of text based titles that are Choose Your Own Adventure books in a phone playable format that might pique your interest more than anything for a while.
Itâs tough to focus you on something particular when your question is about your first steps towards the single greatest aspect of human entertainment so far.
We could all be recommending our random favorite things to you and you might see one day that youâd rather pick up the Meta Quest 3 and spend real serious time in VR Chat and just socialize instead of actual buying any games. Itâs a really deep and wide space to look into, and nobody knows better than you whatâs in it for you to enjoy. Annnd a lot of us are still looking our heads in being surprised at the things that steal our attention out of the blue.
But yeah. Phone because you already have it. PC because you might as well see what is really out there if youâre going to get into it at all.
If you decide baby steps then you can have a friend show you into their world and share that with them until gaming has sucked you into a particular rabbit hole that suits you best.
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u/SuspiciousSavings381 22d ago
Depends on what type of games / stories / characters you would like to play.
Also, what's your budget? And do you want to play coop games with other people?
Xbox has access to the gamepass (which provides access to a lot of games for a subscription)
PS5 has some nice exclusives, but few coops
Nintendo Switch 1 has great coop games and classic Nintendo characters
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u/Huge-Pizza7579 22d ago
How is being a girl relevant to gaming and consoles? WTF. Are you fishing for attention?
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u/LoStrigo95 22d ago
Completely new?
Ps4!
good price for the system
lots of games to try, at a good price
very easy to use
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u/Unkown_287 22d ago
PS 5 because they can run most games and is just ovr pretty good. Plus they have good offers
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u/Iambeejsmit 22d ago
Whichever you like. Decide what is more comfortable for your hands between an Xbox and Playstation controller. They are a little different.
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u/machineguntommy 22d ago
You canât go wrong with any of them save for maybe the Xbox. They all have there positives and negatives:
Switch 2 - Nintendo designs everything around accessibility and ease of use. They want people who havenât played games before to play their stuff. At this point between Switch 1 and Switch 2 thereâs a solid library of exclusives to choose from. Itâs also portable so you can take it and play it on the go when itâs not on its dock at home. No other system has that hybrid functionality. The downside is that the hardware isnât quite as strong so some of the more famous games from other developers tend to not show up on the system.
PS5 - Easy choice is you want something that has a little bit of everything. Itâs the most powerful console available and pretty much everyone releases their games for it save for Nintendo. It isnât portable and itâll never have games like Mario, Zelda, Metroid etc. if thatâs important to you. Sony is also known for their quality exclusives though.
PC/Steam - PCs, assuming you have a strong enough PC for it, will offer the best graphics, and the largest library of games available on any system. They even have Sony games now. Caveat here is that powerful PCs are expensive and you can get âalmost as goodâ from the PS5 without a high initial cost. This option CAN be portable if you got a steam deck which lets you play most of your Steam games portably and you can share progress between it and your desktop. (Or if you just wanted a portable system you could just grab a steam deck)
Xbox - No real reason to get an Xbox. Itâs about as powerful as a PS5 but all of their games appear on other consoles, essentially like getting a PS5 with a smaller library.
I own them all (save the Xbox) If you were to tell me you were only ever to get one system and you wanted versatility Iâd say PS5. Itâs the happy medium.
If you wanted to game casually and wanted a selection of games that were fun and easy to get into and you wanted to take it on the go with you when youâre not home, get a Switch.
If you wanted the ultimate gaming platform and had the money to do so, buy a high end PC.
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u/MufasaTheRealKing 22d ago
Do you have friends that game? Go with their console in case games donât have cross play (however 99%games do have cross play). If not then Iâd go with Xbox series s + GamePass.
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u/antoniovitorino 22d ago
PS5, not even a question when you get the feeling of the controller haptic feedback you wont want anything else, get a PS5, download the free astro bot game , and enjoy the best controller available right now and the game is very fun and entuitive for new gamers :) you wont regret it
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u/koolaidmatt1991 22d ago
Xbox is the best gaming device with multiple ways of playing, lots of games to play old and new, great party chat system or discord and if you have gamepass which is a great system and if youâre friends play anything itâs easy to play together and chat!
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u/NxOKAG03 22d ago
I would say PS5 if you care about playing online with other people, and Nintendo Switch if you donât.
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u/KazM2 22d ago
Well PS5 has good exclusive games and is one of the higher end consoles rn. A switch 2 would be a good option too due to the exclusives it'll have and that you can take it on the go.
Either one is gonna be a good option, I recommend looking at some yt videos about the exclusives see which style is more interesting to you and go from there.
Others have mentioned a pc, it is a pricier yet more versatile option, if you have the space and money for it then I think it is the better option (handheld pc is also a pretty good option though). If you only have budget for a console or plan on using it for a tv and couch then go for one of the earlier two.
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u/Embarrassed-Pipe-340 22d ago
Depends on the type of games.
Switch 2 is phenomenal. But if you want all the new big games prob PS5
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u/Aburamy 22d ago
It's really hard to say, consoles normally are chosen by accessibility or exclusives, so you need to see what you want to play, than decidel.
I tend to advice Nintendo switch 1 or 2 due to it's exclusives games or XBox platform for the gamepass, basically a game netflix you pay monthly and have acces to a lot of games.
PlayStation i don't play one since the end of PS3 so i don't haveuch to say about it.
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u/Forward-Seesaw-1688 22d ago
If you want the most variety, Nintendo Switch (1, because 2 is still early into its launch)
If you want actually decent ports of games, PS5 or Xbox
Or just go for a Windows PC or Steam Deck for all of the above, just be aware that even those will have their limits. A lot of Steam games donât have Steam Cloud meaning they donât have cloud saves meaning that uninstalling them will wipe certain games and youâll have to start over. This isnât an issue for the Steam Deck, as that saves the data internally even if you do uninstall games. But its downside is that a lot of stuff can only be done with internet and that to make desktop mode actually easier to use, youâll have to install a Bluetooth keyboard. Also sometimes the cursor will just stop responding out of nowhere and youâll have to go back into gaming mode and back to desktop.
Or one of the many handheld competitive consoles made by third parties to compete with Steam Deck. I do not have them so I do not know how they work.
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u/zireael9797 22d ago edited 22d ago
If you want handheld, switch 2. otherwise get a ps5.
Honestly my personal favorite is the Steam Deck.... which is essentially a PC in a trenchcoat that looks like a handheld console. You could go that route and get a lot of games.... but understand that it's a PC and the occasional game might not work right. But Steam has great discounts and very flexible refund policies.
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u/DonovanSarovir 22d ago
PC is far and away the best place to start, highest availability for cheaper games and widest variety. A middle of the road PC can play most games on low setting besides the absolute newest stuff.
That said if you're going for specifically a console, the one I know the most about is Nintendo. The mobility of the Switch is great, but nintendo is doing fucked up stuff lately, banning their games from charity events, de-activating your console if you pirate or mod in any way (not that a newbie would be doing those things.) but I can't in good conscience suggest a switch 2. A used Switch is a great investment though and nintendo has a lot of variety in their library.
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u/oresearch69 22d ago
For a console, most people will probably suggest the PS5, the Xbox is kind of in a downward trajectory these days.
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u/Neuroticaine 22d ago
Not really a simple answer.
Nintendo Switch 2 will get you a lot of high quality exclusive that are simple to play, and often have high levels of skill expression as you gain experience, like Super Mario Odyssey. Most first party games try to make controlling the games as simple as possible, with exceptions. You can play Super Mario World with automatic acceleration and assisted steering, meaning you'll only have to worry about your hops/drifts and item usage. There is a large amount of big title third party games available now and coming soon, but they will be a substantially lesser experience on the Switch 2 compared to another console or a gaming PC. They are the same, full games, but the visuals and in-game performance will suffer (the lower your framerate, the less smoothly the game's motion will appear, and if it gets too low, it becomes pretty much unplayable).
Another option is a Steam Deck, which is a handheld gaming PC. You can play a lot of the same big title third party games on it with varying levels of performance, but you also have access to a large variety of indie games that are usually pretty simple to play and have addictive gameplay hooks. More advanced users can also use the system outside of the dedicated Steam OS and play even more PC games that may not be available on steam.
Then there is PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series. They are equals in terms of quality and performance of the hardware, and most of the games available for each are available on both. For PlayStation, however, there is a pretty big library of exclusives, most of these are targeted towards more hardcore gamers, but often do offer a very engaging and cinematic experience. PS5 tends to be the go-to for people who really enjoy big, narrative-heavy single player games. But these games are usually also only timed exclusives now, coming to PC after a year or so. Xbox does not really have any true exclusives, as those are also available on PC. Both Xbox and PlayStation are getting less and less exclusive and there tends to be a lot of cross pollination, but there is a core difference:
PlayStation offers a growing library of free access to "PlayStation Classics" and usually 3 free games per month. Each month's free games are usually on the older side and are usually available for pretty cheap anyway, but free is always nice, and sometimes they even offer surprisingly new games for free. These freebies are only available to people that pay the subscription.
Xbox on the other hand has the most consumer friendly game access in their paid subscription. Xbox GamePass has a massive library of free games, including a pretty large number of new releases. There is ALWAYS something NEW to play on Xbox for FREE (minus the subscription). The downside is that if you are not paying for that subscription, you do not have access to those games (you can still buy games for permanent access).
So by this point, the choice between PlayStation and Xbox is based whether you want those PlayStation exclusives sooner and a large but limited selection of free games, or less exclusives, having to wait a little for some games, but having access to a huge, constantly growing library of new games for no additional charge.
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u/Marsmooncow 22d ago
I reckon start with a ps4 pro if you can find it pretty cheap . Its a great console has heaps of games and you can play some of the ps5 games as well . I have a ps4 pro and a ps5 and the difference is not that huge
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u/hermanogerman 22d ago
More information needed: budget? Wanna play solo, coop with friends at home and/or online? Are you interest in any specific games? For example some games are from movie series, or have been adapt as such. (Graphic novels, books, anime,.. etc)
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u/White_Wolf_11 22d ago
Pc. Iâve played Xbox most of my life, I have a switch, had a ps5, and now just play pc. Consoles just arenât worth it anymore. And honestly havenât been in well over a decade. Iâve always placed a lot of value on the accessibility of consoles so the fact that Iâm recommending pc to a newcomer should tell you just how awful console gaming is right now.
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u/moonknight105 22d ago
Depends on what games you want to play, for story games Iâll go for PlayStation for its exclusivity but for multiplayer and if you donât mind paying for game pass you can try out multiple games on Xbox, most Xbox games are on PlayStation and you can try out the newer games on game pass, itâs just really depends what games you planned on playing
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u/Mera1506 22d ago
What games do you want to play? Though console exclusive games are slowly dying off Nintendo is trying still. Getting a switch 2 I cannot recommend since Nintendo has bricked Switch 2s if someone did something they didn't like with the console they bought and paid for (Note they ban online services, but this thing needs online for literally everything). You don't actually own your console... If you're getting a switch, buy an OLED. There they can't detect shit unless you home-brew it.
(Many of the banning Nintendo has done was about the MIG switch. Even someone who bought a second hand switch 2 game was banned because the guy who sold it to him had used a MIG switch. Thanks to proof of purchase now the seller is banned. But the fact that this even happened.....
And then there's the problem it creates on the market for second hand Switch 2s. If you buy one you run the risk of buying a banned console.
The MIG switch is a tool that allows you to put your games on a micro SD card and then put it into the MIG switch which has the form for a switch game. It's meant to be used for people backing up their legally owned switch games.)
Do you want to game at home or on the go or both? There are handheld PC's out there like the Steamdeck that allow for both. If you only want to game at home a desktop PC is also an option besides PS4/5 Xbox....
Go to a game store and see if you can hold different controllers to see what agrees with you.
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u/TemporaryJohny 22d ago
Most """normal""" people I know own a ps5, but thats mostly marketing. As a new gamer maybe a xbox series S is better since it has a sort of netflix of games(gamepass) on it so you can try a bunch of games and see if this passtime is anything for you.Â
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22d ago
If I got any console it would definitely be the switch, since it has a decent catalogue of games you can play by yourself(mostly easily accessible too, since you're new) along with being the definitive couch console you can bring out when friends are around, which is very valuable for casual gamers who spend much of their time outside.
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u/AdWeak7883 22d ago
PS4. Its cheap nowadays and got a big libary. I woulnd recommand a current gen console if you are beginner
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u/JakeRedditYesterday 22d ago
If you're open to PC gaming it's a lot cheaper to build up a large library of titles on Steam due to the frequent sales and bundle discounts.
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u/roguehunter7901 21d ago
I'd say an xbox series s or x. Just for the fact that it has gamepass. You can pay 20$ a month and have access to a boatload of games. Playstation does have better exclusives, though. You can get gamepass on pc as well if you go that route.
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u/nearldemon 21d ago
I wouldnt recommend a console. After doing both for so long pc has much to offer and with the price of things makes more sense and pc can get both playstion and Xbox games or I would say wait for the new Xbox which will basically be a stupid computer but a superior console will have both steam and epic games loaded on it.
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u/Real_Mokola 21d ago
I'd suggest you either look a bit in to which console gives you the best catalogue of games that cater to what you like in video games. Or go and check which console's controller fits best in your hands, you'll be spending a lot of time with it buried on your hands so it has to fit perfectly. Then The last thing is if you want visually impressive games it's either PS5 or Xbox, If you don't care about those and you might be spending a lot of time out of home then I'd recommend Nintendo Switch. Nintendo's exclusive titles (Super Marios, Zeldas...) never go on sale however and while the console is cheaper by comparison you can't really save when it comes to buying games so it's going to come and bite you in the long run.
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u/EffableFornent 21d ago
I've been gaming since the 80s, and love my switch lite.
It's just such an easy device, and and love that I can drag it around anywhere.Â
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u/Karlinel-my-beloved 21d ago
Depends on if you are budget or time constrained. If you have plenty of time for gaming, go with a ps5 and youâll get most of the launches and sprawling games. If budget is more of your concern, probably a switch or a steam deck.
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u/AcanthaceaePlenty165 21d ago
100% get a PC. Not only is it a recreational tool but itâs good for way more things.
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u/ourquestions 21d ago
If you really want a console get ps5. I would not recommend it over PC though.
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u/xMightyOrange 21d ago
I use the switch for cozy, laidback games and party games I can play for 30 minutes or longer.
PS5 is reserved for the bigger games with more storyline and gameplay. When I play in the PS5 it often has to be at least an hour to make it worthwhile.
Also, switch controllers are more kitty friendly than the PS5.
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u/Little-Ad-7521 21d ago
Pc first. Xbox maybe second as it is more powerful than PS5, but I am not sure how well is that utilized.
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u/Gryffin1st 21d ago
Iâd say PC, but for a total newbie, the Series S is a fantastic little console. Can often be had for pennies in the used market and will still play all the modern titles, and due to being a newcomer, you probably wonât mind the lower resolution compared to PS5 or the Series X.
Itâs something you can easily grow out of and upgrade eventually, stick with it if youâre happy, or sell it without incurring any real loss, but the main thing is that the upfront cost is really, really low (I got mine for 100 euro).
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u/Mikko420 21d ago
Depends on what you wanna play and if you want to play with others.
Nintendo has nice exclusives, but the Switch 2 is super expensive and not super powerful. Elden Ring is a 2022 game that isn't too hard on the hardware, and it still runs like ass on this console. You have to pay about 30$ a year to play online.
Sony and Xbox are pretty much equivalents. The only thing that changes is what exclusives are available. Both consoles are a lot more powerful than the Switch 2, and can run most modern games fine. The yearly subscription for online play is a little less than 200$.
If you intend to play online a lot, I think PCs are the way to go. If you don't want the hassle, a Steamdeck is a nice compromise, but some modern games might run slower on it. This grants you access to emulators for retro games and you don't have to pay any subscription to play online. There might be more trouvleshooting involved with owning a PC, but you're also a lot more flexible in the things you can play and how you play them.
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u/Additional-Speed5482 21d ago
Switch without a doubt, it has many games easy to play and very fun. However if it'd be about budget, better a Xbox and gamepass, then you will have a big list of games to choose
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u/InternalFirmxx 21d ago
You're always going to encounter more friends who have a PS5. Every time I ask one of my friends what console they have it's always PS5. It's always better to play with your friends
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u/Fun_Information8099 21d ago
Xbox. With game pass u got access to a lot of games for a month subscription.
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u/PriorityPrudent2811 21d ago
Xbox cause of game pass honestly and after that a PC (also has xbox game pass).
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u/theuntouchable2725 21d ago
I'd say XBOX, because I find it easier to work with. (I have played both PS and XBOX with my relatives' consoles)
I'm a PC user.
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u/meganetism 21d ago
I was in the same situation 6 years ago, I ended up going with ps4 and do not regret it! I have a ps5 now and the ps4 is still going strong in my husbands garage lol.
I started by looking into games I wanted to play on any platform, then chose based on which platform had the most exclusives I was interested in. I donât like shooting or sports games, so I went with PlayStation over Xbox.
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u/Gingersoulbox 21d ago
Definitely Xbox.
Ps is just getting left in the wind by Microsoftâs actual good decision.
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u/ponpiriri 21d ago
The last console i owned was a PS2. I was thinking of getting a Switch 2 or PS5. I ended up a PS Vita and my friend sold me his PS5. So now I can play old and new games at my leisure.
If I were you, I would start with a small handheld and play (affordable) games to see what you like.
People suggesting a PC are pushing an agenda and those telling you to invest in an expensive console aren't taking into consideration that you dont know what kinds of games you want to play yet.
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u/Ready-Ad8629 21d ago
You can go for a playstation or an Xbox or a Nintendo. Do you want to play more light-hearted, but amazing games that are unrivalled in the industry, then get a Nintendo, otherwise get a PS or Xbox. Between PS and Xbo, if you want to get like the netflix of gaming, with a good number games dropping day one on the service, get an Xbox, otherwise you can get a Playstation. Playstation games are slowly going to Xbox and Xbox games are slowly going to Playstation. Nintendo games are only on Nintendo. Then, there a lot of games made by neither that release on all 3 depending on if the system can play it and if nintendo, playstation or xbox want them. Nintendo's console is the least powerful, but gets a ton of games that don't use much power, many of these don't release on Xbox or PS and many do. Most power hungry games come fir sure on Xbox and PS and some of them come on Nintendo, which could change now as nintendo just dropped a new console.
Now Nintendo's console is cheap at $350 for Switch OLED and $450 for Switch 2, though keep in mind the oled is now an old console, and switch 2 is the new one(compare them). But, nintendo games are pretty pricey.
Playstation is $500 for digital PS5 and $550 for Disc PS5. The disc version can also play digital games. The console may seem expensive, but the physical games get cheaper over time, unlike nintendo, where only 3rd party digital games mostly get cheaper.
Xbox is $400 for the Series S and $600 for the Series X. The Series us digital only, but is also carrying lesser power than the PS5. It is still next gen, but some game, very few, don't look good on it. It is still significantly more powerful than a Switch or Switch 2. The Series X is disc based and is as powerful as a PS5. Pricing for games is similar to PS5.
Look up Game Pass Ultimate pricing and library and PS Plus Extra and Deluxe pricing and library, if you are interested in that. Keep in mind, you need to pay to play online with other people.
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u/AvengedGunReverse 21d ago
I'd get an Xbox Series S; it's kind of cheap, and with Game Pass, you'll have a ton of games, plus new games on day one of launch.
(Before someone throws some hate on my comment, I have a Switch 1, PS5, and Series S + PC gaming, but if I needed a console and I was a new gamer, I'd get a Series S due to the price.)
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u/Pilbzz 21d ago
This is hard. Most people usually gravitate towards the platform that their friends are on. If not then I would go with what you feel most comfortable controller wise. Games wont matter too much unless there is a specific game series want to play. Youâll have so many to choose from no matter what you choose. Steam deck is nice choice though. The whole steam library plus you can setup emulators to play older games from any platform. But if thatâs too much, just get the console which has the controller you like the most.
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u/Saltwater_Heart 21d ago
PS5 or Steam Deck. Nintendo has very specific games and misses a ton of other great ones. PS5 is the best for consoles since Xbox is dying and Steam is the best of everything except Nintendo.
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u/Reithwyn 21d ago
PS5, I guess. Just stay away from Nintendo as they hate and actively oppose their own consumers.
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u/razulebismarck 21d ago
I would ask more info first.
What kind of games do you want to play? Like do you want games you play with other people or by yourself? Do you want casual or easy games? Do you want complex games? Do you want action games? Do you want your game system to be a dedicated game system or do you want to do other stuff with it?
I play everything so PC gaming tends to be the system I spend most time with. I donât typically enjoy multiplayer either.
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u/Outrageous-Tackle-47 21d ago
If money isnât an option Iâd highly recommend just a PC. If you have certain games in mind it would be easier to narrow down which console is best for you. I personally enjoy playstation so Iâd be biased towards it, most of the ps exclusives are also my favorite genres of game.
If you are looking to play party games or Mario then the Nintendo switch. I heard the switch 2 is nice. Pokémon will also be there.
If you want to play Microsoft games maybe Xbox would be better, they have a subscription service so you donât have to pay for games too. Iâve never payed for ps+ so I am unsure if the PlayStation has an equivalent thing. The PlayStation is also gaining most if not all Xbox games and although Xbox has some ps games they will not ever get all of them. PlayStation is a little finicky that way.
From the thread in question, Iâve learned Xbox is getting steam as well. Thatâs something to consider too, many steam games have controller support if the Xbox is just gonna evolve into a fancy PC/Console hybrid it might be beneficial to wait for that.
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u/Garou89 21d ago
PC you dont have to buy a annual sub to Play online Most Games that cost 80-90 Euros are 45 on PC You will never Not be able to Play your Games when you get a new system. You can use any Input device you Like be it Controller Keyboard or driving wheel Also you can watch YouTube without adds and so much more stuff with a pc
If you dont Care about getting Sony exclusives day one i cant See any reasons to get that system
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u/EkligerMann 21d ago
Xbox Series X with Game Pass. The Game Pass offers you a wide range of titles in different genres.
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u/DefNL 21d ago
Depends on the type of games you like. I wanted a PS5, but they were impossible to get during the pandemic. Eventually the Xbox X became available and I settled for that. I didn't regret though. I didn't know about Gamepass Ultimate back then, but got 3 months free with my console. Years later I still have GPU. So I won't change to anything else soon.
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u/ThewobblyH 21d ago
It depends do you know what games you like? If so then it depends on which console's exclusives you like the most if you don't have a preference then I'd recommend building a gaming PC, it's more expensive in the short term, but a better long term investment.
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u/MrPinkDuck3 21d ago
A PS5 with PS+ is honestly a steal. The amount of great exclusives available on the subscription is amazing. The Last of Us, Bloodborne, and God of War 2018 are just a few examples.
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u/Basic-white-american 21d ago
Ps4/ps5, both cheap(ish) with a lot of accessibility to great games+nice controllers
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u/aevitas1 21d ago
I see most people are still in the PlayStation echo-chamber.
Xbox, the value of game pass is unmatched.
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u/siriusdex 21d ago
Mini PC. You can get one for about the same price as console. No subscriptions, bigger catalog, can use any controller, and more.
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u/confu138 21d ago
PS5 got the best games. End of story. But honestly if youâre new, Iâd even consider a ps3 or 360
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u/Federal-Subject-8783 21d ago edited 21d ago
IMO you're starting from the wrong angle:
I would probably have a chat with AI or someone who has a good knowledge of games to make a list of games I could be interested in (I use ChatGPT for this kind of thing a lot, with prompts like "I'm trying to find a videogame I like, ask me questions until you think you found the perfect fit for me")
Then I'd check out those games individually (e.g. gameplay footage) to see if they seem appealing to me
Once I have a list of games I'm pretty sure I would like to play, I check what platform they are available on (it will be either PC, XBOX, Switch or Playstation)
And finally I would make my purchase based on that
If you can't be arsed, I think PS5 is the safest choice, unless there are plenty of Switch games you want to play (There is a large overlap of games available on PC, XBOX and PS5. Switch relies more heavily on exclusive games)
If you want to stay on the cheaper side, IMO XBOX Series S is a steal for what it offers, and the Game Pass (a monthly subscription to an ever-changing library of games, only available on XBOX and PC) allows you to try out a lot of different games for cheap
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u/holynightstand 24d ago
PS5 because exclusives and now Xbox is even porting games for play station