Still
playing games on an Xbox 360, PS3, or Wii? Don’t be embarrassed. Like
any gadget, it takes time for a new console to iron out the bugs and
establish its identity … which brings us to the 2014 holiday season. The
Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Wii U are duking it out again, but a lot’s
changed since last year. Not sure which console is right for the giftee
on your list? Then you’re in the right spot.
First, three handy facts about buying a home console these days.
1. It’s all about exclusives.If you like Halo, get an Xbox One. If you’re excited about Uncharted,
invest in a PS4. If Mario and Link are your BFFs, buy a Wii U and call
it a day. There’s just no getting around fandom, and no getting around
the fact that certain games only appear on certain systems. You will
never see Mario on your Xbox One, and if that’s enough to sway you, we
wholeheartedly encourage you to pick up the system that contains the
franchises and characters you care about most.
2. The prices are neck and neck.This
used to be a defining difference between the systems, as the Xbox One
spent most of its first year priced at $500, a full $100 more than the
PS4 and a good $200 more than the Wii U. So that made things easier.
These days, though, all three systems are priced within the $300 to $400
range, and frankly, all three are worth it.
3. No one system is currently far and away better than the others.I
know: This isn’t the kind of advice you were looking for. But it’s the
truth. Thanks to a rash of price drops, great new games, and packed 2015
calendars, all three consoles have stepped up. They’re all looking good
right now.
That being said, no console is infallible. Read on for a breakdown of each system.
