6 best gaming consoles

Game consoles are becoming increasingly popular. Playing on a PC is already a move. Why, if on the console to make it much easier? And there are more exclusives on consoles - just recall the Uncharted series from Sony and Microsoft's Gears of War. But which game console to choose? If you want to get an answer to this question, then check out our selection, consisting exclusively of the best models available at the moment.

Rating the best gaming consoles

Best Stationary Game Consoles

Microsoft Xbox One X

Rating: 4.8

According to Microsoft, this is the most powerful game console among the existing ones at the time of writing this rating. And indeed, the Xbox One X includes very powerful components that provide incredibly high computing characteristics - at the level of top gaming computers. For example, as a processor, an eight-core AMD solution is used here, operating at a clock frequency of 2.3 GHz. Already it alone provides games with improved behavior of artificial intelligence, and also raises the resolution to 4K. But still the device has high-speed video memory GDDR5, the volume of which reaches 12 GB. This significantly reduces the load time of the game, at the same time ensuring the seamlessness of vast worlds.

If you continue the story about the parameters of the Xbox One X, then you need to note the computing power of the processor, which is 6 teraflops. The video memory bandwidth reaches 326 GB / s - only the top graphics cards, which themselves are much more expensive than this game console, can boast with a higher parameter. Another console is able to surprise the minimum level of noise - in this regard, it also overtakes all competitors. Oddly enough, the console does not overheat. The secret of this miracle lies in the use of a liquid cooling system.

For storing games and other data, a hard disk with a capacity of 1 TB is used. As mentioned above, some games on Xbox One X run with 4K resolution, and even at 60 frames per second. Of course, there is also support for HDR - a special effect that makes color rendering more realistic. Of course, for such a gaming console and a TV you need an appropriate one - there is no point in buying it for an ordinary LCD with Full HD resolution. However, it is impossible not to notice that in any case not every gamer will suit the console. The fact is that high power components uses a few games. The fourth Gears of War and yet another Forza Motorsport - that’s probably all that might interest in the first place. Need I say that a Japanese competitor is ready to offer more titles?

Sony PlayStation 4 Pro

Rating: 4.8

It is this game console is currently in greatest demand. Proof of this is its regular disappearance from the shelves of many retail chains - the console is snapping too fast. The device exists in two colors - white and black. Also, from time to time there are bundles with any game that may have the original coloring of the case. For example, in the spring of 2018, a set with the game God of War was born - this console has a silver case, decorated with Scandinavian runes.

The Japanese console is also capable of producing graphics with 4K resolution, even if in most cases only with a frequency of 30 frames / s. However, this is quite enough to get the pleasure of playing with a cinematic picture. Projects with HDR support are the most exciting - this technology makes the image as realistic as possible.

Compared to the standard PS4, the GPU power has almost doubled. Faster here is used and video memory, it slightly speeds up the loading of games. By the way, it is not necessary to buy 4K TV for such a console. The difference in picture quality can be seen on the FullHD-screen, this is confirmed by numerous reviews, comparisons. And with this resolution in most cases, the frame rate increases.

All the above features of the console would not have any importance if a large number of games would not have been created for Sony PlayStation 4 Pro. Fortunately, the Japanese and third-party developers have tried their best. Already you can play Uncharted 4, God of War, Driveclub, Gran Turismo Sport, Horizon Zero Dawn and many other games with 4K-resolution support. But in the foreseeable future, these games will become even more - we are waiting for "Spider-Man", "One of us: part two", Ace Combat 7 and other long-awaited releases. In short, to score a hard disk with a capacity of 1 TB is not a big deal here.

It should be noted that the expansion of the PS4 Pro features by buying a PS VR virtual reality helmet (on the "slim" its use will provide less pleasure, since the graphics level will be lower). For this accessory there are a variety of games - from children's Playroom VR to hardcore Resident Evil VII.

Sony PlayStation 4 Slim 1 TB

Rating: 4.8

The Slim version has come to replace the standard Sony PlayStation 4. The dimensions of this console have slightly decreased, while in terms of characteristics it has not changed at all. Moreover, there appeared support for HDR, which made the image on the respective TVs more realistic. Also, the Wi-Fi module has undergone changes, from now on it supports the high-speed standard 802.11ac. The device comes with a hard disk, the volume of which reaches 1 TB. There is also an eight-core processor from AMD under the body of the console. The computing power of the chipset is 1.84 teraflops, which, of course, is not enough to display a picture with 4K resolution. Strictly speaking, this is precisely what makes the PS4 Slim different from the Pro version - this console is sharpened to the traditional Full HD resolution. That is why for the console ask about 23 thousand rubles, which can be considered quite affordable price tag.

I am glad that the Japanese did not limit the amount of video memory. This allows us to count on the fact that in the near future there will be no release of games developed exclusively for the Pro-version of the console.However, this does not negate the fact that the games here will be loaded a little longer, which is due to the slower video memory bandwidth. And still some chagrin is caused by USB-connectors, built in here only in the amount of two pieces. It is easy to imagine such a situation when you need to charge two gamepad - at this moment you lose the opportunity, for example, to connect a USB-drive. But this is very important, since some time ago, Sony introduced the function of downloading games purchased in the PS Store to an external hard drive.

Perhaps the PlayStation 4 Slim is the best choice for anyone who only has an ordinary LCD TV, which lacks a 4K display. Also, this console was created for those who are definitely not going to buy a virtual reality helmet in the near future. The possibility of connecting it is present here, but you should not count on a good picture quality.

Best Portable Game Consoles

Nintendo switch

Rating: 4.8

The Japanese company Nintendo has long been on its way. When competitors are trying to introduce the latest and most powerful computer hardware into their consoles, thereby achieving realistic graphics, Nintendo releases Switch. In fact, this is a hybrid prefix. That is, it can be played anywhere on a plane or car, which indicates its portability. But all the juice from it can be squeezed out only by inserting the device into a special database connected to the TV.

The device most of all reminds a compact tablet. All controls are on the sides of the device. Importantly, these sides are detached, they are miniature gamepads (the so-called Joycons). That is, the default console provides the opportunity to play together, while competitors are sold complete with only one gamepad. Under the controls here are special vibromotors. Their extraordinary work can be assessed in several social games. Joycons also have exactly working gyros. In a word, the gamer will have to not only press the buttons and move the sticks, but also to swing the gamepad (or even two at once) with might and main.

Talk about the technical characteristics of the Nintendo Switch have to sadly. Stronger in terms of specifications, even modern smartphones please, not to mention the stationary game consoles, considered in this rating. The display device has a diagonal of 6.2 inches and a resolution of 720p. The amount of internal memory is 32 GB. The device also includes two USB ports, and this is the case when more of them are simply not required. Connect the base to the TV through the usual HDMI-connector. Also here is a wireless module Wi-Fi 802.11ac, with which the Internet connection. Autonomous operation of the console provides a battery capacity of 4310 mAh. This is enough for four to six hours of play, depending on the CPU load and control methods. Recharging begins immediately after the console was in the database.

Of course, realistic graphics from the Nintendo Switch should not wait. This prefix takes the fun and unusual gameplay. Hardest surprised are all sorts of social games where you need, for example, to milk a cow, performing appropriate actions with a gamepad. Also, it should be noted the elegant implementation of such hits as the new The Legend of Zelda (which, by the way, was first translated into Russian), Super Mario Odyssey and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Now the console is actively being sold, so many third-party studios have announced their return to this platform.As a result, DOOM, FIFA 18, WWE 2K18 and L.A.Noire came out on the Nintendo Switch, and just a week after writing this article, you can play the already mentioned Resident Evil VII (by itself, not in a VR helmet) on the console. In short, the Nintendo Switch is an excellent choice for those who would like to try something new. Especially for those who already have a Sony PS4, but at the same time, this prefix was bored. This portable stationary console is sold for approximately 21-22 thousand rubles.

Sony PlayStation Vita Wi-Fi

Rating: 4.8

Perhaps this is the most outdated console in our rating. No, the games for this console are still pleasantly pleasing to the eye. However, they are now available only in Japan, and that is mostly just visual novels and simple JRPGs. In Europe and the United States, Sony PS Vita sales have almost completely ceased, and the above-mentioned genres almost do not attract our people at all. However, all this does not mean that the prefix is ​​not recommended for purchase. Some previously released games will definitely please you. For example, many fans have a series of rhythm games Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA. You can also appreciate the exclusives "Uncharted: Golden Abyss" and "Killzone: Mercenary." However, there are very few such exciting games on PS Vita, therefore, to pay for the console more than 5 thousand rubles. it does not follow.

The device is endowed with a 5-inch screen with a resolution of 960x544 pixels. By modern standards, this parameter seems ridiculous, but pixelation, oddly enough, does not catch the eye, many games look quite good. It should be noted that the first version of the console was equipped with an OLED display, thanks to which it could please with deep black colors. Later, the console became a bit more convenient to transport, but its screen is now manufactured using cheaper IPS technology. Another product has cameras, but they are better not to remember - they should be used only in a few games with augmented reality.

There are PS Vita variants with and without a SIM card slot. Consider now is only the purchase of a regular version, endowed with only a module Wi-Fi. It is unlikely that you will walk with this rather large prefix down the street in search of like-minded people, not to mention the launch of online games, of which very little is left.

Nintendo New 2DS XL

Rating: 4.8

A simplified version of the New Nintendo 3DS handheld game console. The only important difference with the device is the lack of 3D support here. That is, the stereoscopic image can not be seen. Otherwise, this is still the same prefix, which has two fairly large screens. At the top you need to watch the gameplay, while the second is also a touchscreen. The device easily folds in half, with the result that it fits in a jacket pocket. The product has practically no built-in memory. However, it uses a microSD card, the acquisition of which will not be difficult. However, no one forbids forgetting about the online store, buying only games on cartridges, since the prices of the physical and digital versions are about the same.

It should be noted that you definitely will not experience a lack of games. Projects for 3DS and 2DS are backward compatible. And released them in recent years, very much.In particular, the games from the Monster Hunter, Mario, Pokemon and The Legend of Zelda series should make you happy. It is a pity that a few games have been translated into Russian - in this respect, Nintendo needs to learn from Sony.

Conclusion

Of course, owning a game console costs money. If the PC games are sold fairly cheaply, especially during all sorts of sales, then a hit for a stationary console can easily cost several thousand rubles. However, this is more than compensated by the emotions that you get when passing through some kind of God of War. In short, look at the rating from expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/. Perhaps, it is time to get one of the devices considered in it?