Which Game Console is Best for My Family?

Isn’t it remarkable how electronics have become so important in everyone’s lives? When you’re shopping for electronics like the best gaming console, TV, smartphone, computer — well, that’s all become challenging for two reasons. First, there are so many choices in every category. Second, you need to at least try to understand which of the many design choices and technologies give you the features you want in the device. For instance, do you want to stream video? Play DVDs? What about portability? In this article, Upsie.com experts help you determine which game console is best for your family.

As of August 2020, the market is ripe with gaming consoles. The Microsoft Xbox One X, the Nintendo Switch, and the Sony PlayStation 4 lead the pack. Let’s take a look at each of them, but keep in mind, none of those manufacturers are sitting on their hands. They’re all planning to bring out newer models as 2020 slides into the holiday season. Unfortunately, it’s likely they won’t be widely available until 2021, so it may be best to stick with what you can own today.

Keep in mind, too, that it makes good sense — especially when spending hundreds of dollars for what is essentially a sophisticated toy — that you protect it from damage. Upsie’s service contract/extended warranties do just that. More on that below.

Collectively they’ve sold millions, and that’s because each company has been designing, engineering, and improving its consoles for nearly two decades.

Microsoft’s entry in the console market includes the Xbox One X, Xbox One S, and Xbox One S All-Digital Edition.

The Xbox One X is the powerhouse among the three. Compared to the Xbox One S, it’s got more memory (8GB vs. 4GB), more graphic processing power (40 graphic computing units vs. 12) and runs internally nearly 50 percent faster than the “S” model. Both are made to play games written for Ultra HD (4K) screens, although you don’t need a 4K television or monitor to use it. Note that Microsoft’s “All Access” pass gives you any of these three consoles, and 24 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate The game pass includes access to over 100 high-quality games and online multiplayer with Xbox Live Gold, from $19.99 a month for 24 months. All three models can stream video (Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, etc.) and play Blu-Ray DVDs.

The All-Digital Edition cannot play physical discs (CDs or DVDs) because all your games are stored in the cloud. That means you can take your Xbox with you anywhere you have Internet access and play your favorite games.

Nintendo’s Game Boy, released way back in 1989, gave gamers everywhere a battery-operated, mobile device that sold more than 118 million units. Now, they’ve repeated their winning strategy with the Nintendo Switch, which has sold some 61 million units since its release in 2017.

The Switch is a unique product, unlike the Xbox or Playstation. It’s a hybrid video game console, consisting of a console unit, a dock, and two Joy-Con controllers that let you play games in any of three different modes. You can hold it in your hands somewhat like the original Gameboy. You can position the console unit on a table and watch the game unfold on its 6.2-inch screen (720p resolution). Or, you can connect it to a television. One caveat: Not all games made for the Switch can play in all three modes.

The Playstation 4 is currently available in three models: the PS4, PS4 Pro, and the PS4 VR. With the PS4 being the base model and the least expensive, it tends to be the most popular for general family entertainment. It supports 1080p video resolution, whereas the PS4 Pro plays games written for 4K televisions. Both PS4 and the “Pro” edition can play Blu-Ray DVDs, but only at 1080p resolution. The PS4 VR is the virtual reality model that requires a video headset.

You’ll find detailed technical and product information on all three console lines at these links.

Remember that beyond all the technical details and feature sets each of these delivers, you should look for the kind of games you’d like to play, which you’ll find at each of those websites. Some games are written for only a specific manufacturer’s console.

Upsie’s service contracts extend the warranty you get from the manufacturer, but they cover more and cost as much as 70% less than extended coverage from the device maker. Compare Microsoft’s $115 fee to make a repair or Sony’s $150 charge with Upsie’s super-reasonable prices. For example, for a $499 Xbox Series X, Upsie costs $48.99 for two years and $74.99 for three years with a $25 deductible.

Check out Upsie’s and the specific hazards you’re protected against. Plus, if you’ve tapped out your budget right now, you can buy your Upsie coverage any time within 60 days of buying your console. Questions? Give us a call at 1-877-844-7745. We’re here to serve you.