What console......gaming newbie!

A question about : What console......gaming newbie!

Hi all

Pretty much as the title says- I have a PS2 from years ago that I probably haven't touched in over 2 years however I fancy playing the odd game.
When I see adverts on TV and the like I am amazed by the visual effects on games nowadays.

Anyway, for a total newbie like myself what sort of console would be good or should I stick with the old one!

Thank you.

Best answers:

• Two (well three, really) things to consider:
  1. Do you have any friends who are gamers? If so, which console(s) do they have? If you want to play online, this can be a decider.
  2. Are there any exclusives that interest you? A quick search online should bring up the exclusives for each console.
  3. Have you considered PC gaming?
• Thank you for your reply.
  1) No - no friends who game so online not an issue
  2) not particularly
  3) thought of a little but dont fancy it really
• You could pick up a 360 or ps3, as both will be a jump up for you over the ps2 and both have a massive library of games and you will be able to pick up games cheaply.
  You could also decide to pick up one of the new consoles, both are a year old and bedding in well. Neither without their imperfections yet, but both improving. There was a gap between them in favour of the PS4 on release however MS have made massive improvements to the X1 since release and it's becoming a great bit of kit. There isn't an awful lot of difference between both now and IMO the X1 has better exclusives so far. Both are considerably more than you'd pick up the 2 last gen consoles.
• I wouldn't invest in a ps4/xbone until the slim version come out and they get themselves established a bit more.
  personally id go the pc gaming route and pick up whatever's on sale on steam, but if you want a console then pick up a ps3/360.
• I would strongly recommend a PS3 - their exclusive games are fantastic and you can get some great deals now that the new gen consoles are out.
• What is it you dont fancy about pc gaming ?
• squirrelchops - since we're on a moneysaving website, and you've been out of gaming for a while, just take your pick from X360 or PS3. Choose based on which exclusive games you want to play (ie you can't play Halo on a PS3, you can't play Gran Turismo on an X360). Heck, you can buy them both for the cost of one of the newer 2.
  You've got so many games to play before moving onto the next console, and by the time you're finished, they'll be under Ј200.
  Also, there aren't that many games available for the new ones yet, and there are plenty of gaps in their software (PS3 can do lots of things the PS4 can't, yet).
• Ps4.... ....
• I'd avoid the ps4 and xbone atm, both are expensive door wedges both of which have small catalogues of games mostly consisting of hd remastered games based on old "last gen" console releases. Wait for the revised "slim" models, the prices to drop and some half decent titles to launch before considering buying either.
  Regards x360/ps3, theres not really a massive amount in it, theres not a deal breaking amount of must-have exclusives on either nowdays, the ps3 does have a bonus that its a bluray player too and its hdd is much cheaper and easier to upgrade than the xbox, but the xbox does have an argueably better online gaming service. Both have a huge library of games, many of which are dirt cheap now and will (mostly) only get cheaper as/when the two new consoles actually get going properly.
  I haven't mentioned the Wii/Wii U because unless you're really into your Mario/Zelda/Metroid stuff theres not really much going for them. Yes they're quiky with a different controller method but many 3rd party publisher titles are horrendous, so I'd avoid these.
  Personally I'd go for an xbox 360 (I have a 360 and ps3 before the fanboys bandwagon comes along) simply being because I don't buy overpriced blu-rays, I prefer the controller and the menu system is more refined and faster than the ps3.
• PS3, huge catalogue and you won't have to pay to play online (if that takes your fancy).
• I agree that the PS3 edges it over the 360 (just!) due to being able to dip into the free online play, but also consider picking up a DualShock 4 pad to go with it, as it's a significant improvement over the PS3 pads.
  Although if online gaming is "not an issue" because you have no desire to game online at all, I'd suggest the 360, as you'll have better versions of 99% of the games that released on both consoles, as well as the 360 controller.
  If you're looking to get "into" gaming properly, a Ј600 PC would have better-looking games than both the PS4 and Xbox One, as well as working out cheaper over just the first two or three years (much cheaper games + free online), not to mention also having most of the best games from the 360/PS3 catalogues, as well as a few hundred thousand other games, a huge choice of control options, and its usefulness apart from gaming. But as you say "I fancy playing the odd game", I think a PC might be overkill for your needs.
  PS3 if you'll have the odd online dabble, 360 if you don't think online will be needed at all.
• The problem with PC gaming is you can't just loaf on the sofa in the lounge with a wireless controller - you have to be sat at a PC (tho there are probably convoluted ways to get a similar experience, though I bet not as easy as just using a console).
  For this reason alone I mainly stick to my PS3/4 nowadays - unless I'm messing with the Oculus ;-)
• What you are describing is as simple as connecting a wireless controller and setting Steam to load into Big Picture Mode on boot. Yes, you'd be "limited" to Steam games if you then did not want to use a keyboard and mouse in future, but that catalogue dwarves the catalogues of the PS3, PS4, 360 and One combined. (I'd recommend simply investing Ј20 in a wireless keyboard/mouse option to allow full access to everything "PC" from the comfort of your sofa, though.)
  If connecting a wireless controller and setting Big Picture Mode to come up automatically is "convoluted" for you, then I strongly recommend that you do not purchase a Rift. Mine can take anything from a minute to ten minutes to get working with new games/demos.
• I have an Xbone, 360 and PC, and of those 3 I recommend you pick up the 360. Nice and cheap, huge catalogue of games (some ridiculously cheap - I've picked up a few on Amazon for 1p plus Ј1.99 postage!). Absolutely do not get the Xbone - You will spend money you don't want to and end up regretting it. I have a lot of the brand new games and still my most played game on the Xbone is Minecraft. Says it all really.
• I have owned an Xbox One and I got rid because I found it very frustrating, althought the master chief collection looks good.
  PS4 I own and I do like it but there are not many good games out yet. I only really play destiny on there at the moment however the ps plus is nice.
  I also own a Wii U and this is easily the best console out of the 3. Bayonetta 2, MArio Kart 8, Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze, and Super Mario Bro's 3D world, and shovel knight are some of the best games in recent times. Thats even before Super smash bros and Captain Toad come out next month. Then there is the backwards compatability withh the huge catalouge of wii games and the virtual console for all the retro stuff
• ^^^ and it's the cheapest at about Ј170 for the basic pack.