1 - Features
There are a wide variety of hand-held and video game consoles available in the market, each of which differs in the level of sophistication of games supported, display, cost etc. A basic understanding of the features of game consoles and their affect on performance can guide you to make an informed choice when buying a game console.
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Key features
- Type of Console
- Graphics
- Data Storage options
- Games Offered
- Console Controls and Playability
- Networking Capabilities
Accessories
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2 - Console Type
There are two types of game consoles: Video Game Consoles and Handheld Consoles.
Video game consoles can be connected to a television or computer and uses the television or computer monitor for display. Video game consoles offer far more sophisticated features than handheld consoles. The game software is available on CDs, DVDs or cartridges and they are powered by processors similar to the CPU of the computer. Consoles that can play CDs or DVDs can double up as a music player. Sony's PlayStation 2 (PS2), Nintendo's GameCube and Microsoft's Xbox are the popular video game consoles.
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Handheld consoles are portable gaming devices. In a handheld console the controls, screen and speakers are all part of a single handheld unit. Handheld consoles are generally not as sophisticated as video game consoles. Nintendo GameBoy is a popular model of handheld console. |
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3 - Graphics
Check out the display of the handheld consoles for the number of different colors they can reproduce, the display size (resolution), and type of screen (e.g. TFT, LCD). This determines the quality of the graphics being displayed
Microsoft’s Xbox, Sony's PlayStation 2 (PS 2) and Nintendo's GameCube have technologies which offer excellent graphics. Try out the various models to see what effect each technology has on the graphics of the games you play. Ensure that the types of video outputs available on the system are compatible with your display. Digital video out and S-Video maintains the quality of the output video signal. Some consoles may require additional accessories for providing digital video out.
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4 - Data Storage
Handheld devices generally allow the user to store a limited amount of data (e.g. high scores, settings and so on). Video consoles allow users to store a larger amount of data than handheld consoles.
The Xbox provides a hard drive for storing data. The other video consoles that offer additional data storage option use external flash memory cards. The advantage of having (the removable) flash memory card is that, you can move your data to another game console. PS2 and GameCube each have their own proprietary memory card.
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5 - Games Offered
Check out the games available for each system. Ensure that the console you buy supports the games of your choice. Also consider that certain games are developed for younger kids. If you are looking for a console for your kids, you have to consider his/her choice of games as well.
GameCube offers a number of titles suitable for younger players, such as "Mario Party 5" and "Pokémon Colosseum". GameCube also offers titles such as "Star Wars Rebel Strike: Rogue Squadron III " and the "Resident Evil" series designed for older kids. PS2 offers an incredible number of games, and a lot of them are built around shooting, and fighting. Sony also has its own titles such as "Gran Turismo 4", and exclusive third-party titles; "Final Fantasy X".
Xbox offers a lot of games. Games such as "Ty the Tasmanian Tiger" and "Shark Tale" are very popular with the little kids. Xbox also offers action and adventure games targeted at older players. Game developers are putting out newer titles for Xbox all the time. Quite a few titles formerly available only to PlayStation are now available for Xbox as well.
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6 - Controls
The input device used to control a video game is known as a controller. Controllers have evolved from a two button device to a device that has multiple joy sticks, pedals and dozens of buttons to control the character/situation in the game. It is the controller that gives you control over actions you can perform in the game. The controllers should feel comfortable in your hand, and the buttons you need to use the most should be easily accessible, not crowded together. It should also be able to handle a bit of rough use.
Some controllers have buttons and joysticks that vibrate in sync with situation in the game. This feature shakes the controller whenever something nasty happens in the game. This means that you not just see and hear the situation in the game but also have the ability to feel it. PS2 lets you feel the action with the DualShock controller, as does GameCube's G-Force controller and Xbox's Controller S.
The menus of the system should be easy to understand and intuitive. This makes it easy to use.
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7 - Network Capabilities
Quite a few systems have in- built modems or Ethernet ports that allow you to connect the console to the Internet. Check that your console has this feature if you intend to play games on the Internet. Also, ensure that the connection of the console will work with your home Internet connection. |
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8 - Accessories
A wide range of wired and wireless accessories for game consoles are available in the market. For consoles which do not have expansion slots you may require accessories that allow you to connect to other devices. Specialized controllers, such as step pads for dance-oriented games, steering wheels for games involving driving, and joystick controls for games which allow multi-dimensional movement can enhance your gaming experience. Skateboard pad controllers are available for Xbox skate and surf games. Look for wireless accessories. Having wireless accessories means you don't have to worry about anyone accidentally tripping over wires lying on the floor. Wireless adapter cards allow you to link to a network wirelessly. Remote controls for CD and DVD players can enhance your multimedia capability.
In the end the choice of game console depends on the games you want to play and the price you are willing to pay to get it. A little research into the types of consoles available in the market can go a long way towards making the task of buying a game console easier.
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