Posted 18 November 2023

Switch vs Xbox

I've read over a similar thread to this and tried to research online, but the articles tend to be very generic, so wondering if this community can help. Would love views from humans!

Thinking about a Christmas present for the kids (7 and 10) and was going to get a Switch last year, but ended up getting a 2nd hand Wii as already had loads of games from my broken one. Also, the eldest tends to get really frustrated with computer games, so wasn't sure if the switch would get used much. Thought I'd get a Switch this year, but I now wonder if an Xbox would be better value and it also seems to be aimed at older gamers, so might get more user? Would probably series S.

Thanks for any insights.

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18th Nov 2023
I guess it depends on prefered game play. Mario Kart & all current Mario games are exclusively availble on the Switch. The Switch has the advantage of being a self contained portable games device - perfect for long car journeys. I have Mario Kart Live Circuit, which is great fun (if you have the space!).
Whilst I guess you could state that the Xbox is aimed at a slightly older audience, it does have quite a library of "kid friendly" games. Like Mickey Mouse & Disney based ones. (I kinda miss Skylanders!)
My youngest is 12 and whilst he has all the consoles he plays almost exclusively on the Xbox. The Switch is just gathering dust. He does play PSVR every now and again though
18th Nov 2023
Depends on what games they prefer/allowed to play?

Switch
- are they into Pokemon, Mario type games?
- The switch has been out since 2017 and is rumoured to be replaced with a Switch 2 next year

Xbox
- are they into Fornite, Fifa, Crash Bandicoot?
- You can get pretty much any game that isn't exclusive to Switch.
- Series S came out in 2020 and will be around for another 4-5 years. You can get some great deals on it for £200
18th Nov 2023
You mentioned Xbox Series S, you NEED to know this is digital only(no disc drive) so all games must be bought digitally which can cost more.

Current deals for Xbox Series X on here are around £410 and PS5 Disc version £380 both of these models are the current top of the range versions. (edited)
Author
18th Nov 2023
Thanks. I was wandering around CEX the other day and the older versions of games looked decent value, so that's good to know. I think the X box is backwards compatible, so might be some bargains.
18th Nov 2023
If you do go down the Xbox series S route, buy your games from keyseller sites from other regions, works out a hell of a lot cheaper than buying direct from the Xbox store or UK sites like CDKeys etc
18th Nov 2023
As Alv426 said. Our switch gathers dust. The Xbox is the way forward. What do their friends have? That would be the best option.
Author
20th Nov 2023
Thanks all. Really helpful advice. Think I've decided on X Box Series X as I can pick up cheaper games second hand and most friends have X Boxes. Also have nectar points to use. Looks like most deals come with 1 controller, so will look out for a deal on an extra 1.

Ones more question, if I get an older version of Fifa, will it be much different to 24?
20th Nov 2023
You will want to get the latest fifa if they plan to play online I guess or what ever their friends have.

FIFA has been discontinued now, it's now called EA FC24, due to EA not wanting to pay FIFA the license fee.

You should also look into Gamepass(think Netflix) (edited)
18th Nov 2023
I would say Xbox but could PlayStation PS5 be an option especially while it's on offer for Black Friday?

Would they soon play online with their friends, what do their friends use, Xbox or Playstation is what you need to consider?
Author
18th Nov 2023
Good point, online gaming is way more fun, I think friends have most consoles, we're pretty draconian with devices. Poor kids have never played Minecraft or Fortnite.

Not considered the playstation, but will read up.