Console Deals

Games consoles have been around for over 30 years – but since the launch of the Atari 2600, the technology inside them has developed exponentially. Nowadays, gamers can choose between high powered beasts like the Xbox One, the PS4 and the Wii U. All of them have their particular strengths, and would suit different kinds of gamer. This guide should help purchasers find the right console for them.

An Introduction to the Major Games Consoles

A console is basically a gaming computer. They usually do not include keyboards or mice, and they aren't used for office applications. Instead, they are designed to deliver high quality graphics and audio, with sophisticated multiplayer capabilities and gaming controllers suited to different types of game. More recently, consoles have also incorporated forms of online connectivity – allowing owners to stream movies and TV or to access social networking sites from their living room.

This buyer's guide will look at the range of consoles available from the three industry leaders: Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft.

The 7th Generation

The Sony PS3

Sony's PlayStation 3 (PS3) was released in 2006, but it still has a loyal user base following and titles continue to be released for the system. The PS3 was released in two different versions – a normal-sized variant and a slimline design, which gradually replaced its larger brother as the major retail model.

Sony also released the PS3 in two different packages. The first included a 160GB hard drive, while the other came with 320GB. This translates into a significant difference, with many games requiring hard disk installation to run properly.

Aside from hard disk capacity, both versions have the same specifications. The PS3 included a Blu-ray player, Wi-Fi connectivity, USB ports and cables, a single controller and cables to connect with conventional TVs. Flat screen owners may need to purchase a separate HDMI cable.

Popular accessories for the PS3 included the PlayStation Eye – a camera/microphone peripheral designed to sit on top of your TV for use with social networking or certain games. PS3 owners could also enhance their console with Bluetooth remote controls, as well as a range of additional game controllers.

Xbox 360

Developed by Microsoft, the Xbox 360 was released in 2005 as a successor to the original Xbox. Since its release, the Xbox 360 has been superseded by the Xbox One, but still has a large user base, new games will be released until the beginning of 2017.

Initially, the Xbox 360 was released in two packages. The Core package featured the console, a TV connection lead and a single controller, while the Premium package included extra memory and a detachable hard drive.

In 2007, the Premium package was replaced by the Elite package, which offered even more hard disk space, and switched from a white to a matte black appearance. At the same time, the Core package was replaced by the Arcade bundle, adding extra memory but without an external hard disk.

Finally, in 2010 the Elite package was upgraded to Super Elite, featuring a 250 GB hard disk and two wireless controllers. The Super Elite variety of the Xbox 360 was also released in several special editions, including Halo 3 branded boxes and versions themed around the Simpsons, Resident Evil 5, Call of Duty, Splinter Cell: Conviction, Star Wars, Gears of War and Final Fantasy XIII.

Nintendo Wii

The original Nintendo Wii was released in 2006, replacing the Gamecube as Nintendo's flagship console. A competitor for the XBox 360 and PlayStation 3, the Wii has outsold them both, appealing to families across the world. For the first time, a console included motion sensing technology, allowing players to experience sports games in a completely new way.

The initial version of the Wii weighed in at 1.2kg less than its competitors, and included a console stand, the console itself, the Wii remote, a Nunchuk controller accessory, power adapter, sensor bar, AV cable and batteries.

In 2009, an update was released called WiiMotion Plus, which enhanced the controller's motion capture function. This was followed in 2011 by the Wii Family Edition, featuring the Wii Sports and Wii Party collection of minigames.

In 2013, Nintendo also launched the Wii Mini, a much smaller version with a top-loading disc drive and a stripped down set of features, a black and red colour scheme and a lower price range.

All versions of the Wii are designed to appeal to younger gamers and families, and Nintendo have also made an effort to link it to its wi-fi network, Nintendo Mii, for social networking and multiplayer gaming.

The 8th Generation

The Sony PS4

The PlayStation 4 (PS4) was released in 2013 as a direct successor to the PS3. The PS4 delivers more processing power and graphical potential than the PS3 and comes with a 500 GB hard disk as standard and an Ultimate Player's edition with a 1TB hard disk drive. The DualShock controller familiar to PS3 players has been redesigned to be more ergonomic, and also includes a touchpad to provide more social networking and gaming functionality. In 2016 Sony released a Pro version of the PlayStation 4 which offers an even better gaming experience due to its faster processor and the support of 4K resolution.

As with the PS3, the PS4 includes a Blu-ray disc drive, allowing owners to play high definition movies. It also includes USB connections, an HDMI cable and headset – enabling gamers to play straight out of the box, without adding extra accessories.

However, there are some significant differences between the two Sony systems. The PS4 has been designed with online gaming in mind. Using the PS4 revolves around access to the PlayStation Network – a source of games and online services run by Sony. This allows gamers to participate in competitive online communities or arrange matches with their friends for a subscription fee. It also allows users to download expansions for their favourite games and entire games, again for a fee.

Accessories include enhanced wireless headsets, extra wireless Dualshock controllers and an enhanced Sony Camera – which can now be used with more gaming titles, particularly those aimed at younger children.

The Microsoft Xbox One

Released in 2013, the Xbox One is the successor to the popular Xbox 360, and is a direct competitor for the PlayStation 4 as an 8th generation gaming console. The Xbox One has a powerful 1.75GHz processor (compared to the 1.6GHz of the PS4), and comes with 8GB of RAM. It also incorporates next generation graphical processing capacities that, just like the PS4, allow developers to generate extremely realistic gaming environments. Since September 2016 gamers can also buy an updated version, the Xbox One S which supports 4K Blu-rays, HDR video streaming and is backwards compatible to Xbox 360 games.

The system comes with an HDMI port to connect with flat screen TVs, features motion-sensing technology and voice recognition functions that allow users to play certain games or turn the console off with a simple instruction. Games are also controlled via a standard Xbox controller (wireless or wired), but can also be controlled via remote controls and Xbox One Smart Glasses.

The Xbox One has been designed around multiplayer online gaming, which can be accessed via Xbox live. Here, users can connect with other Xbox players, download apps and games and compete with a worldwide community of gamers. The system also supports Skype, providing easy to use voice or video chat functionality.

The Nintendo Wii U

The Wii U was launched in 2012 as Nintendo's contribution to the 8th generation of console systems. It is a direct competitor with the PS4 and the Xbox One.

The Wii U centres on its innovative controller, which allows games to be played simultaneously on a TV screen and the touchpad, potentially enhancing RPGs, sports games and FPS shooters. It includes a camera, microphone, a 6.2 inch touchscreen and a variety of motion sensors. The touchpad isn't just about gaming; it can also act as a TV remote control. Games can also be played on the controller's screen when the TV is in use – handy for busy households.

Another important aspect of the Wii U is that Nintendo specifically designed it to possess backward compatibility with older Wii games. That means that if you have a large collection of Wii games and want to upgrade, you can enjoy them on the new console as well.

As with the PS4 and Xbox One, the Wii U is intended to be used in conjunction with online services provided by the manufacturer. Unlike Sony and Microsoft's services, the Nintendo Network does not cost any money to access. It allows users to stream video from YouTube, watch Netflix movies and download audio files from Napster, as well as interacting with friends who are also on the service.

The Wii U was launched in a number of different bundles. The Basic bundle came with a white Wii U console, 8GB of storage space and an HDMI cable to connect with HD TVs. With a slightly higher price point, the Deluxe bundle featured a black console, 32GB of storage, a free Nintendo Land game, gamepad stand, charging cradle and console stand.

Which Console has the Best Range of Games?

This really depends on what kind of games you are looking for. Let's take the home-based consoles first.

If you are a fan of action games like Grand Theft Auto or First-Person Shooters, then the PlayStation 3 or 4 would be ideal. Not only do they feature a wide range of excellent titles like Call of Duty and Far Cry, but the PS range has the largest online community. This means that there is a broader spectrum of options for multiplayer gaming, which is one of the great attractions of the FPS genre. Then again, the Xbox One has the latest iteration of the Halo series, which is one of the greatest FPS shooters of all time – so it delivers a similar level of excitement.

Fans of driving games would be satisfied by either the Xbox One or PS4. Titles like The Crew or Need for Speed have been released on both systems and perform equally well.

If you love Role Playing Games (RPGs), you also have plenty of choice. In this case, the Wii U is a great option, particularly for younger gamers. The extra functionality of the touchpad adds a new dimension to games like The Legend of Zelda. Then again, if you prefer an immersive, atmospheric style of game, Fallout on the PS4 will be your kind of thing.

Sports fans will be better off with the Xbox One and PS4. They both play an excellent game of FIFA 17, with full multiplayer functionality via FIFA Ultimate Team. For some specific sports, different systems have the edge. For example, Major League Baseball 15 on the PS4 is in a league of its own.

In general, the PS4 and Xbox One have a similar breadth of titles, and their quality is very similar. There are a few exclusives for both systems, but these are unlikely to sway buyers. The Wii U is a different style of system, with plenty of games that are unique. It's generally a family-oriented console, with colourful, immersive games that everyone can enjoy.

Controller-comparison of the 8th Generation

Handheld consoles – Gaming Experience Everywhere

The Sony PS Vita

The PS Vita was launched in 2011 as a handheld equivalent to the PS3, delivering high definition visuals in a portable package. Although it is extremely compact, the PS Vita allows gamers to play online, with full social media functionality via the touchpad, and it is capable of playing games against players on PS3 and PS4 devices as well.

Two different versions of the PS Vita have been released. The PCH-1000 was the initial offering, featuring a 5-inch OLED touchscreen, the familiar PlayStation buttons and two analogue joysticks. It also included a camera, stereo audio, a Siraxis motion sensing system and 512MB of RAM. The battery of the PCH-1000 was officially stated to last between three and five hours of stripped-down gaming, or nine hours of audio.

The PCH-1000 was released in Wi-Fi and 3G versions. Wi-Fi can allow for free gaming, where such wireless internet connections exist. The 3G service has better coverage, thus enabling gamers to take their console wherever they wish, although you will have to pay more for the chance to do so.

Released in 2013, the PCH-2000 reduced the Vita's weight with a slimmed-down appearance. It included an extra hour of battery life, a USB port that can be used for charging and 1GB of RAM.

Unlike other consoles, the PS Vita doesn't use a form of disc to store its software. Instead, games are stored on flash memory cards. It is also designed to be used with conventional SD memory cards, and has an upper limit of 500 games or apps at any one time.

The Nintendo 3DS

The Nintendo 3DS appeared in 2011 as a next-generation handheld console. For the first time, handheld devices could deliver high quality 3D graphics, without the need to wear special glasses.

As with all next generation systems, the 3DS isn't all about gaming. It comes pre-loaded with apps designed to allow users to access social networking sites, including the Nintendo Miiverse and the Nintendo Store. It also includes a web browser and can deliver Netflix, Hulu or YouTube streams as well.

The 3DS is capable of playing any titles that were launched for the older Nintendo DS, as well as even older Gameboy titles via its Virtual Console software.

Buyers should be aware that the 3DS has been redesigned several times since being launched in 2011. One new version saw the screen significantly expanded (the 3DS XL). The New Nintendo 3DS was also released, offering enhanced CPU performance and more memory. Nintendo also released a child-friendly version without 3D support, called the 2DS, which is physically sturdier and cheaper.

Which Portable Console Should I Choose?

If you’re looking for a portable gaming experience, your choice boils down to a contest between the PS Vita and the Nintendo 3DS.

For adult gamers, the conventional PS Vita offers a comfortable controller with an excellent display, while owners report that the battery charge levels tend to remain constant, even years after their purchase. However, the system's major selling point is its exceptional graphics. If you want to play PS3 quality games on the move, the Vita is the right option. Finding and downloading them is also simple using the PlayStation Network (and you can also download PS1 or PS2 titles straight to your Vita as well).

The 3DS offers lower quality graphics and doesn't suit frantic shooters as well as the Vita. However, it is an excellent option for families, with a wide range of cute and easy to play games and cartoonish graphics. The Miiverse is a child-friendly social networking option as well, and with Nintendo's Store kids will find it harder to accidentally access extra purchases that are not approved by their parents.

Both systems are comfortable to use on the go, and have good software support. If you have previously used a Nintendo DS, the 3DS may suit you better, as most of your old games will be compatible.

Full comparison: PS Vita – Nintendo 3DS

A Look at the Games for Portable Consoles

Comparing handheld consoles - PS Vita and Nintendo 3DS - there isn't much to choose between them. Again, if you want to play adult-style shooters the Vita may be the best choice. On the other hand, the 3DS has a larger collection of games and some stellar titles. You can't play Mario Kart, Zelda, Pokemon or Monster Hunter on the PS Vita.

The 3DS does have its drawbacks though. For one thing, if you lose your console, you have to purchase your games again, as the system itself is not directly linked to a Nintendo account. It also has a shorter battery life, and the 3D won't suit everyone's eyes.

The major issue with the PS Vita is that the supply of games is not as wide. It also comes with a heftier price tag and fewer of the games available have the "pick up and play" quality that the best 3DS titles possess. All the same, this will not be a problem for gamers who value greater depth, so it works both ways.

How to Buy Games Consoles

If you are looking to upgrade your gaming experience by purchasing an 8th-generation console like the PS4, Wii U or Xbox One, it makes sense to hunt down the best possible deals. The same applies to mobile systems like the PS Vita and Nintendo 3DS.

If you are looking to buy a next generation system, try waiting for Black Friday or Cyber Monday (in November) or the New Year sales. Consoles tend to be heavily discounted almost immediately after Christmas, so Boxing Day is a great time to log on and find a deal.

The easiest way to check out discounts as they are announced is by keeping track of the console deals at HotUKDeals. Our users post up the latest savings from leading UK merchants like Amazon, Tesco and GAME, as well as online discounts on the Xbox Marketplace and PlayStation Network. If you want to upgrade your console and build a game collection, our pages are the first place to look.