Gaming Console Comparison 2019
We are here midway through 2019 and rumors are circulating around the release of new gaming consoles. Microsoft announced that “Project Scarlett” (Xbox One’s predecessor) is set to be released by the end of the year, while Sony has rumored the release of the PlayStation 5 sometime in 2021. Along with that, Nintendo has built off the success of their current gaming console, the Nintendo Switch, by releasing the Nintendo Switch Lite.
Although there is plenty of excitement around the release of next generation gaming, these consoles are probably going to be accompanied with a hefty price tag and of course the possibility of technical flaws.
Knowing this, I am always reluctant to jumping right on board with purchasing the latest and greatest gaming system. That is why I thought it would be a good idea to breakdown the current consoles that are on the market and create a gaming console comparison for those who are like me and are hesitant in buying new consoles right away.
We are going to take a look at four kinds of gaming consoles in this blog: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC.
Table of Contents
Gaming Console Prices
Let’s first look at the baseline price for each console. These prices are the current prices for the consoles alone. Towards the end of this blog we are going to cover the “actual” price for each console with each system’s add-ons. Below are the current base prices for each gaming platform (USD). With the release of new consoles you can expect to see a price decrease.
Microsoft’s Xbox One X Price: $499.00
Sony’s PlayStation 4 Pro Price: $399.99
Nintendo’s Switch Price: $299.99
Average price for a complete gaming PC: $700.00 – $1,000.00
Gaming Console Portability
The winner for this category should come as no surprise. The Nintendo Switch was built for portability. Nintendo has been known to dominate portable gaming consoles starting their reputation back in the 90’s with the Gameboy.
The Switch lives up to its portable gaming expectations. It is light weight and easy to transport wherever you go. The detachable Joy-Cons are a great touch making multiplayer game play available even when away from the gaming dock.
Another nice feature the Switch offers is a kickstand that pops out of the back of the screen, allowing the screen to stand up on almost any surface.
The PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC lack portability and are considered at-home consoles only.
Gaming Console Exclusive Games
Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and the Nintendo Switch all have their fair share of exclusive video game titles that can only be played on their platforms. However, there are many popular game developing companies that make their video game titles compatible on all devices.
Popular video game companies such as Rockstar (known for Grand Theft Auto and RDR), Infinity Ward (known for Call of Duty Modern Warfare), EA (known for Battlefront, Battlefield and FIFA) and many others make their games available on almost all devices.
Below are a few video game titles that are exclusive for their consoles:
Xbox One: Halo franchise, Gears of War franchise, Forza Motorsport franchise.
PlayStation 4: God of War franchise, Ratchet & Clank, The Last of Us, Spider-Man, Batman Arkham series.
Nintendo Switch: Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, Legend of Zelda franchise, Mario Party franchise.
PC: Diablo series, Total War series, World of Warcraft, Civilization series, Runescape.
Gaming Console’s Online Service
For all but PC, the age of free online gaming is over. Xbox, PlayStation and now Nintendo all require a monthly or yearly payment to access online game play.
However, online subscriptions give players access to other features besides online play. These services often are accompanied with exclusive content, free games and other in console features.
Xbox Live Gold Subscription Cost: $9.99/month or $59.99/year
PlayStation 4 Online Cost: $9.99/month or $49.99/year
Nintendo Switch Online Cost: $3.99/month or $20.00/year
PC: Free
Gaming Console’s Storage
If you are an avid game collector storage is probably at the top of your list for deciding between gaming consoles.
Let me just say I made the mistake of buying the Xbox One when it was first released. The console I bought has an internal storage of 500GB. Putting this into perspective, my Xbox One can only store up to about 6 of today’s current game titles. For example, Red Dead Redemption 2 is 107 GB alone on the Xbox One. You can see my frustration whenever new game titles come out and I have to decide what game file to put to rest.
The internal storage built into these consoles today don’t nearly have enough room for a collection of video games.
However, some game titles require more or less storage space all depending on the console. Going back to the Red Dead Redemption 2 example, on Xbox it requires 107GB of space but on PlayStation 4 it only requires about 99 GB.
Either way you are eventually going to need external storage. External storage devices have a starting cost around $89.00.
Xbox One: 500 GB – 1 TB
External Storage: USB
PlayStation 4: 500 GB – 1 TB
External Storage: USB
Nintendo Switch: 32 GB
External Storage: MicroSD Card
Storage Needed for PC: 525 GB
External Storage: USB
Gaming Console Controllers
Xbox One: The Xbox One controllers have a design that is similar to their Xbox 360 predecessor. They are wireless and powered by battery. You can buy a dock that will recharge the controllers when the batteries start getting low. The controllers lack any serious updates but still are considered the most ergonomic gaming controller.
PlayStation 4: The PlayStation 4 controllers added a touch-pad between the two joy-sticks. PlayStation has struggled in the past to switch Xbox user’s over to their console because of their controller design which at first is uncomfortable for an unfamiliar user. Despite that, PlayStation 4’s controllers have made great strides in creating an ergonomic controller that is easy to use and adapt to.
Nintendo Switch: The Nintendo Switches’ Joy-Con controllers are great for portable play when attached to the console as a whole. However, when detached they fall short in size. The Joy-Cons individually are a little too small for the hands of an average man or woman. If the controllers are too small for your liking you can purchase a port for the console that allows you to connect classic GameCube controllers, making for easier play.
PC: PC is the same as it always has been. You play using a mouse and a keyboard. You can use just about any keyboard and mouse to play PC games. However, there are mouse’ and keyboards specifically designed and made for gaming. Key features of a gaming keyboards and mouse’ include raised keys and extra buttons on the mouse for easier game play. The mouse and keyboard you choose could effectively help your game play. However, some can come at a hefty price.
The Real Cost of Each Gaming Console
Below I have compiled what I believe is the total price for each console to ensure you the best gaming experience. Of course, a lot of the additional purchases listed could be considered unnecessary.
Regarding the PC pricing, there are a lot of options out there to enhance your play and all components of PC console could be replaced by either cheaper or more expensive variations. The prices displayed for PC reflect what I believe match up with someone just beginning to play PC.
Xbox One
| Console Price | $499.00 |
| Controller | $39.99/each |
| External Storage | $89.99 |
| Online Service | $59.99/year |
| Controller Charging Dock | $29.99 |
| Total Price | $718.963 |
PlayStation 4
| Console Price | $399.99 |
| Controller | $46.96/each |
| External Storage | $79.99 |
| Online Service | $49.99/year |
| Total Price | $576.93 |
Nintendo Switch
| Console Price | $299.99 |
| Controller | $69.99/pair |
| External Storage | $23.99 |
| GameCube Controller Adapter | $13.99 |
| Online Service | $20.00/year |
| Total Price | $427.96 |
PC
| Gaming Monitor | $109.99 |
| Gaming PC | $599.99 |
| Gaming Keyboard | $119.99 |
| Gaming Mouse | $36.00 |
| External Storage | $59.99 |
| Total Price | $925.96 |