Buyers Guide to Video Game Consoles - Seven Vital Tips

There is now a video games console to suitadditional handsets for multiplayer games;
practically every need, taste and budget. But thesubscriptions for online gaming; and special cables
range and diversity of gaming systems, neverwhich will boost the audio and visual performance
mind the games themselves is a dauntingof your unit.
prospect to the uninitiated.3. Compare Prices
This guide - adapted from Johnny Minkley'sRetail competition in this market is fierce, so shop
excellent overview of video game consoles ataround for the best prices. Game (and to a lesser
productsifter (dot) com - will answer all yourextend) console prices vary wildly from place to
questions, and arm you with the information youplace, so doing research in advance and checking
need to make your purchase in confidence.prices on-line makes sense. Unless you really need
The raison d'etre of any games console is,to buy the latest blockbuster on day of its
fundamentally, gaming, notes Johnny. But today'srelease, wait a month or two - all games are
systems offer much more. Are you an onlinereissued on budget labels and console prices also
gamer? Are childrens' games a priority? Want tofall over time.
take full advantage of that 50-inch flat-screen4. Duck and Dive
plasma TV? Or are you just looking for cheapStaff at specialist computer games stores are
hassle-free fun with friends and family?much more likely to have expert knowledge than
Johnny, who has been using video game consolestheir equivalents at supermarkets and the like. But
for 20 years and writing about them for moreif the supermarket is cheaper, don't be afraid to
than seven, concludes that:take advice from one place and buy in another.
Nintendo Wii is the best console for familiesAlso, consider asking the specialist store for a
Nintendo DS Lite is the best handheld consolediscount if you know the product is available for
PlayStation 2 is the best budget consoleless elsewhere.
Xbox 360 is the best console for online gaming5. Read Expert Reviews
The new PlayStation 3 is the best high-definitionDon't know your Halos from your Half-Lifes?
video games consoleWebsites such as ProductSifter (dot) com, and all
Once you've decided what you want the consolehave excellent reviews and rankings for a wide
for and which one to get, where next? Here arerange of video console and game products.
the key things to keep in mind to buy a games6. Test before you buy
console in complete confidence:Many games shops have in-store demo units, so
1. Watch out for worthless extrasyou can take a game or a console for a test run
Many shops offer bundle deals in addition to sellingbefore you buy. Remember, you can also rent
stand-alone consoles. Typically they throw a loadvideo games or use online clubs like to cut costs
of games in for "free". While the savings can befurther.
substantial with such deals they can also be7. Check the age ratings
illusionary. Are the "free" games on offer actuallyEvery video game should have an age rating. In
worth having? If you are not careful you couldEurope, the Pan-European Game Information
end up spending more than you intended onstandard is used. It is not legally binding, but offers
games you will never play so check them outa clear guide to parents about a game's suitability
first.for children. Also, any game featuring mature or
2. Make sure all the essentials are includedrealistic content is rated by the British Board of
Do not assume everything you need to get yourFilm Classification. For more on this subject go to:
console working will come in the box. Extras youAskAboutGames (dot) com.
may need to purchase separately may include