| There is now a video games console to suit | | | | console working will come in the box. Extras |
| practically every need, taste and budget. But | | | | you may need to purchase separately may |
| the range and diversity of gaming systems, | | | | include additional handsets for multiplayer |
| never mind the games themselves is a daunting | | | | games; subscriptions for online gaming; and |
| prospect to the uninitiated. | | | | special cables which will boost the audio and |
| | | | visual performance of your unit. |
| This guide - adapted from Johnny Minkley's | | | | |
| excellent overview of video game consoles at | | | | 3. Compare Prices |
| productsifter (dot) com - will answer all | | | | |
| your questions, and arm you with the | | | | Retail competition in this market is fierce, |
| information you need to make your purchase in | | | | so shop around for the best prices. Game (and |
| confidence. | | | | to a lesser extend) console prices vary |
| | | | wildly from place to place, so doing research |
| The raison d'etre of any games console is, | | | | in advance and checking prices on-line makes |
| fundamentally, gaming, notes Johnny. But | | | | sense. Unless you really need to buy the |
| today's systems offer much more. Are you an | | | | latest blockbuster on day of its release, |
| online gamer? Are childrens' games a | | | | wait a month or two - all games are reissued |
| priority? Want to take full advantage of that | | | | on budget labels and console prices also fall |
| 50-inch flat-screen plasma TV? Or are you | | | | over time. |
| just looking for cheap hassle-free fun with | | | | |
| friends and family? | | | | 4. Duck and Dive |
| | | | |
| Johnny, who has been using video game | | | | Staff at specialist computer games stores are |
| consoles for 20 years and writing about them | | | | much more likely to have expert knowledge |
| for more than seven, concludes that: | | | | than their equivalents at supermarkets and |
| | | | the like. But if the supermarket is cheaper, |
| Nintendo Wii is the best console for families | | | | don't be afraid to take advice from one place |
| | | | and buy in another. Also, consider asking the |
| Nintendo DS Lite is the best handheld console | | | | specialist store for a discount if you know |
| | | | the product is available for less elsewhere. |
| PlayStation 2 is the best budget console | | | | |
| | | | 5. Read Expert Reviews |
| Xbox 360 is the best console for online | | | | |
| gaming | | | | Don't know your Halos from your Half-Lifes? |
| | | | Websites such as ProductSifter (dot) com, and |
| The new PlayStation 3 is the best | | | | all have excellent reviews and rankings for a |
| high-definition video games console | | | | wide range of video console and game |
| | | | products. |
| Once you've decided what you want the console | | | | |
| for and which one to get, where next? Here | | | | 6. Test before you buy |
| are the key things to keep in mind to buy a | | | | |
| games console in complete confidence: | | | | Many games shops have in-store demo units, so |
| | | | you can take a game or a console for a test |
| 1. Watch out for worthless extras | | | | run before you buy. Remember, you can also |
| | | | rent video games or use online clubs like to |
| Many shops offer bundle deals in addition to | | | | cut costs further. |
| selling stand-alone consoles. Typically they | | | | |
| throw a load of games in for "free". While | | | | 7. Check the age ratings |
| the savings can be substantial with such | | | | |
| deals they can also be illusionary. Are the | | | | Every video game should have an age rating. |
| "free" games on offer actually worth having? | | | | In Europe, the Pan-European Game Information |
| If you are not careful you could end up | | | | standard is used. It is not legally binding, |
| spending more than you intended on games you | | | | but offers a clear guide to parents about a |
| will never play so check them out first. | | | | game's suitability for children. Also, any |
| | | | game featuring mature or realistic content is |
| 2. Make sure all the essentials are included | | | | rated by the British Board of Film |
| | | | Classification. For more on this subject go |
| Do not assume everything you need to get your | | | | to: AskAboutGames (dot) com. |