Consoles, or home video game systems, are a very popular form of entertainment. Experts at Sony estimated, in the year 2000, that one out of every four households in the USA had a Sony Playstation. It has now become a universal phenomenon, and Sony has plenty of competition from other companies. A console is a highly specialized computer, much cheaper than a computer (ranging from $30 to $200 for a Sony). Loading takes place quicker, and a console can easily be connected to your TV or stereo, doing away with compatibility issues. Most consoles have to be just plugged in to be played. And the most important reason for a console's popularity – multiple player facility. All video games have these core components in common – CPU, RAM, User Control Interface, Video and Audio Outputs, Software Kernel or Operating System, and Storage.
Here is a list of the most popular consoles, and the average minimum prices that they are available at:
The Sony Playstation Portable (PSP) Console, at $180, has a handheld console type, widescreen display, 333 MHz processing speed, and has multiplayer facility. It comes with a re-chargeable lithium-ion battery, and can run for 2.5 hours. The basic features accompanying the PSP are the built-in stereo speakers, exterior headphone connector, brightness control and sound mode selections.
The Microsoft Xbox Console costs about $130. This has DVD playback ability, as well as broadband internet connectivity. Best of all four players can participate at the same time. This high-end console system has a 733 MHz Intel processor, and voice-activated headsets.
The Nintendo DS Console is also priced at $130. It has an installed RAM of 4 MB, and can display 260,000 colors. The re-chargeable lithium-ion battery can run up to 10 hours. And surprise, it has an internal clock with an alarm!
The Nintendo Super NES Console, at $37, is a steal. Some of Nintendo's biggest characters are now available here – Mario, Zelda, Donkey Kong, you name it. With stereo audio support and 32,768-color display, the total catalogue of games is above 500.
The Nintendo DS Lite Console, $25, has dual screens and touch-screen technology. The free Wi-Fi connection helps you to vie with players across the globe.
These are just some of the many games available nowadays. Some video game systems even have built-in special effects now, whether it is lighting options or mapping. Just remember to look for the one with the maximum battery life, and a good processor.
First Video Game Console
Whether you are young or old, male or female, single player or fun-seeking family, it does not matter because presently a new video games console available online claims to suit practically every need, taste and budget of the buyer. The range and diversity of gaming systems, and even the games themselves, is bewildering, and a daunting prospect to the inexperienced. Therefore arm yourself with the information you need to make your digital entertainment purchase in confidence.
Today's systems offer a wealth of additional functionality catering to the needs of a rapidly expanding, increasingly diverse audience. Forget the old, as the gaming has extended the boundary not in its varieties but also is not limited only to the younger but is also played by the granny. So, are you interested in online play? Is a huge range of kids' games a priority? But once you've made your decision, where next? Next is your step to buy your games console in complete confidence.
1. Beware of the games on offer and the retailer's motives. You will come across many shops that offer load of games in for “free” in addition to selling. While the savings can be significant with such deals they can also be unreal. Therefore first check out whether the “free” games on offer are actually worthy. Your carefulness will save you from spending more than you intended on games.
2. Make sure all the essentials are included. Extras you may need to purchase separately may include additional handsets for multi player games; subscriptions for online gaming; and special cables which will boost the audio and visual performance of your unit.
3. Game (and to a lesser extend) console prices vary wildly from place to place, so doing research in advance and checking prices on-line makes sense. Unless you really need to buy the latest blockbuster on day of its release, wait a month or two - all games are reissued on budget labels and console prices also fall over time.
4. Read Expert Reviews, Websites such as Product Sifter (dot) com, Game rankings (dot) com and Meta critic (dot) com all have excellent reviews and rankings for a wide range of video console and game products.
5. Many games shops have in-store demo units, so you can take a game or a console for a test run before you buy.
6. Age ratings is very important because it will provide a clear guidance to the parents about the game's accessibility for their children.
7.Take advice from the staff at specialist computer games stores who have expert knowledge before purchasing the product online.
Award winning game can provoke you to buy the same but it is advised that buy only those, which you like to play.
Both Victor Nunn & Albert James are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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