Before you buy
With a wide variety of gaming equipment in the market, it can be a little challenging to choose something that fits your personal preferences. Here are some key points to consider before making the final purchase.
Whom are you shopping for?
Are you buying the gaming console for yourself or for someone else? Are they children, beginners or experienced gamers?
- When picking gaming consoles for kids or novice gamers, the best options are PS4 and Xbox One S
- When picking consoles for experienced gamers, the best options are PS4 Pro or Xbox One X
Is your TV 4K-compatible?
4K Resolution is the next big step up in resolution and clarity, with a wide variety of top-tier games available in the native 4K format.
- 4K TV offers an unmatched gaming experience, with stunning picture quality and jaw-dropping visuals
- If you are choosing a console for a 4K TV, opt for Xbox One X or PS4 Pro
Which consoles have you or your friends used before?
Some of the latest consoles are compatible with older software, making it possible for games from an older console to work on newer ones. Some games from your old consoles will work on newer consoles as well.
- Most online multiplayer games currently do not support cross-platform play (between Xbox and PS), making it essential for online gamers to purchase consoles after serious consideration.
How often do you play online?
Xbox and PS require a subscription for online multiplayer access and support the most popular streaming apps for your entertainment.
- A monthly subscription will be required to access most online gaming features
- For gamers, cum movie buffs, Xbox also doubles up as a Blu-ray disc player
PS vs Xbox
| Video Game Media |
Disc Drive + Xbox.com |
|---|---|
| Design |
Smaller, thinner, and lighter design than the Xbox One. |
| Performance |
1.75 GHz AMD 8-Core Processor |
| Connectivity |
HDMI (2), USB, IR Output, Optical (Audio) and Ethernet |
| Graphics |
Supports Full HD resolution on top-tier games, ideal for beginners |
| Accessibility |
Quick, and highly customisable user interface |
| Online Features |
Requires paid subscription to Xbox Live Gold, provides 2 free games per month, and includes Xbox One and Xbox 360 games |
| Backwards Compatibility |
Supports 400+ downloadable Xbox 360 games |
| Accessories |
Xbox One pad is sturdy, with customisable textured grips |
| Video Game Media |
Disc Drive + PS Store |
|---|---|
| Design |
Slimmest console available, with a compact design |
| Performance |
1.6 GHz AMD 8-Core Processor |
| Connectivity |
HDMI (1), USB and Ethernet, and upgradable Hard Disk |
| Graphics |
Runs a wide variety of titles at Full HD resolution smoother than Xbox One S |
| Accessibility |
Better functionality, navigability and sharing options |
| Online Features |
Requires paid subscription to Playstation Plus, provides 2 free games per month and only PS4 games are available |
| Backwards Compatibility |
PS3 discs are not directly supported and can be downloaded via PlayStation Now |
| Accessories |
Sony Dualshock 4 controller has an ergonomic design with touchpad and light bar PlayStation VR headset and Motion Controller |
| Video Game Media |
Disc Drive + Xbox.com |
|---|---|
| Design |
Performance-focussed and smaller than Xbox One 5 |
| Performance |
2.3 GHz AMD 8-Core Processor |
| Connectivity |
HDMI (2), USB, IR Output, Optical (Audio) and Ethernet |
| Graphics |
Has powerful graphics capabilities and supports HDR and native 4K resolution |
| Accessibility |
Quick, highly customisable user interface |
| Online Features |
Requires paid subscription to Playstation Plus, provides 2 free games per month and only PS4 games are available |
| Backwards Compatibility |
Supports 400+ downloadable Xbox 360 games |
| Accessories |
Xbox One pad is sturdy, with customisable textured grips |
| Video Game Media |
Disc Drive + PS Store |
|---|---|
| Design |
Original 4K model, and signature Sony PS design |
| Performance |
2.13 GHz AMD 8-Core Processor |
| Connectivity |
HDMI (1), USB, Optical, Ethernet and upgradable Hard Disk |
| Graphics |
Supports 4K resolution, HDR and VR |
| Accessibility |
Better functionality, navigability and sharing options |
| Online Features |
Paid subscription to PlayStation Plus required 2 Free games per month Only PS4 games available |
| Backwards Compatibility |
PS3 discs are not directly supported and can be downloaded via PlayStation Now |
| Accessories |
Sony Dualshock 4 controller has an ergonomic design with touchpad and light bar PlayStation VR headset and Motion Controller |
| Video Game Media |
Blu-ray Disc Drive + PS Store |
|---|---|
| Design |
Superior design with clothoid curves to help keep the device cool |
| Performance |
3.5GHz AMD Zen 2 8-core CPU with SM |
| Connectivity |
HDMI 2.1, USB-A and USB-C, IR Output, Optical (Audio) and Ethernet ports, with upgradable SSD storage |
| Graphics |
Supports 8K graphics at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz, and VR |
| Accessibility |
Customisable controller, display size, text size, screen reader and chat transcription |
| Online Features |
Requires Active PS Plus subscription (excluding some free-to-play games) |
| Backwards Compatibility |
Requires buying a version upgrade to play PS4 games and Cross Generation (PS5 to PS4) MP games |
| Accessories |
DualSenseTM wireless controller, Playstation VR headset, Motion Controller and PS5 3D wireless headset |
Games
What kind of games do you usually play?
While some premium games are exclusive to certain platforms, others are free to all. Get an idea of which console supports your favourite games.
Playstation has a massive library of exclusive titles loved by one and all. Here are some of the best:
- God of War
- Marvel Spider-Man
- Uncharted Series
- Horizon Zero Dawn
- Gran Turismo Series
- Persona 5
- Shadow of Colossus
- Until Dawn
- Ghost of Tsushima
Most of the major titles are available on both Xbox One and PS4, for maximum appeal. Here are a few of the top titles
- FIFA Series
- Fortnite
- Call of Duty Series
- Minecraft
- Red Dead Redemption Series
- Mortal Kombat Series
- Assassin's Creed Series
- WWE Series
- Need For Speed Series
Xbox has a smaller but impressive library of standout exclusives, such as:
- Halo Series
- Forza Series
- Gears of War Series
- Sea of Thieves
- Sunset Overdrive
- Ori and the Blind Forest
Find Your Type
Here are some key features that will help you narrow down the options to find the right console.
Key Usage: Casual gaming home console for kids and beginners
Key Features:
- Reliable performance and graphics
- Compatible with Xbox 360 games
- Streaming options available
- In-built Blu-ray player
Recommended For: Kids and novice gamers, who want both performance and value
Key Usage: Casual gaming home console for kids and beginners
Key Features:
- Diverse range of titles and exclusives
- Slimmest and lightest console
- Wide accessory support
Recommended For: Kids, students and novice gamers, who want a wide range of titles
Key Usage: Intense gaming home or personal console for regular and dedicated gamers
Key Features:
- True native 4K resolution
- Top-tier performance and graphics capabilities
Recommended For: Hardcore gamers and 4K TV owners, who want the best performance and stunning graphics
Key Usage: Intense gaming home or personal console for regular gamers or VR lovers
Key Features:
- Diverse rang of titles and exclusives
- 4K support
- High performance with VR support
Recommended For: Serious gamers looking for a wide variety of titles, 4K gaming and VR support
Key Usage: Intense gaming home or personal console for regular and dedicated gamers
Key Features:
- 8K performance
- Faster loading time
- HiCross generational (PS5 - PS4) multiplayer game compatibility performance with VR support
Recommended For: Serious gamers looking for a wide variety of titles, 8K gaming and VR support
Accessories
| The Essentials: |
Xbox Live Gold Membership, Xbox Controllers Play and Charge Kit |
|---|---|
| Useful Extras: |
External Hard Drive, Headset Adapter (Stereo) |
| The Potentials: |
Racing Wheel Controller, Xbox Chatpad, and Xbox Remote |
| The Essentials: |
Playstation Plus Membership, and Playstation Controllers |
|---|---|
| Useful Extras: |
Playstation VR Headset, and Hard Disk (Internal or External) |
| The Potentials: |
Racing Wheel Controller, and PS Move Controllers |
| The Essentials: |
Active PS Plus Subscription, and Dual Sense Controller |
|---|---|
| Useful Extras: |
Pulse 3DTM Wireless Headset, and Media Remote HD camera, and PlayStation Camera PS, and VR headset |
| The Potentials: |
Racing Wheel Controller, and PS Move Controllers |
