My 8 year old is door-slammingly peeved that the forthcoming Lego Marvel Super-heroes 2 is not being released for PS3. I’ve explained the concept of first-world problems to him but in the week when Lego Dimensions has gone under, Disney Infinity having long since succumbed (despite its name), he’s crushed, distraught, having none of it.
In fairness to the tyke he hasn’t asked for a new system – but if Santa was to bring him a new console – would those who know about such things recommend a PS4 or an X-Box?
ATM – games console question
by 15 Comments
Buy the ungrateful little sod a trowel and a bucket of earth.
Put a tangerine in a sock – then threaten to whack him over the head with it.
We upgraded from PS3 to PS4 last Christmas when my Son was a similar age. The last year has been spent in Fifa and Rocket league as far as he’s concerned Rocket League is the big one as he’s even started watching exports programs about it on BT sport’s.
I’m sure that an X box or Nintendo switch would do the job just as well, we just stuck with the PS having had one before.
Without a shadow of a doubt, the Nintendo Switch. Since mine came in the house, my kids (4 and 7) have completely ignored the PS4.
Ultimately, it depends what your son wants to play (and no doubt what format his mates are using). But the Switch is a fantastically made machine, incredibly simple to use, lets you play at the TV or on the move (it’s already rescued a long train journey home from Cornwall for me this Summer just gone) and the roster of games is great and improving all the time (Mario Odyssey out this week, Skyrim and the likely to be quite important in his near future, if not already, Rocket League following shortly).
I’ve actually been meaning to write a post on this subject, because I’ve had some great games experiences of late. Zelda Breath of the Wild is one of the best games I’ve ever played. It’s not quite got the soul of Ocarina of Time, but it is stunningly beautiful, oodles of fun to explore in, completely kid friendly and brilliantly realised. I’ve had a whale of a time with it.
I’ve also had enjoyable spells on Mario Kart and Splatoon 2 (which should be perfect for an 8 year old), and some tremendous multiplayer action on Overcooked (which is about as much fun as a very simple multiplayer game can get).
But the game that’s currently rocking my world is the (very unlikely looking, but now massively popular) Stardew Valley. It’s only a tenner, and incredibly retro looking, but it’s got an amazing chilled out vibe to it, and is unbelievably addictive in the best way. On the face of it, it’s a Harvest Moon type farming sim, but what it’s really about is community and your relationship with nature. The kids love it too. Here’s the trailer (which doesn’t do it justice) ….
If you do get a PS4, you MUST MUST MUST play Bloodborne.
Cheers – didn’t mention this in the OP as it’s almost definitely out of my price range. Games appear to be over £50 – though admittedly I did just have a quick peek before posting.
@badartdog you will quickly discover the dubious delights of CEX – I can’t believe there is not one a stone’s throw from you unless you live in the Hebrides. They are very good on trading in one second-hand game to get another. If you can wait 6 months from release games drop significantly in price as the splurge of first-day buyers trade them in.
Oh gawd, we have both and probably going to add the Switch to it at Christmas.
My son doesn’t use the PS4 much, vastly preferring the controls of the Xbox but I think that’s just a personal preference issue.
As far as I’m aware some games tend to be released earlier on PS4 but I suspect that’s increasingly rare.
If he’s used to the PS3 I’d probably say get a PS4 because there is a learning curve with new controls- but I don’t know if that would be an issue for your son?
My son, age 8, just now: ‘I would recommend PS4 as it has better games’.
As an 8=year old he probably won’t be playing Halo or Gears of War. If he is a petrolhead then Forza is probably the best driving simulator, until Gran Turismo comes out imminently. These are the chief reasons for buying an Xbox, games exclusive to it. Otherwise the games are better overall on ps4 and as theuser base is bigger he’ll probably find it easier to play with his friends. Both PSN and Xboxlive are paid subscriptions that enable online play with friends and other stuff. At his age @bingo-little may well be right with the Switch now, gaining some great reviews, but I suspect in a couple of years he’ll want the PS4 or Xbox.
With the arrival of Xbox 1X imminent, i’d say plum for a standard Xbox1 unless you really need 4k gaming.
The current releases look fine on my 1080p tv, and i guess the standard console will drop in price even further.
If you are slightly cash strapped they can be picked up boxed in as new condition from Cash converter type shops from as little as 110 quid now….these shops offer a full guarantee too.
Also, do not forget the increasing range of Xbox360 games being added to the Xbox1 roster.
Most of these look and play fine on the newer platform.
I am currently sniping, stabbing and generally blowing up shit on Farcry 3 and it still looks beautiful.
Being a older 360 game it cost me a fiver.
Thanks all. Appreciate your time and opinions.
Make sure the bucket is a galvanized tin one, it’ll last longer, and go the extra mile for a decent trowel while you’re at it.
For an 8 year old. I’d go for Nintendo switch first. Then PS4.
There’s no point even looking at xboxs. Poor first party games – unless you like racing games. Lots more choice on PS4. All his friends will probably have ps4s.
This is probably the best option, depending on how much money you’re prepared to go through on Nintendo games and hardware till it goes out of favour and starts gathering dust.
As for the XBox/PS4 it does come down to the games you want and the selection that’s available to your tastes. A couple of xmases ago No1 son went for PS4 on the basis that’s what most of his friends have and he thought he’d be playing against them online, but it hasn’t really happened, so that’s why I think it’s back to the game selection. If I could spare the time and get my hands on the thing, I would have preferred the XBox1 for Forza, and much to my disgust it took until now for Granny Trousermo to turn up on PS4. I think most of the independent game producers are bi-platform, so the main difference is going to be in the exclusives.
I’ve got an 8 year old, he loves his tablet (too much,) but i can occasionally get him to join me on a game of FIFA17 on the PS3. I would love a PS4, Was sorely tempted to spend £230 on a bundle when FIFA18 came out (PS4 Slim 500gb, FIFA18 and 2 official controllers,) but held off due to needing to upgrade my car. Now with Christmas looming and the new Gran Turismo out too i’m still tempted but same deal is now £30 more.
Never considered an Xbox, i’ve had all the PS’s to date but the lack of being able to play PS3 games on a PS4 is a pain and the fact, already mentioned, that new games are £50 is very offputting (they were 2/3rds of that price years back.) Although if you google there’s loads of older secondhand PS4 games worth buying for a fraction of that cost, especially for kids under 10.
Nintendo Switch is of interest. To be honest we still have a Wii as you can buy them for as little as £20 and the games dirt cheap too. My boy still loves playing on that console.
No idea what to do. Would love FIFA18, may see how black friday goes, ChristmaS upcoming and the like.
I’m as confused as the next person but an educated gamble would be for the PS4. Im sure there’ll be more bundle deals with Christmas upcoming and if a 2nd controller is included it would be hard to resist.
Get him a Switch with Zelda and / or Mario Odyssey.