How to Buy a Console-Based Video Game System

Despite widespread interest in computer games, console-based game systems such as Sony Playstation, Sega Dreamcast and Nintendo 64 remain popular. They're easy and fun to play with multiple people and there's a larger screen. At the same time, some consoles have just plain failed to succeed. Be careful what you choose.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Video Game Magazines
• Video Game Consoles
• Video Game Controllers
• Video Games

1. Seek the advice of video game magazines. These magazines review and preview new products, covering both hardware and software.

2. Explore the Web, where you'll find a plethora of personal Web pages for video game fanatics. These pages can give you a good idea about current products and the game titles available for each.

3. Consider brand-name systems. If the brand has built up a reputation over the years, you can be more certain of continued upgrades and support as well as plenty of game titles released that support the system.

4. Ask to see three systems at the store and compare them.

5. Ask the salesperson to demonstrate each product. Get a feeling for playing on each platform yourself.

6. Consider the appearance of the video on each system. Technological advances have made it possible to make good video that is extremely lifelike.

7. Consider the audio on each system.

8. Determine which gamepad is most comfortable for you to use. Some gamepads have two buttons to control play and some have four. The two-button variety may not be able to work with as many games as the four-button version can. Consult your salesperson.

9. Ask about the library of game titles available for the systems. You probably will want to choose a system that has a lot of game titles to support it.

10. Determine if the systems you are comparing are upgradeable.

11. Ask about peripherals (such as add-on controllers) offered to support the products. Some systems will accept peripherals offered by manufacturers other than the manufacturer who made the console system you're considering.

[TrafindCom]

on 3/22/2009 if you wait the console is discout. you will lose the happy game holiday. buy the base console. need can play the copy the games

[TrafindCom]

on 1/3/2009 i think. you must know you want. if you want play the fun the game. you can buy the nds lite,dsi. if you play the excite game. can buy the psp3000

[TrafindCom]

on 12/30/2008 please careful didn't buy the second hand console

on 11/22/2005 If you are waiting for a new console to come out, waiting about a year is good idea. By then, any flaws in the hardware will likely have been corrected and you will have a pretty good idea of the types and # of games for the system, as well a lower price.

on 11/22/2005 Consoles only update every 5 years, so maybe waiting a few months for the newest version is not a bad idea. All the consoles out right now
(Playstation, Nintendo 64, and even GameBoy Color) will have new versions by the end of 2001.