PS4 v XBox v Nintendo Switch

[Cassady]

Hello all,

I'm a parent of a almost-8-year old tyke, who is starting to becoming aware of gaming consoles... His various friends at school have PS4s and XBox'es, and he's starting to ask questions...
We're not necessarily opposed to it, since he's quite active as well - but figured I would pop something up here, since I am so far out of the loop (my last console was a PS2)!

I'm more familiar with Playstation - assuming we go that route, any compelling reason not to get a PS4, and rather look at an Xbox?
Are these due upgrades soonish? Would not be too nice to put down R4-6k, only to have a new generation released next year... Any rumours on that front?

Is the Nintendo Switch worth considering?
Apart from it being more portable(?) – am I correct that it doesn't have to be connected to a TV, but has a built-in screen(??).
But why would one get the Switch for almost the same price as a full-blown console in the PS4 or XBox?

Lastly - what is the game support like in ZA?
As in, does the PS4 have more titles than the XBox or Switch - does one still purchase physical copies (see plenty of shops around in malls that sell games) – or is it all done via online shops (Steam??) these days?

Any suggestions on the above would be appreciated!!

 

[Flex]

I have had the PS4 Pro, Xbox One X, and the switch. And my favourite by far is the switch. It is defintely not as powerfull as the rest. But the games are amazing, and so many fun games for little ones. The "controller" is also a nice small and light for the little ones to use.

 

[pXius]

Speaking as someone who has all 3;

For a kid now, I would go PS4 hands down. More titles, more consoles in the market, meaning the chances of his friends having the same console are good. Good second hand market for physical copies from the likes of BT Games. You can obviously download the games. Both the PS store and Xbox store have nice specials on a monthly basis. PS5 rumors are aimed at 2020.
You have the option of PS VR should that bug bite.

The Xbox's strong side is it's media center capability. There's also the bonus of having the games, like Forza in the Windows store as well when purchased on Xbox. Like the PS4 you can do hard copies or download games. It definitely has less titles than the PS4 though. The next Xbox will probably be inline with the PS5 launch.

Switch, it's probably my favorite console of the 3. But my use case is much different than that of a child. My wife has one as well, so it's sort of like our, "next to the pool chilling" device, or staying in bed on a lazy Saturday morning. I think I've had it hooked up to the TV maybe twice. Great travel companion. Also Mario kart with drunk friends is a blast. New switch rumors point towards next year (2019), this will be a refresh of sorts and not a new console.

Why I'm against it for a kid:
-Being portable, they can drop it.
The games are more indie focused. Lots of arcade style games which are not necessarily what his friends might be playing. - Yes mainstream games like Fortnite are there but I wouldn't consider the AAA mainstream games to be the Switches bread and butter.
-The games ARE more expensive on Switch.
-The chances of his friends having a switch imo is slim compared to the PS4 or Xbox.


So TLDR:
My fav console = Switch
What I would get a kid = PS4.

 

[HelloCat]

Speaking as someone who has all 3;

For a kid now, I would go PS4 hands down. More titles, more consoles in the market, meaning the chances of his friends having the same console is good. Good second hand market for physical copies from the likes of BT Games. You can obviously download the games. Both the PS store and Xbox store have nice specials on a monthly basis. PS5 rumors are aimed at 2020.
You have the option of PS VR should that bug bite.

The Xbox's strong side is it's media center capability. There's also the bonus of having the games, like Forza in the Windows store as well when purchased on Xbox. Like the PS4 you can do hard copies or download games. It definitely has less titles than the PS4 though. The next Xbox will probably be inline with the PS5.

Switch, it's probably my favorite console of the 3. But my use case is much different than that of a child. My wife has one as well, so it's sort of like our, "next to the pool chilling" device, or staying in bed on a lazy Saturday morning. I think I've had it hooked up to the TV maybe twice. Great travel companion. Also Mario kart with drunk friends is a blast. New switch rumors point towards next year (2019), this will be a refresh of sorts and not a new console.

Why I'm against it for a kid:
-Being portable, they can drop it.
The games are more indie focused. Lots of arcade style games which are not necessarily what his friends might be playing. - Yes mainstream games like Fortnite are there but I wouldn't consider the AAA mainstream games to be the Switches bread and butter.
-The games ARE more expensive on Switch.
-The chances of his friends having a switch imo is slim compared to the PS4 or Xbox.


So TLDR:
My fav console = Switch
What I would get a kid = PS4.

This.

PS4 second hand games are plentiful and cheap at BT Games and Cash Crusaders. You will save yourself a fortune vs going for a Switch, where games always cost a ton. Plus he will, as in WILL, lose or break the Switch. Guaranteed.

 

[Cassady]

Some very useful points here I would not have thought about! Thanks!

Does the PS4 come in different versions? I’ve seen reference to a PS4 Pro? Or is the “stock” version fine?

 

[HelloCat]

Some very useful points here I would not have thought about! Thanks!

Does the PS4 come in different versions? I’ve seen reference to a PS4 Pro? Or is the “stock” version fine?

The only difference between normal and Pro version is that the Pro costs more and can do 4k on a 4k TV.

I would just find a cheap normal PS4, even a second had one. He's not going to care about 4k and the price difference is pretty big.

 

[D3TTOL]

There are three versions of the PS4 arnt there? The first one(Big loud and hot?) The slim which is better in that regard? and the Pro which is fasta.

I have a PS4. I literally have it for the exclusives that don't come out on PC. God of war, zero horizon, Uncharted, Last of us.
I'm not really into XBox. No real appeal to me.

I will get a switch when the next big Pokemon game comes out. It will be like any Nintendo console I have, Exclusively for Pokemon.

PS4 would be my suggestion. Though the games I play are a bit mature for a 8 year old.