The Video Game Critic

Hey all,

I think I'm finally ready to jump into this generation of home consoles, as I've had the 8th gen handhelds for quite a while. I'm just wanting to hear everyone's experience with their console of choice. I'm still liking the wii u's library the best so far, but I recognize the 3rd party drought. I like the potential of the PS4 and Xbox one but outside a couple exclusives each, it's more about support in the future that I'm most interested in. I mean PS4 will have the best version of Persona 5, so that's gotta count for something. Thoughts?

gamestick the cheapest console on the market at 31 dollars (Amazon US).  It has no killer apps but is really cheap. 

To get the most out this generation you will need to embrace the new gaming culture ie subscription service, online connectivity, DLC, etc. If your prepared to do that then welcome to the next generation! It's not something I was comfortable with, being a 'classic' gamer but I'm glad I did and it does enhance your gaming and some of the free games on PS+ are immense (Injustice coming January, Binding of Issac December).

Personally I've gone for the PS4 based on its power and game library. I thought the PS3 outperformed the 360 exclusive wise in the latter half of last generation and generally speaking multi-plats should be superior on the PS4. So in other words I'm guessing the PS4 library will be more tuned to my tastes.

To be fair Microsoft seem to have got their act together with the Xbone and it's not drastically weaker than PS4, again it depends if you think Microsoft will deliver exclusives that suit your tastes better than the likes of Uncharted etc.

Wii U - I know there are a lot of Nintendo fans on this forum, but for me at least unless your really into your Nintendo franchises there is no argument for owning a Wii U as the third party and indeed retailers support is limited, although if your well off enough it would make a great second console.

I would recommend the Wii U above the other two..... For now. The selection of first-party games is great, and there are some really good eshop games to be had. With a few exceptions, third party support is basically dead, unless you count the occasional eshop exclusive.

You already know that PS4 and XB1 are going to receive the lion's share of support, so if you're looking for something more than what Nintendo's offering, I'd go with one or the other. Myself, I own a Wii U, but I plan on getting a PS4 for Bloodborne, Uncharted 4, and Arkham Knight.

PS4 for Bloodborne. 

You really can't go wrong with any of them.

The PS4 with Plus gives you the best version of any 3rd party game and tons of free games over time.

The Wii U gives you Mario and its ilk.

The Xbox One has started to come into its own with its own set of exclusives that are fun and unique, Sunset Overdrive is awesome.

Do you have a Vita?  If so you might prefer the PS4 for its off TV play option.  But at the moment, I can't think of any Castlevania like game that's out you can't play on any of the others (7th gen).

If you don't mind picking up a second 8th gen console, then I'd say start with the Wii U and play its strong library now.  Next year, pick up a PS4 or Xbox One.  If you only plan on picking up one 8th gen console for a while, ask yourself if you're more of a Halo or Uncharted fan.  In that case, pick whichever console you lean more towards.

Thanks guys for the input. I'm leaning toward the approach suggested by ActRaiser and Banjo; go for the Wii U now and wait a while on a second console. If I'm honest with myself, I know I'll get a PS4 at some point. The PS3 won me over in a big way, with it's stellar library of exclusives. And since most third party games became multi platform in the 7th gen, it was a wash between the 360 and PS3 on that front (the superiority of 360 multiplats was mostly smoke and mirrors and became basically nonexistent by 2010-- I know from first hand experience). And while the world is finally cooling off after being set on fire by screams of "1080p on PS4!! 900p on XBox One!!", I would imagine there is very little difference this time around as well. So that's no concern to me. One exclusives like Master Chief Collection, Sunset Overdrive, and Forza 5 look great. And while I was EXTREMELY critical of Microsoft's pro-profit, anti-consumer policies before launch, they've surprised me and reversed every single one of them, down to that stupid camera. Heck! It's even 50 bucks less than a PS4 for the holiday season and that's with AC Unity! Don't really care for MS as a company but they've gotta be given credit for turning things around like they did, even if it was to keep up with the PS4.

But as I said, I'm pretty pro-Sony at this point. To answer ActR, I do have a Vita and Plus, but I don't really care much for the concept of remote play. Admittedly I never used the function, even on ps3, but if I'm gonna play a PS4 game I'd rather just play it on my PS4. Lots of great looking exclusives coming to the 4 in 2015; Bloodborne and The Order look fantastic. And I've held off on getting multi-gen games like ACIV, etc just so I can have the best version when I finally upgrade. But yeah, the Wii U looks worthwhile to own right now, which I can't really say is the case for me on the other two... Yet.

Additional thoughts are always welcome.

JWK, that's what happened to me last gen. I bought a Wii at launch, and I loved it! However, once Sony lowered the price of the PS3 to an amount that I was willing to pay, I picked one up and my Wii started collecting dust, save for the occasional game (ala Mario Galaxy 2, Swords and Soldiers, DKC Returns). It was just difficult for me to get jazzed about the Wii when I had games like Demon/Dark Souls, Red Dead Redemption, The Last of Us, Arkham Asylum/City, the Uncharted trilogy, Civilization Revolution, etc.

I guess that it depends on the sort of gamer you are. Now that I have a daughter, my game time is limited to a few hours on the weekends. That's when I play a VC game, fire up Mario Kart, or......read. ;-)

[QUOTE=BanjoPickles]I picked one up and my Wii started collecting dust, [/QUOTE]
Minor nitpick, but people say this all the time and it sounds funny to me. I wonder, with front loading trays, many games being downloads, no memory card switching, wireless controllers, and the average home setup, in what way does increased play decrease dust build up on the console? Do you only dust items as you use them, because that's pretty gross. ;P

Well, I may have a slight change of plans after looking at Black Friday deals as they're being revealed by the likes of Target, Best Buy, etc.  Unfortunately, Nintendo may not have a price drop in their plans for BF this year.  It's disappointing, but it looks like only a handful of games will receive a modest price drop.  Boo for that.  On the other hand, Microsoft has gone nuts with sales.  Like an XBox One + Master Chief Collection for $320.  Even more tempting (to me, anyway) is an online Walmart deal (available all day Thanksgiving) for a PS4 + GTA V + The Last of Us + 2 other games of your choice for $450.  If I get a console on Black Friday, I think that may be the one.  The Last of Us I already own on PS3, but I was 100% planning on buying the PS4 upgrade.  I've never owned GTA V.  Great deal.