New clueless wannabe gamer

Submitted by Irishsally t3_10p9mf1 in gaming

Hello ,

I hope this is an appropriate place to post. I haven't had a game system since I got a ps2 as a kid , and now my kids would like a game system and I'm totally clueless.

Eldest has asked for a nintendo switch , I heard they break easily, so was thinking playstation. Would also like one they can share , because no way do I want 3 ,one for each .

Are they able to have their own accounts/avatars on one system ?

Is 4g speeds enough to get the online version ?

Is the disk option better ?

I'm am totally clueless as back in my day you got a physical chip for storage and could store many versions of the game on each chip or have different chips each .

I'm sorry if this is a totally stupid set of questions but really appreciate any advice.

It will be my biggest purchase ever and will likely need to get a TV too as out current one is not smart but uses a Google chrome cast.

As I write this I realise I sound like a person from the stone ages.

Thanks for Any tips and advice ye can offer.

4

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

ckoden84 t1_j6j4cqx wrote

Everyone starts somewhere. Don't feel bad and don't let others make you feel bad.

The Switch is a good system, despite the media. The most trouble you may have is with the controller, but I've had one of the original versions and it's served me just fine.

You can set up multiple accounts on the Switch (and likely Playstation too), so each kid has their own files, and games are usually shared across the home console (I.e., buy a game once and all three can play.) The single screen multi-player options are a bit limited, but that's just gaming today. Playstation and Xbox will have the same problem.

4g internet should generally be fine, faster is better of course, but it shouldn't be a problem.

For storage, the switch can take a large (256gb+) SD card and that should be more than enough space. For PS5, the disk drive is usually the better option, less to download and store.

For a TV, if it can utilize a chromecast, it's probably decent enough. Most consoles just need an HDMI port to plug into. Again, newer is better, but not essential.

I hope this helps clear some things up. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to reach out!

5

Irishsally OP t1_j6j69dl wrote

That's really informative and kind, thank you ckoden84.

I think the ps5 with the disc might be the job for us, I'd be worried about part of the Nintendo getting broken or the charger issue I've been reading about. I'm also thinking as a group present the Nintendo looks a little small and there would be fights over the little screen part.

I like that the ps has separate controllers and I could replace one if needed.

Can the disc one download games too or are you limited to discs only?

Should I buy a cooler for it, I saw one advertised when I was looking at them, is overheating a problem?

When I spend this much on it I'd like it to last several years if that's realistic.

I was going to ask if I should wait for a ps6 but they seem to be a few years off yet.

1

jtho78 t1_j6jwym6 wrote

There are a way more local multiplayer games on the switch. More titles aimed to kids as well.

If you are worried about the Switch getting damaged, you can dock it and lock the attachable joy-con controllers away, then the system would only be used as a console and not handheld. You would have to buy three controllers for the kids though.

I would ask your oldest why they asked for a Switch, it is possible their circle of friends play on Nintendo and they would like a system that would let them play online with friends.

3

ckoden84 t1_j6j7dt9 wrote

The dock on the Switch moves everything to the big screen via HDMI, same as a traditional console. Also, you can buy multiple controllers (normal 'Pro' controllers and/or joycons) for the Switch. I'm not familiar with the charging issue you mentioned but that's neither here nor there.

The disk system still has a hard drive you can download to, so it will work either way. I'm also not familiar with heating issues, but larger consoles do tend to run warm. A cooling addon is likely unnecessary if it's kept in a well ventilated area, but it couldn't hurt.

The PS5 should easily last you as long as you're looking for it to do, but as you guessed, I'd say the next generation of consoles is a ways out still.

1

pseudopad t1_j6jdolu wrote

The charger issue isn't an issue anymore (on models made in the last 2 years, which is practically everything you'll find brand-new in stores now) and even when it was, it only happened with certain third party docks, or if you powered the dock itself with a third party power adapter.

Don't worry about the switch breaking. I don't know how old your kids are, but the thing is studier than most phones, and the screen may get scratched, but it is very hard to make it crack or shatter.

If you take your kids for long car/bus/train/plane rides, they'll probably like it better than the ps5 that has to be left at home. It's also a lot cheaper than a PS5.

Cooler accessories are for the most part useless. If your system dies from overheating, it's a manufacturing defect and you should use the warranty. The only time they make sense is on certain gaming laptops if you want to use them on your lap.

Replacing the controllers on a switch isn't a problem. In fact, I would recommend that you got an extra, standard controller anyway, for two player games, and because the switch "joy cons" when assembled into a regular controller aren't very ergonomic, at least not for a teenager or adult, and definitely not for long play sessions.

With the included joy con controllers as the two player/reserve controller, you won't have to worry about it needing a replacement anytime soon.

1

Irishsally OP t1_j6kczoa wrote

This is a daft question but I thought the blue side and the red side where 2 different controllers.

Should I buy a spare blue and red ? To make one?

Thank you

1

pseudopad t1_j6kfgk7 wrote

They're the same controller, but some games support using them as two tiny controllers instead of one regular. You get a... Thing, that mounts them together for using it as a regular wireless controller when the system is docked.

You should not get a spare blue and red in my opinion. They're not amazingly comfortable controllers. For couch play, get a Switch pro controller, and use the red/blue as a two player controller when needed.

Using the red/blue as two separate controllers is mostly just a gimmick in my opinion. It might work OK for an 8 year old, but anyone in their mid teens and up are going to get serious hand cramps using them like that for more than 20 minutes.

2

us3rn0tf0und01 t1_j6j8asd wrote

As others have mentioned, the tv doesn’t need to be the newest, but one that has hdmi slots will suffice.

Only to add from what others have mentioned, if it’s not about having the newest systems even looking at a PS4 or an Xbox One may not be a bad idea. Get your little ones into gaming on a lower entry cost, a full library of titles, and games that you can find relatively less expensive. Would also allow for them to find out what games and genres they like outside of spending $80 for a ps5 title that they get bored of or don’t like in a few hours. Just another option to consider. If there are new titles you would like to play, they are still being released as a cross generation. (At least for Xbox as that is what I play, can’t fully speak to Playststion). Wouldn’t have any storage issues that way either, and if you end up figuring you want to upgrade to the current gen that is an easy port of your information over.

2

Irishsally OP t1_j6j8ugq wrote

Thanks us3rn0tf0und01, that's not a bad idea, I suppose I've always thought a newer model would last longer , but tbh I could probably hand them a ps1 and they'd be happy . Well until their friends start getting the new ones anyway and they'd realise the difference. Lol

2

us3rn0tf0und01 t1_j6jhn54 wrote

For sure! Like ckoden84 mentioned Xbox does have game pass that definitely helps with a wide array of games that are available for $15/mo.

I started gaming with an NES when the PS1 and N64 were big. So I totally get being happy just being able to play something.

But just another option to noodle. The newer gen could last longer for sure, but even with my Series X my buddies are still on the og vcr Xboxone so they are still getting life out of their systems.

You still get the backwards capabilities for the systems so even at that for the longevity piece the current gen may not be a bad way to go if you can find one in stock!

But happy gaming, definitely exciting for your kiddos.

1

Irishsally OP t1_j6kddh3 wrote

Thank you

I don't think we'd go xbox because no one at all has one in their circle, parents seem to be ps 4 , 5 or Nintendo

I'm nit sure if they'll end up playing with people online , it might be nice though with friends , I'd want to limit playing with strangers though!

2

ckoden84 t1_j6j90o6 wrote

This is another really good point I forgot to mention. For libraries of games, Xbox is ahead right now imo with Game Pass. Playstation 'has better exclusive titles', but I personally don't feel like that matters much (largely because I don't usually play those genres of games). The same goes for the Switch. You usually can't (legally) play Nintendo games anywhere else.

2

IMC-Grunt64 t1_j6klzxx wrote

>Are they able to have their own accounts/avatars on one system ?

Yes.

>Is 4g speeds enough to get the online version ?

Couldn’t say, but probably.

>Is the disk option better ?

In my opinion yes because it allows you to have options. You’re not committed to only downloading games. Having the option of either is great. It also allows you to resell a game if you don’t want it anymore.

>I'm am totally clueless as back in my day you got a physical chip for storage and could store many versions of the game on each chip or have different chips each .

Definitely not the case anymore. Everything is on a big storage system built into the console.

>Thanks for Any tips and advice ye can offer.

Both Xbox and PlayStation have subscription services that allow you to download a library of games at will as long as you are paying for the service. This can be a good way to offer a lot of games to play without buying hundreds of games.

They also both require an online subscription to play any game that isn’t free. And every month there are games offered to download and keep, also only playable while the subscription is active. So make sure they at least add those games to their library so they can be played if they want to.

Oh and if this isn’t already common knowledge, be very aware of monetary systems in certain games. A game like Fortnite will offer a seasonal pass that can be leveled up, and rewards are given at each level. On top of that there’s a store that rotates stock daily that offers skins and items for real money. Many games offer this stuff and you may find your kids asking you constantly for money to get this stuff. Or they might be finding ways to buy it without your knowledge. I don’t know your kids, but just take this as a warning that some games, even free ones can end up being an endless pit of buy buy buy more more more.

2

Irishsally OP t1_j6m1vgk wrote

Thank you imc-grunt64. I didn't know there would-be add ons, if they bought stuff without my knowledge I'd be really cross. Is there a way to disable purchases without a code or something please.

The free ones on their tablets aren't linked to a credit card or account so they can't buy add ons etc

1

IMC-Grunt64 t1_j6mgwl4 wrote

I’m not aware of anything like that, but like you mentioned, not having a credit card or anything on the system files would prevent purchases. I do know that on PlayStation all purchases require you to enter a password for the profile being used.

And I know some kind of parental controls exist but I’m not sure what all they do. I will do some research real quick about that.

1

6363tagoshi t1_j6j6en8 wrote

PlayStation 5 comes with 1000GB storage. It’s enough but you can add more storage it costs around $80-100. Disc games are often cheaper and hold some value. Any 4K TV will be fine.

1

Irishsally OP t1_j6j7pti wrote

Wow I didn't realize that that's really good and a good point about the discs holding value. Thank you .

1

FrozenFrac t1_j6ja3rk wrote

Switch is just fine. Tons of kids own them and as long as they're not using it like a Frisbee, it's not going to break with regular use. If your kids can take care of an iPad, they can take care of a Switch. Might be an issue if they like playing it like a Game Boy, but they can easily share. Speaking of which, you mentioned might needing a new TV. As long as it has an HDMI connection (and I can't imagine any TV existing from any relatively recent year not having one), any console will connect. But in your eldest's defense, the Switch's cool feature is not needing a TV since you can play it like a Game Boy or prop it up and disconnect the controllers so it's like you have a tiny, personal TV.

Every console you can buy right now allows for multiple user accounts.

There is no "offline version" of a console and every console requires an online subscription to play multiplayer online. There are some exceptions for things like Fortnite I believe, but that's another cost to consider.

Having a disc/discless console is pure preference. As someone who likes collecting games and having the option to sell them, I would never buy a discless console, but lots of people prefer only downloading games, so ask your kids.

1

Irishsally OP t1_j6k9f3a wrote

If the console allows for multiple accounts but all consoles are require online subscription will they need a subscription each please?

I didn't realise they'd need a subscription , I was (naively) thinking I'd buy a console and a game and that'd be it .

1

FrozenFrac t1_j6kff4h wrote

Nope, you can get one subscription and add all your kids' accounts onto a family plan and they'll all get online. Depending on how much you want to spend yearly, you'll also get access to a pretty big library of digital games, so that may save you a lot of money in the long run

1

Berrythebear t1_j6jlc1z wrote

If the kid wants a switch seriously consider it. Most people never have any issues with theirs and the complaints you hear are always going to be a vocal minority. Also switch is going to have an INSANE amount of Nintendo exclusive games that will never be available on another console, and might be the reason they want it. Ask them why they want the switch instead of anything else.

1

Irishsally OP t1_j6k7ywp wrote

They wanted a switch because their friend had one and they had a playdate and loved it.

If friend had had another system they'd probably love that to iykwim

They have no experience with consoles other than that

They did get tablets last year and have kept them alive though I did get sturdy covers and screen protectors My sons tablet is slightly curved now and he's on his second protector which is cracked , but tbh I'm surprised they've lasted as he is quite clumsy and walks around with it 😂

1

Fun-Vanilla-4467 t1_j6j5oiw wrote

If you got the cash go for PC, all the good ps/xbx games are trickling to PC recently and with better graphics and performance.

but PC is a rabbit hole of parts, assembly and accessories, and a money sinkhole

If not ps5 with a nice hdr10 OLED tv will get your fix

−4

DepressionMain t1_j6j5xhs wrote

Dude said he has 3 kids so pc won't do

3

Fun-Vanilla-4467 t1_j6j6985 wrote

Why not? It's even easier to set up different users and even different steam account to each kid

−2

DepressionMain t1_j6j6rjy wrote

Too complex for kids and very little options for local multiplayer, which will probably be needed unless you plan to spend a shitload of money to get three PCs

3

Irishsally OP t1_j6j86q5 wrote

Thank you , I think they'd enjoy playing together at the same time , well 2 of them anyway , the 3rds a good bit younger , I don't think any system would accommodate 3 at once.

I'm really leaning towards ps5 now

1

Fun-Vanilla-4467 t1_j6j8n6c wrote

Def ps5 if you're going with console.

If you're gonna go all out on the tv these are the things to go for by order of importance

OLED tv

HDR

120hz refresh rate

QLED is a nice addition to OLED.

That's about all I can think of off the top of my head. Have fun

1

Irishsally OP t1_j6j9gpq wrote

Gone are the days of getting me ma's 14 inch mithubshi and being elected lol.

Thanks for the list , we seem a little behind on tvs at a decent price point in ireland, (island tax I guess)

The qled seem to be massive money , but I'll study them more . I don't watch TV so haven't been bothered to Learn until now

1

Fun-Vanilla-4467 t1_j6ja5lw wrote

Point of notice OLED is much more important than QLED. I'm fact they're totally different technologies for different things.

Oversimplified version: OLED means it doesn't need back light, giving true blacks and much better picture . The price is the brightness. QLED solves brightness problem but at a deep monetary cost.

Hope this helps gets this things into perspective

1

Irishsally OP t1_j6k8xy8 wrote

Thanks fun-vanilla-4466 that's good to know.

I was a bit concerned because what I thought would be a couple of hundred is spiraling budget wise. We could do with a TV and they would love to game though.

So I don't mind , but you know yourself it's a steep purchase! I'd have been raging if I got the wrong sort of TV etc.

The tuner for TV in Ireland is called Saorview. It's a pain in the arse because tvs from the UK won't work without buying an additional Irish tuner which adds about 100 minimum to the price so irish market tvs are usually more expensive , but if you get the UK one you need to waste a port and have another dvd player sized yoke and watch TV via an option instead of buttons 1 2 3 etc. You might even need another remote. I'm just not a fan . Now not essential but may as well use the telly as a telly too 😉

1