Buying gifts is never easy, but buying a gift for the gamer in your life can be a particular daunting task. Fear not! Here on the Best Buy Blog, we are here to help with a list of the best video game gifts this year. We’ll take a look at the consoles from PlayStation, Xbox Nintendo, cloud gaming with Google Stadia and the different genres of games that are available to buy.
Home video game consoles and cloud gaming
When it comes to home video game consoles you have three main console manufacturers to choose from, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo. Each set of consoles has their own unique characteristics that draw gamers to them. Cloud gaming is an emerging technology that allows you to play your favourite games without the need of a dedicated console. Let’s take a brief look at each one!
PlayStation 5
The PlayStation 5 is Sony’s latest video game console and is packed to the brim with leading edge technology. Games look more realistic than ever and waiting for a game to load is virtually non-existent. The PS5 comes with the DualSense wireless controller and features haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that let you feel the game in your hands. Click here to see what’s new with PS5.
Xbox Series X|S
Xbox has two consoles that are currently on the market, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. Both are “next-generation” video game consoles but the Xbox Series X provides a premium experience with higher resolutions and frame rates. You can think of the Xbox Series S as the Xbox Series X’s little brother. It plays all the same games at slightly lower resolutions and at a fraction of the cost. Click here to see what’s new with Xbox Series X|S.
Nintendo Switch family of systems
When it comes to the Nintendo Switch, there are three different models to choose from. The Nintendo Switch OLED model offers the premium Nintendo Switch experience as it features a 7″ OLED screen, enhanced audio, double the internal storage, a larger more robust kickstand for table top play and a redesigned docking station to play on your TV.
The Nintendo Switch features a 6.2″ screen and allows for play on the go and at home on your TV. Finally, the Nintendo Switch Lite was made for gaming on the go. It features a 5.5″ screen, non detachable joy-con controllers and can not be hooked up to your TV to play.
Google Stadia
Stadia is Google’s cloud gaming service that allows you to play your favourite games across the screens you already own with the controllers you already own. There is no need for a dedicated console under your TV. Playing on your TV is as easy as connecting a Google Chromecast with Google TV, downloading the Stadia app and connecting an Xbox or PlayStation controller via Bluetooth. Games are streamed over the internet and there is no need to worry about downloads or storage space.
What types of video games are there to buy?
The wonderful world of video games span many platforms, with a variety of experiences across many different genres. Let’s take a brief look at the different types of video games that are out there to buy.
Sports games and action games
Sports games are massively popular, carrying the thrill and excitement of real life teams! If you are a fan of the NHL, NBA or NFL you’ll feel right at home with their virtual counterparts.
When I think “action” it conjures up images of Hollywood blockbuster films with big explosions and pulse pounding sequences. Action games are cut from the same cloth, testing your mettle, reaction times and your trigger finger.
Strategy and adventure games
The strategy genre is essentially just like a game of chess. You need to carefully plan your next move to outwit your opponent. This virtual chess board in video games comes in a variety of shapes and forms.
Adventure games are all about puzzles and plot, these types of games forego heavy action sequences that require hair-trigger reflexes. The name of the game here is the story and exploration experience, they come first and foremost.
Role-playing and simulation games
Role-playing games, or RPGs, let you build your own character to varying degrees, some let you pick a class or build your appearance from scratch. Based on the classic board game Dungeons & Dragons, RPGs use similar rules to put you in the shoes of a hero and their party. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to fly a plane, run a city or control an entire country, the sim genre might be for you.
Best video game gifts this year
I hope you found this article helpful when looking to buy video game gifts for the gamers in your life. As you can see the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch family of systems and Stadia, each offer their own unique capabilities that make them appealing to different types of gamers.
Furthermore, there are a wide variety of games available to buy that span many different genres. From sports to strategy games and beyond, there really is a game out there for everyone.
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