PlayStation 4 vs. Nintendo Switch: Which Is the Better Christmas Gift This Year?
Nintendo Switch
Only out since March of last year, the Nintendo Switch continues to be a console on the rise. After front-loading its launch year with phenomenal titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey, it has only continued to build up its library with top of the line first and third party titles.
Some have been re-releases of past AAA favorites from the Wii U, like Bayonetta 2 and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, proven in their quality but now available on a more sustainable console. They’ve included new bonuses too, like new playable characters or other titles in their series free of charge.
Others have been indie success stories that have found new life on the Switch. Titles like Owl Boy and Hollow Knight have enjoyed a second wind of popularity among gamers, while those who play them have discovered some of the best and most creative titles to come out in recent years.
That’s to say nothing of the strong support for indie developers Nintendo has shown. In recent months, the Switch has proven a promising home for indies of all stripes. It has likewise been a boon for indies who didn’t quite take off on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, with sales that dwarfed past figures after only a few days.
The Nintendo Switch’s portability also remains a huge advantage against the competition. Thanks to it, players can take their games with them to a more comfortable location, on their commute or wherever they choose, making it perfect for travel or gaming in small doses.
It boasts full cross-play support with Xbox One and PC players as well, through titles like Fortnite and Rocket League, and has since the features were made available to players. This shows no signs of ending either, with Nintendo affirming their support in recent months.
And, most importantly, it won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. Nintendo has placed their full support behind the young console, and with AAA releases like Super Smash Bros., Luigi’s Mansion 3 and Metroid Prime 4 all in the works, it doesn’t look like it’ll be replaced by a new console anytime soon.
Of course, things aren’t all rosy for the rising star console. The Nintendo Switch’s library, while flush with indie titles, is still lacking in comparison to that of the PlayStation 4 due to the difference in how long they’ve been out.
It likewise doesn’t have anywhere near as much third party support as what the PS4 enjoys. Sure, it’s had the Dark Souls Remaster and Dead Cells grace its library in recent months, but it likely won’t ever see Red Dead, Call of Duty, or any of the major third party titles ported to it.
It’s also still pretty pricey to pick one up. Whereas the PlayStation 4 has multiple versions and iterations ranging in prices below or around $300, the Switch’s prices start at $299.99 and increase from there.
Some retailers might have discounts for the holidays, but when you factor in the cost of new games to go along with it, it’ll still cost more than a few bucks to pick one for someone as a gift.
