We’re finally here, the last few years of a console generation. PlayStation 5 details have been officially announced, Microsoft has teased out their next-gen plans through carefully curated comments, Google is formally entering the fray with a new streaming console called Stadia, and rumors have swirled around for a while now about an updated Switch hardware.
Whenever a new generation of consoles starts to appear on the horizon it’s a bittersweet moment.
On one hand, new consoles are always exciting, but it’s marks the turning point where your investment in the current-gen starts to depreciate.
That is, of course, assuming you have actually bought a current-gen console already. If you haven’t, the end of a console generation is the best time to buy a current-gen console. Prices start to come way down and regardless of your platform choice, there are a ton of great games to play.
Choosing which console to buy in 2019, though, is totally different than the experience back in 2014. The circumstances and status of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One are very different but defined at this point, and well, the Wii U doesn’t even exist and has since been replaced (successfully) by the Nintendo Switch.
Let’s run down the most common questions and concerns a prospective 2019 console buyer would have and provide our best recommendation for what console you should buy: A PlayStation 4, an Xbox One, or a Nintendo Switch. Let’s go in alphabetical order, shall we?
Reasons to Buy a Nintendo Switch
“I want flexibility with where and how I play”
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is arguably the most versatile gaming device ever created. It doubles as a home console that you can dock and play on your TV in 1080p, but it also can be removed from the dock and played on the go with in a tablet or handheld mode.
In addition to the literal versatility of the console, owning the Switch gives you access to all of the great first-party exclusives available on the platform such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
“My console choice is more about entertaining guests and friends”
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch has the best collection of games that are easily accessible for non-gamers, and also is arguably the console for party games.
Not only that, it can also be easily brought to external locations due to its portability so you can bring a gaming party with you wherever you want.
The only catch is that if you’re using this as your only home console, and you care about entertainment apps, it’s worth noting that the Nintendo Switch does not have access to Netflix, only Hulu and YouTube.
“I want familiar games from my childhood”
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch has an incredibly impressive collection of retro games and modern takes on classic Nintendo franchises. First off, if you subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online, you’ll receive a free collection of NES Classics that have been updated with new titles quite frequently since release.
You’ll have access to a lot of retro NES games such as Super Mario Bros. 1-3 (and the Lost Levels), Tecmo Bowl, Excitebike, Ice Climber, StarTropics, Kirby’s Adventure and lots more. Then if you want to double down, go pick up SEGA Genesis Collection for $29.99 and now you can add 50 more classic SEGA Genesis titles onto the retro gaming pile.
Plus, in addition to all that, the Switch is the best place (obviously) for new editions in classic Nintendo franchises like The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario, Pokemon, Kirby, Yoshi and more. TLOZ: Breath of the Wild & Super Mario Odyssey are among the best games of this generation, and a brand new generation of Pokemon games will be out later this year.
