Gaming

Before deciding on a Game Console, it's worth thinking about what games you want to be able to play on it. Whilst there are many multi-platform Games, each Console has its own exclusive games that will not get released on other platforms.

If you are after high performance Gaming but you find PCs too complicated, then both the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 Consoles may suit. Both Consoles are designed to target high 4K and 8K resolutions and fast 120fps framerates.

Each platform also has access to a paid subscription service. Xbox GamePass gives users access to a frequently updated library of games, with Microsoft-owned studios having day one releases on the service. Sony has tiers on their PlayStation Plus service that gives subscribers access to a variety of PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 Games, as well as a catalogue of classic games from the original PS1, PS2 and PSP.

The Nintendo Switch seamlessly blends a traditional home console with a handheld.

Gaming Headsets are a great piece of tech that will help you chat and coordinate with teammates as you play online. Like with any pair of headphones, the design is worth considering. This is not just about aesthetic preferences, as different designs will also feel different when you wear them. Some headsets are bulky whilst others are slim, some rest against over ears and others cup around the ear. Wired Headphones have a faster and more stable connection, whereas Wireless models give more freedom to move as you play.

Sound quality is another important factor to consider. One of the more premium features worth considering is whether the headphones can effectively produce positional audio to quickly determine where sounds are coming from in a multiplayer game. Often the best sound quality will require a wired connection. Higher volumes and sound quality also effect battery life in wireless models.

A cross-platform game allows play with other people who are playing the same game on a different platform, also known as cross play. As mentioned previously, some Game Consoles and other Gaming platforms like PC and Phones have games that are exclusive to that platform or ecosystem. However many games are multi platform which means they get a release on various consoles and/or PC and smartphones.

Traditionally, games with an online multiplayer component would split their player base between the different platforms. This could be due to significant internal differences in consoles or to avoid instances where gamers on one platform would have advantages over another.

Although different platform holders can influence whether a developer makes their game cross platform or not, it is a process that is normally handled by game developers and publishers per game. Some games have partial crossplay support between certain platforms but not others.

Every Game Console needs a screen to play on. Both Game Consoles and modern TVs come packed with a variety of features and choosing the right TV to game on will depend on what types of games you like to play and how you want to be able to play them.

The most recent PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X Consoles are both designed to be high performance gaming machines. Both Consoles are capable of high 4K and 8K resolutions and fast 120fps framerates. Higher resolution graphics means that clearer, more detailed images are produced whereas a faster framerate will produce smoother fluid motion. In fast paced action games a high and stable framerate will feel more responsive allowing for precision.

To take advantage of these high performance console features you will need a TV, Monitor or other type of screen that can produce high resolution images with a smooth framerate. In addition to software and panel support, the TV needs a HDMI 2.1 connection to run 4K at 120hz simultaneously.

Deciding between a Gaming Monitor and a TV used to be more straightforward: if you were playing on a PC you’d get a Monitor, and if you were playing on a Console you’d get a TV. Nowadays Gaming Monitors and TVs have different advantages depending on how and what is played.

Resolution describes the number of pixels on screen that are used to produce the image. The more pixels on screen, the clearer and more detailed the image. Higher resolutions are more demanding on Gaming Hardware and may require a lower frame rate to compensate. Some monitors can achieve extremely high refresh rates up to 360Hz at 1080p for fast-paced games. Some modern Gaming Ready TVs can display 4K with a 120Hz or variable refresh rate.

The latest consoles both support 1080p, 4K and 8K outputs at up to 120Hz. This will require a display with HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 ports and the games being played also need to support this.