New game consols

It was supposed to launch last year but got held back for obvious reasons. It looks like a Game Boy but with a crank. This should be good for fishing games, but what else? This was also supposed to launch last year. Now, the Intellivision brand is older than even the NES so even the most hardcore gamers might not recognize it. The control setup is similar to the original with the dual controllers looking like iPods although this is far more advanced.

It will have two standard colors, white and black, but there will also be limited editions of wood, purple, and red colors too. These games can even be downloaded onto the system itself from the hard copy. There will also be these modules for sale, like the NES adapter , that docks into it.

It is unknown what this console will be capable of in terms of what games it will play. Will it be streaming only? Xbox All Access , which extends over a two-year term, includes the console and a subscription to Game Pass Ultimate.

It consists of a small tablet with controllers attached, and you can connect it to your TV with a dock or use it as a handheld—the games look and play the same either way. But Nintendo has discontinued the 3DS and 2DS , making the portability and selection of Nintendo-designed and developed games on the Switch unlike that of any other console you can buy today. There are three versions of the Switch. The original base model has a 6. The Switch OLED Model is similarly configured around a tablet with detachable controllers on the sides, but it features a 7-inch screen with a small bezel that makes its viewable screen appear even larger compared with that of the base model.

In contrast, the Switch Lite has a 5. None of these games are exclusive to the Switch, but the Switch is the only system that makes it easy to play everything on a train, on a plane, or in bed.

For action-heavy single-player games, Nintendo also offers the more traditional and excellent Switch Pro Controller. It currently has just a couple of streaming video apps: Hulu and YouTube. The Switch has a few hidden costs, too. The Joy-Con controllers are tiny and hard to hold, even with the included comfort grip, so you may want to purchase a Switch Pro Controller if you plan on playing with the Switch docked to a TV. A GB card gives you enough space for quite a few games without adding too much to the cost, and a GB card is roomy enough to store dozens of games.

The first completely new Metroid title in more than a decade, Metroid Dread takes the series back to 2D with classic action-adventure gameplay and a new twist: indestructible enemies known as EMMI that you must avoid and evade at all costs. Nintendo Switch Features Comparison , Nintendo. In the pursuit of building my first gaming PC, the most invaluable tool for my journey was a video game. Our pick. It's a flexible, versatile option that plays just as well in handheld mode as when docked in your TV and it's chock-full of appealing AAA games.

For those focused on graphics, we like the sheer power of the Xbox Series X, though the PS5 does have better exclusives at launch and benefits from the unique DualSense controller. Either will still look great, though. Zach Sweat has been writing for Lifewire since He reviewed a number of the consoles on this list, praising the Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite for their handheld gaming capabilities.

Andrew Hayward has written for Lifewire since With publications in TechRadar, Stuff, and Polygon, he's been covering gaming since He was impressed by the power of the Xbox Series X. Jeremy Laukkonen is a tech generalist who's written for Lifewire since He covers games extensively and reviewed the Xbox Series S which he liked for its value.

While gaming consoles are reliant on an internet connection for much of their functionality, having a stable connection isn't entirely essential.

However, not connecting your console will severely hamper its features and your overall enjoyment. Besides not being able to play with your friends online, you won't be able to get updates for your console or games, purchase or download games digitally, or have access to the multitudes of free games that typically become available over the course of a console's lifetime.

Modern consoles do have a limited capacity for upgrades, but this is usually restricted to storage and aesthetics. Unfortunately, there is no way to install granular upgrades like you would see with a gaming PC, but you still have the option to increase your storage space or swap its color for something more palatable. Since their launch, both of these consoles have been red-hot commodities and nearly impossible to find. Some of the blame can be placed on scalpers buying up available stock and reselling it at a disgusting markup.

However, the larger problem that has been plaguing these consoles is an overall shortage of the chips that are used in the manufacturing of these consoles. There was a massive demand for these parts in , and that is likely to continue through this year while supply catches up with demand.

You can also find great deals on classic systems. Xbox One, on the other hand, has much better backwards compatibility, not to mention a digital redemption scheme that lets you download newer versions of your existing games for free. How important is it to you to be able to play your favorite games in true 4K? The same goes for virtual reality, as not all systems will support it.

Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile.

Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. By Alex Williams Alex Williams. Alex Williams is an experienced tech writer with an interest in wearable technologies. He focuses on everything from gaming headsets to headphones.

Fact checked by Rich Scherr. Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. Tweet Share Email. The Rundown. Best Games:. The PlayStation 5 has gorgeous, native 4K games at fps, an impressive new controller, and excellent launch exclusives.

Best for Mobility:. Makes playing on the go easy.