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How to Shop for a Game Console

How to Shop for a Game Console

Two guys playing their favorite video gamesWelcome to the wild world of gaming, where X means jump, Y means run, and a new system seems to come out every other year. If you’re not sure where to start your search for a new console, start with Rent-A-Center. This five-step guide will help you choose the best gaming console for your family.

Note that the following breakdown focuses on the most well-known consoles only: Xbox, Switch, and PlayStation. Each console manufacturer offers different variations or bundles for their respective systems.

5 Steps to Choose Your Video Game Console

1. Identify who will do the most gaming.

Is this game console for you? For your kids? For the entire family? While all of today’s game consoles are outstanding, some features differ just enough to influence your choice one way or the other.

Console Adult Gamers Kid/Family
Microsoft Xbox One X Mature gamers turn to the unmatched power of this system to run demanding, story-rich and hardcore action games. The size of its game library ensures a broad selection is available for all ages, but the most popular games are for more mature audiences.
Nintendo Switch Gamers who grew up with Mario, Luigi, Donkey Kong, and others will appreciate seeing them all again. A good selection of independent games ensures older players can also find something new. Many kid- and family-friendly options, plus long-time Nintendo characters such as Mario and Zelda, make the Switch a great game console.
Sony PlayStation 4 A strong selection that runs the gamut of serious multiplayer games with immersive experiences and lighter fare make the PS4 a good choice for adult-aged gamers. The size of its game library ensures a broad selection is available, but the most popular games favor an older age group.

Sony Playstation 4 Pro HD Gaming Console

Sony PlayStation 4 Pro HD

The Sony PlayStation 4 is a favorite among gamers young and old, new and seasoned! Get solid game variety with the Sony PlayStation 4 Pro, plus:

  • Dynamic 4K gaming
  • Greater draw distance
  • More realistic gameplay, thanks to HDR technology

See Game Consoles >

 


2. Pick a direction for your gaming library.

The world of gaming is large enough to welcome everyone, ages 9-99! There are many different types of games from which to choose, including:

  • Action-Adventure
  • Puzzle
  • Role-Playing
  • Sports
  • Strategy

Here’s a table covering the availability of popular games and genres per console. If there’s a particular game or gameplay characteristics that you’re most interested in, make sure to go for a gaming system that offers plenty of options for you.

Console Popular Genres Popular Games
Microsoft Xbox One X
  • Action-Adventure
  • Sports
  • Fallout 4
  • Far Cry 5
  • Forza Horizon 4
  • Gears of War 4
  • Sea of Thieves
  • Halo
  • Metro Trilogy
Nintendo Switch
  • Action-Adventure
  • Puzzle
  • Role-Playing
  • Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
  • Mario Kart 8
  • Stardew Valley
  • Super Mario Odyssey
  • Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Sony PlayStation 4
  • Action-Adventure
  • Role-Playing
  • Sports
  • Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
  • FIFA 19
  • God of War
  • The Last of Us
  • Spider-Man
  • Street Fighter

Rent Microsoft Xbox One X 1TB Gaming Console – Metro Trilogy Bundle

Microsoft Xbox One X 1TB

The Xbox One X offers a great gaming library! Snag one the most popular games when you get Rent-A-Center’s Metro Trilogy Bundle. With 4K ultra HD technology and faster load time, the Xbox One X comes with crisp, realistic picture quality, plus:

  • Luminous colors
  • 6 teraflops graphic processing
  • 1 Wireless controller

See Game Consoles >

 


3. Compare non-gaming features, like streaming.

Game consoles nowadays serve as all-in-one entertainment systems. Will you want to watch Blu-ray discs? Binge-watch the next Netflix smash hit? Let’s look at which console is better for streaming.

Console Streaming Hardware
Microsoft Xbox One X

Robust selection, including:

  • Amazon Video
  • HBO GO
  • Hulu
  • Netflix
  • Sling TV
  • YouTube
  • Audio CD player
  • Blu-ray disc player
  • DVD player
Nintendo Switch
  • Limited selection, including:

    • Hulu
    • YouTube
  • Detachable wireless controllers
Sony PlayStation 4
  • Robust selection, including:

    • Amazon Video
    • HBO GO
    • Hulu
    • Netflix
    • PlayStation Vue
    • YouTube
  • Blu-ray disc player
  • DVD player

4. Consider the accessory selection.

Additional controllers. Virtual reality gear. Headphones. You can outfit a game console with many different accessories. And you’ll probably do so to enhance the experience of the types of games you wish to play. Here’s how this answer can help you decide!

Console Available Unavailable
Microsoft Xbox One X
  • Wired device compatible (headphones, controllers, etc.)
  • Wireless device compatible (for headphones, controllers, etc.)
  • Virtual reality
Nintendo Switch
  • Additional docks
  • Carrying cases
  • Nintendo Labo DIY kits
  • Wired device compatible (headphones, controllers, etc.)
  • Wireless device compatible (for headphones, controllers, etc.)
  • Virtual reality (excluding the less-advanced Labo VR kit)
Sony PlayStation 4
  • Virtual reality
  • Wired device compatible (headphones, controllers, etc.)
  • Wireless device compatible (for headphones, controllers, etc.)
  • Audio CD


Rent Nintendo Switch™ Bundle with Neon Joy-Con

Nintendo Switch

Want to take your gaming on-the-go? The Nintendo Switch has the gaming accessories you want. The Nintendo Switch console includes Joy-Con detachable controllers and a Nintendo game, plus:

  • A/C adapter
  • Ability to link to other units for multiplayer games
  • Crash Bandicoot N-Sane Trilogy

See Game Consoles >

 


5. Get answers to any last-minute questions.

By now you should have a better idea of which video game console sounds best to you, but you probably still have some outstanding questions, like:

  • Can you rent game consoles? Yes. You can rent game consoles at Rent-A-Center with our no credit options. Switch to a newer model when you’re ready to upgrade and take advantage of our Worry-Free Guarantee.
  • How can I still play my old Xbox 360 console games? Put the Xbox One X at the top of your list. It offers the most “backward compatibility,” which is what you’ll need if you want to play last-gen games.
  • What game console should I buy if I’m on a budget? Shop with Rent-A-Center to find a video game console that will fit your budget! Choose your payment plan and make small payments on your path to ownership.
  • What is the best-selling gaming console? According to Guinness World Records, the PlayStation 2 stands as the best-selling console ever.

Ready to get your game on, your way? Shop game consoles online or at your local Rent-A-Center and bring home some of the world’s best brands, today!

Shop Consoles by Brand

Sony
Microsoft
Nintendo

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The good things in life don’t have to be out of reach. Rent-A-Center is here to make the things you want and need accessible, and Front & Center is your resource for living well on a budget.

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