Author: Cat Cooley
Which Gaming Console is Right for You in 2019?
Gaming consoles are expensive, so the choice you make is important and a bit of an investment! Gamers should do their research before purchasing one. Lucky for you, we did it for you! Whether this is your first or 20th console, read on for the benefits and drawbacks of the three most popular gaming consoles: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
PlayStation 4
The PlayStation 4 was released in November 2013. It has sold far more consoles than its two competitors. The standard console (PlayStation 4 Slim) sells for $299.99. The more expensive console (PlayStation 4 Pro) sells for $399.99. Both the PlayStation 4 Slim and the PlayStation 4 Pro have one terabyte of storage. Compared to the PlayStation 4 Slim, the PlayStation 4 Pro has higher resolution (4K–check if your TV is 4K before buying) and faster loading times, so the gameplay is far more realistic. It is, however, more expensive and heavier than the PlayStation 4 Slim. If you are a serious gamer who is willing to pay up for a more powerful console, the PlayStation 4 Pro is the way to go. If you are buying a console for children, an infrequent gamer, prefer a lighter console, or on a budget, the PlayStation 4 Slim is the console for you. The PlayStation 4 has far more game exclusives (meaning they are only available on PlayStation) than the Xbox One, including hits The Last Guardian, Days Gone, and Infamous Second Son. The PlayStation 4 has virtual reality goggles, which immerse you in the game more than a normal controller. The Xbox One and Nintendo Switch do not have virtual reality.
Xbox One
The Xbox One was released in November 2013 just like the PlayStation 4. The standard console (Xbox One S) sells for $299.99 but comes with a large selection of bundled games. The more expensive console (Xbox One X) sells for $499.99 and also has included games. Both the Xbox One S and the Xbox One X have one terabyte of storage. The Xbox One X’s resolution is 4K, but it has far more RAM (storage) and faster loading times than the PlayStation 4 Pro which earns its title as the most powerful gaming console on the market. It is also the only console to have a 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray Player. The Xbox One X is the most expensive console money can buy. As with the PlayStation 4 Slim versus the PlayStation 4 Pro, people who regularly game and want a life-like experience, should pay up for the more expensive model. The Xbox One S is still a great option and more budget friendly. If you want to play your old Xbox 360 games, Xbox One is far more backward compatible than PlayStation 4. On the Xbox One, you are able to play games with gamers not using the Xbox One (such as an iPhone, computer, virtual reality goggles, or Nintendo Switch). If you own many games and movies and need more storage than the terabyte, there are more USB ports on the console than the PlayStation 4, thus more external storage opportunities.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch was released in March 2017 making it the newest of the three consoles. The standard console sells for $299.99. It comes in two color styles: solid gray and neon blue and red. But the controllers, called Joycons, can actually be purchased separately in a multitude of color schemes! It has 32 gigabytes of storage, which is far less than the other two consoles. Unlike the first two consoles, it is portable and does not require a television, making it is very versatile. There are two ways to use the Nintendo Switch: either hold it in your hands or dock it at your television. The resolution is nowhere near the PlayStation or Xbox’s resolution. There is no disc port, instead, the games are on a cartridge. You can’t stream Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, either.
Still Unsure?
At the end of the day, all of these consoles are excellent choices. It really depends on your personal preference when making a purchase. If you still can’t decide which console to buy, both PlayStation and Xbox are likely to release the next generation of consoles in 2020. Thus, holding out to buy a console isn’t the worst idea. A generation of consoles usually lasts for 6 to 8 years so these new consoles will last you many years of gaming. The new Nintendo Switch may drop in the second half of 2019. In the case of buying a console, delaying the big decisions is a smart way to go!
Get Them All With GameTruck!
GameTruck Inland Empire has all three of the best consoles on the market so you can sample them at your next GameTruck event! Whether you have a birthday, corporate event, wedding, or friends’ night coming up, a GameTruck is a perfect addition. Servicing the Inland Empire community since 2011, owner Tony Jevne and his entire crew of GameCoaches would love to provide the entertainment for your next event. Book GameTruck Inland Empire today! Call 866-253-3191.
Guide to the Hottest Battle Royale Games
Battle Royale games are HOT right now. Players love the excitement of being on a battlefield with dozens of other players all searching for loot and looking to come out on top. But these survival games are different than a normal first-person shooter where skill mostly determines the winners and losers. Game developers have added variations to each game, like different types of loot and playable characters which makes them more about strategy than ability. Here is our guide to the most popular battle royale games at GameTruck Richmond.
Fortnite
Fortnite: Battle Royale started out as an internal game developed by Epic Games. It might look a little different from the original concept of the game that was announced in 2011. Fortnite: Battle Royale pits you against 99 other players that airdrop onto an island from the “Battle Bus”. A storm slowly engulfs the island which forces the players into a smaller and smaller area. Your goal: be the last player standing. In order to compete, you must search your surroundings for traditional weapons that are color coded. The colors indicate the item’s power and rarity. The game features a third-person, over-the-shoulder perspective. It gives you a better view of the environment, but it can also make it harder to aim.
Once you land, you have no weapons – you start with a pickaxe to demolish your surroundings and find items. The building mechanics and ability to destroy are what set this game apart from other battle royal games like Apex Legends and Blackout. Just about everything in the game can be destroyed, and as you break structures down, you gain materials to build walls, floors, roofs, and stairs that protect you from or help you to get over your enemies.
Fortnite: Battle Royale is free to play, and Epic Games makes two player-versus-environment editions: standard and deluxe.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4: Blackout
Blackout is the battle royale extension of Call of Duty: Black Ops 4. It builds on the already successful Call of Duty franchise, so players will find familiar locations and scenarios, for example, zombies appear in its player-versus-environment mode. Blackout has a greater sense of realism than Fortnite or Apex Legends. It’s $60 price tag might be a little hefty compared to the other games on this list – especially because the other two are free to play. But if you already are a fan of the Call of Duty franchise and own Black Ops 4 then it’s a welcome addition to the game.
While some of the maps, characters, and weapons are from Call of Duty, this game is no slouch in terms of excitement and playability. In this battle royale, you fight against 99 other players in the same field. There always new modes being added like Team Death match and Close Quarters Frenzy.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is available for purchase, or you can download it from your console’s store.
Apex Legends
EA and Respawn Entertainment’s free-to-play battle royale is Apex Legends. Set in the Titanfall universe, players form squads of 3 battle against 19 other teams each match. In Apex Legends, you’ll see the same sci-fi weapons from Titanfall. You can add attachments to those weapons to make them better, and it enhances the gameplay. These attachments come in three levels of quality: common, rare, and epic. For example, if you find a rare magazine attachment it will add higher capacity and faster reloads to your weapon.
What separates Apex Legends from other games is that it’s essentially a hero shooter. When you form your squad, you choose a character, and each character has its own unique characteristics and abilities. Therefore, playing to the characters’ strengths, and strategically forming your team are essential when playing this game.
Apex Legends is free to play, and it can be downloaded from the official website here.
Up the Action with GameTruck Richmond’s Online Game Package
With GameTruck Richmond’s online gaming upgrade, you can experience Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Blackout for up to 20 of your friends. You’ll also get to try out other cool multiplayer games like Roblox, Splatoon 2, and Battlefront 2. For pricing and options, book here or call (866) 253-3191.
Hosting A Video Game Party Over Spring Break 2019
Spring break is THE time to host a video game party. Awesome weather, a week off from school, and all of your friends are home, too! What better time to have friends over for an epic party filled with games, good times, and fun?!
Pick Your Games
Of course, you probably already have some games that you like to play with your friends. Maybe you were lucky enough to score the new Super Smash Bros. Ultimate! What characters have you been playing? We love Kirby and Piranha Plant!
Fighting games work well at gaming parties because matches only take a few minutes. You can switch quickly among friends, and those who aren’t playing won’t have to wait long in case of a rematch. First person shooters, anyone? If you have more than one console, you can form massive teams! Sports games always have multiplayer, and they’re a true test of your skills. But sometimes, the games can take way too long. You can try switching players each quarter if your friends don’t want to wait!
Buy Your Food
Plan ahead! You’re going to need plenty of tasty snacks and drinks to ensure that your party goes on all night long. It’s important to buy your snacks before the party begins to avoid interruptions. Admit it – that 15 minute trip to the store always takes longer than you plan when your buds tag along. You can ask your friends to bring their favorite gaming fuel. That way, everyone is a contribution.
The kinds of snacks you buy are important. Buy things that are easy to eat with one hand or that can be eaten between matches or cutscenes. Keep in mind, some one-handed snacks can be quite messy! Nothing is worse than Cheetos dust all over your controllers.
Also, stock up on plates, cups, and napkins. If you have the room, it might be a good idea to make a separate space for the snacks. A dedicated food area will be easier to clean up and keep the gaming zone clean, too.
Prepare Your Accessories
This should be a no-brainer. Make sure that all of your controllers are charged before your friends come over. Have extra controllers just in case. In case you missed it, check out our guide to what gaming accessories you might be missing out on!
You can always encourage your friends to bring their favorite accessories and controllers as well. That way, your friends can’t accuse you of having broken controllers when they lose! Who likes a poor loser anyways?
Let’s Get This Party Started!
If you really want to make some memories, get in touch with us today! GameTruck parties are the way of the future; we come to you and do everything we can to bring the fun, the excitement, and good times! We’ll bring the consoles, 80+ of the latest, age-appropriate games, and room for up to 16 players at once! Contact us online today or give us a call at (866) 253-3191 to get started, together!