Stuck for a gaming present this Christmas? Whether you’re looking for a game or a console, it can be quite a dizzying experience trying to pick the right one.
We have got you covered. Below we have taken a look at the current gaming scene, and broken down what you can expect from each major console. We’ve also highlighted some of the best games available, whether you're looking for a stocking filler or trying to figure out what games to get with a console.
A word of advice: if at all possible, it’s highly recommended that you open up a console before the big day, hook it up to the TV and download any updates they might require. It will save a lot of time and potential frustration on Christmas Day.
Wii U
Nintendo has done a poor job marketing the Wii U, and the confusion among consumers has meant the console has struggled in the market as a result. What you need to know: it is a completely new console with its own games and a unique controller (the Gamepad, which has its own screen), and is backwards compatible with all original Wii games (you will also need those old Wiimotes for multiplayer).
It’s fair to say that of all the consoles the Wii U has enjoyed the best year thanks to some superb exclusives. It is also a great multiplayer console - I can confidently state from experience that turning on Nintendoland’s Mario Chase with a few friends or family members will almost certainly win them over instantly. There’s a bright 2015 for the console too, with a line-up that already looks set to shame the competitors.
There are two models - the Wii U Basic and the Wii U Premium. The only difference of note is that the latter comes with more storage space - 32GB compared to the Basic’s 8GB. If you do not think you will be downloading many digital games, the Basic is a safe bet - and the storage can be expanded with SD cards or a hard-drive anyway. Prices start from around €220 for the basic model, but there are many bundles available.
Three recommended games:
Mario Kart 8 - the latest game in the series is a stunning achievement, featuring fantastic HD graphics and some welcome new gameplay additions, while remaining loyal to the series’ foundations. Simply a joy to play. Make sure to pick up the well-priced downloadable tracks and characters, which are as good as anything in the main game.
Super Smash Bros for Wii U - like its 3DS counterpart, but better. The series is at home on a home console, and this is very much the definitive version of the hugely popular fighting game. It’s also the first game to optionally support Amiibo figures - think a Nintendo version of Skylanders.
Bayonetta 2 - for teenagers and older gamers, Bayonetta 2 is a sublimely OTT action game. There is nothing like it, with a pitch-perfect combat system that hides huge depths, and some of the most ridiculously enjoyable setpieces you’ll see in a game this or any other year. Rated 16+, and definitely not suitable for younger kids.
Playstation 4
Sony’s latest console has established itself as an early market leader, and potentially the most powerful of the consoles.
That said, it has had a relatively slow first year, with many of the big exclusives - such as Bloodborne and Uncharted 4, and independent games like No Man’s Sky - not due until next year. But this is typically true of all new consoles, and thankfully Playstation Plus - the €50 a year subscription service which is now mandatory for online play, unfortunately - offers two downloadable games every month, which has kept the console ticking over nicely.
RRP is €400 for the console, but there are already some excellent discounts to be found - such as an Argos deal that throws in three of the console’s most acclaimed games.
Three recommended games:
LittleBigPlanet 3 - the latest entry in the terrific platforming series. The game lets players design and develop their own levels and even games, and the ever active LBP community means there is a nearly endless stream of content to download and enjoy.
The Last of Us: Remastered - A definitive version of last year’s critical and commercial hit. Not only does it feature much improved graphics, but also throws in a lot of extra content - most notably the excellent ‘Left Behind’ add-on. Be aware the game has an age rating of 18+.
Drive Club - After a disastrous launch in which players could not even race online, Drive Club has slowly become the racing game it always should have been. A recent update that added dynamic weather effects has been particularly well received, and cemented the game’s status as one of the best looking next generation titles.
Xbox One
The Xbox One had a rough first year, struggling in sales terms compared to the PS4. However, a number of savvy business decisions this year - including the belated choice to sell a version of the console without the Kinect sensor - has strengthened the Xbox One’s prospects considerably. It helped that it had a stronger line-up of exclusives at the end of the year than Playstation.
Prices start from €400 for a console without Kinect, but many of Microsoft’s models bundle in a game such as FIFA 15 or Assassins Creed Unity free of charge. Shop around and you might be able to knock a tenner or two off that price.
As ever with Xbox, an Xbox Live Gold account is required to play online, although both Xbox One and 360 gamers receive two free games every month with their investment.
Three recommended games:
Minecraft - while you can also get Minecraft for PS4, it was definitely Microsoft’s year in terms of the hugely popular building and digging game after they acquired creators Mojang.
Forza Horizon 2 - a very successful spin-off for the racing simulator. With an impressive open world and stunning graphics, one could even suggest this racer is a better bet than last year’s Forza 5.
Sunset Overdrive - one of the most surprising exclusives of the year, this is a colourful and energetic open world game that values pure fun above all else. Imagine Tony Hawks Pro Skater meets GTA and you’re part of the way there. Rated 16+.
Nintendo 3DS / 2DS
The one caveat that should be mentioned before recommending the 3DS as a present this year is that there is a new model due out early next year. The ‘New 3DS’ will feature a number of significant upgrades - most prominently a second control stick - and even some exclusive games (only one has been announced so far: a port of acclaimed Wii RPG Xenoblade Chronicles). An XL version of the new console is also due for release.
Still, if you do not think that will be an issue, the 3DS is a good bet thanks to its peerless software library. It is also backwards compatible with all original Nintendo DS games.
There are three 3DS models: the standard model, the 3DS XL (which is a larger console with a better quality screen, but is more expensive than the normal 3DS) or the cheaper 2DS. The latter, as the name suggests, does not have a 3D screen like the others, and also does not have the foldable ‘clamshell’ design of the 3DS and its predecessor the DS. Despite these drawbacks, its low price makes it a great choice for anybody on a budget or looking for an entry level model for kids.
Prices range from between €134.99 for a 2DS to €224.99 for a 3DS XL. Most shops will offer bundle deals if you’re looking to pick up some games.
Three recommended games:
Pokemon Omega Ruby / Alpha Sapphire - Pokemon needs no introduction, and remains as popular as ever. These are the latest releases - impressive remakes of two of the series’ most popular titles, using the game engine from last year’s Pokemon X and Y. As ever, there are two versions of the game to encourage trading among friends, but either is a good bet - especially since online features have made ‘catching them all’ much easier.
Mario Kart 7 - this game is a few years old now, but is still in high demand. It is a reliably superb portable racing game.
Super Smash Bros for 3DS - the first portable entry in the fighting game series, bringing all of Nintendo’s most beloved characters together. The game boasts an incredible amount of content that will keep players occupied well into the new year.
Playstation 3 / Xbox 360
While these ageing consoles have been superseded, they are still worth considering as potential gifts. The consoles and games can be gotten cheaply, and they both have almost a decade worth of excellent games to work through for those who have never owned one. There is too many worthwhile games to list here, and you can also get fully functional ‘previous generation’ versions of the currently popular likes of Alien: Isolation, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Grand Theft Auto V, FIFA 15, Minecraft, LittleBigPlanet 3 and Destiny. The graphics might not be quite as good, but it’s definitely a cheaper way to enjoy some of this year’s biggest hits.
Playstation Vita
Last but not least, the humble Vita is an oft-forgotten gem of a handheld console. With its gorgeous screen and lovingly crafted hardware, for committed gamers this is the console the 3DS should have been.
While the console’s lack of commercial success has meant a decreasing amount of big budget releases, the Vita has emerged over the last year or so as a fantastic device for smaller and indie titles. Two games a month with Playstation Plus is also a very nice bonus, as is the ability to share many games and saves across Vita, PS3 and PS4. Minecraft: Vita Edition is also easily the best way to play a full version of Minecraft on the go.
If you only get one game as a present, get Tearaway - a hugely imaginative platformer from the creators of LittleBigPlanet.
While the Vita retails for a recommended price of around €200, many retailers are still offering the older version of the console (which, confusingly, has a superior screen) with a load of bundled games for around €170.
