
You set up passwords using the controller (where each button on the controller represents a certain number) so no one can mess with anyone else's saved game. It's also possible to have separate accounts so everyone in the family can play their own way. You can even use the controller to save and share gameplay moments that you want to remember. Depending on the game, you can typically have up to four controllers connected to one Xbox at a time.
Controllers: Xbox controllers are battery-operated and connect wirelessly to the console. (You can read more about the Series X below.) The Series S is much smaller, so if you like to bring your console to your friend's house, it is easy to do. Exclusive Games: Super Mario Odyssey, Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Smash Bros: Ultimate, Animal Crossing, Ring Fit, Nintendo Switch Sportsįor those who love to game but don't need an all-powerful console, the Xbox Series S is a slight downgrade from the Xbox Series X in terms of tech, but it's $200 cheaper and it's still capable of doing what the Series X can in terms of game content and general functionality. It fits in my backpack, and I am able to take it with me to my friends' houses and on trips!" One tester played it everywhere she could, saying, "I love the portability. Extra controllers connect easily to the console. And because of its size, you can play these multiplayer games anywhere you want! Depending on the game, you can have up to eight people playing on one console. Lab Lowdown: Our testers loved how easy it was to play multiplayer games with other people in the same room. It also features an SD card slot, which allows you to upload your games to a memory card to expand the storage by at least double! The console comes with 64 Gigabytes of built-in storage for downloading games. Games can be played instantly if you have a cartridge - no extra downloading necessary. The cartridges are tiny and fit in a slot at the top of the Switch OLED. Gameplay: In order to play games, you have the option of buying physical cartridges or downloading games off the Nintendo Online E-Shop. Buy one more Joy-Con, and all of a sudden up to four people can play. One of the best features of the Switch is that the Joy-Con can actually be split between two people, creating an easy two-player game. If you are used to a traditional controller, the console comes with an attachment that allows you to create a single controller using the two disconnected pieces. There is also a built-in stand on the screen, so if you can't connect to a TV but don't want to play in handheld mode, the controllers can be removed so you can still kick back and relax while you play - each half of the controller goes into one hand. Controller: The controller, also known as the Joy-Con, attaches to either side of the screen so you can play in handheld mode. You can play the console in handheld mode for on-the-go play, or you can connect it to a television for multiplayer or a more immersive experience. On either side of the screen rests the controller called the Joy-Con, and the touchscreen allows you to navigate menus with a tap. The Nintendo Switch OLED is the newest console from Nintendo, and the updated OLED (organic light-emitting diode) screen is able to provide brighter and crisper graphics compared to its predecessors. When testing in the Lab, we assessed controller comfort, portability, ease of use, how immersive the console can be and which consoles had the best variety of enjoyable games. We tested these consoles in our Lab and had families test them in their homes to see how they would hold up to real-life use. When we test video game consoles, we assess not just how they perform, but how easily they can be enjoyed by gamers of every level. The Good Housekeeping Institute Media and Tech Lab tests all the best consumer gadgets, ranging from e-bikes to smart doorbell cameras. The major distinctions between consoles are their performance capabilities, the games available and the controllers, so we dove deep into those features.
And depending on the gaming console, some games can be played online so you can play with anyone, anywhere in the world! Since each console has its unique qualities, depending on the type of gamer you are, we've lined up great picks to suit everyone, from beginners, to casual gamers, to more serious gamers.
Some are meant to be played together, and some are meant to be played alone. No matter your age or where you are from, all you need is a console, and you can play entertaining video games in a matter of seconds. Gaming has revolutionized the way people relax.