ckoden84 t1_j6j4cqx wrote on January 30, 2023 at 6:24 PM

Everyone starts somewhere. Don't feel bad and don't let others make you feel bad.

The Switch is a good system, despite the media. The most trouble you may have is with the controller, but I've had one of the original versions and it's served me just fine.

You can set up multiple accounts on the Switch (and likely Playstation too), so each kid has their own files, and games are usually shared across the home console (I.e., buy a game once and all three can play.) The single screen multi-player options are a bit limited, but that's just gaming today. Playstation and Xbox will have the same problem.

4g internet should generally be fine, faster is better of course, but it shouldn't be a problem.

For storage, the switch can take a large (256gb+) SD card and that should be more than enough space. For PS5, the disk drive is usually the better option, less to download and store.

For a TV, if it can utilize a chromecast, it's probably decent enough. Most consoles just need an HDMI port to plug into. Again, newer is better, but not essential.

I hope this helps clear some things up. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to reach out!

Irishsally OP t1_j6j69dl wrote on January 30, 2023 at 6:36 PM

That's really informative and kind, thank you ckoden84.

I think the ps5 with the disc might be the job for us, I'd be worried about part of the Nintendo getting broken or the charger issue I've been reading about. I'm also thinking as a group present the Nintendo looks a little small and there would be fights over the little screen part.

I like that the ps has separate controllers and I could replace one if needed.

Can the disc one download games too or are you limited to discs only?

Should I buy a cooler for it, I saw one advertised when I was looking at them, is overheating a problem?

When I spend this much on it I'd like it to last several years if that's realistic.

I was going to ask if I should wait for a ps6 but they seem to be a few years off yet.

jtho78 t1_j6jwym6 wrote on January 30, 2023 at 9:21 PM

There are a way more local multiplayer games on the switch. More titles aimed to kids as well.

If you are worried about the Switch getting damaged, you can dock it and lock the attachable joy-con controllers away, then the system would only be used as a console and not handheld. You would have to buy three controllers for the kids though.

I would ask your oldest why they asked for a Switch, it is possible their circle of friends play on Nintendo and they would like a system that would let them play online with friends.

ckoden84 t1_j6j7dt9 wrote on January 30, 2023 at 6:43 PM

The dock on the Switch moves everything to the big screen via HDMI, same as a traditional console. Also, you can buy multiple controllers (normal 'Pro' controllers and/or joycons) for the Switch. I'm not familiar with the charging issue you mentioned but that's neither here nor there.

The disk system still has a hard drive you can download to, so it will work either way. I'm also not familiar with heating issues, but larger consoles do tend to run warm. A cooling addon is likely unnecessary if it's kept in a well ventilated area, but it couldn't hurt.

The PS5 should easily last you as long as you're looking for it to do, but as you guessed, I'd say the next generation of consoles is a ways out still.

pseudopad t1_j6jdolu wrote on January 30, 2023 at 7:22 PM

The charger issue isn't an issue anymore (on models made in the last 2 years, which is practically everything you'll find brand-new in stores now) and even when it was, it only happened with certain third party docks, or if you powered the dock itself with a third party power adapter.

Don't worry about the switch breaking. I don't know how old your kids are, but the thing is studier than most phones, and the screen may get scratched, but it is very hard to make it crack or shatter.

If you take your kids for long car/bus/train/plane rides, they'll probably like it better than the ps5 that has to be left at home. It's also a lot cheaper than a PS5.

Cooler accessories are for the most part useless. If your system dies from overheating, it's a manufacturing defect and you should use the warranty. The only time they make sense is on certain gaming laptops if you want to use them on your lap.

Replacing the controllers on a switch isn't a problem. In fact, I would recommend that you got an extra, standard controller anyway, for two player games, and because the switch "joy cons" when assembled into a regular controller aren't very ergonomic, at least not for a teenager or adult, and definitely not for long play sessions.

With the included joy con controllers as the two player/reserve controller, you won't have to worry about it needing a replacement anytime soon.

Irishsally OP t1_j6kczoa wrote on January 30, 2023 at 11:03 PM

This is a daft question but I thought the blue side and the red side where 2 different controllers.

Should I buy a spare blue and red ? To make one?

Thank you

pseudopad t1_j6kfgk7 wrote on January 30, 2023 at 11:20 PM

They're the same controller, but some games support using them as two tiny controllers instead of one regular. You get a... Thing, that mounts them together for using it as a regular wireless controller when the system is docked.

You should not get a spare blue and red in my opinion. They're not amazingly comfortable controllers. For couch play, get a Switch pro controller, and use the red/blue as a two player controller when needed.

Using the red/blue as two separate controllers is mostly just a gimmick in my opinion. It might work OK for an 8 year old, but anyone in their mid teens and up are going to get serious hand cramps using them like that for more than 20 minutes.