If you find yourself unable to decide whether the Nintendo Switch or the PlayStation 4 is the better Christmas gift this year, you’re not alone. It’s been a phenomenal year for both consoles, and determining which is better to give someone comes down to some specific elements you might’ve overlooked.
PlayStation 4 vs. Nintendo Switch: Which Is the Better Christmas Gift This Year?
PlayStation 4
Around since 2013, the PlayStation 4 has defined itself as a powerhouse of the current console generation. It has continued to upgrade and iterate itself too, with the PlayStation 4 Pro available for those who desire a faster and stronger piece of tech to play their games on.
One of its greatest strengths is the continued growth of its library with top of the line exclusives like this year’s thoughtfully violent God of War or the undeniably fun Spider-Man.
That’s to say nothing of the console’s past notable titles, which are cheaper than ever thanks to Black Friday and holiday sales prices. Greatest hits from recent years like Horizon Zero Dawn, Bloodborne and so many more are all easily affordable and perfect for pairing with a new console under the tree.
Throw in stellar third party support, most notably titles from this year like Red Dead Redemption 2, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, or the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, and you’ve got plenty enough for your loved one to play until next year rolls around.
The PlayStation 4 also has the feather in its cap of continued and growing VR support. While still not the cheapest peripheral you could grab for a loved one, it’s a one of a kind gaming experience that continues to improve thanks to new titles like the VR platformer Astro Boy.
And yet, there are downsides to consider before jumping on the PS4 as the ideal Christmas gift. One in particular is the fact that, potentially very soon, the PlayStation 4 will be replaced with a next-gen console.
For all of the impressive titles and support from Sony the PlayStation 4 sees right now, it’s far from a new piece of technology. It has enjoyed plenty of time in the sun since it launched back in 2013, and even with the release of the PS4 Pro, there’s only so long it’ll remain Sony’s main priority.
We’ve already seen the signs that its lifespan is winding down too. Following Sony’s announcement that they would skip E3 for the first time in its history, many speculated that they are gearing up for the launch of the PlayStation 5 sometime in the next year or two.
These flames have only been fanned by the fact that many of their most anticipated titles have unconfirmed or far off release windows. Most notable among them is The Last of Us Part II, which still has yet to receive a firm release date even after years of teasers and trailers.
Another is the limited to non-existent cross play support on the console. While Sony has scaled back their blocking of any and all cross play with other consoles, there are still plenty of titles which still cordoned off PS4 players from other gamers.
This is a major detractor for fans of multiplayer titles like Rocket League, which continue to see support from players across consoles and on PC even years after launch. This could be a huge let down for someone who otherwise would use their console for online interaction with friends that play on other consoles or PC.
PlayStation 4 vs. Nintendo Switch: Which Is the Better Christmas Gift This Year?
Nintendo Switch
Only out since March of last year, the Nintendo Switch continues to be a console on the rise. After front-loading its launch year with phenomenal titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey, it has only continued to build up its library with top of the line first and third party titles.
Some have been re-releases of past AAA favorites from the Wii U, like Bayonetta 2 and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, proven in their quality but now available on a more sustainable console. They’ve included new bonuses too, like new playable characters or other titles in their series free of charge.
Others have been indie success stories that have found new life on the Switch. Titles like Owl Boy and Hollow Knight have enjoyed a second wind of popularity among gamers, while those who play them have discovered some of the best and most creative titles to come out in recent years.
That’s to say nothing of the strong support for indie developers Nintendo has shown. In recent months, the Switch has proven a promising home for indies of all stripes. It has likewise been a boon for indies who didn’t quite take off on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, with sales that dwarfed past figures after only a few days.
The Nintendo Switch’s portability also remains a huge advantage against the competition. Thanks to it, players can take their games with them to a more comfortable location, on their commute or wherever they choose, making it perfect for travel or gaming in small doses.
It boasts full cross-play support with Xbox One and PC players as well, through titles like Fortnite and Rocket League, and has since the features were made available to players. This shows no signs of ending either, with Nintendo affirming their support in recent months.
And, most importantly, it won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. Nintendo has placed their full support behind the young console, and with AAA releases like Super Smash Bros., Luigi’s Mansion 3 and Metroid Prime 4 all in the works, it doesn’t look like it’ll be replaced by a new console anytime soon.
Of course, things aren’t all rosy for the rising star console. The Nintendo Switch’s library, while flush with indie titles, is still lacking in comparison to that of the PlayStation 4 due to the difference in how long they’ve been out.
It likewise doesn’t have anywhere near as much third party support as what the PS4 enjoys. Sure, it’s had the Dark Souls Remaster and Dead Cells grace its library in recent months, but it likely won’t ever see Red Dead, Call of Duty, or any of the major third party titles ported to it.
It’s also still pretty pricey to pick one up. Whereas the PlayStation 4 has multiple versions and iterations ranging in prices below or around $300, the Switch’s prices start at $299.99 and increase from there.
Some retailers might have discounts for the holidays, but when you factor in the cost of new games to go along with it, it’ll still cost more than a few bucks to pick one for someone as a gift.
PlayStation 4 vs. Nintendo Switch: Which Is the Better Christmas Gift This Year?
Conclusion
So when all is said and done, which is a better Christmas gift? By a slim margin, it has to go to the Nintendo Switch, for no greater reason than that the console still has time left to grow and thrive.
Sure, the PlayStation 4 has plenty of great games to choose from both first and third party, and it has some cheaper options for those who have a budget to stick to in their gift buying. In the long run though, it’ll only be useful for so long with a new console potentially on the way.
The Nintendo Switch, meanwhile, will be a gift someone can get plenty of mileage out of. It’s got years worth of stellar games and content still to come, cross platform play for fans of multiplayer, and a growing selection of indie titles to choose from that’ll only grow each year.
That said, both are still phenomenal consoles. If you find the Nintendo Switch too expensive to purchase right now, or that your giftee enjoys third party titles not available on the console, go with the PlayStation 4. As stated above, the Switch isn’t going anywhere and’ll still be a great gift come next year.
For more helpful holiday gift guides, check out our lists of gifts to buy for the ultimate PlayStation fan or just some generally great gaming gift ideas.
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