One of my goals as I am ramping up my posting schedule is to have all the information you need about the different gaming platforms out there, especially in the run up to Christmas. This post breaks down how these guides will look.
Before I do that, however, I want to make sure we are on the same page with the words I am using. When I use the term “gaming platform”, I mean the hardware. Here are the hardware platforms I will be covering:
- Xbox One
- PlayStation 4
- Wii U
- PC
- 3DS
- iOS
- Android
For each platform, I will break down this information:
- The platform holder – This is the main company in charge of the platform (i.e. Microsoft for the Xbox One and Sony for the PlayStation 4). They manufacture and distribute the hardware. They also set the rules for the platform, such as what games can be released on it, how patches and extra content are released, and what tests a game must pass to be released. Every platform listed above has a platform holder except for the PC. I will talk about what that means for the PC when I get to it.
- Cost – How much does it cost to get everything you would need for your gamer to play games on the given platform? This will include more than just the cost of the console. It will also include the cost of games, any accessories you might need, and any subscription you need for your gamer to play online.
- Platform Exclusives – Each platform has “platform exclusives”. These are games that can only be played on the given platform. For example, Halo 5 will only available on the Xbox One and Super Mario 3D World is only on the Wii U. If your gamer is interested in one of these games, you will need to get the correct platform.
- Online Play – Each platform takes a different approach to online play. I will cover this with each platform so you know what to expect.
- Online Store – Each platform also has its own online store. I will go over what is in it and how to set limits on it, if you can.
- Parental Controls – In these posts, I will be including brief information about the parental controls on each platform. I will be creating videos in the future that go over this is much greater detail.
So this is what is coming over the next few weeks. There are a couple ways you can keep abreast of when I release these guides.
First, you can bookmark this page. I will be updating it with links to each guide as it goes up.
Second, you can signup for my email newsletter. I will be sending out an update every Friday with all the posts I have released that week, including these guides. Plus, signing up will get you a copy of my e-book Connecting With Your Teenager Through Video Games.