The Xbox
The Xbox One, a direct competitor to the PlayStation 4, comes in several different models. It was released in November 2013. This model was equipped with a 500 GB hard drive and had to be purchased with Kinect. Since October 2014, the console and Kinect have been sold separately. This console had a difficult start compared to the PS4. Microsoft quickly decided to improve it, notably with its Xbox One S. Its memory ranges from 500 GB to 2 TB (2000 GB) depending on the model. It allows you to watch streaming videos and 4K Blu-Ray discs. Its system is based on Windows 10. (Applications such as Skype are available on the console). For those who own the camera, there is an extensive voice control system. It is also a true media centre with stunning graphics that are constantly updated via the internet. Since June 2015, many XBOX 360 games are now playable on the Xbox One.
Network games: Xbox Live allows players from around the world to connect to the Internet and compete against each other on all Xbox Live-compatible games. Silver membership (which is free) allows you to download bonuses and demos. It also serves as a voice chat service.
The «Gold» subscription (£39.99 per year) includes all the features of the «Silver» subscription, plus online gaming.
The Playstation
Sony's PlayStation 4 (PS4) is the 1ere latest generation of PlayStation home consoles. Released in November 2013, it is designed as a complete digital entertainment centre thanks to a Blu-ray player, access to applications such as Spotify, HDMI connectivity, a powerful graphics card, two USB 3.0 ports and a hard drive ranging from 500 GB to 1000 GB depending on the model. Depending on the use or game, this console offers a quality of 60 or 30 frames per second.
If you would like to find out more about the differences between all the models, please visit the PlayStation website at this address: https://www.playstation.com/fr-fr/get-help/help-library/system—hardware/storage—data/ps4–new-model-comparison/
Network games The PlayStation Network online service allows you to play online by paying for PlayStation Plus (£49.99 per year), download games, demos and trailers, and access various communication services. Access to PSN offers free and paid downloadable content.
Many titles feature online game modes and network functionality, with some titles being exclusively online.
The Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is Nintendo's new console, released in March 2017. It is the first hybrid console: it is both a portable console and a home console. The battery lasts for 3 to 6 hours. It has 32 GB of storage, but you can insert a micro SD card (up to 2 TB). This console does not currently have apps such as Netflix or YouTube, nor does it have an internet browser. Wi-Fi is only used for online gaming. Games can be purchased in physical form in stores or online from the Nintendo eShop.
The Alienware Steam Machine
The iPhone (but also the iPad)
The iPhone (as well as the iPod Touch and iPad) is the smartphone from American company Apple that revolutionised the world of mobile devices in 2007. This device offers free and paid video games that can be played (on its touchscreen) via the App Store. However, it is important to be careful, as even some games advertised as free may subsequently require payment (see the monetisation section).
Network gamesBy nature, the iPhone is an ultra-connected device, whether via Wi-Fi, 3G or 4G. It is very easy to chat on many public or private community networks and even in certain games that are only rated Pegi 7.
It is worth noting Apple's control process, which validates all applications and games that can be downloaded on its platform.
The Computer (PC)
Computers are the most powerful platform for video games thanks to the ability to configure and modify your machine as you wish. This makes the gaming experience infinite, and connectivity has become essential. All types of games are available, from free to paid.
The Nintendo DS
The Nintendo DS (DS stands for Dual Screen) is a handheld console created in 2004 by Nintendo.
It is equipped with several features that were previously rare or even unheard of in the field of portable video games: two backlit screens, including a touch screen, a microphone, and a camera (since 2008 in the DSi version).
Network game The DS console is highly connected and allows multiple players to play with a single game cartridge. Its built-in Wi-Fi, with a range of 10 to 30 metres, allows sixteen consoles to be connected to each other, as well as online play. New applications offer the ability to browse the Internet or even send photos to Facebook.
The Wii
The Wii is a home console from Japanese manufacturer Nintendo. Its most original feature is its wireless controller system, which can detect the player's movements. With this console, Nintendo has focused on originality rather than graphics power, making it an entertaining platform for the whole family.
Network games From the outset, the Wii has been marketed with everything needed to play online, and no subscription is required for Nintendo games. However, for some games, the «Wi-Fi Connection» feature is subject to a fee. Thanks to its wireless Internet connection (Wi-Fi), the Wii offers numerous services, including an online store for downloading video games, both free and paid.
Android/Google
Finally, there are all mobile devices with Google Play. This system offers downloads of real free and paid video games that can be played on its touch screen. However, you need to be careful because even some games advertised as free require money to continue playing. (See the monetisation section).
Network gamesBy nature, all these devices are ultra-connected, whether via Wi-Fi, 3G or 4G. It is very easy to chat on many public or private community networks and even in certain games that are only rated Pegi 7.
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