Looking ahead to the gaming industry... what should you purchase today?
Looking ahead to the gaming industry... what should you purchase today?
I'm considering upgrading my gaming setup. As a casual player, I've started with PCs and Nintendo 64 in my youth. During college I owned a PlayStation 2, then picked up an Xbox 360 around 2011 and later an Xbox One. After marriage, I donated my Xbox One and its contents to a colleague. He didn't enjoy the gaming sessions in our living room. Now I have more free time and he's more relaxed, so I'm planning a new rig.
My first thought is to wait for the upcoming Xbox One X, which should cost around $500. Alternatively, I'm thinking about getting a gaming PC. I'm leaning toward a portable laptop that connects via HDMI to my TV when needed, letting me play with an Xbox controller. This would also let me use it at home or in the office. A PC would be pricier, but it offers more flexibility.
I'd probably choose something like the Digital Storm Harker Custom Gaming Laptop for about $3500. It's great for most of my games, especially those on Xbox, though not all. I'm particularly interested in Star Citizen, which is exclusive to PCs. Still, I'm concerned a $3500 machine might be too much compared to the $500 Xbox. My plan is to use it mainly as a console.
I also ponder the future of gaming. It seems the next generation will focus more on VR experiences. The new Nintendo Switch blends an iPad with a console, offering a great casual gaming feel without always needing a TV. I'm not into Mario Kart or racing games like those titles; I prefer GTA 5 and Forza Horizon 3.
I find it odd that Apple hasn't acquired Nintendo. That could be ideal for our family—integrating Switch content across iPads and Apple TVs would be perfect. For Microsoft, I'm surprised they haven't merged Xbox with PC gaming more. It would make sense if they treated Xbox like a natural extension of Windows 10.
For Sony, things are looking good, but the long-term outlook is uncertain. If Apple absorbed Nintendo and Microsoft fully, PlayStation might become a target for Google (or even Facebook) given their interest in gaming hardware.
If you rarely run PC applications or require the powerful performance that a $3500 system provides (see example link), the Xbox One X becomes a smart choice. For laptops in that budget range, I’d wait for the upcoming NVIDIA Max-Q models so you can enjoy a slim 1080p display similar to the MBP. The Asus Zephyrus fits this scenario, or for a 1070, the MSI GS63VR works well. When it comes to combining Xbox and PC experiences, Microsoft has made significant progress. Buying an Xbox One game like Forza Horizon 3 grants you Windows 10 free of charge, and they’re rolling out all future Forza titles on that platform.
Microsoft has significantly advanced the integration of PC and Xbox, according to @shadowbyte. What might interest you is why Apple could be considering a purchase of Nintendo.
I understand, since I rely on my MacBook for both work and personal activities like photos and browsing... I'm considering purchasing this mainly for gaming purposes. The Xbox would work well, but it wouldn't support Star Citizen which I really want. Plus, having the ability to detach from the TV and use the laptop screen is appealing. It feels like a logical upgrade from Apple TV and iPad products. Gaining rights to Mario-style games would be ideal for their audience.
It sounds like you're considering a budget-friendly setup around $3500. You might be able to purchase a durable PC for all your gaming needs, an Xbox One X for $500, and another $500 for additional accessories or peripherals. You could even keep the console in the living room and use it for streaming games to your PC whenever you're at work. Streaming PC games directly to your MacBook Pro would also be a viable option if you prefer that setup.
I’m confident Nintendo won’t be selling soon. Few businesses can match their budget, even if they tried. They’re extremely focused on their business path, making it unlikely they’d become a small player. While Apple has significant funds, Nintendo’s market value is about 30 billion dollars—though that figure likely doesn’t reflect their true worth.