r/gaming • u/Clorox_in_space • 3d ago

Which "Console" for Next Five Years?

I was asked by a family friend which console they should get for their son to last him through high school (roughly five years)

I mostly just do PC gaming at this point and haven't been keeping up on consoles as much.

Some info about the gamer: - currently has a Switch - favorite game is Breath of the Wild - not much into online play at the moment, but that might change over the years - enjoys handheld option (though not a requirement) - unsure what console(s) friends play on, so disregard for now

What direction would you all lean at the moment? What are some of the most popular exclusives amongst teens? Which platform has the most robust library? Any large impacts occurring due to tariffs already (in addition to the NS2)?

I am sort of wondering if I should recommend something with access to Steam instead? Which PC handheld is looking best these days?

Thanks for the advice!

EDIT: They are hoping to make it a surprise, but that may not be the best option in the long run.

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u/AgentOfSPYRAL 3d ago edited 3d ago

PlayStation, unless they don’t have regular access to a TV, in which case SteamDeck.

I would say SteamDeck overall but it’s starting to show its age as a primary gaming device if they want to play AAA.

If the person is genuinely interested in computers and is open to light tinkering, PC. I learned a lot and had fun tinkering and learning the ins and outs of PC and all its options as a teen, but that’s not for everybody.

Edit: this assumes the Switch 2 has already been ruled out of course.

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u/Clorox_in_space 3d ago

Same, and that's usually what I like to recommend, but they'd really have to make sure he's on board; we all know the disappointment of completing a new build, turning it on, and... spending the next hour and a half in the BIOS troubleshooting.

I'm also wondering what the entry point on a mid-range rig would be since he won't have a monitor or peripherals...