August 19th 2023.
Are you saving up for a Switch 2? With Christmas on the way, it's no surprise that readers are discussing the new gaming hardware they're planning to buy in the near future. This week's Hot Topic was suggested by reader Johno, and it got us all thinking about whether we're already saving up for new consoles, or if the rumours of new consoles next year have caused us to pause our spending.
The Switch 2 is the new console on everyone's minds, but there's also plenty of interest in new PlayStation hardware such as the Project Q and PS5 Slim. I already bought a PlayStation 5 about 18 months ago, and I'm sure I'll get the Switch 2 unless Nintendo announce something crazy. But after that, I'm leaning towards a decent PC or a Steam Deck, so I need to start saving soon.
At the start of the generation I was planning to save up for the PlayStation 5 and VR2, but with no games to speak of I can't justify spending that much money. I do have an Xbox Series X, but it gets more use as a Blu-ray player and streaming box than a console. Microsoft Rewards was really useful for subsidising purchases, and I got a controller from the Design Lab and a wireless headset from the Microsoft Store for just a few quid.
Personally, I always pre-order every Nintendo console from the N64 onwards, so I'll likely buy the Switch 2 when it's officially announced. And if I was going to switch platform at this point, it'd be PlayStation 5. The exclusives are better and it's become the default current generation machine, so development of third party titles prioritise it.
Given the rumours, it does look like we're set for new hardware. I went with the Switch last generation, so unless Nintendo really drop the ball with the Switch 2 I'll be getting that. If it comes without backwards compatibility or doesn't offer a noticeable generational leap then I won't get it.
I'm actually not planning on getting new hardware for the rest of the year, but that's because I have already purchased various bits and pieces. My PC is pretty old, running a seventh gen i5 processor, so I had to upgrade the memory and buy a new CPU and cooling system. Then my trusty Logitech MX performance mouse gave up after 14 years of great service, so I had to buy a new Logitech G Pro wireless gaming mouse.
I've started putting aside some money for the upcoming Switch 2. My goal is to have around £300 saved up by around March or April next year, but lately I've been thinking it might not hit the shelves until later in 2024. If that's the case, I'm planning to keep up with my savings, budgeting for about £70 per game at launch and an extra controller. So, all in all, it looks like I might need to save up around £450.
Whatever you game on, have fun y'all!
Are you saving up for a Switch 2? It's a timely question, given that Christmas is coming and new consoles and gaming hardware may be released in the near future. Reader Johno wanted to know if you're already saving up for new hardware or if rumours of new consoles next year have caused you to pause your spending.
The Switch 2 is the console that many are gearing up for, but the PS5 Pro and Project Q are also generating plenty of buzz. It's a tricky decision for many, since the cost of a new console can often be quite high.
For me, I purchased a PlayStation 5 about 18 months ago. Since my PlayStation 4 was on its last legs, the next console I intend to buy is the Switch 2. I'm hoping the Switch 2 is backwards compatible, and if it is, I'll likely purchase one close to launch. The PlayStation VR2 looks great, but the lack of games and Sony's silence since its release make it too much of an expensive gamble at this point.
I'm sure I'll get the Switch 2, unless Nintendo announce something crazy. After that, however, I'm considering buying a decent PC, or maybe a Steam Deck or equivalent. That means I need to start saving soon. The PlayStation 5 and PlayStation VR2 initially looked like a tempting purchase, but I can't justify spending £1,000, particularly with no games to speak of.
Others may have already made their choice. I went with the Switch last generation over the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, since I didn't own a TV at the time. Now I've built up an extensive library of digital games, so unless Nintendo mess up with the Switch 2, I'll be getting that. If it doesn't offer a noticeable generational leap in presentation, fidelity, and performance over the current model, however, I may not get it.
If I was to switch platforms, the PlayStation 5 looks the most appealing. The exclusives are better, and it's become the default current generation machine due to sales. That means third-party titles are prioritised on the PlayStation 5.
For others, the decision may be easy. As soon as the Switch 2 is formally announced and can be pre-ordered, some may go ahead and get it. Others may go for the Xbox Series X/S, especially if they take a look at the Metacritic scores for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Lastly, some may be able to make do with their trusty old hardware. I'm doing this with my PC, running a seventh gen i5 processor. I've upgraded the memory and bought a brand new i5-7600K processor and a new cooling system. I'm hoping the PC will last me until 2025, when I plan to get a whole new setup. I did have to replace my trusty Logitech MX performance mouse, though, which had lasted 14 years.
So, whatever you game on, it's important to consider all the costs and decide what's best for you. It's a good idea to start putting aside some money for the Switch 2, especially if it's going to be released later in 2024. For everyone else, happy gaming!
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