State of the Xbox?

[Jeff V]

Maybe there's a relevant thread but a few search attempts failed me.

Since 2020 is the year of the apocalypse, that means it's time to get a gaming console. Well, not for me, exactly, but my son's birthday is in a few days. He's looking to play things like Roblox and Minecraft, but is also into retro stuff like Pacman and Sonic. I don't think I need a bleeding edge model (and price is someone important right now), I think we need a console/controller package with an additional controller. Any suggestions/links to specific products that might do the trick? Thanks!

[LawBeefaroni]

The Xbone has held up to constant usage in our household. I think it's the slim version, Xbox One S. No power brick, wifi, hdmi. Easily moved from TV to TV when circumstances dictate.

There's a new one coming out soon but if you need it in time for the birthday and only need it for Roblox and Minecraft (and Fortnite, you will need it for Fortnite) the 'Bone is plenty.

The bundle deals are a crapshoot but there is a Minecraft bundle. Or there was. Honestly, best bet is toget the cheapest console and extra controller and then get Gamepass. You won't need to buy many games.

[coopasonic]

With the new ones coming this holiday season, there should be used ones coming on the market.

I might be open to parting with my (Launch Day -- so as old as they get) Xbox One even now, if I can find the box. I would have to check with the kids, but I might even be able to include an asston of skylanders and the games if the kids are ok with letting them go. They played it once this year. I would *love* to get that crap out of my media room.

[hitbyambulance]

i may finally get a PS4 next year!

my brother got an Xbone for his then 10 and 6 year olds. he bought it for the backwards compatibility, but since he's very strict on what they play and he doesn't get anything from the online store, all they played on it was Minecraft - there is not much in the way of 'kid's games' in disc form on it. my parents got them a Switch last xmas and they were much happier with that (tho the Xbone is still the 'Minecraft console').

[Jeff V]

Apparently someone started a rumor that toilet paper was included in each box, and there doesn't seem to be anything available not massively jacked up in price. Units that normally sell for $300 are going for twice that (Walmart is selling one with Minecraft for $700!) At this point, it'd be cheaper getting him a larger, faster tablet than the $30 Fire he has now.

[hitbyambulance]

Apparently someone started a rumor that toilet paper was included in each box, and there doesn't seem to be anything available not massively jacked up in price.

check your local craigslist

[hepcat]

Apparently someone started a rumor that toilet paper was included in each box, and there doesn't seem to be anything available not massively jacked up in price. Units that normally sell for $300 are going for twice that (Walmart is selling one with Minecraft for $700!) At this point, it'd be cheaper getting him a larger, faster tablet than the $30 Fire he has now.

$299

$299

$299

You don't HAVE to buy a bundle. Just buy the console and then the game you want during a sale or something.

[Ralph-Wiggum]

Generally, as I'm sure you know, the Switch has many more kid friendly games on it. My nephew has Minecraft on it and it doesn't seem any noticeably different than Minecraft on other systems, as far as I can tell. Though Switches may also be in short supply.

[LawBeefaroni]

Gamestop has the S available for delivery. $299 new.

[Hrothgar]

Apparently someone started a rumor that toilet paper was included in each box, and there doesn't seem to be anything available not massively jacked up in price. Units that normally sell for $300 are going for twice that (Walmart is selling one with Minecraft for $700!) At this point, it'd be cheaper getting him a larger, faster tablet than the $30 Fire he has now.

I think Microsoft was the one starting the rumors.

[Harkonis]

I would suggest a Xbox One X and the Game Pass for sheer quantity of good stuff to do without buying any individual games.

[Jeff V]

Gamestop has the S available for delivery. $299 new.

OK, their website blows, but it's been ordered, uncertain to arrive in time for his birthday (but should be here by the kids party 6 days later). Now controllers...some specify Xbox One, some just Xbox. Is there a difference? Getting a second controller seems to be a challenge as well if I stay with Microsoft brand.

[Jeff V]

I would suggest a Xbox One X and the Game Pass for sheer quantity of good stuff to do without buying any individual games.

Right now his needs are rather low end, and I can't help but think a tablet with a faster processor and more memory than his Kindle Fire would serve his purpose (and be straight Android). His awareness of the variety and quality of available content doesn't need expanding at this time. But I suppose this will be a better option for when his friends visit.

[gbasden]

Gamestop has the S available for delivery. $299 new.

OK, their website blows, but it's been ordered, uncertain to arrive in time for his birthday (but should be here by the kids party 6 days later). Now controllers...some specify Xbox One, some just Xbox. Is there a difference? Getting a second controller seems to be a challenge as well if I stay with Microsoft brand.

If you want accessories, I can get those much cheaper through the company store. Just let me know what you need.

[hepcat]

Gamestop has the S available for delivery. $299 new.

OK, their website blows, but it's been ordered, uncertain to arrive in time for his birthday (but should be here by the kids party 6 days later). Now controllers...some specify Xbox One, some just Xbox. Is there a difference? Getting a second controller seems to be a challenge as well if I stay with Microsoft brand.

If you want accessories, I can get those much cheaper through the company store. Just let me know what you need.

He speaks the truth! You'd be surprised how much I've saved on stuff going through gsbaden and his "fell off a truck" discounts!

[LawBeefaroni]

Target is my go-to for controllers-in-a-pinch but they are usually full price.

[pr0ner]

Just to torment Jeff after her bought this current generation's XBox for $299:

[Kurth]

I would suggest a Xbox One X and the Game Pass for sheer quantity of good stuff to do without buying any individual games.

A second vote for this. Game Pass has been a huge plus for us. I don’t think I’ve bought a game for over a year now. Seems like every time there’s something I want to play, it’s on Game Pass. Love this service.

[Scraper]

I would suggest a Xbox One X and the Game Pass for sheer quantity of good stuff to do without buying any individual games.

A second vote for this. Game Pass has been a huge plus for us. I don’t think I’ve bought a game for over a year now. Seems like every time there’s something I want to play, it’s on Game Pass. Love this service.

I've never been an Xbox gamer, but I'm honestly thinking about going the Gamepass route that includes Live, GamePass and the system with the next XBOX SX.

[Ralph-Wiggum]

I would suggest a Xbox One X and the Game Pass for sheer quantity of good stuff to do without buying any individual games.

A second vote for this. Game Pass has been a huge plus for us. I don’t think I’ve bought a game for over a year now. Seems like every time there’s something I want to play, it’s on Game Pass. Love this service.

I've never been an Xbox gamer, but I'm honestly thinking about going the Gamepass route that includes Live, GamePass and the system with the next XBOX SX.

I'm in the same boat. I haven't had an Xbox since maybe 2005, mainly because the exclusives I care about are on Playstation, but I am really jealous of Game Pass.

[pr0ner]

I would suggest a Xbox One X and the Game Pass for sheer quantity of good stuff to do without buying any individual games.

A second vote for this. Game Pass has been a huge plus for us. I don’t think I’ve bought a game for over a year now. Seems like every time there’s something I want to play, it’s on Game Pass. Love this service.

I've never been an Xbox gamer, but I'm honestly thinking about going the Gamepass route that includes Live, GamePass and the system with the next XBOX SX.

I'm in the same boat. I haven't had an Xbox since maybe 2005, mainly because the exclusives I care about are on Playstation, but I am really jealous of Game Pass.

Doesn't Playstation have Playstation Now?

[coopasonic]

PSNow is a pale shadow compared to GamePass.

PSNow has more games but they are all old. GamePass has first party (and some third party) releases on release day.

[Ralph-Wiggum]

Yeah - I did the free trial of PS Now a few months back and there were maybe two games I really was interested in playing. And there were very few newer games. From a distance, it seems like many games come out on Game Pass right when they’re released.

[hepcat]

PSNow is a pale shadow compared to GamePass.

PSNow has more games but they are all old. GamePass has first party (and some third party) releases on release day.

I love game pass, hence my purchase of almost 2 1/2 years of ultimate when they offered the deal on switchover for live members a while back.

The only thing I don’t really like on the PC side though is the install. The games are installed in the windows app folder and need special permission to access. Then they often put the exe somewhere else entirely.