Play station or Xbox for medical reasons, advice on what platform to get

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MikeB4

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#242956 21-Nov-2018 12:46

My son is always telling me that I should get a console and start playing games especially games that require quick movements and fast decision making as this helps in the prevention of cognitive disorders. He also believes it could aid with the lost of function in my hands and arms and help the brain deal with the nerve damage.

It has been quite a long time since I did any gaming and in the past it has been mainly on a PC. I have not really kept up with the console market and I am looking for suggestions as to what console I should consider. Is the Play Station 4 Slim and Xbox One S still viable options or should I be considering Play Station Pro or Xbox one X?

When it come to range of games what platform would be the best or have an advantage. To give an idea I like Sports, Car and some first person shooters like Lego Star Wars for example and my wife likes games such as Spiro the Dragon, Crash Bandicoot and Sonic the Hedge Hog. She also like sports games like bowling. Media considerations are not important as I have a 4K DVD player and the TV does such things as Netflix and Amazon.

Considering the controllers, I have large hands and my wife has small hands and there are times that I only have one hand that is useable, so gaming won’t be possible then however, what platform do folks consider has the best/most comfortable hand controllers for both hand sizes?

The third option is Nintendo what is the current state of this platform and how well would it fit the questions above?

I know there are other threads along these lines such as Batmans recent thread but I did not wish to hijack that thread. I also would like a different perspective due to my physical disabilities and the reasons why I am considering a gaming console.

I don’t want to start an inter platform war with this discussion but would really appreciate some help with this decision and any help would be gratefully accepted.

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#2131044 21-Nov-2018 12:48

Xbox has the most ergonomic controller. I can see it an issue for you to press the touchpad in the middle of the PS4 controller.
Otherwise buy to what titles you want to play. Its a game of snakes and ladders with consoles.

ratsun81

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#2131047 21-Nov-2018 12:56

If you dont have to have a certain console because of X game then i would go based off the controllers.

If i were you id try out both controllers and see how you get on with either one.

Id lean towards the Playstation, only because the controller is lighter than the xbox one which is weighty with batteries in it.

Hammerer

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#2131064 21-Nov-2018 13:22

ratsun81:

If you dont have to have a certain console because of X game then i would go based off the controllers.

I wouldn't even consider controllers as a key element in my buying decision for Xbox and PS because there are adapters that allow you to use either on any. The same applies for PC and Switch. So controllers, keyboards, mice, touchpads, rollerballs, etc. can be used wherever you like.

WyleECoyoteNZ

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#2131101 21-Nov-2018 13:38

Personally, I prefer the Xbox controllers (maybe a bit biased, as I've ever only had Xbox since the first), as I think they sit in the hand a bit more comfortably than the PlayStation controller.

The games can generally be across both platforms, with the notable exceptions of the Forza series on Xbox (either Motorsport, closed track only racing or Horizon, open world street racing) and Gran Turismo on PlayStation.

The Lego games are quite good as well, with City Undercover having a story, then side things to find\do. Think of Lego City Undercover almost like a GTA game without the same levels of violence.

Tk421nz

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#2131105 21-Nov-2018 13:40

A valid option would be xbox due to this controller: https://www.xbox.com/en-NZ/xbox-one/accessories/controllers/xbox-adaptive-controller

The only drawback would be getting the extra bits that to go with it and its a bit pricey as its sold as an extra, but it is a good controller option for people who have issues using a standard controller.

SpartanVXL

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#2131113 21-Nov-2018 13:56

Playstation has far more exclusive titles. A lot of the xbox ip is now available on Windows 10 and arguably is better value played there if you have no/less interest in social multiplayer.

If you have a 4k TV then a PS Pro or Xbox one X would be recommended. The playstation Dualshock 4 controller is slightly smaller, more symmetrical and has a gyro for motion control + touchpad in the center. Xbox controller is larger, more flat with it's button spacing and heavier due to AA batteries required (as a result however last longer on wireless). It does not have gyro or touchpad. Both have a 3.5mm audio jack for headphones/microphone and can be hooked up to a PC via USB (recent gen controllers).

As mentioned before, there are third party controllers which mimic the design of the other platform's stock controllers so you aren't limited there. You can also get adapters to plug them in to each other and also translate mouse + keyboard input if you wish.

As for games, you would certainly like things like Gran Turismo, Project Cars, F1. Maybe some adventure/shooter games like the Uncharted or Tomb Raider series. If you enjoy Marvel then the latest Spiderman is highly rated. Spyro and Crash Bandicoot are also good platformer/puzzle games. If you/wife like story/cinematic choice-driven games then Until Dawn (horror), Detroit, Beyond Two Souls, Heavy Rain are good movie-interaction style.

(Above are majority Playstation exclusive)

I would only recommend PC if you're willing to put together (or purchase) a machine with good hardware to play games on. The quality of game playback is objectively better and there are some niche games not always available on consoles (and vice versa). Things like Mechwarrior or strategy games (Starcraft, Civilisation, Total War series). You do however miss out on console exclusives and simplicity of the system.

Nintendo Switch is nice to have but I wouldn't use as a main platform. It's appeal is it's portability and niche games. Zelda, Mario, Mario Kart, Donkey Kong are all excellent titles on Switch but the platform lacks the variety the others do.

MurrayM

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#2131114 21-Nov-2018 13:56

Have you considered getting a Wii? The reason I suggest this is because it has many motion games that require you to wave your arms around and some games get you using your whole body.

You should be able to pick one up cheap second hand and the games are cheap second hand too. Wii Sports Resort is a great game (sword fighting, bowling, tennis, etc). Also has many of the Lego games available for it.

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#2131133 21-Nov-2018 14:29

4k/controllers aside, I was a Sony fan, then I got an Xbox One (prize), and havent looked back. Sure, some games I'll never see but functionality and feature wise, I find it fantastic.

The Kinect was great fun (until it stopped), so getting a Kinect unit might be a good idea for you for a bit of physical workout via Dance Party and others :)

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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Batman

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#2131141 21-Nov-2018 14:41

I got the Xbox One X and it is amazing. The only thing I don't like is that the interface is a bit laggy, messy and uninviting. But the controller is great, and so are the games.

And for the next 5 days there are a few games that are 60% off including Lego games for $7 USD (need to buy on US store, I buy Amazon gift cards to use there as it won't take my NZ CC).

Downside - you need an Xbox Live GOLD subs to play many online games.

Can't say much about the PS4 Pro.

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#2131142 21-Nov-2018 14:42

By the way Noel Leeming is going to sell the Xbox one S for $325 for black friday.

Also Xbox is microsoft and I'm already invested in Microsoft.

MikeB4

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#2131171 21-Nov-2018 15:36

MurrayM:

Have you considered getting a Wii? The reason I suggest this is because it has many motion games that require you to wave your arms around and some games get you using your whole body.

You should be able to pick one up cheap second hand and the games are cheap second hand too. Wii Sports Resort is a great game (sword fighting, bowling, tennis, etc). Also has many of the Lego games available for it.

The last console I sued for games was a Nintendo Wii. It was a lot of fun however we gave it to my Grandson. I will look around to see what is available on Trademe etc. I feel they are getting a bit old now.

MikeB4

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#2131172 21-Nov-2018 15:38

xpd:

4k/controllers aside, I was a Sony fan, then I got an Xbox One (prize), and havent looked back. Sure, some games I'll never see but functionality and feature wise, I find it fantastic.

The Kinect was great fun (until it stopped), so getting a Kinect unit might be a good idea for you for a bit of physical workout via Dance Party and others :)

Dance party in a wheelchair hmmm interesting and some what hard on the floors. Kinect was a good concept that MSFT and Game Developers did a half hearted effort with

MikeB4

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#2131174 21-Nov-2018 15:39

Batman:

By the way Noel Leeming is going to sell the Xbox one S for $325 for black friday.

Also Xbox is microsoft and I'm already invested in Microsoft.

That is a very tempting price.

antoniosk

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#2131175 21-Nov-2018 15:43

MikeB4:

My son is always telling me that I should get a console and start playing games especially games that require quick movements and fast decision making as this helps in the prevention of cognitive disorders. He also believes it could aid with the lost of function in my hands and arms and help the brain deal with the nerve damage.

It has been quite a long time since I did any gaming and in the past it has been mainly on a PC. I have not really kept up with the console market and I am looking for suggestions as to what console I should consider. Is the Play Station 4 Slim and Xbox One S still viable options or should I be considering Play Station Pro or Xbox one X?

When it come to range of games what platform would be the best or have an advantage. To give an idea I like Sports, Car and some first person shooters like Lego Star Wars for example and my wife likes games such as Spiro the Dragon, Crash Bandicoot and Sonic the Hedge Hog. She also like sports games like bowling. Media considerations are not important as I have a 4K DVD player and the TV does such things as Netflix and Amazon.

Considering the controllers, I have large hands and my wife has small hands and there are times that I only have one hand that is useable, so gaming won’t be possible then however, what platform do folks consider has the best/most comfortable hand controllers for both hand sizes?

The third option is Nintendo what is the current state of this platform and how well would it fit the questions above?

I know there are other threads along these lines such as Batmans recent thread but I did not wish to hijack that thread. I also would like a different perspective due to my physical disabilities and the reasons why I am considering a gaming console.

I don’t want to start an inter platform war with this discussion but would really appreciate some help with this decision and any help would be gratefully accepted.

Maybe go to a store and give them a quick bash? I've guessing each is much of a muchness, but the games are a visual nightmare at times and can be very fast moving - and retraining muscle memory groomed on using a keyboard/mouse to use a controller is annoying without adding nerve damage to the mix! You've mentioned a few nintendo games there, maybe something from trademe to get you going (like a Wii?) and then decide before commiting to another platform? Ive found xbox to be mainly fps gritty games but no real alternatives like sonic or mario cart which are just fun to play.

Both major platforms are due for replacement in the next 2 years, so keep that in mind as well.

________

Antoniosk

WyleECoyoteNZ

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#2131176 21-Nov-2018 15:44

MikeB4:

MurrayM:

Have you considered getting a Wii? The reason I suggest this is because it has many motion games that require you to wave your arms around and some games get you using your whole body.

You should be able to pick one up cheap second hand and the games are cheap second hand too. Wii Sports Resort is a great game (sword fighting, bowling, tennis, etc). Also has many of the Lego games available for it.

The last console I sued for games was a Nintendo Wii. It was a lot of fun however we gave it to my Grandson. I will look around to see what is available on Trademe etc. I feel they are getting a bit old now.

Maybe also consider EB Games and there preowned selection.

https://www.ebgames.co.nz/xbox-one/console-hardware?q=&priceFrom=&priceTo=

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