The latest generation video game consoles in Sony’s Playstation 4, Microsoft’s Xbox One and Nintendo’s Wii U are here. Some like to call them next gen, but the fact is these are the current gen and the Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and Wii are last gen. But just because we have a new console generation does not mean we should kick our 360, PS3 or Wiis to the curb! There is still life left in them yet!
As a gamer of over 25 years my advice is to never get rid of a video game console! There will come a point when you will regret doing so – especially if it’s a console that’s brought you many great memories. Many avid video gamers, especially once they start to have disposable income, purchase old consoles on sites like eBay or Craigslist to relive their best gaming days. By then you could be spending much more than if you had just kept your original hardware and games safely in storage.
Can I Still Play Uncharted, Gears of War or Halo?
Sony’s Playstation 4 and Microsoft’s Xbox One are not even backwards compatible so if you enjoy playing the Uncharted series on your Playstation 3, the Gears Of War or Halo series on your Xbox 360 then you need to keep the consoles in order to play them! Also at the dawn of a new console generation is the absolute worst time to get rid of the “last gen console”. So many people are getting rid of their Playstation 3 to get a Playstation 4 that it drives the trade in and cash value right down. At the time of this writing there are a great handful of must-have games for the latest consoles, but not enough to make the consoles themselves must-own-right-now.
There are plans to remaster Halo and potentially other exclusive franchises, but the PS3 and 360 have such an established collection of titles that you can replay these games now.
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
Now even if you are of the mind that “I will never play these games again” it’s still worthwhile to keep hold of the console.
Both the Playstation 3 and the Xbox 360 make great entertainment devices. You no longer need Xbox Live to watch Netflix/Hulu/HBO Go on an Xbox 360 so shove it in the back room as an extra Netflix/Hulu/HBO Go/Crackle streaming device. The Playstation 3 also can be used to watch Netflix or other TV and movie streaming services. It’s also one of the best blu-ray players out there. Numerous tests have shown that the Playstation 3 has slightly better blu-ray play back than its new younger brother!
There are also plenty of forums where you can show off your console collection. Many times I have seen NES/SNES and Philips CD-i hardware still connected and operational in someone’s man-cave.
As tempting as it may be to trade in your old console I encourage you not to! At least place it in a box, put it in a cupboard, basement or whatever and then you can break it out a few years from now and remember the good times you had with it.
