The Console/Handheld Buying Guide…

A repaired and more refined version of my original console/handheld guide, for people who need help when prepping to buy a console.

When Buying a Console/Handheld… 

• Keep the receipt and the warranty!

By far the most important thing you can do is keep the receipt. If your console doesn’t work properly or it breaks down, you may need the receipt and warranty to get it fixed.

Example: The Microsoft X-Box and the X-Box 360 are both noted for the “red semi-circle of death”. What happens is the console can overheat and actually melt something inside the console and it will die.

Now, that ain’t something Microsoft has admitted to, publicly, until late last year (September/October). Up until then, they had been fixing it for free (though, they might have charged shipping and handling fees). But last year, Microsoft decided to only fix consoles for free sold before January 2006.

In any case, Microsoft is now charging people whose consoles develop the red semi-circle of death. Your warranty or proof of purchase (before January 2006) might save you from the fee (but shipping and handling might still apply).

In any case, that example is kind of moot. But that’s just an example (but the problem was real), so you know.

• In addition to the first point, if you’re giving someone a console or handheld as a gift, include the receipt. The above gives the reason why.

• Be aware of the store’s return/exchange policy.

Different stores have different exchange policies. Some allow people to trade in items for other items of equal or lesser value. Some stores don’t allow trade ins or returns at all. Some stores frown on returning things and may be tracking you to see what all you’ve returned/traded in.

They, in short, don’t want to be scammed. And you, in turn, don’t want to be unintentionally scammed. So, know the store’s return/exchange policy.

• Have a good idea of what you want and what you need.

Never, never impulse buy a console/handheld. EVER. Do not take your little sister, er, someone out to surprise them with an early (Christmas) gift and expect them to automatically know which console/handheld to get.

Example: The above is how I got my Gameboy Advance SP. It was unwanted as soon as I realized the Nintendo DS played Advance games. Not even playing Gameboy and Gameboy Color on an Advance could sate me.

Know what kind of games you want and the piece of hardware you need to play them.

Example: If you like platform and action/adventure games, then getting the Nintendo Wii is a good idea. If you find yourself turned off by the titles available on the Wii, then the X-Box 360 is a great alternative.

Conversely, if RPGs are more up your alley, a large majority of RPGs are available on the Playstation 2 and presumably 3. The Wii and the 360 do not have as many RPG titles available, but they still have some.

Some games are exclusive to consoles, others aren’t. Remember, sometimes, exclusive games can be released on other consoles.

If you plan to give a console as a gift to someone and prefer to have them be in the dark about it, I suggest you go through their game selection or save file to see what they’ve been playing (the more hours/saves, presumably the more they like it). Or you could try asking them what kind of games they like and be subtle (very subtle) about it.

In any case, realize just one thing. Consoles and handhelds are expensive, so don’t throw away time, energy, and money by getting something you or someone else will regret.

Do it right and follow the guidelines above.