Here’s some great gear for gamers
Sony PlayStation 4 Pro
Cnet rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
The good: The PS4 Pro outputs a 4K and HDR signal that’s compatible with high-end TVs, and promises better visuals and increased frame rates for certain games. The console includes a 1TB hard drive, and it works with all PS4 games, apps and accessories to date.
The bad: Only a handful of titles offer dramatic improvements. In reality, most games that support Pro enhancements don’t offer a drastic difference in quality when comparing standard and Pro games side-by-side. Specific information on game improvements can be shoddy. The PS4 Pro does not play Ultra HD 4K Blu-ray discs.
The cost: $430
The bottom line: The PlayStation shows noticeable improvements only in a limited number of the games we were able to test, but that could change in the months and years ahead.
Nintendo Switch
Cnet rating: 4.0 stars out of 5
The good: The Switch is a versatile hybrid game console that easily pivots between a big-screen TV and a portable. The initially slim game library now includes a good mixture of musthave Nintendo franchise exclusives, indie titles and even some decent PC ports.
The bad: No Virtual Console means no access to decades worth of classic Nintendo games. The screen feels small during tabletop sessions. Online multiplayer requires matchmaking on a smartphone app, and Hulu is the only entertainment app.
The cost: $296 to $300
The bottom line: The unique TV-ormobile gaming proposition is now matched by a stellar library of games, including instant-classics like new “Zelda” and “Mario” titles.
Nintendo Labo
Cnet rating: 4.0 stars out of 5
The good: Incredible cardboard designs. Really well-done step-by-step instructions. Labo’s software and games are fun to play and explore. There’s a lot to do, and a sense that many secrets await unlocking.
The bad: Yes, it’s mostly just cardboard. The kits can be daunting for younger kids. There’s a risk of things breaking, so handle with care. And, where do you store all those large cardboard things later on?
The cost: $70
The bottom line: Labo is a fun and unique Switch add-on — a Lego-meetsIkea cardboard construction set that will unlock kids’ real-world creativity.
HTC Vive
Cnet rating: 4.0 stars out of 5
The good: The Vive offers a flat-out amazing virtual reality experience with sharp visuals, great motion controls and full-room sensing to walk around in virtual space. Vive hardware can help indicate where your walls are, and an in-helmet camera can be used to see your space with the headset on.
The bad: It requires a high-end PC to run. Long wires and lots of equipment take time and space to set up. Steam VR offers a lot of software, but it isn’t always beginner-friendly.
The cost: $499
The bottom line: Vive is the best virtual-reality experience you can have right now, thanks to its motion controls and room-scale tracking. It’s the closest thing to having a holodeck in your home.