Echoing what's already been said. Here are some specific recs and why:
SWITCH OLED—get this if you like Nintendo games, party games, and having friends over to play games. Yes, "Switch 2" is likely to be announced later this year or early next year, but there is always something "better" around the corner. Get what you want to play now. The Switch OLED will have a good resell value if you decide to upgrade when the next console drops.
PLAYSTATION 5 W/ DISC PLAYER—get this if you want to play Big Games with Big Graphics and/or if you want to play online multiplayer. The disc player is good for buying physical games that you can resell, but I like it because it's also a 4K Blu-ray player so I can also watch my movies that I own on disc.
STEAM DECK OLED—get this if you want PC gaming without building/buy an expensive PC. You won't be able to play the latest and greatest Big Games with Big Graphics but you'll have nearly full access to the wild and weird world of indie games. You'll be able to sample the most with this one. The Steam Deck is mostly a handheld, but you can plug it into a bigger screen or tv easily.
I linked to places to buy new, but buying used is absolutely an option!
Related Recs
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If you wanna play games like Mario, Pokémon, Kirby, or The Legend of Zelda, or if you enjoy multiplayer games with people in the same room, the Nintendo Switch is the choice. However, keep in mind that the Switch 2 is expected to be announced between now and April 2025. This means the price of the original Switch will likely drop, making it a good time to upgrade from the Lite (and there may be backward compatibility, so waiting could be beneficial)
But if you're looking for games with high-end graphics, big adventures, and more online multiplayer options, etc, and you don't mind missing out on Nintendo titles, I recommend choosing a PlayStation over an Xbox because their exclusives are better imo. However, Xbox consoles tend to be cheaper. If you have the option, get the disc version of either console so you can sell your games once you’re done with them. With digital games, you only purchase a license and don’t technically own them (which is something I feel strongly about lol)
Aug 1, 2024
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if you get one. There's no downside investing in one since Xbox and many Playstation games come to PC. Having a Switch and a Steam Deck means you can play almost whatever you want.
Feb 21, 2024
Best gaming system of all time? Probably tbh. Any ps2/dreamcast/pc/etc. game you want in the palm of your hands? Hook it up to a 4K TV and go hog wild? Damn right.
Mar 22, 2024
Top Recs from @lucius
Alright y'all, standards have gotten a little lax around here and rec quality has taken a dip (I'm including myself in this). Here are some pointers for High Rec Standards.
ANATOMY OF A REC:
TITLE—This is the rec or recommendations. This is NOT a lead in. Type exactly what you're recommending here. What appears in the Title should finish this sentence, "I recommend _____."
BODY—This supports the rec and anything goes. Supporting statements, supporting essays, additional recs, you can get silly, you can pontificate. You can do anything you want. Except putting the main rec down here. Where does it go? That's right. In the Title 👆
IMAGE—No rules. Add one to preference. It can be relevant or a non sequitur.
LINK—I highly recommend links but it's not as important as the Title or Body. If you are recommending something that has an online presence (music, movies, websites, products, etc.), Piffies want to click on it immediately. Don't make us google. Be kind a leave a link.
EMOJI—No rules. Express yourself.
ANTI-RECS:
They exist and they are valid recs. "Anti-Rec: _____" clearly communicates this is something best avoided. But a better way format this type of Rec is to use a modifier or verb that flows with "I recommend _____." Ex. I recommend... Not Eating Tacks, Avoiding Area X, Leaving Off the Anchovies, etc.—(Formatting Anti-Recs this way first recommended by tyler the Creator)
ANATOMY OF AN ASK:
TITLE—This is the question or topic of the Ask. Asks can solicit advice or start a discussion. You have some flexibility here because the Ask is expected to be expounded upon in the body if it needs more context. Just be clear. Again, this is not a lead in. Be direct and ask the question or state the topic.
BODY—Provide more context. Narrow the recommendation field. Add relevant links. Remember, the Ask goes in the Title 👆
EMOJI—No rules. Express yourself.
ANSWERING AN ASK—Recs on Asks can break style as dictated by the Ask. If the Ask is looking for Recs, give Recs following style. If it's asking for opinions, give your opinion. Asking for links? Give links! Respond however you would respond some someone IRL. Asks start a conversation so you can be more conversational. But keep in mind that these Recs will appear in the main feed. So where you can maintain Rec style, do so.
Example: WHAT’S YOUR CURRENT LETTERBOXD TOP 4?
A response to this with High Rec Standards would look something like this:
TITLE—Lists your current Letterboxd top 4. You are recommending these four movies.
BODY—Free reign here. Drop your Letterboxd @. Talk about the movies. Make a quip. Emoji. Relevant links. Nothing.
IMAGE—Optional. Screenshot of your top four. Frame from a movie. Dealer's choice.
LINK—Add your Letterboxd profile only if you want to be found.
EMOJI—Whatever. But it'd be nice if it was relevant.
DISCLAIMER:
This is a living community document! These are only my recommendations for a foundation. Debate and Discussion of proper style are Encouraged. Any editions and changes to the PI.FYI STYLE GUIDE will be notated with attribution.
Changelog:
07.26.2024—Clarified a Rec is not limited to one recommendation. Recs can recommend multiple things. Thanks to shegoestoanotherschool for identifying the issue. / Added guidance for Anti-Rec format.
02.11.2025—Moved SpongeBob Bubble Blowing Technique video link from the top level into the body ("some pointers") so the embed wouldn't override the High Quality instructional graphic.
Jul 25, 2024
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This combo has just been here the whole time?!
Feb 6, 2025
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i will eat one every day i do not give a fuck anymore
Jan 30, 2024