Nintendo Switch or Xbox for 11yr old? Any Black Friday deal?

[technojunky]

So I'm considering a console for my 11 year old for a holiday present., He loves the Switch but would also be keen on an Xbox.

What would the guys here recommend and why / pros n cons. I am not a gamer myself so this is unknown territory, any guidance is welcomed.

Also Whats the best Black Friday or other special out there on either console.
TIA

 

[BrendanMc]

They are both really good. Games on both are pretty pricey, though with the Xbox you can get the Xbox Live subscription and they have free games on offer every month. Then there is also the EA/ Origin service. You can sign up for this on a month to month or annual basis and get access to a lot of games.
The biggest benefit of the switch in my opinion is that it connects to the TV, and is also portable. Handy when you're going on long trips and you want to keep the kids busy. There is also the Nintendo store that offers specials from time to time. The content on the Nintendo is growing, and they do have some really decent titles.

If you have any other questions feel free to ask. We have both consoles at home, so I know a fair amount to be able to answer questions that you may have.

 

[ryu]

for the first time ever... i'd say go for the xbox one!
The switch is pricey and so are the games, sure there are the exclusives but in the long term i feel kids will get more out of the Xbone.

The xbone is way cheaper and will def be on special come BF my prediction is a 1TB X Box One S with either a game or two OR another controller for R3999 if not cheaper.

Buy a sub and you get some decent games free every month.

I have the switch and its great especially for the exclusives and to game on the go - especially when you travelling but that being said i still maintain in the long run the kids will get more joy from the xbone - titles are cheap too.

EDIT: If you do decide to go with the switch then maybe consider the lets go pikachu/Eevee combo - its all the rage right now and its compatible to some extent to pokemon go if your son plays that.

 

[StoneCold]

Yeah I too would vote for the Xbox One S if I had to choose and buy one. I'm tempted to buy one myself, but doubt my wife will agree with my decision, lol.

 

[BrendanMc]

Yeah I too would vote for the Xbox One S if I had to choose and buy one. I'm tempted to buy one myself, but doubt my wife will agree with my decision, lol.

That's why you buy it and get them to deliver it to you as an anonymous gift!

 

[Nerfherder]

The Switch is getting its own subscription service - not sure when it launches though.

I suggest getting whatever his friends have - so they can swap games and play against each other.

I'm really keen on the Switch but getting started will set you back R7k +

 

[ryu]

The Switch is getting its own subscription service - not sure when it launches though.

Its launched already, it gives you access to some of their older titles as well for free ie super mario, balloon fight, soccer etc basically their old nes titles i believe. It has more coming as well. My little one (6) played a few and then went back to mario kart the older titles are more for the old time gamers (nostalgia).

 

[Nerfherder]

Its launched already, it gives you access to some of their older titles as well for free ie super mario, balloon fight, soccer etc basically their old nes titles i believe. It has more coming as well. My little one (6) played a few and then went back to mario kart the older titles are more for the old time gamers (nostalgia).

yes... was going to mention that as well. Nostalgia means nothing to these damn kids

 

[cerebus]

I'd rather get a PS4 than an XBOX. This generation the PS4 had a much better library. However I love my Switch, it's all I play these days. There's an amazing library on there now and Diablo 3, Pokemon, Civ VI and new Smash Bros have or are just going to launch for the holidays.

 

[tkburn]

SWITCH FTW!

 

[FaSMaN]

Switch, the xbox lacks games, mine is just sitting there gathering dust.

 

[technojunky]

Thank you all for the great responses thus far. i have seen some good deals for the xbox for BF though dion wired have a switch bundle for R6799, keeping my fingers crossed that the Nintendo pop stores pulls a rabbit out the hat on Friday.
Keep the advise coming, really appreciate this.

 

[technojunky]

yes... was going to mention that as well. Nostalgia means nothing to these damn kids

I think I might enjoy that more then lol

 

[technojunky]

Its launched already, it gives you access to some of their older titles as well for free ie super mario, balloon fight, soccer etc basically their old nes titles i believe. It has more coming as well. My little one (6) played a few and then went back to mario kart the older titles are more for the old time gamers (nostalgia).

Any idea on the cost of the subs service?

 

[RazedInBlack]

Go for the Switch man!

 

[SauRoNZA]

Depends how much you want to spend.

Xbox One + Game Pass will save your pocket. More so if they want to do online and you add Xbox Live Gold and the four free games every month.

You won't need to spend much outside of that as that is a truck full of games you have access to from day one.

Switch although cool has a few problems...

1. Breakage potential - It is an 11-year old we are talking about here.

2. Physical games are expensive and can be hard to obtain. Digital is often cheap-er, but still not quite Xbox cheap.

3. Storage can be expensive.

4. Also need to pay for online now and the value proposition isn't really there (yet).

 

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

We have all three: Switch, XBox One, and the 11yr old boy

My son prefers the switch over XBox but the XBox is better for when playing with friends. XBox with Gold sub is the best value and I don't buy games as there are enough titles in our library from the games with gold.

Switch service is a dissapointment but needed for online play. Cheaper but as mentioned titles are more expensive. My son plays mostly Zelda, Splatoon2 and Fortnite.

I as a parent prefer the switch due to the parental control app on my phone. I can lock / unlock his device and allocate his play time. I can also monitor what he does. Used it the other day to get him to help me fetch stuff from the car. I did not feel like shouting his name so I just disabled his switch from my phone, 10 seconds later he was running around looking for me

To be honest get both.

 

[mattrudlles]

So I'm considering a console for my 11 year old for a holiday present., He loves the Switch but would also be keen on an Xbox.

What would the guys here recommend and why / pros n cons. I am not a gamer myself so this is unknown territory, any guidance is welcomed.

Also Whats the best Black Friday or other special out there on either console.
TIA

Which consoles do his friends/cousins have?

 

[technojunky]

We have all three: Switch, XBox One, and the 11yr old boy

My son prefers the switch over XBox but the XBox is better for when playing with friends. XBox with Gold sub is the best value and I don't buy games as there are enough titles in our library from the games with gold.

Switch service is a dissapointment but needed for online play. Cheaper but as mentioned titles are more expensive. My son plays mostly Zelda, Splatoon2 and Fortnite.

I as a parent prefer the switch due to the parental control app on my phone. I can lock / unlock his device and allocate his play time. I can also monitor what he does. Used it the other day to get him to help me fetch stuff from the car. I did not feel like shouting his name so I just disabled his switch from my phone, 10 seconds later he was running around looking for me

To be honest get both.

Thank you, wow fantastic post. I didn't know about the parental control function - that's pretty cool.

I am very tempted to just get both tbh. just need the right deal :-(

 

[technojunky]

Which consoles do his friends/cousins have?

Thats the problem the cuzies have all 3 and every other one, and games equally to match
roflmao. no pressure at all. Few mates at school though are divided amongst xbox and ps4, the swtich doesnt seem to be popular there.