Sony and Microsoft continues to battle it out while nintendo works to get back in the war.
Lets get started with the consoles. First off, Nintendo started introducing its brand-new handheld: the Nintendo 3DS, introduced in 2011. As the name suggests the 3DS was able to play games in 3D, and it worked well. It could even take 3D photos using its dual outside cameras. Like the Wii, the 3DS used Mii characters and could play online as well. It had all sorts in system apps and even had access to the Nintendo eshop. They also made the 2DS in 2013, which was basically a 3DS without the 3D and had a more futuristic look. However, it was cheaper than the 3DS, which was all it had going for it. Anyway, big games for the 3DS include Super Mario 3D Land, New Super Mario Brothers 2, Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Pokemon X, Pokemon Y, Bravely Default, Mario Kart 7, and Super Smash Bros. 3D.
Now, lets get Nintendo's console: the Wii U. The U introduced an all-new Gamepad, which had it's own touch screen, stylus, and camera. It was able to provide a map, for example, while you played on the television. You could even fully play on the Gamepad while someone else is using the television. It was a amazing idea, however, Nintendo failed to advertise it well, so U did not sell as well as it should have. Anyway, the U used Miis again and was able video chat with friends, watch television, and browse the internet. It sounds like an amazing console, but the poor advertising really hurt the U. It was a next gen. console during its time, but it couldn't live up to its potential. Big games for the U include Super Mario Bros. U, Super Mario 3D World, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Zombie U, Mario Kart 8 and Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD.
Now, lets get back to Microsoft and Sony. Lets start with Microsoft's Xbox One. The Xbox One is the upgrade of the 360 and came out in 2013. It used the kinect and Xbox live like the 360, but the One had differences as well. It will play discs and digital games on and offline. You can log in to your friends One and still be able to access all your games, apps, and profile. The One has new privacy settings and you can communicate with friends while playing a game with Skype. It was able to do everything the 360 could and more. Sony's counter to the Xbox One was the PlayStation 4. The PS4 had graphic similar the the One and was able to learn your likes and dislikes based on your play style. As you download a game, you can actually play the game while its downloading. The background may not be there, but will pop up once it fully downloads. The PS4 was able to connect with the PS Vita, introduced in 2010, so you can play all your PS4 games on the go as long as you have WiFi. The PS4 app will let you access your profile and downloads while your playing and even see what your friend are playing. The PS4 controller also included a touch pad as well. Overall, it's a tight match up. At the time they were released, both were quite expensive. The Xbox One was $500 but included the kinect. The PS4 was $400 but didn't include the PS Move, PS Vita, or PS4 app. Both had tons of games, including the popular series a mentioned earlier for the 360 and PS3, but some new games like Titanfall and Destiny were popular. Again just get your favorite. But kids most likely won't get this amazing systems with their own money.