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The best video games consoles and accessories

Looking for some game consoles on which to splurge your tax return? Look no further!

markserrels
markserrels
Mark Serrels
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Xbox One X

The Xbox One X is pricey, powerful and completely one of those things you want to impulse buy when you have surprise tax dollars in your back pocket. The Xbox One has had a rough go this generation, but the Xbox One X represents a bit of a switch. Previously the PlayStation 4 had the best version of multi-platform games in terms of performance, but the Xbox One X consistently outperforms the PlayStation 4 Pro. 

So if you care about that kind of thing, the Xbox One X is the one to go with.

It sells for AU$650.

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2 of 9 Sarah Tew/CNET

PlayStation 4 Pro

The PlayStation 4 Pro is a great option if you've happened to pick up a 4KTV and you need something to show it off. It's not as powerful as the Xbox One X, but PlayStation exclusives like God of War, Horizon: Zero Dawn and Uncharted 4 look absolutely spectacular and you won't be able to play those games anywhere else.

It's also reasonably priced at an RRP of AU$560. Keep an eye out for sales, you can probably pick it up for less than that.

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3 of 9 Sarah Tew/CNET

Nintendo Switch

If you have kids, a job, or just generally struggle to find time to play video games, then boy do I have a console for you.

The Nintendo Switch just pours into the gaps in your life and occupies it with some of the best games of the last five years. Play Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the bus. Play Super Mario Odyssey in the waiting room at the dentist.

It's amazing. 

The Switch costs AU$470.

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Xbox Elite Controller

The Xbox Elite controller is the definition of 'luxury purchase'. You don't need an Xbox Elite controller, but it sure is nice to have one!

This is the gaming equivalent of wearing brand new socks every day. It sure is extravagant, but it also feels extremely nice.

They cost AU$200.

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5 of 9 Sarah Tew/CNET

PlayStation VR

If you have a PlayStation 4, the PlayStation VR headset is probably the best entry level VR headset to pick up. It's well supported by Sony, it's high quality and it's cost effective.

Be warned: The novelty of VR wears off fast, but it's an amazing ride while it lasts.

It costs $420.

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6 of 9 Sean Hollister/CNET

HTC Vive

The HTC Vive Pro still represents the absolute best quality VR experience possible. It's pricey though! Which is why it makes the best "surprise, I got a great tax return" splurge.

It costs AU$1,200.

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Oculus Rift

The Oculus Rift is in a weird spot right now. It's not the best VR headset and it's not the cheapest either. It's a mid-range VR headset that will most likely will be superceded by the Oculus Go

But if you're looking for something relatively cheap to play games on, it's still worthwhile.

You should be able to pick one up for around AU$700.

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NES Classic

You know you don't need a NES Classic. You know this.

But it's so tiny! And cute! And it plays those games you used to like! 

Go on! 

The NES Classic was sold out in Australia, but Nintendo is planning to bring it back towards the end of June. 

It costs AU$120.

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9 of 9 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

SNES Classic

The SNES Classic is the real humdinger because the SNES is basically the greatest console of all time. This pips the NES Classic for me. The games were better, they've aged better, and it just looks nicer.

Buy it. If you can! This thing has been sold out forever, but Nintendo is restocking Australia late in June.

It also costs AU$120.

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