Console manufacturers are currently changing the video streaming “game”. No longer are gaming consoles strictly for games. A lot of the more recent devices can also be used to stream Cable, watch other videos and movies, listen to music and a lot more. Let’s find out the Best Gaming Consoles For Streaming Cable.
In this article, our goal is to highlight some of these devices that could also be used as the Best Gaming Consoles For Streaming Cable . We will be examining Microsoft’s Xbox, Sony’s Playstation as well as the Nintendo. They all have varying types that could perform this function and we will have a look at all of them.
Gaming Consoles that Offer Streaming
As I mentioned earlier, there is a host of devices that could perform this function and some are very similar in attributes making it hard to make a choice.
- Xbox Series X
- Playstation 5
- Playstation 4 Pro
- Xbox Series S
- Nintendo Switch
Xbox Series X
The Xbox Series X is highly rated among experts for several reasons. Some claim the PlayStation 5 is just as good or powerful while some stand on the superiority of the Xbox Series X because it offers more streaming services than the PlayStation 5.
Some of those streaming apps are: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, CBS All Access, Crunchyroll, Discovery Go, Disney+, ESPN+, Facebook Watch, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, Pandora, Showtime Anytime, Sling TV, Spectrum TV, Spotify, Starz, Telemundo, Twitch, VUDU, WWE Network, YouTube, YouTube TV. Some of the apps require payment plans to work but as for the platform for the services to function, the Xbox, both the X and S series offer these apps.
There are other specifications that the Xbox Series X has that a user may find alluring. For those who pay close attention to resolution and graphics for their viewing satisfaction, the Xbox Series X offers up to 8k HDR resolution. This feature is dependent on the streaming app as not all are in 8K resolution viewing.
PlayStation 5
As stated earlier, there are a lot of similarities between the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X both in specification, price and function. In the end, opting for either as streaming devices will always be a great decision. The available streaming apps are also similar excluding a few which the PlayStation has and the Xbox Series X does not and vice versa. Those apps include DAZN, NFL Sunday Ticket and Peacock.
It also offers 4K resolution viewing as well as supporting an 8K output too.
Xbox Series S
Depending on what your goal is, the Xbox Series S should be considered the perfect console streaming device for a number of reasons. True, it lacks a disc drive and a HDMI 2.1 which is responsible for the 8K viewing, but a lot of these things are redundant when it comes to these streaming apps. The Xbox Series S still supports all the same streaming apps as the Xbox Series X with 4K viewing. So, the absence of 8K viewing is not much of an issue because most of the streaming apps are not programmed for 8K viewing either.
It is also much more affordable than the Series X and the PlayStation 5. In fact, CableTv.com estimates the Xbox Series S to be a whopping 40% cheaper than the Xbox Series X. It is significantly less expensive than the Series X while providing all of the streaming services that the Series X does
PlayStation 4 Pro
Just like the Xbox Series S is to the Xbox Series X, so is the PlayStation 4 Pro to the PlayStation 5. Although limited in many areas to the PlayStation 5, this consoles presents itself as a cheaper alternative with very similar attributes.
For streaming, it has the major stakeholders if those are enough for you: in Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu and Disney +. Just like the Series S, this console only provides 4K viewing, which is perfectly fine and quality enough for these streaming platforms.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch has the fewest streaming services of the consoles listed here, and according to the company, this is on purpose. While others are fine with diversifying their consoles, the Nintendo brand is perfectly fine with their device being mainly a gaming device.
Hulu is the only available streaming app on the Nintendo Switch and it offers viewing resolution in 720p (For the device) – 1080p (For TV).
Conclusion
There are many things to put into consideration before going for any of these consoles. Always ask what’s most important to you and cross check that with your budget. Hope the above mentioned will help you choose the Best Gaming Consoles For Streaming Cable.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does each of these consoles cost?
The Xbox Series X costs $499. The PlayStation 5 is also $499. The Xbox Series S is $299. The PlayStation 4 Pro varies in price but the range should be between $350 to $450. Lastly, the Nintendo Switch is $299. Prices can increase depending on if other gadgets are added that are sold separately.
- Do I also need a TV compatible with 4K and 8K viewing?
Not necessarily. Any TV with an HDMI port will suffice. However, some prefer optimum viewing and for that you need a TV that matches the Console graphics demands.
