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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to ask you very stupid questions about maybe buying an Xbox for myself?

81 replies

Balmytissues · 10/04/2020 13:02

2 years ago I used to have a PlayStation and I enjoyed what I would call 'girlie' games. So, one was called Constructor and another was Spyro the Dragon.
I've a male friend suggesting I buy an xbox.

So does this offer look good?

What is a Roblox bundle?
The mention 3 free games that sound like war games to me which I'd have no interest in.
Do other stores have deals with different games (that I would like)
It also mentions 1 month free subscription to something or another - do you know what that is?
Do you buy the games physically or do you download them?
Any recommendations of games that are not shooting, more strategic, or about building cities and such?

Should I consider buying second-hand?
And finally, are the stores that sell them still open during lockdown?

Thanks if you have any advice.

OP posts:
Original poster
Balmytissues · 10/04/2020 13:03

Ok - I post and already I've spotted a typo. It's 20 years ago that I had a playstation!

OP posts:
Everley · 10/04/2020 13:07

If you enjoyed ‘girlie’ games I’d be inclined to go with a Nintendo Switch. You can buy physical games or download them to your device from the online store. Very simple to use. Can be used handheld or docked to the TV. Good mix of games which I think you’d prefer (Stardew Valley is fab, it’s a cutesy farming game, great characters/story etc).

Original poster
Balmytissues · 10/04/2020 13:08

Or would I indeed be better off with a PlayStation? Friend suggested xbox as that is what he has and he said would could play together - though from what I know about him, they're games about war probably!

OP posts:
Shoxfordian · 10/04/2020 13:10

We have a playstation
I like more girly games and there's quite a lot on there. If the deal you found includes games you won't play then its not worth doing

Original poster
Balmytissues · 10/04/2020 13:10

Ok, I've heard of that but never knew what it was - my TV isn't a smart tv, it's just a plain tv, would that matter? I'd prefer to play on the tv screen then on a handheld device I think? Thanks for the reply btw!!

OP posts:
Iorderedyouapancake · 10/04/2020 13:11

We have a switch and a PlayStation in this house- based on what you’ve said I would go for a switch- mario, donkey king, Zelda games all sound like they’d be your kind of thing (Zelda BOTW is the best game ever made IMO)

Iorderedyouapancake · 10/04/2020 13:12

Beauty of the switch is you can play on tv or as a handheld

Original poster
Balmytissues · 10/04/2020 13:12

I'm wondering though are there any bundles geared more for girls?
I don't even know what to be googling to be honest. I am WAAAYYYY behind the times.

OP posts:
Sonichu · 10/04/2020 13:12

You can play a switch on the TV as well as handheld though you might be hard pressed to find one at the moment as they're in short supply. If you're used to a playstation then why not just go with that?

Original poster
Balmytissues · 10/04/2020 13:13

Ok, so for the Nintendo Switch - are there games that you can play where you're building cities and such?

OP posts:
Original poster
Balmytissues · 10/04/2020 13:15

Sonichu - it was 20 years ago - typo in my first post. So I wouldn't say that I'm used to it lol.
The reason xbox was mentioned was to play with my friend.

OP posts:
Sonichu · 10/04/2020 13:15

Two words: Animal Crossing.

Iorderedyouapancake · 10/04/2020 13:16

I think skylines is meant to be a good game of game of that type on the switch and gets good reviews, although not tried it myself

bungaloid · 10/04/2020 13:17

You can get Civilisation 6 on Switch.
Also, Untitled Goose Game.

Original poster
Balmytissues · 10/04/2020 13:19

Which device is Animal Crossing for as I've heard that mentioned recently?

OP posts:
Sonichu · 10/04/2020 13:20

"Which device is Animal Crossing for as I've heard that mentioned recently"

Switch

AlunWynsKnee · 10/04/2020 13:20

Cross platform play is tricky. So if you want to play with your friend then an xbox would be simplest. You would need an xbox live pass or an ultimate pass I think.
*No expert just what has become apparent setting up ds

StudentHelp · 10/04/2020 13:20

Animal crossing on the switch
Spyro has also been rereleased and is available on the switch

RedRed9 · 10/04/2020 13:22

From what you’ve said so far I think you’d like Sims, Animal Crossing or Stardew Valley.

If I were you I’d go on YouTube and watch 2minutes of each one to see which looks most interesting to you. Don’t get sucked into watching anymore though as you’ll spoil the game for yourself.

nellythenarwhal · 10/04/2020 13:22

The subscription is to play online. Some games allow you to play online against other people. Game updates are via the Internet and you need an Internet connection and subscription to download those.

Don't get a bundle if the games don't interest you. Do you have a PC? Go to Roblox.com and try the games there to get an idea of what Roblox is

Spyro games are still made today. It's called a platformer (not girly) game.

If you want to play against someone with an Xbox you usually need an Xbox. (There are some exceptions but they are for very popular shooter games like Fortnite)

You don't need a fancy TV. Look at the connectors- if you have HDMI slot, you're good to go.

You can buy physical games or download them. Obviously pros and cons for both. Physical means you can sell it later to CEX but discs can scratch. Digital means you don't have to go out to buy the game but it takes up hard drive storage.

RedRed9 · 10/04/2020 13:23

If you wanted to play together then Animal Crossing would be good as you can visit each other’s islands. He’d have to get himself and Switch and the game though. (But then why should you be the only one to fork out?)

StudentHelp · 10/04/2020 13:23

I also second stardew Valley
The image below is animal crossing, you build a town on the island and catch bugs, fish, interact with villagers etc

AIBU to ask you very stupid questions about maybe buying an Xbox for myself?
Original poster
Balmytissues · 10/04/2020 13:23

Ok - well it sounds overwhelmingly like the Switch is what you'd recommend.
Now where can I buy one? I don't know if shops are open for those sorts of things?

OP posts:
WoodliceCollection · 10/04/2020 13:24

I bought a second hand xbox one on ebay shortly before lockdown. Definitely fine to buy second hand (lots of people recently upgraded to 1x so there are some available), just check seller's rating before buying.

Can't really speak to amount of girly games as I'm a grown woman with the gaming personality if a 15yo boy and therefore play fortnite etc. There are a good variety of games available though and xbox has the same quality of gaming at a lower pricetag than PS or Switch. There's a good range of fantasy/rp games, you can get things like Sims 4 and Civilization too for more "real life" strategy type games. You probably don't want roblox, my 10yo plays this and it's heavily geared towards 9-12 yos imo. Although she has got me playing Bee Swarm on it.

The one month free was probably for xbox live which you need to play multiplayer online. You can usually get cheap offers for this anyway though so don't pay full price! IIRC I got a year voucher for it for £30.

I would say go for it and buy a console. Helps keep sane(ish) when stuck inside!

Original poster
Balmytissues · 10/04/2020 13:24

SPIDERS??????????????

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