How Ready Are You to Choose Your Perfect Gaming Console?

Discover if you're making critical console selection mistakes before spending hundreds of dollars. This quick quiz evaluates your gaming priorities, budget awareness, and knowledge of hidden costs. By the end, you'll receive a personalized assessment and a clear action plan to avoid the seven most common console selection errors Canadian gamers make. Get insights that retailers won't tell you.

Before choosing a console, have you researched which games you actually want to play on it?

Not really—I'm mostly focused on which console is most powerful or popular. I have a vague idea of some games, but haven't made a detailed list. I've researched several games I want and checked which console offers them. I've created a detailed list of 10+ games and verified exclusives for each platform.

What's your total budget for console gaming in the first year (including console, games, subscriptions, and accessories)?

I'm only budgeting for the console itself—around $500–650 CAD. I've set aside $700–900 CAD but haven't accounted for all hidden costs. I'm planning for $1,000–1,200 CAD and have a rough breakdown of expenses. I've calculated $1,200–1,500+ CAD and itemized console, games, subscriptions, controllers, and accessories.

Do you understand the implications of ecosystem lock-in (digital games, achievements, and data tied to one platform)?

I haven't thought about this—I can always switch platforms later if I want. I've heard about it, but I'm not sure exactly how it affects my purchase. I understand that switching platforms means losing digital games, but I'm not fully clear on all implications. I fully understand ecosystem lock-in and have factored this into my long-term gaming plans.

Have you verified that your TV or monitor can actually display the performance capabilities of the console you're considering?

No, I haven't checked my display specs—I assume any modern TV will work fine. I know my TV is fairly new, but I'm not sure about its 4K or refresh rate capabilities. I've checked my display specs and know if it supports 4K, but haven't verified refresh rates. I've verified my display's resolution, refresh rate, HDR support, and input lag specifications.