The online subscriptions are only required for playing multiplayer  
games online and (in some cases) streaming video services like Netflix  
and Hulu. Your teen patrons would be able to play multiplayer games,  
provided you have multiple controllers, without paying for any monthly  
subscription. Some of the systems do need to be registered and  
connected online with an email address to download free updates, but  
no additional cost is required.

- Theo

Quoting "Jennifer Kelley" <[log in to unmask]>:

> Also, keep in mind that with these platforms there is a push to have  
> an online account for the multiplayer feature that you have to  
> purchase in addition to the system itself, which is an added expense  
> in some cases.
>
> For example, with an XBox you need an XBox Live membership as well  
> as the device.  (And there are different levels to that:  Gold and  
> Silver, I believe.)  For the newest XBox 360 games, there might be  
> some features to the game that you can only access with that online  
> membership.  (It's a bit like having a cable account.)  You can play  
> most of the game without it, but parts you cannot.
>
> I think for the PS4, you can have multiplayers without a paid online  
> subscription, but you have to register the device online.
>
> The Ninentendo Wii U offers more family-friendly, or little-kid  
> friendly games.    PS4 or XBox will give you a huge variety of  
> teen/adult options.
>
> Just a few thoughts!  Correct me if I'm wrong on any of these  
> points--it's gotten a bit confusing with the great PS4-XBox One  
> debate.
>
> Have a great afternoon!
>
> Jenny
>
>
>
> Quoting "Chris Dorman" <[log in to unmask]>:
>
>> as far as teens go if you are going to go console it's going to be between
>> the PS3 or 4 or the XBox 360 or the XBox One. But like Ron said asked your
>> teens they know better than we do what they want.
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Jan 14, 2014 at 4:49 PM, Ron Traikovich
>> <[log in to unmask]>wrote:
>>
>>> All the gamers I know would pick playstation as their first choice, but
>>> most have more than one game console. Playstation usually has a few more
>>> RPG games than xbox, so it's really about individual preference. My
>>> suggestion would be to ask your teen patrons what they would prefer if they
>>> could only have one.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Quoting "Jane Thompson" <[log in to unmask]>:
>>>
>>>  We are refurbishing an area for teens.  What would be our best option for
>>>> gaming equipment?  X box, Playstation, Wii, other????? Thanks so much for
>>>> any help!
>>>>
>>>> Jane Thompson
>>>> Belfast Free Library
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Ron Traikovich
>>> Information Specialist Librarian
>>> Bridgton Public Library
>>> 1 Church St.
>>> Bridgton, ME  04009
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>>
>> "Words are our most inexhaustible source of magic. They are potent forms of
>> enchantment, rich with the power to hurt or heal."
>> - Albus Dumbledore
>>
>
>
>
> Jennifer Kelley
> Youth Services Librarian
> Rice Public Library
> 8 Wentworth St.
> Kittery, ME  03904
> 207-439-1553
> [log in to unmask]
>



-- 
Theo Kontos
Technology, Youth, & Public Services Librarian
York Public Library
15 Long Sands Road
York, ME 03909
207-363-2818