Christmas is just over a month away, and excitement is building across Ireland ahead of the festive period.
While there's plenty we don't know ahead of our first-ever Covid-19 Christmas, there are some things that never change when it comes to the big day.
Presents, unsurprisingly, are chief among the non-negotiables when it comes to the biggest holiday of the year.
And within that Christmas category, gaming is a phenomenon all of its own – with thousands of Xboxes, PlayStations and video games likely to drop in living rooms all over Ireland in five weeks' time.
So we've done a handy price comparison – checking out the prices in Smyths, GameStop, Argos and Littlewoods – to find out where you can buy games and consoles at the best price.
Here's what we found.
PlayStation 5
The new PS5 markets itself not so much as a console as a gaming experience, and it's going to be a big seller this Christmas.
The good news is that three of the four of the shops we looked in are selling PS5s for the same price – €499.99 for the console, and €399.99 for the digital edition (which doesn't have a disc drive).
Littlewoods is the only outlier, and that's only because it's run out of stock. It's promising more soon, so keep an eye out for prices there.
Verdict: Draw
XBox Series X | S
It's a similar story when it comes to the newest iterations of the XBox – the X and S Series.
While Littewoods has run out, Smyths, Argos and Gamestop are selling the XBox X – which heralds the "dawn of a console generation" – for €499.99.
The S Series, a slimmed-down version of the X, is going for €299.99 in all three stores.
Verdict: Draw
Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War
An enduring favourite, Call of Duty is back with a Cold War-themed game.
Prices vary across consoles – PS4, PS5, XBox One and XBox X – in the different stores, but Smyths is your best bet if you're trying to get Call of Duty at the best price.
Argos is narrowly behind in the value stakes, while Littlewoods lags considerably behind – charing €84.99 for Call of Duty on the PS5, compared with €74.99 in Smyths.
Gamestop isn't cheap, either – you'll pay €5 more there on all consoles than you will in Smyths.
Verdict (in order of value): Smyths, Argos, Gamestop, Littlewoods
Fifa 21
The iconic football game isn't yet out on PS5 or Xbox Series X, with free upgrades promised from the PS4 and XBox One once it's on the market.
If you're buying now, it's hard to look past Smyths for value on the PS4 or XBox One, with Gamestop the most expensive. Littlewoods and Argos are in the same ballpark, with the former charging €62.99 while the latter is selling up for €62.91.
Verdict (in order of value): Smyths, Argos, Littlewoods, GameStop
Spiderman Miles Morales
The new Spiderman offering – Miles Morales – has Marvel fans in a tizzy with excitement, so we had a look to see where you can get best bang for your buck.
Smyths and GameStop are tied in first here, with Argos trailing and Littlewoods the most expensive. Spiderman Miles Morales is not being sold on XBox.
Verdict (in order of value): Gamestop and Smyths tied, Argos, GameStop
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
This Nordic-themed game is gaining mostly positive reviews for its graphics and storyline – and it can be yours this Christmas.
Again, you'll find the best value in Smyths, though GameStop has an exclusive on the Drakkar edition, if you're willing to pay a bit more for it.
Argos is your next-best bet in terms of value.
Verdict (in order of value): Smyths, Argos, Littlewoods, GameStop
NBA 2K21
There's an interesting race when it comes to the cheapest outlet for this basketball favourite. Littlewoods is selling it cheapest on PS4 and XBox One, but its offering for XBox X is the most expensive.
Smyths is decent value as well, with Argos not far behind – while Gamestop is more expensive to purchase it new.
We'll give this one to Littlewoods.
Verdict (in order of value): Littlewoods, Smyths, Argos, GameStop
Crash Bandicoot: It's About Time
The latest Crash offering features mind-bending realities, and will doubtless be a big seller this Christmas.
There's nothing to separate Smyths and Littlewoods here, with Argos narrowly ahead in terms of value and GameStop the most expensive.
Verdict (in order of value): Argos, Smyths and Littlewoods tied, GameStop
