You be the decide: ought to I let my boyfriend have three video games consoles? | Life and elegance

The prosecution: Bryony

Nobody wants that many consoles. We don’t have sufficient room and he hardly ever makes use of considered one of them

When Max and I moved into our flat collectively two years in the past, he introduced two video games consoles. I mentioned: “This can be a bit bizarre, why do you want an Xbox One and an Xbox 360? Are we going to have house?” He mentioned he wanted each, as a few of his video games can solely be performed on one of many consoles.

We don’t have a lot room in our small flat. We have now a TV stand with three rectangular dividers the scale of a DVD field; I mentioned tremendous, we may match his two consoles there. The third divider holds our wifi router. I didn’t need to cease his gaming – I truly fairly like becoming a member of in generally.

Then I realised the one purpose he was protecting his Xbox 360 was to play one sport, Guitar Hero. I really like Guitar Hero, it’s a basic, however I advised Max, “If you happen to’re protecting this console only for one sport, you’d higher play it.” And within the two years we’ve lived collectively he has solely performed it twice. It’s much more annoying as a result of the sport comes with guitar-like controllers now we have to retailer in our cabinet.

Now Max needs a 3rd console – a PlayStation 5 or new Xbox, I can’t even keep in mind. However the place will it dwell? Max recommended protecting it on the ground, however I don’t need the flat trying messy, or like one huge gaming room. I additionally suppose it’s ridiculous to personal three consoles; it’s so indulgent.

We have now reached impasse. I mentioned, “You don’t play the outdated Xbox 360 sufficient to justify getting one other.” However then Max received humorous about chucking it out. He’s a little bit of a hoarder. Each time I recommend having a clear-out he stops me and says we are able to discover a house for one thing and we’d want it once more.

I feel threatening to throw out his Xbox 360 is tapping into his nervousness. However I’m already being lenient by permitting two consoles. In my thoughts, the one approach to create space for a brand new one is to throw an outdated one out, particularly since he has solely used considered one of them twice in two years. Lastly, Max wants to ensure he justifies the worth of a brand new console by selecting video games he’ll play usually. In any other case, I’m placing my foot down.

The defence: Max

What if I need to play the outdated console on a whim some day? It brings me a lot pleasure

Bryony says we don’t want three consoles, however how a lot house does a console actually take up? They’re solely small; they will slot in anyplace and now we have a TV stand with slots. Moreover, sure video games are solely accessible on sure consoles, so it is sensible to maintain all of them.

I’ve the Xbox 360, which is about 10 years outdated, then the Xbox One, which is a bit newer. Now all these new-generation consoles are popping out and I’d wish to sustain with the most recent tendencies. And naturally I’ll maintain those I’ve. Xbox 360 video games are nice. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock and some others solely work on this console. Why would I throw all of them away?

Earlier than I moved in with Bryony, I had the Xbox 360 in my bed room and the Xbox One downstairs – my flatmates and I performed on that collectively. It was good to have two in a shared flat. If somebody needed to observe TV downstairs, I’d go to my room to sport.

Now it’s simply Bryony and me, we maintain each consoles in the lounge. She says there isn’t house for a 3rd however I disagree. Our place is at all times tidy, however Bryony is obsessive about decluttering. I don’t suppose now we have that a lot stuff to start with. I’ve at all times lived in huge, shared homes and each time I’ve moved I’ve introduced the identical belongings with me. I’m not used to analysing each merchandise and chucking stuff out. Possibly I’m lazy. Bryony used to say, “Why would you trouble protecting this?” a few e-book or outdated jumper, however I like holding on to issues for sentimental causes.

Bryony and I play video games collectively from time to time, however she doesn’t suppose I can justify getting a 3rd console as a result of I don’t have the time. She might be proper, however even when I haven’t touched the outdated Xbox 360 for years, it’s value holding on to. What if I need to play on it on a whim sometime? It brings me a lot pleasure – who cares how usually I play it? Moreover, we’re planning to maneuver quickly, and I intend to discover a house for that third console and perhaps even a video games room. Bryony should come round to it.

The jury of Guardian readers

Ought to Bryony let Max have as many consoles as he needs?

Max isn’t responsible. When Bryony brings up Max’s alleged hoarding habits, I feel she fears coming second to his love of gaming. I recommend a compromise: retailer the outdated Xbox someplace protected to create space for the brand new console.
Joseph, 46

Max shouldn’t be prohibited from shopping for a brand new console. However I respect Bryony’s needs to maintain issues tidy by permitting solely two consoles to take a seat within the dividers, with the Xbox 360 going into storage.
Kay, 25

Max, should you should take pleasure in your sentimental attachment to quickly getting old silicone, a minimum of put it into long-term storage till you progress. Given that you just hardly ever play it, eradicating it from sight barely looks like a compromise given the stress it’s inflicting Bryony.
Tom, 28

Three Xboxes is unquestionably extreme, and Max is being beguiled by the crafty of profit-seeking industries by feeling impelled to maintain shopping for new variations. It’s a vicious cycle; what would cease Max shopping for extra later if he will get a 3rd now? Bryony is true to take a agency stance.
Bea, 18

Max isn’t responsible. It’s completely affordable to have completely different consoles for various video games. I’m certain Bryony has completely different garments for various weathers, it’s the identical precept.
Heather, 30

You be the decide

So now you might be the decide. In our on-line ballot beneath, inform us: ought to Bryony let Max have as many consoles as he needs?

The ballot will shut on Thursday 21 July 9am BST

Final week’s consequence

We requested ought to Zubir water the vegetation when his flatmate’s is away?

61% of you mentioned no – Zubir is harmless
39% of you mentioned sure – Zubir is responsible