If you were a retail salesman in the electronics department being asked about current gen consoles, what would you say?  

In short a person walks up to you, says they want to get a console for their loved one, but they don't know anything about the consoles right now.  

Start by asking questions, then branch off for whether the customer said yes or no to those questions.  Can you put your fanboyisms aside and give unbiased advice to that customer?

Tell them "Get a Ouya it is the best and strongest console for the price and has the best Android games on the market",
or tell them not get an Xbox One or Wii U because both consoles lack the ability to play Knack.

Career saved.

Question 1. How much money are you willing to spend.
Then advise something slightly more expensive because of reasons.

That's how retail works. At least in my experience.

I actually convinced a guy to buy a Wii U last week, i was checking out Wii U games and this chap looked interested. He asked the salesperson a few questions and she had no clue whatsoever, im not a nosey person but i had to step in. I explained the gamepad features like off tv play, multitasking, tv/ movie streaming, Miiverse etc. The guy said that he didnt know Wii U could do so many things, Nintendo really should be marketing these features better.

Do you care about graphics? If so, get a PC
Do you care about Nintendo games and Tablets? If so, get a wiiU
Do you care about Third Person Shooters with great Story? If so, get a ps4
Do you care about First Person Shooters, and great* online experience? If so, get a X1

*Experience May Vary

more powerful, cheaper, smaller, better exclusive games, outstanding network service.

/thread

"Can you put your fanboyisms aside and give unbiased advice to that customer?"

He didn't mention a console, he just listed positive features.

...But if the shoe fits.

Realistically if a person walks in looking for a next gen console for their loved one then they will know about either Xbox, Playstation or Nintendo just from their loved one playing video games. My co-worker knows nothing about console wars or anything, she just knows that her husband and son ONLY play Xbox. I told her that the PS4 is cheaper and she said "oh no they are strictly Xbox cuz that's where all their friends play".

i would ask them what gaming exposure has their loved one had. Hopefully they know the answer. If not it gets tricky.

Then if they said none that I know of, perhaps through out some game character names to see if any ring bells that they may have herd their loved one talk about.

Then about budget, whether they are always out ie working, school etc.. or they frequently at home (this would lead to either home or portable console)