Whether you’re new to console gaming or just looking to upgrade your current system, making sure that you get your hands on the best gaming console for your individual needs is almost essential. Although the cost of building your own PC is definitely becoming more affordable, gaming consoles still often offer far better value - letting you experience all the latest and greatest releases for less.
Current-generation consoles such as the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S have all been on the market for well over three years now, meaning that they are all readily available worldwide and can often be found on sale. You don't necessarily have to pick up one of these three options, however, as there are also portable systems including the likes of the Steam Deck (which is effectively just a handheld PC) to consider.
It’s no secret that the process of picking out a new console can be pretty overwhelming due to just how many factors there are to consider. These range from your desired price point to the level of performance that you want to achieve. Of course, it’s also important to consider the overall design of the console, plus the draw of any platform exclusive titles that you’re just desperate to play. Luckily, we've extensively tested every major console on the market right now and assembled this useful guide to outline your best choices when selecting a new system.
Best gaming console - The quick list
The best gaming console
With its powerful hardware, revolutionary controller, and a good library of console-exclusive titles, the PS5 takes the top spot as the very best gaming console that money can buy right now.
Best budget gaming console
The Xbox Series S plays all the same games as the Xbox Series X for a fraction of the price. Its slim form factor also makes it a great pick for those with limited space.
The most powerful gaming console
The PS5 Pro is easily the most powerful gaming console on the market, making it a must-have for gamers who want the very best performance.
The best Xbox gaming console
Although less powerful than the PS5 Pro, the Xbox Series X is the model to pick if you want great performance in the Xbox eco system.
The best handheld gaming console
The Nintendo Switch OLED improves on its predecessor with a stellar display, better speakers, and a much more useful kickstand. A superb library of exclusive games also helps make this the best handheld gaming console right now.
The best console for kids
A more compact version of the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch Lite's tiny design is perfect for smaller hands. The durable build quality and lower price are also ideal for accident-prone kids.
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The best console for PC gamers
If you have an extensive Steam library on PC, then the Steam Deck OLED is a perfect choice. The latest model of Valve's handheld PC packs plenty of power and allows you to play the majority of your existing games on the go.
The best retro gaming console
This pint-size arcade cabinet from Evercade provides an authentic but affordable arcade experience with impressive performance for retro gamers.
Best gaming console in 2024
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Best gaming console
✅ You love PlayStation exclusives: The PS5 has some of the best console-exclusive games on the market. There is also backward compatibility with the PS4's wide library so you will always have a ton to play.
✅ You want to play in 4K: The PS5 is capable of producing a 4K resolution picture at 30 fps, 60 fps, and even 120 fps in supported titles. This can look absolutely stunning with the right TV or monitor setup.
❌ You have limited space: While a more compact model is now available to buy, it's still pretty large and the original PS5 model is truly massive. If space is a concern then you'll be better off with a smaller system like the Xbox Series S.
With a library of incredible exclusives including Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Stellar Blade, and The Last of Us Part 1, the PS5 is absolutely one of the best consoles that you can buy right now. It might not be quite as powerful as the Xbox Series X on paper, but it still offers superb performance and in a wide range of first and third party titles. You can even expect to experience certain games with ray tracing and at resolutions up to 4K.
The included controller, Sony’s DualSense Wireless Controller, is also a major highlight with a seriously comfortable form factor and fantastic haptic feedback. Priced at $499.99 / $479.99, you’re getting plenty of value here compared to the competition. Purchasing games through discs can be great value, but there is also a cheaper digital version priced at $399.99 / $379.99 which cuts out the disc drive if you wish to solely expand your collection of games via the digital store.
It is worth nothing that the console’s storage may become an issue if you buy lots of digital games, however. Although the console comes packed in with 667.2GB of usable space out of the box, which does sound quite large, this will fill up very quickly given the large file sizes of many of the best PS5 games. Picking something up from our guide to the best SSD for PS5 can go a long way to help alleviate this issue.
A new PS5 model is out now, too, which has effectively replaced the digital and disc version of the base model. This revision is much slimmer, has a slightly more appealing design, and provides an option to purchase a detachable Ultra HD Blu-Ray disc drive. Read our full breakdown of all the differences in the new model to learn more.
- Read more: PS5 review
Best budget gaming console
✅ You want good value for money: The Xbox Series S offers the ability to play all Xbox Series X games in 1440p for a very affordable price.
✅ You want a compact system: The Xbox Series S is a fraction of the size of its larger sibling, making it ideal for those with cramped gaming spaces or playing on the go.
❌ You want to play in 4K: The Xbox Series S can only output at a maximum resolution of 1440p. If you own a 4K monitor or gaming TV, you should look at the Xbox Series X instead.
A 1TB Xbox Series S model is also available, coming in at $349.99 / £299.99. For our definitive verdict on that version, see our Xbox Series S 1TB review.
At just $299.99 / £249.99, the Xbox Series S presents incredible value. That’s before additional discounts, too, where we frequently see that price slashed to as low as $249.99 / £199.99 or the addition of bundled games to bolster the package.
While this low price point makes it an obvious choice for the best affordable gaming console, you should keep in mind that you are making a number of concessions when picking the Xbox Series S over its larger sibling or the PS5. For a start, the machine lacks a physical disc drive and is limited to a 1440p resolution instead of the 4K output of the Xbox Series X. This means that games will not look quite so sharp, especially if you’re using a 4K monitor or expensive gaming TV.
The 512GB SSD may also begin to fill out quicker than expected if you're downloading many of the larger titles that are available on Xbox Game Pass. This can be solved by the addition of a Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card, but this is an expensive solution if you’re after the higher capacity models. Alternatively, a slightly pricier Series S model is now available in Carbon Black, which offers 1TB of storage space for $349.99/£299.99.
This console still lets you enjoy all the great current-generation Xbox games like Forza Motorsport and Starfield for a fraction of the Xbox Series X's price. It also makes for a perfect media streaming centre, offering native apps for Netflix and Disney Plus where the 1440p resolution of this console helps make images look far crisper than your standard 1080p picture.
- Read more: Xbox Series S review
Most powerful gaming console
✅ You want the best visuals: The PS5 Pro delivers the best visuals on the console market thanks to its hugely powerful hardware. Just beard in mind that this doesn't come cheap.
✅ You want to game in 8K: A handful of PS5 Pro games offer support for 8K gaming, which could make the console a worthwhile investment if you already own an expensive 8K display.
❌ You could make do with the PS5: For most gamers, the differences in performance won't be worth the added cost. If you just want a good way to play modern games, stick with the base PS5.
If you love PlayStation gaming and won't settle for anything but the very best graphics, then the PlayStation 5 Pro is for you. It is comfortably the most powerful console on sale right now, offering a noticeable upgrade in performance compared to the regular PS5. The PS5 Pro also benefits from new technology like PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), which helps games look and run even better.
The console comes with 2TB of internal storage out of the box, which is a great upgrade for players with larger libraries. It supports 120Hz gaming too which, on top of the small handful of games that offer 8K graphics options, makes it an excellent pick if you own a particularly expensive display. It's no slough in the design department either, with a slick, streamlined look that looks great on a media centre.
As you might expect, the one big problem with the PS5 Pro is its high price tag. It is going to be too expensive for a lot of buyers, especially when the base PS5 still provides a brilliant gaming experience. It also does not come bundled with a disk drive or stand, which has been purchased separately and puts the overall value proposition into even more question.
- Read more: PlayStation 5 Pro review
Best Xbox gaming console
✅ You want the most powerful Xbox: The Xbox Series X is more powerful than not only the Xbox Series S, but also the PS5. If you want a powerful Xbox console, this is the way to go.
✅ You want to play Game Pass games: The Xbox Game Pass subscription service is excellent value for money and offers hundreds of great titles for a low monthly price.
❌ You want to play PS5 exclusives: There are some highlights, but the Xbox Series X's library of exclusive games is a bit of a let down compared to the many brilliant titles available on PS5.
An digital-only version of the Xbox Series X is also available for the lower price of $449.99 / £429.99. See our full verdict on the system in our Xbox Series X Digital Edition review.
From a raw technical perspective, the Xbox Series X is comfortably the most powerful console currently available in the Xbox ecosystem. A lot of the best Xbox Series X games look and sound phenomenal, thanks in no small part to the stellar implementation of Dolby Atmos surround sound and Dolby Vision - which compliment the console’s high-end specs very well.
Priced at $499 / £479, the Xbox Series X is far better than what you would be getting for that price in the gaming PC or gaming laptop market. Like the PS5, the Xbox Series X also has 4K support and compatibility with desirable graphical features like ray tracing. As the system utilizes Gen 4.0 NVMe SSD tech for its storage, it is also unlikely to struggle when it comes to storage speeds any time soon.
The one area where the Xbox Series X may disappoint is in its software library, which lacks the many compelling console exclusives that you can find on PS5. Xbox Game Pass, however, does help make up for this, offering players the chance to tap into a wide range of titles for a low monthly price. There is also excellent backwards compatibility, far better than what the PS5 offers, which allows you to play games dating all the way back to the original Xbox.
That's not to say that the Xbox Series X lacks a handful of decent exclusives of its own, of course. Forza Horizon 5 is one of the best racing games on the market, while simulator fans will surely appreciate the hardware-intensive and stunningly beautiful Microsoft Flight Simulator. There are loads of multi-platform releases to consider too, including the brilliant Lords of the Fallen and Sonic Superstars.
- Read more: Xbox Series X review
Best handheld gaming console
✅ You want the definitive handheld experience: Compared to the original Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch OLED benefits from a stellar display, improved speakers and a much better kickstand.
✅ You want to download games: Among its other upgrades, the Nintendo Switch OLED features double the internal storage of the base model making it ideal for digital titles.
❌ You can find the original model much cheaper: Despite the improvements of the Nintendo Switch OLED, the original Nintendo Switch could still present a fantastic value option if you manage to find it in a steep sale.
The Nintendo Switch OLED is easily the definitive model out of Nintendo's current consoles. Its internal processing power might be the same as the standard Nintendo Switch model, but its screen has been upgraded significantly. With a bigger 7-inch OLED panel, the best Nintendo Switch games look better than ever before when playing in handheld mode.
At $349.99 / £299.99, the Nintendo Switch OLED is more expensive than the standard Switch model, but is still much more affordable than Sony and Microsoft's current-gen consoles, the PS5 and Xbox Series X. Of course, it's worth noting that the Nintendo Switch OLED isn't as powerful as these rival consoles, and those who play games ported to the system from other platforms may see them struggle slightly at times in comparison.
Screen improvements aside, it's also worth noting that the Nintendo Switch OLED includes a wider kickstand as well as improved speakers, meaning that it's easier to play in tabletop mode and games sound better when the system isn't docked. You don't need to worry about having a small gaming library, either, as all Nintendo Switch games are compatible with the OLED model.
Despite the many upgrades found in the Nintendo Switch OLED, there are still some circumstances where buying the older original Nintendo Switch Model is still advisable. This includes getting your hands on any potential limited edition designs, such as a the cute Animal Crossing Switch, or if you can manage to snag one of the cheapest Nintendo Switch bundles and deals.
- Read more: Nintendo Switch OLED review
Best gaming console for kids
✅ You need a durable handheld: The Nintendo Switch Lite is made of thick and durable plastic. The fact the Joy-Cons are built-in also means they cannot be lost.
✅ You want good value for money: The Nintendo Switch Lite is considerably cheaper than the Nintendo Switch OLED and plays all the same games.
❌ You want to play games on the TV: Unlike the Nintendo Switch or the Nintendo Switch OLED, the Nintendo Switch Lite doesn't dock to the TV in any way. This is one for portable play only.
The Nintendo Switch Lite is our number-one choice for those who want a console for kids and families. Not only does it have a lower asking price than the standard Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch OLED models at $199.99 / £200, its smaller size is ideal for little hands (or just those who prefer a more compact system). Beyond that, there are plenty of bright, cheery colors to choose from, such as blue, pink, purple, and yellow.
With a thick plastic construction, we found that the Nintendo Switch Lite is more durable than the standard Nintendo Switch model which means that it should hold up a little better in the long-term. Unlike the regular Switch, the Joy-Con controllers can't be removed, which means that they can't get lost.
The screen is on the smaller side - especially when compared to the Nintendo Swithc OLED model - but it still runs at the same 720p resolution as the Nintendo Switch and OLED. Its performance is the same, too, so you don't need to worry about games running slower just because you're using a smaller system.
However, it's worth keeping in mind the Nintendo Switch Lite's major limitation - it can't be docked and connected to a TV in order to play in TV mode. Instead, its a solely portable system. Although this might not be a problem for children, it is definitely worth bearing in mind for other potential buyers.
- Read more: Nintendo Switch Lite review
Best gaming console for PC gamers
✅ You have a good Steam library: If you already use Steam on PC, then you're likely to own a good number of games that would be supported by the Steam Deck OLED.
✅ Gaming laptops are too expensive: The Steam Deck OLED is a cheaper alternative to traditional gaming laptops, though be aware that you do lose some performance.
❌ A good battery life is a must: The Steam Deck OLED has better battery life than the original Steam Deck, but it still leaves lots of room for improvement. You're only getting a couple of hours of use at the time.
If you're looking for a formidable gaming PC that can be tucked in your bag (or a very, very large pocket), the Steam Deck OLED is well worth considering. The latest Steam Deck revision is a big improvement on the existing formula, offering an enhanced 90Hz OLED display with all the same brilliant design that made that made the original model so compelling.
There are currently two versions of the Steam Deck OLED available: a $549 / £479 512GB model and a $649 / £569 1TB model. Given the file sizes of many modern games, the 1TB model is definitely the one to go for, but regardless of which one you choose, you'll be getting your hands on some top-notch hardware that's perfect for those looking for more on the go options.
The Steam Deck OLED is available to purchase via Valve's Steam client . The library of games that you can get your hands on for it is absolutely enormous too, as the list of Steam Deck Verified titles continues to grow. Some of these even include ports of games originally released on consoles, such as Spider-Man: Miles Morales, offering another way to play popular AAA games.
Although the battery life has been improved compared to the original Steam Deck, it's worth noting that the battery of the Steam Deck OLED still isn't too great. I managed to squeeze just a couple hours of use out of it while playing particularly intensive games such as Deathloop or God of War. Thankfully, battery performance is much better in indie titles like Hades 2 or Disco Elysium, where you can expect over five hours of use without any interruption.
The Steam Deck is powered by a modified version of the Linux operating system, which means that it can be docked to a compatible laptop docking station in order to use it as a complete Linux PC, so there's some versatility there. However, the use of the Linus OS also means that you can't expect every game to run without issues, but there are definitely enough Steam Deck Verified games to keep you busy.
- Read more: Steam Deck OLED review
Best gaming console for retro gamers
✅ You want an authentic retro experience: Despite its smaller scale, the Evercade Alpha successfully recreates an authentic retro experience that offers all the thrills of an arcade cabinet in your home.
✅ You want a game library you can expand: Unlike other modern arcade cabinets, the Evercade Alpha is fully compatible with Evercade games via cartridges.
❌ You would prefer something more modern: It almost goes without saving, but the Evercade Alpha is designed for retro games first and foremost. See the other options on this list if you want to play the latest titles.
The Evercade Alpha is by far the best option for retro gamers right now, especially those seeking an arcade-quality experience in their homes. This compact bartop cabinet comes with a selection of pre-installed titles from Capcom. Depending on which version you buy, this can include hits like the Mega Man games and titles from across the Street Fighter series.
To be precise, the Street Fighter model includes Street Fighter 2 Champion Edition, Street Fighter 2 Turbo, Street Fighter Alpha, Street Fighter Alpha 2, Street Fighter Alpha 3, and Super Puzzle Fighter 2 Turbo. Meanwhile, the Mega Man model packs in Mega Man: The Power Battle, Mega Man 2: The Power Fighters, Carrier Air Wing, Final Fight, Knights of the Round, and Strider. The cabinet is also compatible with Evercade cartridges, so you can play much more than just what comes in the box.
As you might expect from an Evercade product, the quality of the emulation is excellent across the board, with a fantastically smooth experience in every title that we tested. Just bear in mind that the system takes quite a long time to boot up, which can be annoying when you just want to dive in.
It features a lovely crisp 8-inch IPS display which recreates retro games in all of their pixelated glory and in an authentic 4:3 resolution. On top of that, you also get some surprisingly excellent speakers and responsive arcade quality controls. It is even compatible with a range of controllers via USB, which is excellent for two-player sessions or if you would prefer a different layout.
Aesthetically, the cabinet looks absolutely superb across the board and is constructed from very robust materials. It even has swappable marquee cards at the top, allowing you to alter its look between a few included options if you wish. You could even create your own if you're particularly handy, which is going to be an excellent way for the most dedicated players to customize their machines.
- Read more: Evercade Alpha review
Best Gaming Console - FAQs
How do I choose which console to give as a gift?
Consoles can make a fantastic gift that will appeal to all ages, but it can sometimes be hard to work out which to choose. One easy way of looking at it is to consider which console or consoles the recipient already owns. If they own a PS4, then it naturally follows that they would want a PS5 rather than Xbox Series X.
If they don't own a console at all, then there are some other ways you can work out the best choice. Younger gamers are likely going to be driven towards the Nintendo Switch, as it is definitely geared more heavily towards that audience. Meanwhile, the mature game library of the PS5 makes it a better pick for adults.
Cost is also a big factor. The Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series S are the lowest cost options right now, so either could be a good choice if you're on a budget.
There's also sometimes no harm in just asking. A console can be a big investment, so asking the recipient which one they're after is a great way to avoid an expensive disappointment.
Is the PS5 or Xbox Series X cheaper?
The PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X both sell for around $500. If you have strong opinions about the included controllers, subscription services, or exclusive games available for each console, then you should use this to make your choice instead of the price. Also keep an eye out for any potential deals on each console.
Which gaming console is the most powerful?
The PS5 Pro is easily the most powerful gaming console on the market right now, boasting a custom 8 core / 16 thread AMD Zen 2 CPU plus 16GB of GDDR6 RAM and an additional 2GB of DDR5 RAM. It also benefits from a 16.7 TFLOP GPU, plus new technologies like PSSR and Wi-Fi 7.
Is the Nintendo Switch OLED better than the Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch OLED is an upgrade in terms of its larger, brighter screen, improved speakers, and boasts more storage than the Nintendo Switch. That said, it's not any more powerful. Games will run almost indistinguishably on the two systems, especially in docked mode where you can't benefit from the enhanced display and speakers.
Is the PS5 Pro worth the money?
This is quite a difficult question, as it depends heavily on the kind of player that you are. If you have a keen eye for details and want only the smoothest possible frame rates, then I would say that the PS5 Pro is worth it. Enhanced games such as Marvel's Spider-Man 2 do look and run better on PS5 Pro, especially if you're using a large 4K display. If you own an 8K TV, the PS5 Pro will also likely be worth the money as a handful of games offer 8K output on it.
For everyone else, I would suggest avoiding the PS5 Pro. Most games look and run superbly on the base PS5, so you won't really notice the biggest differences unless you are really graphically obsessed. It's also a very expensive console, especially when you factor in the separate disc drive and stand accessories. If you can find it on sale, then maybe take the plunge, but if not a standard PS5 will meet your needs.
Are there consoles for retro gamers?
Yes! There are plenty of consoles geared towards retro gamers. Every major system on the market has retro game collections in its library, letting you pick up a selection of classics at a relatively affordable overall price. There are also dedicated retro consoles, such as the Evercade Alpha. These have a few advantaged and provide an overall much more authentic experience. After all, playing retro games with original arcade style controls is going to feel better than a standard gamepad in most cases.
How we test gaming consoles
We test and review gaming consoles in much the same way as any other bit of gaming gear and hardware here at TechRadar, and that is to say: extensively.
However, each of the picks on our best gaming console list here requires different attention and testing. For example, we will live with a home console like a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X so we can use it like any gamer or fan would, putting it through its paces as an everyday machine. For handheld gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch OLED or Steam Deck, we'll make sure to take the device out and about on our commutes or on trips to test the battery life, portability, and more.
We'll also do deep dives on the hardware and tech inside: how the storage holds up on a console, how fast games load and can be transferred, and how bespoke technical elements (like the DualSense controller's haptic feedback on PS5, for example) perform.
All this, and more, helps us get the best idea of what a gaming console is like, and how each offers differing experiences. Putting them through their paces extensively means you can trust our recommendations and reviews.
