Best gaming console: Jump menu
While picking up a high-end gaming PC is certainly one way to secure yourself the best possible performance in your video games, grabbing the best gaming console can be a more cost-efficient way to make sure you’re not missing out on the latest and greatest games.
Current-generation systems such as the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S have all been available to buy for over three years now, so they’re readily available worldwide and are often on offer with juicy discounts and bundles. Of course, there’s always the Steam Deck (effectively a powerful handheld PC) and the retro-oriented Super Pocket to consider when choosing the best console for you, too.
The process of picking out a new console can be overwhelming due to how many factors there are to consider. However, we’ve assembled this useful guide which outlines what we consider to be your best choices for a new console right now, with a wide range of options to peruse depending on what you’re looking for.
Best gaming consoles – The quick list
The best gaming console
With its powerful hardware, revolutionary controller, and a good library of desirable console-exclusive titles, the PS5 takes the top spot as the very best gaming console right now.
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The best performance gaming console
The Xbox Series X is technically the most powerful gaming console on the market, making it our top pick if performance and raw power is your number one priority.
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Best affordable 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.
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The best handheld gaming console
The Nintendo Switch OLED offers upgrades from its predecessor such as a stellar display, improved speakers, and a much better kickstand. A superb library of exclusive games also helps make this the best handheld console right now.
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The best console for families and 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 is a perfect choice. This handheld PC packs plenty of power and allows you to play the majority of your existing games on the go.
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The best retro gaming console
Cute, colorful, and value-busting, the Super Pocket is our top pick for retro gamers. There are two editions to buy, each offering a great library of inbuilt titles and full compatibility with Evercade cartridges.
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Best gaming console in 2024
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Best gaming console
Buy it if
✅ 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 setup.
Don’t buy it if
❌ You have limited space: While a more compact model is now available to buy, the original PS5 model is truly massive. If space is a concern then you’ll mostly likely want to clear space to fit the system.
With a library of incredible exclusives including Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and The Last of Us Part 1, the PS5 is absolutely one of the best consoles 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 expect to experience 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 brilliant 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 the new model to learn more.
Best performance gaming console
Buy it if
✅ You want the most powerful console: The Xbox Series X is more powerful than any other system on the market. If power is the priority, this should be your choice.
✅ 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.
Don’t buy it if
❌ 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 PS5.
From a raw technical perspective, the Xbox Series X is comfortably the most powerful console currently available and is therefore our top pick if pure performance is your number one concern. 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 be slowing down 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.
Best affordable gaming console
Buy it if
✅ 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.
Don’t buy it if
❌ You want to play in 4K: The Xbox Series S can only output a maximum resolution of 1440p. If you own a 4K monitor or gaming TV, you should consider the Xbox Series X instead.
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.
Best handheld gaming console
Buy it if…
✅ 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.
Don’t buy it if
❌ 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.
Best gaming console for kids
Buy it if…
✅ 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.
Don’t buy it if
❌ 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.
Best gaming console for PC gamers
Buy it if…
✅ 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.
✅ Gaming laptops feel too expensive: The Steam Deck is a cheaper alternative to gaming laptops with similar specifications, so if you’re looking to take your PC gaming with you on the go, this is a more accessible option.
Don’t buy it if
❌ A good battery life is a must: While the Steam Deck impresses when it comes to software performance that comes at a major cost to battery life which is sometimes less than two hours when playing intensive titles.
If you’re looking for a powerful gaming PC that can be tucked in your bag (or a large pocket), the Steam Deck is well worth considering. It’s as powerful as a high-end gaming laptop, but its portability and price make for an overall enticing package.
Price wise, you can expect to pick up the most basic Steam Deck model for $399 / £349, but this rises to $649 / £569 for the highest-end version. Regardless of which one you choose, you’ll be getting your hands on some top-notch hardware that’s perfect for gamers looking for more portable gaming options.
The Steam Deck is available to purchase via Valve’s Steam client . The library of games players can get their hands on is absolutely enormous 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 on the go.
It’s worth noting that the Steam Deck’s battery life isn’t fantastic, and particularly with more intensive games, players can expect to run out of charge relatively quickly. On the cheapest model, for example, the battery life can last between two and eight hours depending on what you’re playing and what settings you’re using. However, with that said, the we think that this trade-off is worthwhile thanks to how well games look and run.
The Steam Deck operates using 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.
Best gaming console for retro gamers
Buy it if…
✅ You’re interested in playing Evercade games:
The Super Pocket’s low price point also makes it the cheapest way to play Evercade games.
✅ You’re looking for a retro-focused portable system: The Super Pocket is as portable as it gets, and is excellent at what it does.
Don’t buy it if
❌ You’re looking for a larger console:
The Super Pocket’s miniature size might not be the most comfortable for people with larger hands, or those who’d prefer a bigger screen to look at.
There’s no doubt that the Super Pocket is our top pick for retro gamers, boasting top-notch performance for retro gaming. During our testing, we didn’t notice any slowdown or graphical issues.
It’s a very small system, with a 320x240px IPS screen which measures around 2.8” (~7cm). This, admittedly, may feel tiny in comparison to the Nintendo Switch OLED’s 720p display and 7″ (17.8cm) size, but it looks fantastic.
At the time of writing, there are two different versions of the Super Pocket available to buy. The Taito Edition is mint green and black, while the Capcom Edition is instead yellow and blue.
The color schemes aren’t the only difference between the two, however, as both come with a unique library of included games, with 18 on the Taito version and 12 on the Capcom version. Those who pick up the Taito Edition Super Pocket can dive into classics such as Bubble Bobble and Space Invaders, while gamers who pick up the Capcom Edition can play titles such as Mega Man and Final Fight. Games look vivid, and with alternative display options (such as the ability to add CRT lines), you can tweak your experience further.
These built-in games aside, the Super Pocket also has an Evercade cartridge slot, which is certainly one of the handheld’s most exciting features. With this, players can keep up with all of the latest Evercade releases, and the Super Pocket offers the cheapest device to access them on.
Best Gaming Console – FAQs
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 consoles is the most powerful?
The Xbox Series X is the most powerful console. In practice, the difference between this and the PS5 is very minimal, though. Both consoles are able to output 4K visuals while maintaining consistent frame rates and both also support high-end features like 120Hz.
Is the Nintendo Switch OLED better than the Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch OLED is an upgrade in terms of its screen and boasts more storage than the Nintendo Switch, but when it comes to raw performance there isn’t any substantial difference.
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.
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