Recent years have undoubtedly brought some of the most exciting video games consoles to our living rooms. However, not everyone has the time, space, or money to splash out on the latest console.

While owning more than one console is entirely acceptable, if you can only choose one console, you may be wondering which one to go for. 

To help you out, we've rounded up the best game consoles available right now.

Premium pick

1. Xbox Series X

9.60 / 10
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The Xbox Series X is the most powerful console on the market, offering better graphics and a larger and faster hard drive than its rival, the Sony PlayStation 5.

One of the most appealing features of the Xbox Series X is the ability to play games from all generations of Xbox consoles, right back to the original Xbox.

While the lineup of release games wasn't incredibly overwhelming, it does mean that Xbox One X owners can enjoy their games on the Xbox Series X without paying again to play their chosen games.

If you're searching for a powerful, fast, and graphically-pleasing console packed full of features, the Xbox Series X ticks all the boxes, with a price tag similar to the original release of the Xbox One.

Key Features
  • Xbox Smart Delivery
  • 12 teraflops
  • Xbox Game Pass (sold separately)
  • Expandable SSD storage
Specifications
  • Brand: Microsoft
  • Operating System: Xbox system software
  • Storage: 1TB
  • VR Support: No
  • Resolution: 4K
  • App Store: Microsoft Store
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Ports: 3x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x Ethernet
  • HDR Support: Yes
  • Weight: 9.8lbs
Pros
  • Able to play games from four generations of Xbox
  • Compatible with Xbox One gaming accessories
  • Don't have to pay to upgrade games from Xbox One
Cons
  • Expensive
  • No Xbox Series X exclusive games at launch to experience full power
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Xbox Series X
Editors choice

2. Nintendo Switch

9.60 / 10
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Offering a sizeable third-party game library, the Nintendo Switch is a powerful handheld console that allows players to enjoy newly released games and nostalgic classics that have been ported onto the system.

The console was initially launched in 2017 and has since gone on to be one of the most popular handheld consoles. Using the device, you can play your favorite games while mobile or on your TV.

The Switch is particularly popular among casual and platform gamers who love classics like Mario instead of Call of Duty. While the interchangeable Joy-Con controllers aren't cheap, they do mean you can play couch co-op games like Mario Party that can be enjoyed by all of the family.

The sleep button means you can save power on your Nintendo Switch while you're on the go, then quickly resume where you left off without having to load into the game again.

Key Features
  • Interchangeable Joy-Cons in a variety of colours
  • TV mode
  • Ergonomically designed
Specifications
  • Brand: Nintendo
  • Operating System: Nintendo Switch system software
  • Storage: 64GB
  • VR Support: Yes
  • Resolution: 720p (handheld mode), 1080p HD (displaying on TV)
  • App Store: Yes
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Ports: HDMI, USB 2.0, AC adapter port
  • HDR Support: No
Pros
  • Joy-Cons contain rechargeable battery
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Parental controls
Cons
  • Known drifting/ghosting issues with Joy-Con
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Nintendo Switch
Best value

3. Sega Genesis Mini

9.40 / 10
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The Sega Genesis Mini launched with 42 classic games, which run faster than the base Genesis at 60Hz. When the original Genesis was released, certain games were region-specific.

For instance, Dyna Brothers 2 was only available in Japan. The Mini allows you to play all versions of the games, so you can enjoy the classics you may have missed out on before.

The emulation of nostalgic games is really good, and you can save up to four save states per game, easily accessed by holding the Start button. If you're prone to accidental save overwrites, you can lock save states to stop this from happening.

However, the Sega Genesis Mini contains some issues, namely with sound effects and audio, which is apparent in most games. Compared to the base Genesis, the music is much lower quality.

Key Features
  • 40+ games
  • SEGA Genesis replica
  • Game exclusives per region
  • Save state feature
Specifications
  • Brand: Sega
  • Operating System: Linux
  • Storage: 512MB
  • VR Support: Yes
  • Resolution: 720p
  • App Store: No
  • Wi-Fi: No
  • Ports: USB, HDMI
  • HDR Support: No
Pros
  • Includes two wired controllers
  • Affordable pricing
  • Original 4:3 aspect ratio or stretched to 16:9 widescreen
Cons
  • Low quality audio
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Sega Genesis Mini

If you own a PlayStation 4 or other console and are looking for a step up to the next-gen, the PlayStation 5 offers cutting-edge graphics technology, faster game loading times, and a great collection of exclusive games.

If you previously used the PS4, then you'll be delighted with the console's backward compatibility. This allows you to play many of your digital-edition PlayStation 4 games on the console.

While you can play 4K Blu-ray discs on the PS5, unfortunately, there's no support for Dolby Atmos. With its chunky exterior and hefty weight, you'll need to make room on your entertainment center for the PlayStation 5.

Key Features
  • Haptic feedback on DualSense gamepad
  • Tempest Audio Engine
  • Adaptive triggers
Specifications
  • Brand: Sony
  • Operating System: Orbis OS
  • Storage: 825GB
  • VR Support: Yes
  • Resolution: 4K
  • App Store: PlayStation Store
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Ports: USB-A (x3), USB-C, Ethernet, HDMI
  • HDR Support: Yes
Pros
  • PS5-exclusive games
  • 5.5GB/s NVME SSD
  • Spectacular graphics
Cons
  • No details on expandable storage
  • Substantial space required to store the console
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PlayStation 5 Console

The Xbox Series S is a more affordable take on the Xbox Series X. Both consoles are part of Microsoft's next-generation lineup, although the Series S does come with a few compromises to keep the cost down.

Paired with an Xbox Game Pass subscription, the Xbox Series X is an excellent choice for those who don't currently own an Xbox One. However, players who aren't ready to part with the money to buy a Series X may wish to hold onto their Xbox One rather than upgrading to the Xbox Series S.

While the Xbox Series S does boast some fantastic features like Quick Resume, the lack of exclusive launch-day games does let it down. As a result, the initial release shows the console as a hyped-up entertainment system instead of a mind-blowing next-gen console.

Key Features
  • Backward compatibility
  • 512GB NVMe SSD
  • Xbox Family settings app
Specifications
  • Brand: Microsoft
  • Operating System: Microsoft Windows
  • Storage: 512GB
  • VR Support: No
  • Resolution: 1440p
  • App Store: Yes
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Ports: HDMI 2.1 out, 3x USB 3.0, Ethernet port
  • HDR Support: Yes
Pros
  • Support for Xbox One headsets and controllers
  • Nearly half the price of the Xbox Series X
  • Smallest Xbox console
Cons
  • Doesn't support 4K
  • Half the amount of storage than the Xbox Series X
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Xbox Series S

The Nintendo Switch Lite is the ideal console for gamers who enjoy a sleek and comfortable handheld system but aren't fussed by the docked mode the Nintendo Switch offers.

Though the name suggests it, the Nintendo Switch Lite is much lighter than its predecessor and holds more battery life than the original console.

It's a perfect combination of size and power, offering all the fun from the handheld Switch games and the ability to commute and play.

While the Switch Lite is a great gadget, it is slightly let down because you can't play all of the games available on the Nintendo Switch. It's not just a smaller and lighter model; there are compatibility differences too.

Key Features
  • Free 7 day trial for Nintendo Switch Online
  • 5.5-inch Touchscreen
  • Plays all handheld supported games
  • Choice of colors (yellow, gray, turquoise, and coral)
Specifications
  • Brand: Nintendo
  • Operating System: Nintendo Switch system software
  • Storage: 32GB
  • VR Support: Yes
  • Resolution: 5.5-inch, 1280x720
  • App Store: Yes
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Ports: 1x USB-C port, 3.5mm audio jack
  • HDR Support: Yes
Pros
  • Lighter and sleeker in comparison to the Nintendo Switch
  • Battery life is longer than Nintendo Switch consoles with XA serial numbers
  • Easy to hold and game on-the-go
Cons
  • No TV or Tabletop mode
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Nintendo Switch Lite

The PlayStation 4 Pro offers a faster, more powerful, and feature-rich console than the standard PlayStation 4. Often compared to the Xbox One X, the PS4 Pro is significantly cheaper with a more extensive library of games.

If you have a 4K TV, the PS4 Pro is a step up from the PS4 in 4K and HDR gaming, meaning your games will look far more superior on the Pro version. The PS4 Pro is not only a powerful games console; it's an entertainment hub allowing you to play Blu-ray discs and stream 4K videos to your TV.

While it may not be the best console on the market in terms of power and graphics, it's a good step into 4K gaming for those who don't want to throw too much money into a games console.

Key Features
  • 4K TV gaming
  • Boost mode for increased power
  • Stream 4K videos to your PS4 Pro
  • Wired and wireless controllers
Specifications
  • Brand: Sony
  • Operating System: Orbis OS
  • Storage: 1TB
  • VR Support: Yes
  • Resolution: 2160p
  • App Store: PlayStation Store
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Ports: USB 3.1 (x3), HDMI, AUX, LAN
  • HDR Support: Yes
Pros
  • PS VR is much smoother
  • Existing games get upgraded for free
  • 4K/HDR support
Cons
  • No 4K Blu-ray drive
  • PS4 owners with 1080p TVs won't see the benefits
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PlayStation 4 Pro

FAQ

Q: Should I Buy a Nintendo Switch Or PS5?

It's dependant on what you want your games console to provide. If you're looking for pure power, speed, graphics, and game selection, then the PlayStation 5 is one of the latest next-gen consoles, rivaling the Xbox Series X.

However, if you are more of a casual gamer and prefer to pick a game up and put it down again while on the go, the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite both offer these perks.

Q: Is the Xbox Series X or PS5 More Powerful?

In terms of technical specifications, the Xbox Series X is more powerful than the PlayStation 5. Both consoles are priced the same, but the Xbox is more powerful across the board than the PS5. However, this is only based on raw technical specifications. Both consoles are high-performance devices capable of running the latest games.

Q: Should I Buy PS4 Or PS5?

The PS5 is the latest PlayStation console to be released, offering more power, speed, and graphical enhancements than the PS4. However, if you already own a PS4 Pro, you may want to wait until the PS5 offers console exclusives before buying the console. The expense of the PS5 is off-putting, especially when there are no games you can play solely on the PS5.