The best gaming console space has just been shaken up by the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2, which has now usurped the older Nintendo Switch OLED as my pick for the number one handheld option right now. I've been testing it for weeks, and can say that it's easily the definitive Nintendo Switch system.

Even so, the PlayStation 5 remains in the top spot - delivering a simply unbeatable all-round gaming experience. It has the performance, the killer game library, and a very reasonable price tag to boot. Keep an eye out for any potential console bundles in upcoming sale periods too, be that Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day.

The Xbox Series S is also a fantastic budget option to consider. It is weaker than other consoles, but continues to be by far the best value way to get into modern gaming. If you're upgrading from the older Xbox One or PlayStation 4, then the differences will still be very pronounced.

I know first-hand that every option included here will deliver a fantastic experience in its specific niche, so read on knowing that you can shop for any of them with confidence.

Updated byDashiell WoodHardware Writer

I've been writing about games for almost half a decade, and playing them for more than double that. In addition to reviewing consoles as Hardware Writer for TechRadar Gaming, I own every major system including multiple models of Nintendo Switch, a PS5, and both current Xbox variants so can directly compare them. I previously worked at the UK's biggest PlayStation magazine too, getting to know exactly what makes the popular console so great.

Best gaming console - The quick list

Best overall

1. PlayStation 5 Slim View at DellView at VerizonView at Amazon

The best gaming consoleThe PS5 Slim is the overall best choice right now. It crams the excellent power and performance into streamlined package, with a more compact design and a few key upgrades.

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Best budget

2. Xbox Series S View at WalmartView at GameStopView at HSN

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.

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Most powerful

3. PlayStation 5 Pro View at DellView at VerizonView at Newegg

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.

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Best Xbox

4. Xbox Series X View at NeweggView at DellView at Amazon

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.

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Best handheld

5. Nintendo Switch 2 Check AmazonCheck Walmart

The best handheld gaming console

The Nintendo Switch 2 is without a doubt the ultimate Nintendo Switch model, with dramatically improved specs and a wide range of new features that make it the best handheld gaming console today.

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Best for kids

6. Nintendo Switch Lite View at AmazonView at NeweggView at Verizon

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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Best for PC gamers

7. Steam Deck OLED View at NeweggView at AmazonView at Walmart

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.

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Best retro

8. Evercade Alpha View at AmazonView at AmazonCheck Walmart

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.

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Best gaming console in 2025

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Best gaming console

1. PlayStation 5 Slim

The best gaming console

Our expert review:

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

Specifications

CPU: AMD Zen 2-based CPU with 8 cores at 3.5GHzGPU: 10.28 TFLOPs, 36 CUs at 2.23GHzMemory: 16GBInternal storage: 1TBExpandable storage: NVMe SSD Today's Best DealsView at DellView at VerizonView at Amazon(Black)

Reasons to buy

Great all-round performance Brilliant controller features Speedy and slick UI Fast SSD storage

Reasons to avoid

-Controller battery is pretty poor-A vertical stand costs extra

The PS5 Slim is now the dominant PS5 model, replacing the chunkier launch version on store shelves. It's considerably smaller, but still boasts the same incredible gaming experiences and even benefits from some much-needed quality of life upgrades.

With a library of incredible exclusives including Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Stellar Blade, and The Last of Us Part 1, the PS5 Slim 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 I've found that 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 in my eyes thanks to its seriously comfortable form factor and fantastic haptic feedback. Unfortunately, my tests show that features do drain its battery life fast - so expect to spend a fair amount of time topping it up between play sessions.

Our reviewer recorded about 10 hours of battery life per charge, with is significantly lower than alternatives like the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller which can last almost 40. I can attest that this number becomes even lower with age too: I have a DualSense that I bought in 2021 and it normally only lasts about three hours at a time.

Still, you're getting plenty of value here compared to the competition. There's also a cheaper digital edition available, which cuts out the disc reader for a saving. Unlike other digital consoles, you can actually buy and fit the disc reader later if you change your mind - which is an impressive level of flexibility.

Compared to the base PS5, the PS5 Slim is also packed with slightly more internal storage. One of the front ports has also been changed to a USB-C one, which will be better in the long term as more accessories adopt the standard. One big downside, however, is that the PS5 Slim does not come with a vertical stand out of the box - so be prepared to splash out some extra if you want to position it upright.

• Read more: PS5 Slim review

Best budget gaming console

2. Xbox Series S

The best budget gaming console

Our expert review:

Specifications

CPU: 8-core 3.6GHz (3.4GHz with SMT) custom AMD 7nmGPU: 4 teraflops at 1.565GHzMemory: 10GBInternal storage: 512GB / 1TBExternal storage: Xbox Expansion CardToday's Best DealsView at WalmartView at GameStopView at HSN

Reasons to buy

Incredibly small Powerful specs Relatively affordable price Quick loading times

Reasons to avoid

-Tiny internal storage-Digital-only

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.

I also often struggle with the 512GB of storage, which filled up in a just a few days in my testing. This is especially annoying 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. I've found that it also makes for a perfect media streaming centre, offering native apps for Netflix and Disney Plus.

• Read more: Xbox Series S review

Most powerful gaming console

3. PlayStation 5 Pro

The most powerful gaming console

Our expert review:

Specifications

CPU: 8 core / 16 thread AMD Zen 2GPU: 16.7 TFLOPs, AMD Radeon, RDNA-based graphics engineMemory: 16GB GDDR6 / 2GB DDR5Internal Storage: 2TBExpandable Storage: M.2 NVMe SSD slotToday's Best DealsView at DellView at Verizon(2TB)View at Newegg

Reasons to buy

The absolute best performance Perfect for an 8K or 120Hz display 2TB SSD storage Wi-Fi 7 support

Reasons to avoid

-High price tag-Improvements are only slight

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.

When I tested the console, I was particularly impressed with the enhanced visuals of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 which looks noticeably more life-like on a massive TV.

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

4. Xbox Series X

The best Xbox gaming console

Our expert review:

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

Specifications

CPU: 8x Cores @ 3.8 GHz (3.6 GHz w/ SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPUGPU: 12 TFLOPS, 52 CUs @ 1.825 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPUMemory: 16 GBInternal Storage: 1TBExpandable Storage: 1TB Expansion CardToday's Best DealsView at Newegg(1TB)View at DellView at Amazon(1TB)

Reasons to buy

SSD storage for fast load times Supports Dolby Vision and Atmos Play in 4K at 120fps Great backwards compatibility

Reasons to avoid

-Lacks compelling exclusives-Clunky UI compared to PS5

From a raw technical perspective, the Xbox Series X is comfortably the most powerful console currently available in the Xbox ecosystem. I can say that 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. I've played a huge variety of older games this way and it's actually become one of the main reasons that I turn on my Xbox Series X.

• Read more: Xbox Series X review

Best handheld gaming console

5. Nintendo Switch 2

The best handheld console

Our expert review:

Specifications

CPU: Custom Nvidia processorGPU: Custom Nvidia processorMemory: 12 GBStorage: 256GB Expandable storage: microSD ExpressToday's Best DealsView at Amazon(White)View at Newegg(Blue)View at Dell(OLED)

Reasons to buy

Looks and feels premium Gorgeous 1080p handheld display Noticeably improved performance Fantastic backwards compatibility

Reasons to avoid

-Poor battery life-User interface is stale

The Nintendo Switch 2 is the best handheld console on the the market and represents the highest end hybrid gaming experienced offered by Nintendo. Its $449.99 / ￡395.99 / AU$699.95 asking price might seem steep at first, but you get an awful lot of bang for your buck.

Performance is very impressive, with some of the best Nintendo Switch 2 games like Mario Kart World running a crisp 1440p while the console is docked, or a solid 1080p in handheld mode while maintaining a flawless 60fps framerate. The handheld screen also now supports some high-end features like VRR and, although it is only LCD, still looks bright and vibrant.

It also supports resolutions up to 4K in docked mode, which is achieved with the help of a nifty fan built straight into the dock for cooling. Of course, it wouldn't be a new Nintendo console without some unique hardware gimmicks - and this time around you get the ability to use the new Joy-Con 2 controllers on their side like a mouse. It's surprisingly practical and is already seeing some interesting uses in games like Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour.

The biggest problem with the Nintendo Switch 2 is undeniably its battery life, which can deplete in as little as three hours. This could be a pain if you want to use the system on the go and could make alternatives like the older Nintendo Switch Lite more worthwhile.

• Read more: Nintendo Switch 2 review

Best gaming console for kids

6. Nintendo Switch Lite

The best games console for kids and families

Our expert review:

Average Amazon review:☆☆☆☆☆

Specifications

CPU: NVIDIA Custom Tegra processorGPU: NVIDIA Custom Tegra processorMemory: 4GBStorage: 32GBExpandable storage: MicroSD cardToday's Best DealsView at Amazon(Black)View at Newegg(Turquoise)View at Verizon

Reasons to buy

Light and small Very durable Comfortable to use Great color options

Reasons to avoid

-Handheld only play-Other handhelds offer better performance

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, I 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. Despite owning other models, I always rely on the Nintendo Switch Lite while I'm travelling as I don't think it's likely to pick up any major damage thanks to this.

Unlike the regular Switch, the Joy-Con controllers can't be removed either, which means that they can't get lost.

The screen is on the smaller side - especially when compared to the Nintendo Switch 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.

• Read more: Nintendo Switch Lite review

Best gaming console for PC gamers

7. Steam OLED

The best handheld console for PC gamers

Our expert review:

Specifications

CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32)GPU: 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.0-1.6GHz (up to 1.6 TFlops FP32)Memory: 16 GBInternal storage: 512GBExpandable storage: MicroSD cardToday's Best DealsView at NeweggView at Amazon(512GB)View at Walmart(Black)

Reasons to buy

Ergonomic design Great controls Fantastic OLED screen Incredible PC game library Fairly priced

Reasons to avoid

-Very large for a portable system-Battery life is lacking

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 my favorites 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

8. Evercade Alpha

The best console for retro gamers

Our expert review:

Specifications

CPU: N/AGPU: N/AMemory: N/AInternal storage: N/AExpandale storage: N/AToday's Best DealsCheck Amazon

Reasons to buy

Affordable for a bar top cabinet Great build with good speakers Compatible with Evercade games

Reasons to avoid

-Takes a long time to boot-No difficulty options in games

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 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 2 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.

Round up of today's best dealsSony PlayStation 5 Slim $499.99ViewSee all pricesMicrosoft Xbox Series S $379.99ViewSee all pricesSony PlayStation 5 Pro $699.99ViewSee all pricesMicrosoft Xbox Series X $549.99ViewSee all pricesNintendo Switch OLED $349.99 $324.95ViewSee all pricesProCase Felt Carrying Case for Nintendo $17.99ViewSee all pricesValve Steam Deck OLED 512GB $765ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best pricespowered by

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