The “best game console” does not exist, but determining which one is best for you is more achievable.
Others may need the cheapest means to play the newest games; you might value portability above all else; or you might not have played in years and are searching for a system for your family to enjoy together. For other people, nothing less than the highest-specced system would suffice.
PlayStation 5
The PlayStation 5 is the current-gen gaming system with the most incredible graphics and fluid performance. On the PS5, Sony adhered to the customary cycle of hardware upgrades, greatly enhancing processing power and graphic fidelity over the previous generation and introducing a new gamepad packed with immersion mechanics. A notable feature of Sony’s most recent controller is DualSense: It incorporates adaptive triggers, which means the tension on the R2 and L2 buttons changes when players equip different weapons and tools, and it provides intense and precise haptic feedback along the grips. The Xbox Series consoles do not, in a word, have this.
The PS5 includes a variety of exclusive console games, such as God of War: Ragnarök, Returnal, the remake of Demon’s Souls, the Spider-Man series from Insomniac, each iteration of The Last of Us, and a long list of Final Fantasy games. The top tier of Sony’s monthly membership service, PlayStation Plus Premium, includes cloud streaming, freebies, and a library of games that can be downloaded at any time. In the Plus ecosystem, there are lesser tiers with fewer benefits than Premium, which costs $18 a month or $120 annually.
Xbox Series X
With a Game Pass membership and the most powerful gaming console currently available, the Xbox Series X, you have access to a virtually limitless selection of games (including launch-day Microsoft releases). And though we’d still like to see more Xbox exclusives, there are some big games like Starfield, Redfall, and the redesigned Forza Motor Sport coming soon. Cross-purchases between Windows and Xbox games and the ability to stream games from the cloud using Game Pass may also be of interest to PC users. True, Sony still dominates the market for high-end narrative games, but the sheer number of options available on Microsoft’s platforms is amazing, including small independent developers, well-known brands, and a ton of fantastic titles via EA Play (included with Game Pass for Windows and Ultimate).
Formerly, you would have to play on the same console as all of your pals, but nowadays, since most games now support cross-play multiplayer, this is no longer an issue. It doesn’t really matter if you purchase an Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 if you want to play Call of Duty with your pals. What is the best recommendation at this time? Consider the exclusives you want to play as well as the possible subscription perks before making your decision. You’ll probably be happiest with a Series X and Game Pass if you want to see where Master Chief goes next or are simply sick of paying full price for first-party titles and certain indies.
Nintendo Switch
It’s unfortunate that, with the exception of the Nintendo Switch, the advent of online multiplayer meant the end of local alternatives for the majority of gaming systems. Put it down to Nintendo’s heritage: It’s a business that has always placed a high value on the enjoyment of playing games on the couch with loved ones. You can have a blast using a single Switch connected to a TV, whether it’s four players competing against one another locally in Mario Kart or getting lost in a variety of mini-games in Mario Party. If you want to invite your friends, you can easily attach additional controllers, which they will probably already have if they possess a Switch. Additionally, because it’s a portable console, you may play against other players on local networks, which combines the benefits of having a private screen and playing with friends. Try it with a PS5, please.
Valve Steam Deck
Although it may seem illogical to have a portable console that is primarily used at home, the Steam Deck helped demonstrate that this is the way that many people choose to play video games. In February 2022, the Steam Deck was released, and it immediately became a well-liked PC portable for those who wanted to spend time away from their offices but not their Steam libraries. A 7-inch LCD touchscreen, four back clickers, two analog sticks, trackpads, standard face buttons, bumpers, and triggers are all features of this large handheld gaming system. It’s huge, weirdly gorgeous, and works perfectly with the majority of PC games.
The Steam Deck is ideal for cuddling on the couch with a supportive pillow and close by power outlet, but it’s a little too bulky and battery-hungry to be a must-have carry-on when traveling.
