Game consoles are must-haves for many of us, but they’re expensive and each offers something slightly different, be it the graphical power, design or game availability. It can be confusing if you’re not a hardcore gamer, but that’s where we at Tech Advisor come in; we’ve ranked the best games consoles available right now to give you an idea of what to buy. Keep in mind that you can still pick up old consoles and games at much cheaper prices, and you can also check out our best games deals to make sure you’re getting the best price. But, for those on the hunt for the ultimate game console, carry on reading.
Best game console 2023
Next-gen 4K@120fps performance Unmatched DualSense controller Extravagant design
Large dimensions Small internal SSD
When it comes to performance, expect ray-tracing, high-quality textures, improved particle effects and a generally higher fidelity experience than that of the PS4, but it’s arguably the DualSense controller that truly separates it from the competition. Sony’s DualSense controller sports adjustable triggers, meaning the bumpers can better simulate the trigger of a gun or pulling back a bow before firing, and the advanced haptic motors make things feel much more realistic too. The two technologies combined offer a huge step forward compared to the Xbox controller, which offers minimal differences at best. There may not be a lower-powered variant like the Xbox Series S, but there is the disc-less PS5 Digital available at a discount without compromising on next-gen performance. Be warned though: the PS5 is a chonk, no matter which variant you go for.
Next-gen 4K@120fps performance Compact design Backwards compatibility
No changes to Xbox controller Slower loading times than PS5
There’s a large library of games available to play, offering backward compatibility all the way back to the original Xbox – something that the PS5 can’t quite compete with, only offering compatibility with PS4 titles outside of its PS Now service. The design is much more muted than the competition, sporting an all-black design with green highlights within the vent atop the console, but it still stands tall at 30cm. It’s a solid contender for the title of best console, when it comes down to it, the ‘safe’ update to the Xbox controller is what lets it down – while Sony went all-in on all aspects of the next-gen console experience, it seems Microsoft focused only on the tower itself.
Cheaper than Xbox Series X Speedy SSD performance Great for access to Xbox Game Pass
Caps out at 1440p Can't run Xbox One X (or Series X) enhancements
In fact, if you’ve got a 1440p display, it could be the ideal console for you – especially when you consider that it’s much smaller than the other next-gen consoles, making for a better TV-side companion. It could also be a cheap-ish way to get your hands on Microsoft exclusive titles if you primarily play on another console, especially given the company’s purchase of Bethesda. Make no mistake though – it’s not as powerful as its bigger brother, and it can’t even run games with Xbox One X enhancements, so steer clear if you’re currently using the last-gen One X.
Large OLED display Slimmer bezels Better battery life than the original Switch
Expensive No boost in graphics power
It’s more than just a display upgrade though; there’s improved battery life compared to the original 2017 variant of Switch, boasting between 4.5 and 9 hours of life depending on the game you’re playing. The console fixes a few long-time complaints too, including the flimsy kickstand, replaced this time around by a much sturdier option, and improved button shapes too. If you’ve got the newer version of the Nintendo Switch with improved battery life then the OLED model probably isn’t worth the upgrade, but if you’ve got an older 2017 release Switch, or you’re yet to pick one up, the OLED model is worth the money.
Hybrid handheld/TV format Great Nintendo Switch titles Range of fun accessories
Dated design Middling battery life Lacks graphical grunt of other consoles
That said, you don’t always get to play the latest AAA titles on the Switch due to the lack of graphical power available, but there is a huge array of Nintendo exclusive and indie titles available to buy or download. It’s the console you’ll need if you want to play the latest Zelda and Mario titles, and it’s the best bet if you want versions of huge games like Skyrim that you can take with you on the go.
Compact design Cloud-gaming ready Android TV is capable
Expensive
While the Shield offers all the same features that a standard media streamer would (on-demand TV, etc) it also offers a number of Shield-exclusive games that are pretty power-intensive, and it offers support for a range of Bluetooth controllers too. It also boasts an exclusive subscription service that provides you with a vast library of games to play, and you also have the option to buy the latest PC games to play directly on the Shield via GeForce Now, too.
Affordable Fun compact design
Handheld-only Middling battery life Small 5.5in display
However, unlike the standard console, it isn’t hybrid – it’s a handheld console only, with no way to connect it to a TV. The Joy-Cons aren’t removable either, which might cause a few problems with gesture-based titles. Still, it’s cheaper than the standard Nintendo Switch and for those that primarily play handheld consoles, the TV-less nature of the Lite isn’t a huge issue.
Affordable Great gaming experience with plenty of games Decent 1080p performance
Can't run games at 4K
It’s smaller and lighter than the Xbox Series X and the power unit is built-in which is also a nice touch. Although the Xbox One S supports 4K resolution, it’s limited to video playback so you’ll have to hold out for the Xbox Series X for 4K gaming. Just be sure to get one at the right price; as stock dwindles, we’re seeing some retailers stock the console for between $/£200-300. Considering that was the price when it was the current-gen console, that’s too much to pay. We’d advise paying no more than $/£200.
Affordable Vast library of PlayStation exclusives Slimline design
No 4K gameplay
With a library of games at your fingertips and releases continuing for some time, there’s no better time to get your hands on a PS4 Slim. Existing PS4 owners won’t need to upgrade as the internals are almost identical. Although the slim PS4 has HDR support, that isn’t exclusive as it’s also been introduced to the launch PS4 with a software update. As with the Xbox One S, make sure you pick one up for the right price as some retailers are charging over the odds for the old console. If it costs more than £200, we recommend shopping around. Lewis Painter is a Senior Staff Writer at Tech Advisor. Our resident Apple expert, Lewis covers everything from iPhone to AirPods, plus a range of smartphones, tablets, laptops and gaming hardware. You’ll also find him on the Tech Advisor YouTube channel.
