The Best Gaming Consoles in 2024

The current generation of consoles is well underway. The PS5 and Xbox Series X|S have matured enough that supply issues are rarely a problem. Plus, they have plenty of AAA games to keep gamers occupied for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch continues to prove wildly popular with gamers thanks to its impressive library of games that they can take with them on the go. In short, there has never been a better time to be a gamer.

Related

The Best Portable Gaming Consoles for 2024

Gamers on the go gotta know: which portable gaming console is the best? Here’s our rundown of the top handheld gaming systems in 2024.

With numerous gaming consoles offering top-tier performance along with an ever-growing library of exceptional games, picking a new one is a difficult task. Thankfully, each gaming console has its fair share of strengths and weaknesses. This makes it easier to narrow down one’s options and eventually settle on the perfect fit.

Choosing a Game Console

Choosing the perfect gaming console requires buyers to consider several different factors. These include price, features, and game library.

• Price: Create a budget that takes into consideration the desired console’s cost, the cost for upgrades, and peripherals.
• Features: Consoles offer diverse features, so it’s best to choose one whose offerings closely match one’s gaming needs.
• Specs: The latest and greatest technology may be an important consideration for some buyers.
• Game Library: While some games are available on multiple consoles, exclusives are tied to a particular console. As such, it makes sense to get a console that supports one’s favorite titles. Nintendo fans will not find these games on a PlayStation or Xbox console. However, some PlayStation and Xbox console exclusives do appear on the PC, including first-party games like God of War and Forza Motorsport.

The Best Gaming Consoles in 2024

Microsoft Xbox Series X

The Best Overall Gaming Console

With a Game Pass membership and the most powerful system currently available, the Xbox Series X offers access to a virtually limitless selection of games. The Xbox Series X also boasts stunning graphics and lightning-fast loading times, delivering an unparalleled gaming experience.
 

Brand

Microsoft

Battery

2 A batteries required. (included)

Weight

13.1 pounds

Dimensions

5.94 x 11.85 x 5.94 inches

Pros

• Uses the best controllers on the market
• Supports AMD FreeSync (VRR)
• Plug-and-play SSD expansion option
• Compatible with Game Pass
• Extremely easy to use and setup

Cons

• Doesn’t allow unlicensed controllers

Thanks to its 12 TFLOPs of power, the Xbox Series X is, on paper, the most capable console for home gaming. On top of this, Microsoft has maintained its commitment to publishing all first-party exclusive titles on release day to Xbox Game Pass subscribers. This alone can potentially save gamers hundreds of dollars on games every year, although they will not technically own the games since it is a subscription-based service. With many new games now retailing for an eye-popping $70, Xbox Game Pass provides gamers’ wallets with a much-needed reprieve.

Xbox also offers incentives to use Game Pass, including a rewards program that can actually get players credit towards the Microsoft Store. Additionally, Xbox has systems in place for players to find a new group or even chat with players across platforms through Discord. On top of all the great gaming features, the Xbox UI is a fantastic media hub, with tons of streaming apps available, such as Crunchyroll and Prime Video. The Xbox tries to give gamers the PC experience as much as it can and, for the most part, it succeeds.

Sony PlayStation 5

The Best Premium Gaming Console

The Sony PlayStation 5 console is one of the most popular gaming machines currently with a fast SSD, a custom AMD APU, and 16GB of GDDR6 console memory, making it one of the best options on the market. It also happens to have a surprising number of console exclusives and currently trades at a discount at multiple retailers nationwide.

4K Capabilities

Yes, Up to 4K 120Hz

Power Source

AC Power

What’s Included

Console, HDMI Cable, Controller, A/C Power, Stand, Documentation

Brand

Sony PlayStation

Processing Power

Up to 10.3 TFLOPS

Storage

825GB

CPU

Custom 8-Core Zen 2

Battery

Built-in with the controller

Weight

12 pounds

RAM

16GB GDDR6

Pros

• Super fast internal NVME SSD
• Excellent exclusive titles
• Impressive visuals and audio

Cons

• Less built-in storage than the competition
• Lacks the Xbox’s Quick Resume feature

Although some people have been speculating about a new PlayStation, many more have continued to struggle to find a PS5 and the console remains one of the most expensive on the market. However, console exclusives such as the newly released exclusive Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 have further endeared gamers to Sony’s console. Users unsatisfied with the console’s storage can extend it manually using any off-the-shelf M2 SSD, so long as it’s PCI-E 4.0 and meets a minimum of a 5500MBPS spec. While it has an excellent appearance, users might be less thrilled given its tendency to stick out, especially in the living room, unlike the Xbox Series X and S, which have an easier time blending in with sound bars and cable boxes. A new “slim” model launched in October 2023 with a detachable disc drive, though this option is only $50 less than the standard console.

Despite the first model of the PS5 only having 825GB of storage compared to the rival Xbox Series X’s 1TB, subsequent models now match the Xbox’s storage capacity. Additionally, while its SSD is slightly faster than the Series X, it does not have the handy Quick Resume feature that Xbox gamers enjoy. That could change via software updates in the future. With support for up to 120Hz at 4K resolutions thanks to the HDMI 2.1 interface on the PS5, it can deliver great visuals or high refresh rates, though rarely both. This allows for a built-in performance or graphics and fidelity mode option for gamers, depending on their preferences.

The PS5 is known for its high-quality visuals and audio, albeit mostly in single-player games that are exclusively released to Sony fans. For console gamers who want the peak of gaming in their living room, no matter the cost, the PS5 is the best choice.

Related: The Best Consoles of Each Generation, Ranked

Nintendo Switch OLED Family Gaming Console

The Best Portable Gaming Console

The Nintendo Switch OLED comes with several upgrades over the original Nintendo Switch console while maintaining game compatibility with the old console. With a larger 7-inch OLED screen and double the internal storage of the original Nintendo Switch, it doesn’t feel like a new console altogether. That being said, it is an option worth checking out for a better display.

4K Capabilities

No

Power Source

A/C Power, built-in battery

What’s Included

Console, Joy-Cons, Dock, miscellaneous accessories

Brand

Nintendo

Screen

7-Inch, 720P

Game support

Nintendo Switch Titles, Retro games (emulated)

Processing Power

0.5 TFLOPs (Docked)

Storage

64GB, extendable via microSD

CPU

Custom Nvidia Tegra X1

Battery

Built-in batteries in controller and console (4310mAh)

Connectivity

Wi-Fi, Ethernet

Dimensions

4.13 x 10.24 x 8.19 inches

Weight

3 Pounds

RAM

4GB

Pros

• Gorgeous 7-inch OLED display
• Portable and easy to move around
• Slightly better performance in docked mode
• Excellent game library with many Nintendo exclusives

Cons

• Significantly slower than the PS5 and Series X
• Struggles to maintain a playable frame rate in some multi-platform titles
• Needs memory card purchase due to low built-in storage

With portability as one of its biggest selling points, the Nintendo Switch performs well both in docked and handheld mode, offering a little more power in the former but a lot more flexibility with the latter. The Switch is a favorite for many gamers, including younger gamers and users looking to play retro titles or exclusives like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Wonder.

This makes it a one-stop shop for people looking to experience the best that the Japanese manufacturer has to offer. The newer OLED variant delivers on these promises (and then some) with a new gorgeous 7-inch OLED display and double the internal storage. If one does go for the Nintendo Switch or its OLED variant for living room use, Game Rant recommends picking up a Switch Pro Wireless controller as part of the package.

The Nintendo Switch lags behind the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5 in terms of raw power, offering a fraction of the processing power. However, it more than makes up for its low processing power in terms of its versatility and excellent game library. Regardless of its lackluster specs, the Nintendo Switch OLED is a stellar option that is hard to beat, despite many attempts by various competitors to crack the handheld gaming market. The fact remains that Nintendo currently dominates the handheld world, and the Switch OLED model only builds on the company’s success.

Nintendo Switch Lite

The Best Retro Gaming Console

The Nintendo Switch Lite was released in 2019 as a low-cost, handheld-only game system. It’s designed specifically for handheld play, offering a lightweight design as part of its portable offerings. The controllers are built into the system for handheld play, unlike the larger Switch models. The console itself retains full functionality as a standard Switch, but it does not support docked mode.

Screen

5.5” Touch Screen

Processing Power

0.

Storage

32GB

Dimensions

2.76 x 7.8 x 7.09 in

Weight

0.61 lb

4K Capabilities

No

Power Source

AC Power and Battery

Brand

Nintendo

CPU

Custom Nvidia Tegra X1 processor

Battery

Li-on battery (3570mAh)

RAM

4GB DDR4

Screen Resolution

1280 x 720 (720P)

Pros

• Most cost-effective current-gen console experience
• Gives access to Nintendo Retro Library via membership
• Much more compact than original Nintendo Switch

Cons

• Cannot be used in docked mode
• Smaller screen might not be ideal for all users

The Nintendo Switch Lite offers retro gamers the chance to replay some of the most memorable titles in gaming while on the go. Unlike the regular Switch or OLED variant, the Lite’s controllers are built into the console itself, making it ultra-portable and lightweight. This build style also seems to present fewer problems with stick drift compared to older Joy-Cons. Clocking in at just about $200, the Switch Lite is essentially a smaller, more portable version of the Nintendo Switch. As such, it’s no surprise that it can play all the titles that the main console typically runs in handheld mode.

Offering between three and seven hours of battery life, the Switch Lite is a fine handheld companion. While it does not offer a docked mode to connect to a television, its affordability compensates for this somewhat. While not all users are a fan of its smaller display, it does make for sharper image quality due to its higher PPI and its denser pixel counts. These visual upgrades make it a formidable and cheap way to access Nintendo’s burgeoning game library that houses famous franchises such as Mario, Zelda, Fire Emblem, and more.

Retro gamers with a Nintendo Switch Online membership gain access to the current library of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games available digitally. Players who want to pay a bit more also get to play Nintendo 64, SEGA Genesis, and Game Boy Advance titles. Not only are there hundreds of games to choose from, but some titles have had multiplayer modes added in, so players can team up with friends or compete head-to-head. For gamers who want to relive the past through some classic handheld gaming, the Switch Lite is one of the best consoles to play retro games on.

Microsoft Xbox Series S

The Best Budget Gaming Console

The Xbox Series S is a digital-only game console that offers the same processor as its more powerful Xbox Series X sibling but cuts down on memory, storage, and the GPU while removing the disc drive to offer a next-generation console experience at a fraction of the cost while targeting gamers at lower Full HD or 2K resolutions instead.

4K Capabilities

No (Upscaling available)

Power Source

AC Power

Brand

Microsoft

Processing Power

4 TFLOPS

Storage

1TB SSD SSD

CPU

Custom AMD Zen 2 8-Core CPU

Battery

2 AA batteries required.

Dimensions

11.5 x 14.17 x 5.04 inches

Weight

7.06 Pounds

RAM

10GB

Pros

• Access to all current-gen Xbox games
• Cost-effective purchase bundled with Xbox Game Pass
• 512GB of fast SSD storage

Cons

• Significantly cuts down on the memory and GPU specs
• 512GB SSD storage might be a limiting factor

The Xbox Series S is a powerful console in its own right, engineered alongside the more powerful Xbox Series X. This Xbox console dials down on the memory, storage, and GPU, but it retains compatibility for all the latest titles. For lack of a better word, many consider it the “Xbox Game Pass” console thanks to the strong value proposition of Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass service, combined with the fact that the Xbox Series S has no disc drive.

With a fast 512GB SSD, a capable AMD Zen 2-based CPU, and a price tag that makes it considerably more appealing than its nearest competitor, the Series S offers great value. Priced far lower than the Xbox Series X and disc-based PS5 console, the Xbox Series S is one of the best gaming consoles money can buy right now.

Steam Deck

The Best Premium Handheld Gaming Console

$522 $589 Save $67

Valve’s long-awaited portable console is here, and it’s taking the handheld gaming market by storm. Valve partnered with AMD to create Steam Deck’s custom APU, optimized for handheld gaming. It is a Zen 2 + RDNA 2 powerhouse, delivering more than enough performance to run the latest AAA games in a very efficient power envelope.

4K Capabilities

Yes

Screen

7″ diagonal 1280 x 800px (16:10 aspect ratio) 60Hz

Storage

64 GB – 512 GB

CPU

AMD APU Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz

Battery

40Whr battery. 2 – 8 hours of gameplay

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.0 and Dual-band Wi-Fi radio, 2.4GHz and 5GHz

Ports

1x USB-C with DisplayPort 1.4 Alt-mode support; up to 8K @60Hz or 4K @120Hz, 1x USB 3.2 ,1x Micro SD slot, 1x 3.5 audio jack

Dimensions

298mm x 117mm x 49mm

Weight

Approx. 669 grams

Audio

Stereo with embedded DSP for an immersive listening experience and Dual Microphone Array

Pros

• Multiple storage capacities out of the box
• User-upgradeable SSD or a MicroSD card
• Considerably more powerful than Nintendo Switch

Cons

• Internal fan gets noisy while gaming
• Less portable than most of its direct competitors

Much like most current-gen gaming consoles, Valve’s portable Steam Deck is closer to a PC than many from the last-gen. This makes it a powerful gaming computer for PC gamers who want to run their favorite titles in handheld mode. It runs a custom build of Linux as part of its SteamOS offerings while still providing multiple storage options and upgrades (SSDs or MicroSD cards), depending on user needs.

The Steam Deck comes backed by an extensive Steam game library, with many titles being ported over or certified for the console over time. The main selling point here is that gamers have access to literally thousands of games. Since a user can access their existing Steam library, there is no need to buy tons of new games. Despite the initial cost of the hardware, this is a cost-effective solution for handheld gaming if one already has a massive Steam library.

That being said, the Steam Deck is plagued by some issues, including a noisy fan and some issues with games that Valve hasn’t certified. There’s also the fact that its large bezels make it a less portable option than Nintendo’s smaller Switch Lite. It makes up for this by offering better options for retro gamers, more customizability out of the box, and the ability for modders to play custom titles that are impossible on any other console.

Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld

The Best Handheld Gaming Console

$300 $350 Save $50

A portable Xbox may still be the stuff of dreams, but Logitech’s G Cloud is a wish come true for console gamers looking for a handheld system made for them. Gaming over the cloud has never been so easy or so comfortable. The Logitech G Cloud features an ergonomic design and supports game streaming from Game Pass, Steam, and plenty of other Google Play Store apps!

Storage

64 GB

Dimensions

3.5mm, USB-C, Bluetooth

Weight

463g / 1.02lbs

Playing Time

9 – 12+ Hours

Brand

Logitech

Chipset

Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G

RAM

16GB LPDDR5

Wireless Connectivity

Wi-Fi 5

Headset Compatibility

3.5mm, USB-C, Bluetooth

Pros

• Super easy to set up and use
• Allows access to multiple cloud gaming services
• Very ergonomic design

The Logitech G Cloud is a simple enough handheld console. It combines almost every game streaming service available into one central hub. Designed for gaming around the house in complete comfort, the G Cloud has an ergonomically contoured shape that makes it very easy to hold for long periods. Another factor helping players to marathon games is the fact that the G Cloud has an impressive 12-hour battery life.

Players can sync their device with Steamlink, log in to their Game Pass account, and access a host of other cloud gaming services. The one downside: the G Cloud really needs to have a good Wi-Fi connection. This is no different than most other consoles, though without an internet connection, the G Cloud can’t play most games. However, that small caveat is easy to overlook when the price tag shows up, which is $350, though this is often dropped to just $300.

Most ideal for players in busy households or who often have downtime in areas with Wi-Fi, the Logitech G Cloud is an excellent, affordable handheld gaming console that offers titles from a wide variety of sources that are sure to please any gamer.

Miyoo Mini Plus+

The Best Budget Retro Gaming Console

The Miyoo Mini Plus+ is the latest handheld console after the now impossible-to-get Miyoo Mini Plus 2. It comes in four colors: Gray, White, Transparent Black, and Transparent Purple. The efficient but powerful processor allows gamers to enjoy their favorite 8- and 16-bit games all day.

Storage

64GB via Included Micro SD Card

Dimensions

4.25 x 3.09 x 0.88 inches

Playing Time

Up To 7 Hours

Brand

Retro Mini

Chipset

SigmaStar SSD202D Up to 1.2 Ghz

RAM

128MB LPDDR3

Wireless Connectivity

Wi-Fi

Display

3.5 Inch 640×480

Pros

• Bright, high-quality screen
• Compatible with dozens of emulators
• Classic Game Boy design

For gamers who just wish they could get their hands on a Game Boy again, the Miyoo Mini Plus+ is here. Featuring the classic shape and design, the Miyoo Mini Plus has added a few extras to make gaming even better. Four triggers on the back and an IPS screen allow gamers to play a wide variety of genres from different eras.

While players can certainly use any of the dozens of emulators accepted by the Miyoo Mini Plus+, the retro handheld comes with a 64 GB SD card preloaded with over 12,000 classic games. There are multiple colors to choose from too – from the NES style off-white to the later-era transparent purple – so players can perfectly match their Miyoo Mini to their retro vibe.

The system also supports Wi-Fi and offers a battery life of up to seven hours. Although it’s not exactly ergonomic, the compact build makes it easy to take this gaming device anywhere. On top of everything, the retro Miyoo Mini Plus+ is less than $80, making it the best budget retro gaming console.

Meta Quest 3

The Best Portable VR Gaming Console

The Meta Quest 3 is the latest and greatest mixed-reality headset that brings a host of improvements compared to the previous generation. The Quest 3 has higher resolution displays per eye with support for 90Hz and 120Hz refresh rates.

It uses a more powerful 2nd generation Snapdragon XR2 processor that is capable of running games like Asgard’s Wrath 2 natively. It comes with a full-color passthrough, improved controllers, and a slimmer form factor.

Brand

Meta

Resolution (per eye)

2064×2208

Display Type

LCD

Storage

128 GB, 512 GB

Connectivity

WiFi 6E, USB Type-C

Battery Life

2-3 hours

Tracking Technology

Direct Touch hand tracking

Audio

Stereo speakers

Weight

515 grams

Refresh rate

90Hz, 120Hz (experimental)

Processor

Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2

RAM

8GB

Pros

• Portable VR experience with no wires
• Doesn’t need a PC
• Large and growing game library

If you are in the market for virtual reality without wanting to buy an expensive gaming PC or a PlayStation 5, the Meta Quest 3 is the way to go. It offers portable VR gaming in one package. The base model has 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, so gamers can expect smooth and immersive gameplay that will blow them away.

The main downsides are the battery life and price. The battery tends to only last a couple of hours, although there is a battery saver mode that can extend the battery life. Purchasing a Meta Quest 3 will set gamers back $500. In other words, it is as expensive (or more expensive) than the most premium gaming consoles on the market today. That being said, it is a relatively affordable way to experience virtual reality. Other VR headsets are more expensive, and they often require additional hardware in the form of a gaming PC that can set buyers back thousands of dollars. Unless you own a PlayStation 5 and plan on buying the PlayStation VR2, this is one of the cheapest ways to experience VR.

How to Choose the Best Gaming Console in 2024

Before shopping for a new home console, it’s worth learning about it some more. To do this, buyers need sufficient information and reviews from previous owners to help guide their purchase. Whether the buyer is a hardcore gamer or is shopping for a console for the first time, below are four important factors to consider before buying a new console.

Pricing: Thanks to market demand, storage, refresh rate, and a few other factors, consoles are priced differently. Therefore, it pays to compare prices across different stores to get the best deal.

Features: Consoles tend to have similar features, but some consoles may have unique features that the competition lacks. For instance, the PlayStation 5 console has a DualSense controller that offers haptic feedback to simulate tactile experiences. Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console that can connect to a television or go with gamers on the go. It offers portability that the PS5 and Xbox consoles lack.

Specs: It’s worth researching a gaming console’s specs (CPU, system storage, GPU, etc.) to get a better idea of how they’ll perform. Reading user reviews along with watching YouTube video reviews to see how consoles like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series S/X handle the same game is strongly recommended.

Game library: Although some games can be played on different platforms with different frame rates, some titles are exclusive to a console. For instance, The Legend of Zelda games have only been released on Nintendo consoles. It’s worth confirming that a console supports one’s favorite games and offers some irresistible exclusives.

More: The Best Gaming Controllers

FAQ

Q: Is the PS5 better than the Xbox Series X?

While both the PS5 and Xbox Series X are two powerful consoles, the Series X offers more power than Sony’s product. With up to 12 TFLOPs of computing power, it is easily ahead. However, it doesn’t offer as many exclusive titles as the PS5, a fact potential buyers should know when comparing both options.

Q: What is the most successful console?

The PS2 is considered the best-selling video game console with over 158 million units sold.