Best gaming console in 2026 including Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo

What’s the best gaming console? That’s a question gamers have debated for as long as consoles have existed. The truth is, it’s one of the most subjective discussions in the world of technology. But don’t worry – we’re here to help you figure out which one might be the best option for you.

Of course, the answer will depend on your gaming preferences, budget, and who you plan to play with. If you’re after a console for family gaming, your choice will probably differ from one geared toward solo adventures. And if handheld gaming is your thing, we have a guide to the best handheld gaming consoles for that.

No matter what your gaming goals are, we’ve spent countless hours with the latest consoles. We’ve combined our hands-on experience with in-depth knowledge of the gaming world to highlight the best options available. We’ll also walk you through the key details of each console.

In the end, whichever one you pick, you’re likely to be thrilled with your choice. Still, understanding their strengths and weaknesses will help you make the most of your budget.

Why you can trust Stuff: Our team of experts rigorously test each product and provide honest, unbiased reviews to help you make informed decisions. For more details, read how we test and rate products.

Quick list: what’s the best gaming console?

The best gaming consoles you can buy today:

1. PlayStation 5

PlayStation 5 specs
Internal storage	825GB/667.2GB usable
Optical drive	4K Blu-ray Drive (disc-less version also available)
CPU	AMD Zen 2-based CPU with 8 cores at 3.5GHz

When the PlayStation 5 launched in late 2020, it felt like a real event. Microsoft’s Xbox Series X came across as a steady upgrade, but the PS5 was louder in its arrival – literally and figuratively. Its bold design made sure you couldn’t mistake it for anything else, and the DualSense controller quickly became the star of the show. With adaptive triggers and detailed haptic feedback, it added a new layer of immersion that earlier PlayStations couldn’t touch.

Under the hood, the PS5 isn’t far off a high-end gaming PC. A custom AMD Zen 2 chip, 16GB of RAM, and a lightning-fast SSD combine to deliver rapid loading times and 4K gaming at up to 120fps. In reality, third-party games haven’t always nailed a consistent 4K/60fps, but Sony’s own titles – like Horizon Forbidden West and God of War Ragnarok – have shown what the machine is capable of.

The look of the console still splits opinion. It’s big, it’s striking, and it doesn’t exactly blend in, but once you’re actually playing, that becomes less of an issue. Connectivity is solid, and while expanding storage takes a bit of effort, it’s there if you need it.

After more than two years with it, the PS5 has had its bumps, but it still feels like the console to beat. It’s powerful, distinctive, and backed by exclusives that make owning one worth it.

• Read more: Sony PlayStation 5 review

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2. Xbox Series X

Xbox Series X specs
Internal storage	1TB NVMe SSD
Optical drive	4K Blu-ray drive
CPU	8x Cores at 3.8GHz Custom Zen 2 CPU

The Xbox Series X has been around for a few years now, and it still feels like a seriously powerful bit of kit. The things that stood out at launch – like Quick Resume, which lets you bounce between games without waiting for them to reload, and near-instant load times thanks to the SSD – are just as impressive today. Performance is rock solid, and even older titles benefit from smoother play and sharper visuals.

But the real story with the Series X isn’t only about the hardware. Microsoft’s focus has been on building out the wider Xbox ecosystem, and Game Pass has become central to that. With a rotating library of well over 100 games, plus new releases dropping on day one, it really does feel like the Netflix of gaming. Having big titles like Starfield available from the moment they launch makes the subscription hard to ignore.

That said, the Series X didn’t arrive with the same sense of drama as the PS5. It felt more like a continuation than a reinvention, with Microsoft leaning heavily on backwards compatibility and long-term support rather than headline-grabbing exclusives. Still, the company’s studio acquisitions suggest more first-party blockbusters are on the way.

All told, the Series X is a quiet but hugely capable console. It might not have shouted the loudest at launch, but with its mix of raw power, excellent value through Game Pass, and a promising future line-up, it remains one of the best options for serious players.

• Read more: Xbox Series X review

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3. Nintendo Switch 2

Nintendo Switch 2 specs
Display	7.9in LCD screen, 1920×1080 pixels
Storage	256GB (expandable via microSD Express)
RAM	12GB
Battery Life	2 – 6.5 hours
OS	Custom Nintendo OS
Dimensions	116 x 272 x 13.9mm (with Joy-Con 2 attached) 4.5 x 10.7 x .55in (with Joy-Con 2 attached)
Weight	534g 1.18 lbs

The Nintendo Switch 2 doesn’t reinvent the hybrid formula – but it seriously refines it. After years of waiting, we finally have a console that feels like the Switch we always wanted. It’s more powerful, better built, and easier to use across modes, whether docked, handheld or in tabletop play.

We’ve spent hours with the Switch 2 in real-world testing – on planes, sofas, desks, and yes, even dragging it around the house mid-Zelda session. And while it’s not without flaws (poor battery life being the biggest), it’s a solid evolution.

The biggest improvement is performance. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 – which struggled on older consoles – now run at a stable 40fps in handheld mode, complete with DLSS upscaling for sharper visuals on a 4K TV. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet finally run smoothly, and even titles that haven’t been patched, like Bayonetta 3, benefit from better framerates.

We loved the larger 7.9in 1080p LCD screen. No OLED here (yet), but the bump to 120Hz and HDR support makes games feel smoother and more vibrant. Audio has had a similar boost, with better speakers and a noise-cancelling mic that genuinely impressed us – it picked up clear voice chat even with a vacuum cleaner running nearby.

Physically, the Switch 2 feels more premium too. The Joy-Cons are slightly larger, more comfortable, and now attach via strong magnets. They’ve added a curious mouse mode – sliding one Joy-Con across your sofa works surprisingly well, but it’s more gimmick than game-changer. Still, compatibility with older controllers is a big win.

Backwards compatibility is a highlight. We brought over our entire library, and many older games run better or have been updated entirely. Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom even get visual boosts and faster loading. But storage is tight – 256GB fills quickly, and expanding it with microSD Express cards isn’t cheap.

Battery life? Not great. Expect anywhere from two to six hours. Playing Deltarune lasted just under four and a half, while Cyberpunk drained it frighteningly fast. A power bank is essential.

Despite a slow start for new games, the Switch 2 feels like the future of Nintendo’s hybrid vision. We wanted more power, better visuals and smoother performance – and we got them. It’s not a revolution, but it is a proper upgrade.

• Read more: Nintendo Switch 2 review

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4. Xbox Series S

Xbox Series S specs
Internal Storage	512GB NVMe (364GB usable)
Optical Drive	No
CPU	8-core 3.6GHz custom AMD 7nm

The Xbox Series S stands out as an affordable yet genuinely next-gen console. Even though it’s smaller and less powerful than its sibling, the Series X, it offers a sharp, fast, and refined gaming experience that shouldn’t be overlooked. We’ve found ourselves frequently using this little powerhouse, despite having access to the beefier Series X. There are some compromises—like a 512GB SSD that fills up quickly and visuals that fall short of true 4K—but overall, it’s an excellent option for most gamers, especially when combined with Xbox Game Pass.

Game Pass is truly a game-changer. With access to over 100 titles, including big franchises and indie gems, we get exceptional value without breaking the bank. The Series S performs impressively with fast load times and features like Quick Resume, making gameplay smooth and efficient. Although it doesn’t deliver the ultimate 4K experience, it still handles 1440p at 60fps well, and with optimized updates for games, the visual quality can be quite impressive.

Its compact design and lighter weight make it ideal for smaller spaces, and Microsoft’s attention to user experience with a refined interface and seamless Xbox app integration further enhance the appeal. For those who prioritize affordability and convenience without missing out on key next-gen features, the Xbox Series S is arguably the best deal in gaming.

• Read more: Xbox Series S review

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5. Steam Deck OLED 

We really liked the original Steam Deck, despite not being overly impressed with its weight, battery life or LCD display. All three were addressed by Valve with the Steam Deck OLED, making the first effort feel a bit like a rough draft in comparison. The new larger 7.4in HDR display, with its 1000-nits maximum brightness, has been blowing us away since we started using the device. It has hugely improved contrast and colours, while OLED’s trademark inky blacks make it hard to go back to LCD. The Deck OLED is also slightly lighter than Valve’s first effort, which you definitely do notice, and it lasts longer between charges too. 

The Steam Deck OLED is a handheld PC, but its custom-built OS makes it feel like a console in all the right ways. If you want to access your Steam library with minimal faff you can; desktop mode then welcomes tinkerers who want to emulate old games and install other launchers. 

Not every game will function as you want it to out of the box, and the Deck struggles to run modern AAA titles with any finesse. It’s also still a big bulky handheld, which might prove too much to handle for smaller hands. But if you want to play PC games portably, the Steam Deck OLED is our top pick. And if you want to save some cash, the equally powerful LCD model is still available at a lower price. 

• Read more: Valve Steam Deck OLED review

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6. Nintendo Switch Lite

Nintendo Switch Lite specs
Internal Storage	32GB
Optical drive	No
CPU	Nvidia Custom Tegra processor

The Nintendo Switch Lite drops the defining “switch” feature of its older sibling, yet still manages to shine as a dedicated handheld. By focusing purely on portability, Nintendo has created a console that feels sturdier, lighter, and more comfortable to hold for long sessions. The single-piece build adds durability, and the colour options – especially that punchy turquoise and sunshine yellow – make it fun to own. A proper D-pad is a welcome tweak too, particularly for platformers where precision matters.

Of course, you notice the trade-offs. No detachable Joy-Cons means less flexibility, and the lack of TV connectivity strips away one of the Switch’s biggest selling points. Some games, like Super Mario Party, simply don’t work here. On top of that, juggling game data between multiple consoles is still clunky thanks to Nintendo’s awkward primary vs non-primary system.

That said, the Lite nails the most important part: the games. From blockbusters like Breath of the Wild and Link’s Awakening to a steady stream of indie favourites, the library is vast and varied. It’s this line-up that makes the Lite such a joy to play.

If handheld gaming is your main priority, the Switch Lite is an easy recommendation. But if you already own the standard Switch, it feels more like a nice-to-have extra than an essential upgrade.

• Read more: Nintendo Switch Lite review

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What to consider when buying a gaming console

Choosing a gaming console is a big task – after all, it’s likely you’ll be using the same system for the next ten years or so. That means there are various factors you’ll want to consider to ensure you’re buying the best gaming console for you.

The first thing you’ll want to consider is the gaming library of each console. Look into the exclusive titles available, as well as the variety and quality of games offered. Each console has its own lineup of exclusive titles, so if there are specific games you’re interested in playing, this will heavily influence your decision. Do you like Mario and Zelda games? Then you’ll obviously want a Nintendo Switch, whereas if you like first-person shooters or driving simulators, then you’ll want to go with an Xbox or PlayStation.

Secondly, consider the performance of the console. Look into the hardware specifications, including CPU, GPU, and RAM. Decide whether you prioritise graphics quality and performance, as different consoles may offer varying levels of power and capabilities. This will have an impact on the longevity of the console.

Next, consider the online services offered by each console. Features such as multiplayer gaming are now cross-platform, but digital game purchases and subscription services are still tied to a single platform. Gaming is a social hobby (usually), so the console your friends have is important. Features like friend lists, built-in messaging, and the ability to share gameplay clips can add a lot to the overall experience, especially if you enjoy gaming with others.

It’s also worth checking whether the console supports older titles. Backward compatibility can be a huge perk if you already own a stack of games from previous generations and don’t want them gathering dust.

Controllers make a big difference, too. Comfort, button layout, and extra features like motion controls or touchpads all play into how natural a console feels to use. If you can, try out a few different controllers first – the one that fits best in your hands will likely shape how much you enjoy long play sessions.

Finally, think about where you’ll be playing most. If you’re often on the move, portability matters. Handheld options like the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck let you take your library with you, while still working perfectly well at home. For more information on portable consoles, check out Stuff’s guide to the best handheld gaming consoles.

Now, of course, you’ll want to make sure you’re plugging one of these consoles into one of the best 4K TVs, and you’ll probably want to get the best gaming headset to go with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are digital or physical games better?

Choosing between digital and physical games depends on your priorities. Digital games offer instant access, no need for physical storage, and frequent online discounts, but require significant storage space and a reliable internet connection. They also lack resale value since you don’t own a physical product.

Physical games provide a more tangible ownership and can be sold or traded. They also don’t require internet access once installed. However, they need physical storage space and can wear out over time. They also require switching discs to play different games, which takes a lot of effort.

What’s the latest Xbox?

The latest Xbox models are the Xbox Series X and Series S, launched in 2020.
The Series X sits at the top with full 4K graphics and powerful performance, while the smaller Series S is a cheaper, space-saving choice built for 1440p gaming. Both consoles still pack next-gen features and can play older Xbox titles thanks to backward compatibility.

Which console has the best game library?

Which console has the “best” library? Well, it depends entirely on what you want…

If you’re judging purely by variety, we think Nintendo wins on charm. You’ve got Zelda, Mario, Metroid, and Animal Crossing. Its first-party lineup is unmatched for creativity. The downside? You’ll rarely see major third-party games on launch day (no Call of Duty, for example), and performance can’t compete with more powerful hardware.

PlayStation, on the other hand, is the home of prestige single-player blockbusters. God of War Ragnarök, Spider-Man 2, and The Last of Us Part II make it the go-to console for cinematic storytelling. Sony’s exclusives consistently feel like must-plays, though its library is thinner if you prefer indie games or backwards compatibility.

Xbox is a great all-rounder. Its Game Pass subscription gives access to hundreds of titles – from Starfield to Forza Horizon 5 – for one flat fee per month. That value, plus solid support for older games and cross-platform play, ensures a really solid variety.

Then there’s the Steam Deck: not a console in the traditional sense, but a handheld PC that can run your entire Steam library – from Baldur’s Gate 3 to Hollow Knight. It’s unbeatable for sheer choice.

What is the Steam Machine?

The Steam Machine is Valve’s new living-room PC, a compact box built to sit under your TV and run your Steam library without the hassle of a full desktop setup. It uses a custom AMD chip that gives it far more punch than a Steam Deck, enough for 4K gaming at smooth frame rates when you lean on AMD’s upscaling tech.

It runs SteamOS out of the box, but you can swap in your own operating system if you like tinkering. You get plenty of ports, a customisable front, and support for the updated Steam Controller, plus wireless integration with Valve’s new Steam Frame VR headset.

It’s basically Valve’s second swing at a console-style PC, only this time the ecosystem and hardware feel ready.

Read more about Valve’s Steam Machine here.

Recent updates

• 18th December 2025: Updated title.
• 15th November 2025: We’ve added details about Valve’s recently released Steam Machine.
• 13th October 2025: We’ve added details about which game console has the best game library.