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Speaking of which, thePS5 Slimis the console I currently find easiest to recommend to most players.
Its fantastic and innovative DualSense controller is also our favorite pad to game on.
Yes, its a little underpowered, but its a well-designed machine that is good value for money.
Best premium
Sonys prosumer PlayStation is a console thats been designed with the most enthusiastic gamers in mind.
Best hybrid
Almost a decade after it launched, Nintendos handheld hybrid console is still going strong.
However, you might want to hold off as theNintendo Switch 2is launching this year.
And if you want the best handheld screen available, consider buying the Steam Deck OLED.
The best overall games console
1.
There are several great reasons but its hard to look beyond the quality of its software library.
Are there issues with what we consider the best console for most people overall?
Of course, but they dont overly detract from the appeal of the PS5 Slim.
PS5 Slim also doesnt come with a vertical stand-out-of-the-box.
Read our fullPS5 Slim review.
The best value games console
2.
Xbox Series S
The Xbox Series S may well be the most attractive console Microsoft has ever made.
And while its somewhat underpowered, the flipside to this is it runs incredibly quietly.
You might also want to upgrade its SSD, as its stock drive is only 512GB.
With game install files increasingly ballooning in size, that SSD is going to fill up real fast.
Read our fullXbox Series S review.
The best premium games console
3.
PS5 Pro
Theres no question the PS5 Pro is an absolute beast of a machine.
Horizon Forbidden West could be the best-looking console game of all time played at 4K/60fps on the PS5 Pro.
That said, Sonys much-hyped AI-powered PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) has produced patchy results so far.
Read our fullPS5 Pro review.
The best Xbox games console
4.
Xbox Series X
The Xbox Series X is the most powerful console Microsoft has ever made.
Considerably smaller than the PS5, its actually slightly more powerful than Sonys non-Pro console.
Yet its still a fantastic peripheral that feels great in the hand.
There are minor quibbles, of course, especially when you consider the appeal of Xbox Game Pass.
Available on both Series X, S and Windows PCs, Microsofts subscription service remains excellent value for money.
Read our fullXbox Series X review.
The best hybrid games console
5.
Nintendo Switch
Since it launched in 2017, the Nintendo Switch has sold north of 150m units.
The other massive draw with the Switch?
But if you don’t want to wait, the Switch 1 is still pretty darn great.
Read our fullNintendo Switch review.
The best handheld games console
6.
Steam Deck also represents good value for money.
If you want to push the boat out a little further, theSteam Deck OLEDis also well worth considering.
Read our fullSteam Deck review.
The best value handheld games console
7.
So what features have Nintendo cut from the Lite to hit that sub-$200 price?
However, be aware its smaller size means it may not be best suited for gamers with larger hands.
Read our fullNintendo Switch Lite review.
Are there any upcoming consoles?
It’ll also include anew “C” buttonbut Nintendo is remaining tightlipped on what this does for now.
What more Switch 2 details?
After that, its really all about the games.
As for handheld consoles such as the Nintendo Switch, battery life is the key technical aspect we test.
Lastly, consider what games you want to play.
Of the consoles above, the PS5 and Switch definitely have the best library of exclusive blockbuster games.
That said Nintendo rarely drops the price of its first-party software and PS5 games often cost $70.
