Every season, cutting-edge video game consoles are released, offering superior performance and functionality, as well as an ever-expanding library. Today, you have numerous options, ranging from the sleek elegance of the PlayStation to the diverse ecosystems of the Xbox and the unique design of the Nintendo Switch. Hence, making an informed decision about which video game console best suits your gaming needs is getting increasingly challenging.
If you are a gamer who enjoys visuals, extensive libraries of exclusive games, and sound effects that transport you to imaginative and fascinating virtual worlds, you will require a classic gaming console that provides these features. In this post, we’ll go over the best video game consoles and how to choose the one that’s ideal for your needs.
How to Choose The Best Gaming Console?
There are various gaming consoles out there and more are being developed with attractive features. However, there are certain factors that you must consider when choosing a video game console, and they include:
- Budget: Create a budget that takes into consideration the desired console’s cost, the cost for upgrades, and peripherals.
- Specifications: Consoles offer diverse features, so it’s best to choose one whose offerings closely match your gaming needs.
- Performance: Compare hardware specifications, graphics capabilities, and overall performance of different consoles.
- Game Library: While some games are available on multiple consoles, exclusive titles are tied to a particular console. Hence, assess the available games on each platform and consider exclusive titles that may influence your decision.
5 Best Video Game Consoles of 2024
Every gaming console has its drawbacks and unique features, however, others offer a better feature depending on individual preference. If you are looking for the best video game consoles, here are our best picks.
#1. Sony PlayStation 5
The Sony PlayStation 5 console is one of the most popular and best video game console with a unique AMD APU and 16GB of GDDR6 console memory. Furthermore, the PS5 is popular for its impressive collection of exclusive and third-party titles. It has all of the most popular games, including genres with a lot of action combat. Likewise, you can get ultra-realistic sports simulations, engaging RPGs, and tough action/adventure games.
In addition to games from popular franchises, the PS5 offers very outstanding graphics and sound that teens and adults will appreciate, as well as an ultra-fast SSD for internal storage. Furthermore, those dissatisfied with the console’s 825 GB SSD storage can manually expand it with any off-the-shelf M2 SSD.
#2. Nintendo Switch OLED
The Nintendo Switch OLED is another well-known brand among the most portable video game console. Typically, Nintendo dominates the handheld market, thanks to its global popular appeal, which the Switch OLED model continues to expand upon. It includes major advances over the original Nintendo Switch console while keeping game compatibility with the older console.
Furthermore, the Nintendo Switch OLED has a larger 7-inch OLED screen and doubles the internal storage of the original Nintendo Switch. Similarly, it works well in both docked and handheld modes, providing more power in the former but considerably more flexibility in the latter.
Additionally, the Switch is popular among many gamers, particularly younger players and those wishing to play old or exclusive titles such as Zelda and Mario. Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch lags behind the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, with a quarter of the processing capacity of the two more powerful home consoles. Nonetheless, it compensates for its modest processing power with its adaptability and excellent game collection.
#3. Xbox Series X
The Xbox Series X is one of the most powerful video game console, and it comes in a variety of bundles, including Diablo 4. It includes a larger 1TB SSD with plug-and-play expansion ports, an amazing swift resume feature, and compatibility with the most recent VRR (AMD FreeSync) and HDR technologies (Dolby Vision).
While Microsoft’s Xbox Series X competes with the PS5 and loses ground on select titles, it has more tricks up its sleeve than just brute power. On paper, the Series X is the most powerful console for home gaming, thanks to its 12 TFLOPs of processing power. Interestingly, Xbox Game Pass offerings uphold Microsoft’s promise to deliver all first-party exclusive titles to customers on release day.
#4. Nintendo Switch Lite
The Nintendo Switch Lite is a handheld gaming console released in 2019. It’s a compact, lightweight dedicated gaming device without detachable Joy-Con controllers, designed for portable play. The Lite boasts a 5.5-inch touchscreen, and built-in controls, and is compatible with a large number of Nintendo Switch games that enable handheld mode.
Furthermore, the console itself retains full functionality as a standard Switch, but it does not support docked mode. Meanwhile, not all users enjoy its smaller display, but the higher PPI and denser pixel density result in clearer image quality. These visual enhancements make it a formidable and cost-effective way to access Nintendo’s huge game catalog, which includes well-known brands such as Mario, Zelda, Fire Emblem, and others.
#5. Microsoft Xbox Series S
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly video game console, you should consider the Xbox Series S. The Microsoft Xbox Series S is a gaming console by Microsoft, featuring a compact design and focused on digital content. It provides next-generation performance, with high-quality images of up to 1440p resolution.
Typically, the Xbox Series S is a powerful console in its own right, designed alongside the more powerful Xbox Series X. However, the Xbox Series S has less storage capacity than the Series X, relying on digital downloads and streaming for games. Moreover, it lowers the amount of RAM, storage, and GPU available while still supporting all of the most recent titles.
In addition, the Series S provides excellent value, with a speedy 512GB SSD, a powerful AMD Zen 2-based CPU, and a price tag that is significantly lower than that of its nearest competition.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Video Game Consoles
Which video game console has the best graphics?
The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are the latest consoles with top-notch graphics capabilities.
What is the most successful console?
The PS2 is considered the best-selling video game console with over 158 million units sold worldwide.
Is the PS5 better than the Xbox Series X?
The comparison between the PS5 and Xbox Series X involves various factors, as both consoles offer impressive hardware, similar capabilities, and a rich gaming experience. Hence, the better option depends on your personal preferences, the gaming ecosystem you prefer, and the exclusive titles that appeal to you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, each console carries its drawbacks, and unique identity, featuring a blend of cutting-edge technology, captivating games, and a community of enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer looking for new developments or a novice eager to dive into the fascinating world of gaming, we hope this post helps you make informed decisions.
Editor’s Recommendations
Reference
usnews.com – Best Video Game Consoles
nytimes.com – best game consoles
