There are now so many dissimilar ways to play telecasting game in 2024 that it can be difficult to cognize which gimmick is best for your pauperism . But that ’s where we at Trusted Reviews come in ; we ’ve compiled a list of the good game consoles to highlight the top options we ’ve test .
Not only have we fully critique the most democratic pick from PlayStation , Nintendo and Xbox , but we ’ve also tested legion portable PC , streaming gadgets and retro - inspired handhelds to give you a better understanding of the options at gaming .
Every Cartesian product that we review undergo stern testing , as we evaluate the performance , features , design and plot library . Only the highest - grading gadgets qualify for this guide , so you could be indisputable you ’re only draw the highest quality .
We ’ve let in a variety of option on this lean , each aimed at fulfilling a specific pauperism . So whether you ’re looking for a child - favorable convenience , or the most sinewy console potential , we ’ve have your back .
instead , you could hold back out ourbest gambling laptoplist if you ’d prefer to stick to PC gaming .
Best game consoles at a glance
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How we test
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Every plot console table we critique goes through a series of uniform checks designed to approximate key thing including build quality and performance .
We ’ll make for multiple game on the hardware , while compare the performance to rival console ( and predecessors ) to see whether it ’s worth the investment funds .
We ’ll also evaluate the software , as well as the stemma - up of games when deciding on a final score .
Xbox Series X
Pros
Cons
Sony PS5
Nintendo Switch
Steam Deck OLED
Asus ROG Ally X
Xbox Series S
Nvidia Shield TV (2019)
Nintendo Switch OLED
Nintendo Switch Lite
Playdate
Trusted Score
TheXbox Series Xis one of the best game console we ’ve reviewed . We find oneself it to be vastly powerful , capable of a 4 K output at 120Hz . Console exclusives such asForza Horizon 5andHalo Infiniteparticularly wowed us , while the option for Game Pass provides access to a huge selection of fantastical game for an low-cost monthly fee .
Its internalSSDs allow game to load pretty much instantly , which we found especially useful . examination , Doom Eternal , for instance , the game load up in six seconds , which put it firmly ahead of any other next - gen console .
TheQuick Resumefunction also tolerate for game to be stopped in a suspend state if you decide to give something else . But if you wish to return to your original secret plan , you may pick up properly where you left off .
Whilst we find the Series X to look sleek with its matted black cuticle , it ’s also quite a tall console with a non - descript cuboid shape . It ’s relatively expensive in the earth of console , but if you ’re reckon for the very best gaming experience , then the Xbox Series X is the console to go for .
Reviewer : Matt TateFull review : Xbox Series X Review
The PS5 has been available since 2020 , but it has seen several improvements since then . first of all , Sony has refreshed the design with the newPS5 Slimmodel , which is now the default selection to buy . It ’s also updated the firmware , unlocking newfangled features that were n’t uncommitted at launch .
These tweaks have help establish the PS5 as the leading console choice . It has a hearty selection of undivided title , fantastically herculean with support for the likes of hardware - acceleratedray trace , and a blazing fast SSD that loads up game in a matter of second gear .
The PS5 controller arguably steal the show though , with Adaptive Triggers and Haptic Feedback , which we constitute to increase engrossment within games tenfold . There are a blanket number of appurtenance that can be pair off with the console now too , with thePlayStation Portalallowing you to play remotely and thePlayStation VR 2allowing you to explore incredible virtual worlds .
There ’s also aPS5 Digital Editionavailable for £ 359.99 , although it lacks the ability to play any PS4 or PS5 game that you have on disk – not to name films on Blu - Ray .
reader : Chris SmithFull review : PS5 Review
TheNintendo Switchmay be nearing the end of its life-time cycle , but it still offers splendid value for money if you want the versatility of a home console that you’re able to also take on the go .
We receive it to put up a brilliant user experience , with the ability to fleet between docked and portable play being particularly joyous . The Switch is also being jam - packed full of Graeco-Roman Nintendo titles includingLegend of Zelda : Breath of the Wild , Mario Kart 8 DeluxeandSuper Mario Odyssey .
Nintendo also provides the versatile Joy Con controller , which we found put up an piquant gaming experience with both formal and more motion - ground title such as party biz 1 - 2 - Switch available to get stuck into . They pack in tactile feedback engineering , as well as anNFCreader and a gyroscope , which yield them some serious ability .
All in all , the Nintendo Switch is a shining deterrent example of how to do a intercrossed console table right , and if you ’re after a playfulness and engage gaming experience whether you ’re out or at home , this is a great choice .
Reviewer : Stuart AndrewsFull followup : Nintendo Switch Review
In the last few years , there ’s been a boom in popularity in handheld gambling microcomputer , allowing you to play PC games on the go without the need for an net connection . There are plenty of fantastical scheme in this new class , but our current front-runner is theSteam Deck OLED .
work up upon the fantastic foot of the originalSteam Deck , the new model sees a handful of rise including a bright OLED instrument panel , meliorate battery life , enhanced control and a marginally light pattern . Those upgrades may vocalize minimal on composition , but they result in a far greater experience .
The Steam Deck OLED is n’t the most potent option , with the likes of theAsus ROG AllyandAyaneo 2Sboth bear witness to be loyal . Nevertheless , the Steam Deck OLED can still melt down the immense majority of game at max artwork setting at 720p , and it ’s available at a more affordable price . The SteamOS software is also far more slick than the Windows offering on other portables .
The base Steam Deck is still a great choice for those on a tight budget , but if you want the perfect portmanteau of price , carrying into action , package , invention , projection screen and shelling life , then we estimate there ’s no better selection than the Steam Deck OLED .
referee : Ryan JonesFull review : Steam Deck OLED Review
The Stream Deck OLED is a fantastic portable personal computer that render access to the Steam subroutine library on the go , but it ’s not sodding . It run Linux , for example , so secret plan support ( peculiarly out of doors of Steam ) is very strike - and - lose , and it means that you ca n’t really apply the portable microcomputer for cloud gambling when Wi - Fi is available either .
TheAsus ROG Ally Xfixes most of those consequence , and a whole bunch more . The Windows 11 - fit handheld cabinet allows for easy access to every microcomputer game storefront on Windows , and supports most games without any progeny ( as long as they ’re support by the hardware , anyway ) . It also mean you ’re free to use it for cloud gaming , and with a Thunderbolt 4 port for add-on , you’re able to even use it as a full - fat Windows political machine when connect to an external display .
The ROG Ally X also sport a more hefty chipset than the Steam Deck OLED in the form of the Ryzen Z1 Extreme , coupled with a monumental 24 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage as standard . While that ’s enough to deliver a fluent gaming experience with ultra - level graphics in title of respect like hacker 2077 , it ’s the battery living that stands out most .
With an 80Wh battery that ’s 30Wh bigger than the Steam Deck OLED and one that ’s double the 40Wh of the even Ally , the Ally X has the dear gaming longevity of any handheld we ’ve used so far , hit three hours of Horizon Zero Dawn gameplay with extremist - level graphic enabled , and this also means you could use the soup - up 25W Turbo way for additional performance boosts without worrying too much about stamp battery spirit .
The ROG Ally X may not feature the same high - terminal organic light-emitting diode screen door technical school as the Steam Deck OLED , and at £ 799/$799 , it ’s very much a premium purchase , but the experience on offering is one of few to unfeignedly rival what Valve offers with its Deck .
referee : Lewis PainterFull review : Asus ROG Ally XReview
TheXbox Series Sis the skillful option for multitude who need newfangled - gen gaming at a cut toll .
It may not be as brawny as the Xbox Series X or PS5 , but Microsoft ’s more affordable cabinet is still able of output at 1440p complete with irradiation - trace . We found it to offer some arresting visuals within games , with discriminating images and great inflammation .
With the Xbox Series S come the optional convenience ofXbox Game Passand its Brobdingnagian library of title that give you exigent access to over 100 secret plan for a reasonable monthly monetary value . In improver , its UI is familiar and well-off to navigate .
The console table itself is smaller than the Series X by some way , as well as being observably dinkier than the older Xbox One S , featuring a silklike blank eggshell . With that small height comes the sacrifice of a platter drive , however , so if you want to play games or any other forms of media via a forcible metier , you ’ll have to pick up the more expensive Series X.
In addition , the Series S only features a 500 GB SSD , which is highly restricting , provide you with distance to install only a fistful of games at any one time . you may install more entrepot via a memory plug-in , but that can get pretty expensive .
With that being say , the Xbox Series S is still the best games cabinet available for those on a budget who want to play the latest major biz , as long as you’re able to live with the small storage and lack of a disc drive .
referee : Ryan JonesFull inspection : Xbox Series S Review
TheNvidia Shield TV ( 2019)technically is n’t a game cabinet , but more of a premium Android streaming loge . With a quick download of Nvidia ’s ownGeForce Now , however , the Shield TV transforms into a open cloud gaming system .
With the Shield tv set , you get a few different ways of playing your favourite title , as you could either download Android games onto it to play locally , rain buckets your PC thanks to integration with your Steam and Epic Games library , or utilise a GeForce Now subscription . The latter will grant admittance to some serious PC power for a monthly subscription to play the late AAA secret plan at some seriously gamey configurations .
When laden up the the like of Hitman 2 , for representative , we found the experience on the Shield TV to be especially liquid and fun . Do note though , that the performance of any secret plan on a cloud gaming political program , such as GeForce Now , depends on how right your internet connexion is . As long as it ’s stable and quick , you should get a majuscule play experience .
The real equipment itself sport 4KHDRoutput , complete with the powers of bothDolby VisionandDolby Atmos . You do need a supported presentation and speakers to take vantage of such feature , but then games should look and sound wondrous . With its vamp remote control , you get memory access to Netflix via a consecrated release , as well a raft of other movie and TV streaming avail .
Reviewer : Ryan JonesFull reexamination : Nvidia Shield TV ( 2019 ) Review
TheNintendo throw OLEDis the latest iteration of the business firm ’s brilliant hybrid console , and symbolise a heavy pick for anyone wanting to try out the convenience of a Switch compound with the great power of an OLED control board .
Its screen is an immense rise on the original LCD , even if its solving is cap at 720p . We found it to look bright than the original LCD , with specially bright and lifelike colours . During examination , playact Breath Of The Wild revealed the extra slug of the OLED panel with more elaborated sky and forests , alongside better line when switching between a shadow - laden cave and daylight .
There is n’t too much novel stuff around here internally , as the Switch OLED packs the same power as its older sibling , which ensures a great all - circular performance , peculiarly when used in portable modality . The older internals do lead to a dicier performance in docked modal value when join up to larger displays , with images look perceptibly muzzy . You do get some improved computer storage mental ability here though , which is especially ready to hand for installing more game on the main drive , and Nintendo ’s selection is brilliant , as the Switch OLED works with every single original Switch game , as well as those found on theSwitch Lite .
There has been a lowly redesign , with a new and sturdier kickstand present tense that spans the entire back of the gimmick . We also find the plastics used on this newfangled model to find sturdier than the original , and its speakers sound noticeably well with more volume and elaborated strait . The pier has also been redesigned and features an Ethernet embrasure alongside handy cable channels for those after a cleaner setup .
All in all , the Switch OLED is a utile alternative for those want a Nintendo Switch with a much better OLED video display . Beyond that , it ’s much the same experience as the archetype . For those who want a capable home console table though , you may need to count elsewhere , given the fact there have been no performance upgrades for the Switch organic light-emitting diode .
Reviewer : Ryan JonesFull review : Nintendo Switch OLED Review
TheNintendo Switch Liteis the garish portable cabinet on our tilt , which attain it an ideal pick for those on a budget , as well as for child .
It face particularly vivid and fun , with a funky yellow plastic outer shell . And if this is n’t to your taste , the Switch Lite is uncommitted in a couple of other colours , let in turquoise and grey . This is a much smaller footprint console table than the full - fat Switch , which we get hold made it nicely portable . Its lighter 275 g weighting also made it easy to apply , especially for younger children .
The display on the Switch Lite is a denser 5.5 - inch panel with the same 720p resolution as the master copy . more often than not speaking , you wo n’t be suffer anything in terms of image quality , even with a 0.7 - in reduction in overall sizing .
It ’s deserving noting that the Switch Lite is n’t full compatible with every Switch secret plan , since the Joy - Cons are n’t detachable . This means a blue-ribbon few titles ( such as 1 - 2 - shift ) that ask motion ascendance wo n’t make for , unless you shell out on surplus Joy - Cons . Other than that , the full library is opened to you , meaning all the best Mario , Zelda and Pokemon game are all within reach .
In addition , the console features enough shelling life , ranging from four to seven hour , depending on the game . At the top goal , it means you ’ll get rough a working day ’s worth of playtime out of the Switch Lite before it needs to be charged . If you ’re only play for a couple of hours a day , it ’s likely you could get several day ’ worth of charge out of this short guy cable .
While it may not have detachable Joy - Cons and more or less shorter barrage living than the standard Switch , the Switch Lite is a heavy option for those who want the fundamental principle of Nintendo ’s latest cabinet with a fun gambling experience , complete with a uncompromising and colourful outer shell and a great selection of game .
Reviewer : Jade KingFull review : Nintendo Switch Lite Review
ThePlaydateis the best retro - inspired games cabinet , despite being the most lately - released console on our list .
It ’s a homage to the retro game cabinet of old , with its scandalmongering plastic bod an obvious nod to the iconic original Game Boy . press just 86 g , we found it to be incredibly portable . The Playdate feature just two buttons , a D - pad , as well as a crank on the side that we recover to add an interesting mechanic to the games that support it .
The natural selection of games useable with the Playdate is varied , with there being 24 in total that we find to bid a fun experience , whether it ’s the Asteroids - animate Hyper Meteor , the methamphetamine hydrochloride - driven Crankin ’s Time Travel Adventure , or the side - scrolling detective thriller Saturday Edition . There ’s sure to be a deed that everyone will bask , specially given how catch we found the gameplay to be .
There is also the power to make your own games with the ingenious Playdate Pulp feature , and means anyone ( even those with canonic coding knowledge ) has the potential to make a game .
The only major issue we had with the Playdate was its showing . While its dinky 2.7 - inch screen is absolutely serviceable for the most part , the fact there is n’t a backlight means you ca n’t really make use of the console if you ’re diddle in the darkness . While the Playdate is a big retro - inspire console , the lack of a backlight does feel like it brings the older experience a little bit too close to home at times .
commentator : Thomas DeehanFull review : Playdate reexamination
Test Data
Full Specs
The Nintendo Switch arguably has the best library of family - friendly games , with the like of Mario Party and Mario Kart available . Although the Xbox Series S is a dependable choice too , since it ’s available at a low price and can be paired with Game Pass to access a large library of games .
