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BEST VIDEO GAME CONSOLES OF 2026

Updated
Updated
BEST OF THE BEST
Sony PlayStation 5
Sony
PlayStation 5
Next-Gen Gaming Powerhouse
The PlayStation 5 offers groundbreaking performance with lightning-fast load times, stunning visuals, and an incredible game library. It’s the ultimate console for hardcore gamers.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Exceptional performance
  • Stunning graphics
  • Innovative controller
  • Exclusive game library
  • Backward compatibility
CONS
  • Large and heavy
  • High demand, limited stock
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
Microsoft Xbox Series S
Microsoft
Xbox Series S
Compact Gaming Excellence
The Xbox Series S is a compact yet powerful console, offering next-gen performance at an affordable price. Ideal for gamers with limited space.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Affordable price
  • Quick load times
  • Smooth gameplay
  • Compact design
  • Access to Xbox Game Pass
CONS
  • Limited storage
  • No disc drive
Nintendo Switch OLED
Nintendo
Switch OLED
Handheld Gaming Revolution
Offers enhanced visuals and a larger screen, perfect for handheld and docked gaming experiences.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Vibrant OLED screen
  • Improved audio
  • Versatile play modes
  • Increased storage
  • Extensive game library
CONS
  • Still uses Joy-Con
  • Battery life varies
Valve Steam Deck
Valve
Steam Deck
Ultimate Portable Gaming
The Steam Deck is a powerful handheld gaming PC, offering access to your entire Steam library on the go.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • High performance
  • Portable design
  • Access to Steam library
  • Customizable interface
  • Expandable storage options
CONS
  • Bulky for a handheld
  • Battery life depends on usage
Analogue Pocket
Analogue
Pocket
Retro Gaming Bliss
Premium handheld console, perfect for playing classic Game Boy, GBA, and other retro games.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • High-resolution screen
  • Wide retro cartridge support
  • Music creation tools
  • Accurate gameplay
  • Premium build quality
CONS
  • Expensive
  • Limited to retro games
BEST OF THE BEST
Sony PlayStation 5
Next-Gen Gaming Powerhouse
CPU: 8x Zen 2 Cores at 3.5GHz
GPU: 10.28 TFLOPs, 36 CUs at 2.23GHz
Memory: 16GB GDDR6
Storage: 825GB SSD
Output: HDMI 2.1

The PlayStation 5 is Sony's flagship console, designed to provide an unparalleled gaming experience. With its custom SSD and integrated I/O, it drastically reduces load times, letting you dive into your favorite games almost instantly.

The DualSense controller introduces haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, adding a new layer of immersion. The PS5's powerful hardware supports ray tracing, 4K resolution at high frame rates, and 3D Audio, ensuring games look and sound better than ever.

A wide range of exclusive titles and backward compatibility with PS4 games make it a must-have for any serious gamer.

PROS
  • Exceptional performance
  • Stunning graphics
  • Innovative controller
  • Exclusive game library
  • Backward compatibility
CONS
  • Large and heavy
  • High demand, limited stock
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
Microsoft Xbox Series S
Compact Gaming Excellence
CPU: 8x Zen 2 Cores at 3.6GHz
GPU: 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs at 1.565GHz
Memory: 10GB GDDR6
Storage: 512GB SSD
Output: HDMI 2.1

The Xbox Series S is designed to deliver next-gen gaming in a more compact and affordable form. It features a custom NVMe SSD for quick load times and seamless game switching. Though it lacks a disc drive, it provides access to a vast digital library and Xbox Game Pass, offering hundreds of games.

The Series S supports up to 1440p resolution and 120 FPS gameplay, delivering smooth and detailed visuals. It also includes ray tracing and variable rate shading for enhanced graphics performance. Its small size makes it a perfect fit for any gaming setup.

PROS
  • Affordable price
  • Quick load times
  • Smooth gameplay
  • Compact design
  • Access to Xbox Game Pass
CONS
  • Limited storage
  • No disc drive
Nintendo Switch OLED
Handheld Gaming Revolution
CPU/GPU: NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor
Screen: 7-inch OLED multi-touch
Resolution: 1280x720 (handheld), 1920x1080 (docked)
Storage: 64GB internal
Battery: Approximately 4.5-9 hours

The Nintendo Switch OLED model introduces a vibrant 7-inch OLED screen, providing richer colors and deeper contrasts for a more immersive handheld gaming experience. It retains the versatility of the original Switch, allowing you to play in handheld, tabletop, or docked modes.

The enhanced audio, adjustable stand, and 64GB of internal storage make it an excellent upgrade for both new and existing Switch owners. It supports a wide array of exclusive titles and multiplayer games, ensuring endless hours of fun for players of all ages.

PROS
  • Vibrant OLED screen
  • Improved audio
  • Versatile play modes
  • Increased storage
  • Extensive game library
CONS
  • Still uses Joy-Con
  • Battery life varies
Valve Steam Deck
Ultimate Portable Gaming
CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz
GPU: 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.0-1.6GHz
Memory: 16GB LPDDR5
Storage: 64GB eMMC, 256GB NVMe SSD, or 512GB high-speed NVMe SSD
Screen: 7-inch LCD, 1280x800

The Valve Steam Deck is a portable powerhouse designed to bring PC gaming to your fingertips. Featuring a custom AMD APU, it delivers impressive performance for a handheld device, allowing you to play even the most demanding games from your Steam library.

The 7-inch touchscreen, ergonomic controls, and customizable interface make it a joy to use. With options for 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB of storage, there's a model to suit various needs. The Steam Deck also supports external peripherals and displays, letting you use it as a mini PC.

It's an excellent choice for gamers who want the freedom to play their favorite titles anywhere.

PROS
  • High performance
  • Portable design
  • Access to Steam library
  • Customizable interface
  • Expandable storage options
CONS
  • Bulky for a handheld
  • Battery life depends on usage
Analogue Pocket
Retro Gaming Bliss
Screen: 3.5-inch LCD, 1600x1440
Resolution: 615ppi
Battery: 4300mAh rechargeable lithium-ion
Connectivity: USB-C, microSD
Compatibility: Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, and more via adapters

The Analogue Pocket is a sleek, modern handheld console designed for retro gaming enthusiasts. It features a stunning 3.5-inch LCD screen with a 1600x1440 resolution, providing crystal-clear visuals for your favorite classic games.

Compatible with Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges, it also supports other systems via adapters. The Pocket includes a comprehensive music synthesizer and sequencer called Nanoloop, allowing you to create chiptune music.

With its FPGA hardware, it ensures accurate, lag-free gameplay. The Analogue Pocket is ideal for gamers who cherish the nostalgia of classic handheld games.

PROS
  • High-resolution screen
  • Wide retro cartridge support
  • Music creation tools
  • Accurate gameplay
  • Premium build quality
CONS
  • Expensive
  • Limited to retro games

How our picks compare

SpecificationSony PlayStation 5Microsoft Xbox Series SNintendo Switch OLEDValve Steam DeckAnalogue Pocket
CPU8x Zen 2 Cores at 3.5GHz8x Zen 2 Cores at 3.6GHz-Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz-
GPU10.28 TFLOPs, 36 CUs at 2.23GHz4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs at 1.565GHz-8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.0-1.6GHz-
Memory16GB GDDR610GB GDDR6-16GB LPDDR5-
Storage825GB SSD512GB SSD64GB internal64GB eMMC, 256GB NVMe SSD, or 512GB high-speed NVMe SSD-
OutputHDMI 2.1HDMI 2.1---
CPU/GPU--NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor--
Screen--7-inch OLED multi-touch7-inch LCD, 1280x8003.5-inch LCD, 1600x1440
Resolution--1280x720 (handheld), 1920x1080 (docked)-615ppi
Battery--Approximately 4.5-9 hours-4300mAh rechargeable lithium-ion
Connectivity----USB-C, microSD
Compatibility----Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, and more via adapters