Best game consoles: which should you buy?
PlayStation vs Xbox is an age-old rivalry, with each fleet of consoles battling it out to offer the best gaming experience. And while Nintendo sits in its own territory, their latest handheld release is more convincing than ever as a home console. There are no clear winners, as every pick is a good one. Compare features and find out which is the best console for you.
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Xbox Series X
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Xbox Series X is a big step up in performance from the previous gen Xbox One. If you want top end power, resolution and loading speed for demanding games, the price is hard to beat. It’s designed for native 4K gaming and high frame rates with 12 teraflops of computational power to play with, all while staying quiet in the background. Play legendary titles from the Xbox 360 era with backward compatibility and a built-in disc drive to explore thousands of old games. Plus, Xbox Game Pass offers day one access to many new releases included in your online subscription. Xbox Series X/S can even run emulators of other ‘retro’ consoles such as PS2, GameCube, and Wii.
GPU: Custom AMD RDNA 2, 12 TFLOPs, 52 compute units @ 1.825GHz
CPU: 8-core AMD Zen 2 @ 3.8GHz
Storage: 1-2TB NVMe SSD, external storage expansion
Resolution: Native 4K, Support up to 8K High Dynamic Range
Frame Rates: 60fps standard, up to 120fps in supported titles
Ray Tracing: Hardware-accelerated
Dimensions (Digital Edition): 15.1cm x 15.1cm x 30.1cm (5.9 x 5.9 x 11.9 in), 9.8lbs
Xbox Series X is designed for native 4K gaming at up to 120 FPS, while the Series S targets 1080p/1440p resolution. The difference in smoothness and graphic detail shines through on the most demanding games, but not so much on older games and titles that don’t support 4K. Series X leaves the last-gen Xbox One in the dust, which struggles to keep up with many of the latest games accessible through Xbox Cloud gaming.
Xbox Series S is the more affordable current-gen model and a smaller console, but it’s all-digital with limited internal storage. So, Series X is the safe choice if you want more headroom to play lots of games and epic open-world adventures without relying on storage expansion. Plus, it’s a no brainer for collectors of physical game and Blue-ray movie catalogues.
Xbox blends blockbuster franchises with deep RPGs, racers, and a growing catalogue of studio-driven titles. Many are available day one on Game Pass, so you can start playing within minutes.
Top games include Call of Duty, EA Sports FC, Fortnite, GTA V, Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, Red Dead Redemption 2, Assassin’s Creed series, Minecraft, Rocket League, The Witcher 3, Baldur’s Gate 3, Diablo IV, Apex Legends, Rainbow Six Siege, Destiny 2, Age of Empires, and Fable (autumn 2026).
Exclusives include Halo series, Forza Motorsport, Starfield, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Avowed, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Gears 5, State of Decay 2, Grounded, Sea of Thieves, Killer Instinct, and Rare Replay.
The latest Xbox controller is refined to be the ultimate blend of comfort and playability. It’s hard to beat for those long gaming sessions into the night, making it a great universal controller that’s compatible across many devices. It includes the usual sticks, triggers, bumpers, D pad and action buttons.
Most buttons can be remapped using the Xbox accessories app. The ‘dedicated share’ button is a content creator’s dream, although not unique to Xbox. Capture 4K screenshots and video recordings of your gameplay in an instant so you never miss the moment.
The Xbox Elite Series 2 controller is even more versatile to map for competitive gaming. Everything down to Impulse Triggers and rumble motors can be adjusted on the app.
Microsoft’s Xbox ecosystem is well positioned to be the leader in cross-platform play. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which includes Xbox Cloud Gaming, marks a promising start for an Xbox experience to play anyone, anywhere. The focus on online subscriptions has created an engaged multiplayer community that attracts casual gamers.
Enjoy regular day-one releases, ideal for those looking to fall in love with new games that are playable on console or PC. This includes major franchises like Call of Duty. Game Pass is a subscription service that unlocks more than online membership, you’ll access a huge library of downloadable games at no extra cost.
Cloud Gaming goes even further. Stream games directly on your phone using the Xbox app on Android and iOS, or through a supported web browser without your console. Switch between your phone, tablet, PC, smart TV, or even select VR headsets. Play with an Xbox controller or touch controls on supported games.
Plus, Xbox Series X doubles up as a great multimedia device, offering a large library of streaming apps and supports features like Dolby Vision and Atmos for some of the best streaming on a console.
PlayStation 5 Pro
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PlayStation 5 Pro is the ultimate console, released by Sony. It’s aimed at players who want the best visuals and smoothest performance, featuring higher frames, and 8K support using PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) Upscaling. Plus, you can enhance details for PS4 games. The improved graphics and gameplay are ideal if you have a TV setup and games that support the extra power. Even more impressive, it’s lighter and compact for tight spaces and travel. You’ll sacrifice the disc drive for these perks but the whopping 2TB internal storage easily covers you for space, more than double other models.
CPU: 8 core / 16 thread AMD Zen 2
GPU: Upgraded 16.7 TFLOPS, AMD RDNA-based GPU (~45% faster rendering than PS5)
Memory/RAM: 16GB GDDR6 / 2GB DDR5
Dimensions: 388 x 89 x 216mm (15.2 x 3.5 x 8.5in)
Storage: 2TB high-speed SSD, M.2 NVMe SSD slot, external storage via USB
Resolution Target: Enhanced 4K with AI upscaling (PSSR) support for 8K
Frame Rates: Higher and more stable up to 120 FPS
Ray Tracing: Significantly improved vs base PS5
Connectivity & Ports: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.1, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x Ethernet, 2 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A
The PS5 Pro is undeniably powerful, but for everyday gaming the base PlayStation 5, PS5 Digital Edition and PS5 Slim models are nearly as good. Many third-party games don’t support 8K and aren’t optimised to get the best out of the extra performance. Still, the Pro comes with unbeatable storage that gives it an edge for gamers with big game libraries.
If you’re on a budget, the regular PS5 Digital Edition is great value for money. Like the Pro, it’s more compact and lighter without a disc drive, but offers the same performance as the original. The PS5 Slim takes portability even further, featuring a 30% reduction in volume and up to 24% lighter weight compared to the base model. Both have disc editions, which is an advantage over the PS5 Pro. However, you can always add a disc drive to the Pro separately.
PlayStation is known for cinematic single-player adventures, action games, and polished storytelling experiences. Sony’s impressive catalogue of first party games is where the PS5 Pro’s high fidelity really shines compared to other consoles.
Top games include Call of Duty, EA Sports FC, Fortnite, GTA V, Elden Ring, Hogwarts Legacy, Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin’s Creed series, Minecraft, Rocket League, Resident Evil series, Baldur’s Gate 3, Diablo IV, Street Fighter 6, and Apex Legends, Silent Hill, and Metal Gear Solid.
Exclusives include Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, The Last of Us, Ghost of Tsushima, Horizon Forbidden West, Gran Turismo 7, Uncharted, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Demon’s Souls, Returnal, Bloodborne, Journey, Shadow of the Colossus, Astro Bot, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, Infamous: Second Son, Until Dawn, Concrete Genie, and LittleBigPlanet.
The DualSense PS5 controller is like no other. Rich in features, immersive in gameplay. Haptic feedback simulates environmental textures and actions, and adaptive triggers (L2/R2) that provide dynamic resistance based on your actions. Imagine feeling the tension of tugging on a bowstring or the recoil of a gun vibrating through your fingers. This realism enhances the experience and pulls you into the story.
While some players struggle with the ergonomics of a PlayStation controller, it’s a top pick for features. This is particularly true of the DualSense Edge, which includes customisable controls to fit your playstyle, whether it’s the sensitivity on the analogue sticks or remapping buttons.
PlayStation Plus is Sony’s membership that combines online multiplayer, monthly games, and a library of downloadable titles. All plans include online play, a few games to claim each month, and store discounts, giving regular players ongoing value.
There are three tiers. Essential covers online play and monthly games. Extra adds a large catalogue of PS4 and PS5 games to download. Premium includes all that plus cloud streaming (where available), game trials, and a selection of classics. Essential suits players who just want online access, Extra is great for variety, and Premium is for those who want the most choice.
Nintendo Switch 2
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Nintendo Switch 2 does things differently. The handheld console is a perfect choice for both kids for adults looking for vibrant cartoon style aesthetics. Nothing captures nostalgia like Nintendo. It’s for players who want flexibility, local multiplayer, and timeless games you can’t get anywhere else. Play on the go or kick your feet up at home connected to a TV for the full console experience. Switch 2 is made for sharing. Detachable Joy-Con controllers allow family and friends to jump in together for multiplayer fun.
Processor: Custom Nvidia chipset, 12GB LPDDR5X RAM
Screen: 7.9-inch LCD screen, 120Hz refresh rate, and Variable Refresh Rate
Resolution: Up to 4K when docked
Frame Rates: 60-120 FPS
Storage: 256 GB of internal storage, expandable storage via Micro SD Express card
Nintendo Switch 2 is a big upgrade from the original Switch. It benefits from far more computational power, sharper graphics and smooth gameplay up to 4K. It’s much more futureproof with a much-needed storage jump from up to 64GB to 256GB. And when it comes to gaming for families, the latest generation of Joy-Con 2 controllers makes joining in easy for everyone.
The first Switch still benefits from a wider range of models, including the Switch Lite and Switch OLED. In particular, the OLED display version beats the Switch 2’s LCD display quality with a blend of deep blacks and vivid colours that pop. Plus, it’s efficient for battery life so can last longer than the latest handheld console, which drains power faster.
Top games include Minecraft, Fortnite, Rocket League, EA Sports FC, Among Us, The Witcher 3, Hogwarts Legacy, Cyberpunk 2077, Stardew Valley, Hades, Hollow Knight, Dead Cells, Monster Hunter Rise, Cuphead, and Overcooked.
Exclusives include The Legend of Zelda series, Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Pokémon Scarlet, Pokémon Violet, Metroid Dread, Splatoon 3, Luigi’s Mansion 3, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Xenoblade Chronicles series, Pikmin 4, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Bayonetta series, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, and WarioWare.
The Joy-Con controllers allow instant local multiplayer, motion controls, and flexible play styles. Whether docked to a TV or used handheld, the Switch 2 is designed for shared gaming experiences, making it ideal for families and social play.
Nintendo Switch Online - provides online multiplayer, cloud saves, and access to classic retro libraries. While less robust than Xbox or PlayStation services, it’s inexpensive and complements Nintendo’s focus on local and offline play.
Can’t decide which console to choose? Head down to Virgin Media O2 Gamepad in The O2, London, to test them in a gamer’s paradise. O2 Priority members get VIP access to our exclusive gaming experience in The Cave.
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Resolution
Resolution is all about how sharp your games look. Higher resolution means more pixels, which means more detail on screen. If you’ve ever upgraded from HD to 4K TV, you’ll know the difference can be noticeable, especially on bigger screens.
4K makes landscapes look richer, text sharper, and characters more detailed in games. Story-driven games and big open worlds benefit the most because there’s more to take in visually. But if you’re sitting far from your TV or using a smaller screen, the difference shrinks. Native 4K uses 4K pixel count as the original resolution, which can be different to 4K support that uses upscaling to stretch lower resolution images.
If you mainly play Fortnite, Minecraft, or sports games, resolution probably isn’t your top priority. Smooth gameplay often matters more than extra pixels.
Frame Rate
Frame rate controls how smooth a game feels. Think of it like flipping through a book — the more pages per second, the smoother the motion. At 30fps, games feel fine. At 60fps, they feel slick. At 120fps, they feel ultra-responsive.
Fast-paced games benefit most. Shooters, racers, and sports titles feel more precise at higher frame rates, which can even give competitive players a small edge. Movements look cleaner and controls feel snappier.
If you mostly play slower games such as RPGs, strategy, and life sims, you may not notice much difference. Many players happily game at 30–60fps without a second thought.
Ray Tracing
Ray tracing is about realistic lighting. It simulates how light behaves in the real world, bouncing off surfaces, casting natural shadows, and creating reflections.
In the right game, it can look stunning. Car paint reflects city lights. Water mirrors the world around it. Rooms glow more naturally. It adds atmosphere and realism.
But during fast gameplay, many people barely notice it. Some games even switch it off to keep performance smooth. It’s more of a “wow” feature than a must-have.
If you love cinematic experiences and graphics showcases, you’ll appreciate it. If you just want fun gameplay, you won’t miss it.
SSD and Load Times
This is one feature almost everyone appreciates. SSDs make loading screens dramatically shorter. Fast travel in big games takes seconds instead of minutes. Booting a game feels near-instant.
Storage capacity changes how games are designed. Developers can build bigger worlds because they know the console can load data quickly.
If you play large games like open-world adventures or regularly jump between titles, this makes gaming feel smoother and more modern. More storage is required to hold your ever-expanding world – think about games like GTA that can span a decade.
Even casual players benefit here. No one enjoys staring at loading bars. But if you play a handful of favourites on repeat, it’s unlikely that you’ll need to buy the largest storage option.
Storage Size and Expansion
Game sizes have grown a lot. It’s normal for a modern game to take 80–150GB. That means storage fills up faster than many buyers expect. More storage is required to hold ever-expanding worlds – think about DLCs and games like GTA that can span a decade.
If you download lots of games or use subscriptions like Game Pass or PS Plus, you’ll likely juggle installs unless you expand storage. Some consoles make upgrades easy; others use special expansion cards.
Players who stick to two or three main games may never feel squeezed. But variety gamers usually do and benefit from bigger storage options, which tend to be on the high-end models.
Online Services and Subscriptions
Online services do more than enable multiplayer. They often include big game libraries, discounts, and monthly titles. For some players, they’re the best value in gaming.
Subscriptions are great if you like trying new games without buying each one. They suit players who bounce between genres or don’t want to commit £60–£70 per game.
But if you mostly play one or two favourites (like EA Sports FC or Call of Duty), you may not use the extra perks much, so PlayStation Plus or a lower tier Xbox subscription could be the better choice.
Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming lets you stream games like Netflix instead of installing them. It’s handy for trying games quickly or playing on different devices around the house.
A strong internet connection is key. With slow broadband, you may notice lag or reduced quality. With fast fibre, it can feel surprisingly smooth.
It’s not a replacement for traditional gaming yet, but it’s a nice extra. Great for sampling games or gaming without downloads.
Controller Features
Controllers now do more than basic rumble. Some offer detailed haptic feedback, motion controls, or adaptive triggers that change resistance. These features can add immersion, like feeling tension when drawing a bow.
They rarely change how well you play, but they can make games feel more engaging. For kids and families, motion controls can be especially fun.
Accessibility features also matter here. Customisable buttons, remapping, and adaptive hardware help more people enjoy gaming comfortably.
Backward Compatibility
When the latest console plays games from previous generations, it expands your library to explore many classics that you never played or want to revisit.
PlayStation prefers to refresh and release digital versions of old games. Backward compatibility works for PS4 games, a great era for game titles but misses many of the true fan favourites from PS2 and PS3.
Xbox offers the best backward compatibility. If you have a disc drive, second hand games are often more affordable than digital downloads so you can get great value out of this feature on your console.
Gaming Console Accessories
Extra Controller
An extra controller instantly unlocks local multiplayer and is handy when one runs out of battery. Perfect for sports games, party games, and couch co-op. For many households, this becomes essential faster than expected.
Charging Dock / Battery Pack
Charging docks keep controllers powered and organised. Rechargeable packs save money on disposable batteries and ensure you’re always ready to play. A small upgrade that removes a common frustration.
Gaming Headset
A headset improves immersion and makes online chat clearer. It’s also useful in shared homes where loud TV audio isn’t ideal. Even mid-range headsets offer a big upgrade over TV speakers.
Performance Upgrades
Elite Controller
Pro controllers offer remappable buttons, premium materials, and adjustable triggers. They’re built for precision and comfort, especially in competitive games. Not essential, but a real upgrade for serious players.
Gaming Monitor
A gaming monitor can deliver smoother visuals and lower input lag than many TVs. High refresh rates (120Hz+) help fast-paced games feel more responsive. A strong choice for performance-focused setups.
Media Remote
A media remote makes streaming and Blu-ray control simpler than using a controller. Ideal if your console doubles as your Netflix and Disney+ hub. Affordable and convenient.
Comfort & Setup
Gaming Chair
A supportive chair helps during long sessions. Good posture and cushioning reduce fatigue over time. While any comfy seat works, gaming chairs add adjustability and ergonomic support.
Camera / Streaming Gear
Cameras and mics are useful for streaming or video chat. Not needed for most players, but great for sharing gameplay online. A fun add-on for creative gamers.
Storage Expansion
Modern games are huge, and storage fills quickly. Extra storage means fewer deletes and reinstalls. Ideal for digital buyers or anyone using game subscription libraries.
