Top 5 games consoles

While Joy-Cons will attach, the screen is a bit too small to play properly. The Switch Lite is for those who aren't particularly fussed by the Switch's docked mode and would rather take their games on the go. The smaller screen makes for more comfortable portable play. Like the Nintendo Switch, you may need separate microSD card for this console at some point as its internal memory is restrictive. Buy this if you want: A more portable, comfortable alternative to the Nintendo Switch.

This is our full Nintendo Switch Lite review. We also have a list of the best Nintendo Switch games the console has to offer - though some may not be compatible with the Lite. Interested in the handheld? Check out the cheapest Nintendo Switch Lite prices and bundle deals. But the Nintendo Switch is also a fantastic games console for those who want the option to take their games on the go.

The next big console release will be the Steam Deck , which releases in December. Vic is TechRadar's Gaming Editor. You may have even heard her on the radio or speaking on a panel. Not only is Vic passionate about games, but she's also an avid mental health advocate who has appeared on both panels and podcasts to discuss mental health awareness.

Make sure to follow her on Twitter for more. North America. Included in this guide: 1. Looking for the best games console of ? PlayStation 5.

GPU: Usable storage: IO throughput: 5. PlayStation 4 Pro. Specifications Dimensions: GPU: 4. Max Resolution: p. Storage: 1TB expandable. PlayStation 4. Specifications Dimensions: 11 x 10 x 1.

GPU: 1. Storage: GB or 1TB expandable. Xbox Series X. Specifications CPU: 8x Cores 3. Die Size: Process: 7nm Enhanced. External Storage: USB 3. Xbox Series S. Specifications CPU: 8-core 3.

GPU: 4 teraflops at 1. Frame rate: Up to fps. Resolution: p with 4K upscaling. Optical: No disk drive. Usable storage space: GB. Xbox One S.

Max Resolution: p max p for video. Reasons to avoid - Not many great first-party exclusives - Upscaling isn't very refined. Specifications Dimensions: 4 x 9. Max Resolution: docked p, undocked p. Usually, they don't have as good graphics because the Switch isn't as powerful as Microsoft and Sony's systems.

However, Nintendo produces some of the best system-exclusive games, so if you're a huge Mario, Zelda, or Metroid fan, the Switch is the only console where you'll find those. You can do more than just play games on a console. These robust devices can provide a whole suite of functions to make them an all-in-one entertainment device. Sony and Microsoft's consoles are also equipped with Blu-ray drives that will allow you to watch standard Blu-ray movies.

If you're looking for something a little more cutting edge when it comes to media playback, you'll want to get an Xbox One S or Xbox One X. Both of these consoles have 4K Blu-ray players built in, which will allow you to watch movies in stunning quality.

The Nintendo Switch, unfortunately, doesn't have much in the way of non-gaming activities. The Switch also lacks an optical drive, so there's no watching your Blu-rays or DVDs with that console. In days past, each video game console had its own architecture.

This means that each one was designed from the ground up with custom sets of instructions that did not work with any other machines. That's all changed in the latest console generation.

They use the same x CPU instruction set that your Windows, Linux, or Mac computer does, and that makes it easier for game developers to get their products to run on PC and console.

The Nintendo Switch is a bit different. It uses the ARM instruction set, which is the same as the one your phone or streaming box is designed around. It's not too hard for developers to port a game from x86 to ARM, but because the Switch is a bit different, you'll likely see some games come out for it a little later than they did on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.

Buying a video game console is a significant purchase, so it's good to have an idea of when it'll be obsolete. Consoles, unfortunately, aren't like toaster ovens. As the years pass, technology improves and becomes cheaper, and eventually, your console will become outdated.

Many systems on the market right now are considered to be part of the ninth generation of video game consoles. The eighth-generation consoles were on the market from until late , and that's about a typical timeframe. Consoles usually have a lifespan of around seven years before the next model is released. If someone offers you one, and they're not close friends or family, then odds are it's stolen or broken. It's possible that you can get a used model of the older models in the upper end of this price range.

If buying used, always make sure you see the console tested with an actual game on disc before you buy it. This will show you that it can power on, play games, and that the disc drive isn't bad.

Why should I buy a console instead of a PC? This is an age-old question that really comes down to a matter of preference.

With a PC you get the freedom to spend as little or as much as you want on gaming performance. You'll also have access to a broader gaming library since PC games from as far back as the seventies can still work on today's computers. However, the initial cost of a PC is higher than that of a console, and dealing with drivers and tweaking settings might not be for everyone. If you want a more personalized gaming experience, you might want to look into a PC. If you want something that just plugs in and works, go for a console.

What kind of input ports do I need to have on my TV to play a current-gen console? The only port you need to connect any of the current consoles is an HDMI port. That will provide all you need for gameplay in p. You'll have to refer to your user manual to make sure you've got your console connected to the correct input. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.

We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. The new Switch has excellent controllers and a constantly growing library of fun games with iconic characters.

The new model's tabletop stand has improved, too. The gadget also comes with a vast selection of accessories. Users can easily expand their collection by purchasing the hottest titles via the Stadia store. Best of all, they can also access Google Stadia on their phone , laptop , or tablet while away from their TV. It's powered by Google Assistant, and can also serve as a superb 4K media player.

Launched alongside the mighty Xbox Series X, the reasonably priced Xbox Series S is our favorite entry-level gaming console by Microsoft. The elegant console is capable of delivering HDR-enhanced gameplay in high resolution, with stellar graphics. The Xbox Series S ships with a redesigned gaming controller, and like the pricier Xbox Series X, the Series S is also compatible with an external keyboard and mouse, making for comfortable gaming.

Note though, that the console lacks a disc drive. It also ships with less onboard memory than the Series X. For handheld gaming on the go, there's no better option than the Nintendo Switch Lite.

It is the more compact variant of the Nintendo Switch with a much lower price tag. Available in several eye-catching colors yellow, turquoise, blue, and gray , the Lite looks even more adorable.

We only wish it had a bigger and more vibrant display. It also allows iPhone and iPad users to game on a larger screen via AirPlay connectivity. There are plenty of cool titles to choose from in the App Store, too. It can deliver high-quality content from all major streaming services. Gift Ideas. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Courtesy Xbox. Gaming Performance In terms of actual gaming performance, you should know that the latest PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles are head and shoulders above their rivals.

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