The Best Game Consoles of 2024

Written by
Alex Kane, senior editor, games journalist, and storyteller with 13 years’ experience.
Joanna Nelius, senior editor and E Ink enthusiast with 5+ years experience testing PC hardware and laptops.

Updated February 8, 2024

When shopping for a new game console, the first question to ask yourself is what games you want to play on it. Are you invested in the Mario, Pokémon, or Zelda franchises? Do you need hardware that can play UHD Blu-rays or stream 4K video and support Dolby Vision? Are you just looking for an all-in-one entertainment system without any bells or whistles, or a portable gaming PC? What about online games? And don't forget to consider the price tag.

It’s easier than ever to find a great gaming system. But the types of games you play and who you play them with makes a big difference when you’re shopping. The good news is that the best consoles are available to buy right now after years of shortages.

Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Series S are both great entry points into the Xbox Game Pass ecosystem and console market in general. Game Pass gives you access to hundreds of great games for the price of one monthly subscription. And Xbox offers a ton of cross-generation compatibility in terms of games as well as accessories like controllers, headsets, and monitors.

Sony’s PlayStation 5, meanwhile, delivers some of the best games in the industry—the Insomniac Spider-Man series, God of War, and more. The Nintendo Switch has plenty to offer both casual gamers and hardcore players: handheld gaming, flexibility and portability, and lots of fun, family-friendly exclusive games. Each of the big three is a great choice.

With years of hands-on experience, we feel more than confident in calling these the best game consoles you can buy right now.

Nintendo Switch OLED

• Outputs to your TV in 1080p or plays as a handheld system at 720p
• 7-inch OLED handheld touchscreen
• 64 GB of internal storage
• Adjustable stand for a wide variety of viewing angles
• Online and local multiplayer, plus wireless system link

Nintendo’s flagship console got some important quality-of-life upgrades with the arrival of the Switch OLED model. Available in a stylish white-and-black design or red-and-blue “neon” version, it offers a seven-inch OLED screen in handheld mode, along with 64 GB of storage—double that of the original Nintendo Switch.

The catalog of games is superb, ranging from the 2017 Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to the near-perfect Super Mario 3D World remaster.

Another big selling point for the hardware continues to be its playful versatility: You can play it on the go as a handheld by taking it off the dock.

You can play it on your television with a controller; you can share one of your Joy-Con with a friend and enjoy hassle-free “couch co-op” in games like Mario Kart and so on. You can also use the built-in stand to prop it up for use as a shared screen when you’re playing multiplayer away from your TV.

Every Switch available is at risk of developing the same “Joy-Con drift” problem, but Nintendo has promised free repairs for Joy-Con controllers that stop working properly and you can even upgrade them yourself. Having a Joy-Con fail certainly isn’t ideal, but it’s a risk worth taking for a console with exclusives like Super Mario Wonder, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

If you just want a great video game console, and you aren’t too fussed about having it hit specific performance benchmarks or serving as a be-all-end-all entertainment system, the Nintendo Switch OLED model is a perfect choice.

It offers all kinds of unforgettable gaming experiences, from single-player adventures and RPGs to Mario Kart to unique multiplayer titles like Splatoon 3 and Nintendo Switch Sports. Unless your kid wants to play Spider-Man 2, Elden Ring, or Destiny 2, the Switch is hard to beat.

Read our full review of the Nintendo Switch OLED.

Pros

• Incredible games catalog

• Playful, ingenious design

• 7-inch handheld screen

Cons

• Thumbstick drift is common

• Lacks 4K output

Buy now at Amazon

$349.99 from Target

$349.99 from Best Buy

$308.99 from Walmart

Xbox Series X

• Native 4K output with a full library of 60 fps and 120 fps games
• Best-in-class accessibility and accessory customization
• 1 TB SSD for internal storage
• 4K UHD disc player and robust backward compatibility
• Online and local multiplayer

The Xbox Series X is the console I use the most in my free time at home. Its social features, multiplayer systems, and game selection are great for a wide range of players—though it may seem more appropriate for teens and adults compared to the all-ages appeal of the Switch.

The two newest Xbox consoles look great in any living room, have the biggest library of games available on any one system, and work great with all your favorite streaming services, Blu-rays, and a wide variety of entertainment apps. If you haven’t owned a Microsoft console since the Xbox 360 days, they’ve come a long way in terms of both power and dependability.

If you want maximum value, Xbox has that. If you want performance, the Xbox wins that one nine times out of ten. If you want to play new multiplayer games with friends online, and you don’t want to fool around with a big expensive gaming PC, the Xbox is probably your ticket. It doesn’t have Zelda or God of War, but it’ll make you a very satisfied customer.

Read our full review of the Xbox Series X.

Pros

• Incredibly powerful tech

• Hugely improved load times

• Future proof

Cons

• Absolutely massive

• Needs more default storage space

Buy now at Amazon

$499.99 from Best Buy

$448.95 from Walmart

$449.99 from Target

Sony PlayStation 5

• Native 4K output with support for up to 120 fps
• 4K UHD disc player and immersive controller haptics
• 825 GB SSD for internal storage
• Enhanced compatibility with loads of PS4 and VR titles
• Online and local multiplayer

The Sony PlayStation 5 is the console of choice for many people who prefer single-player, cinematic games. If you’re looking for a good story and some peace of quiet to yourself, chances are you’ll love the PS5. It’s a significant upgrade from the PS4 Pro, it comes with a 4K UHD disc drive, the haptics built into the DualSense controller make for next-level immersion, and the games are great.

It doesn’t have quite the games library that the Xbox and Switch have as of yet, but when you add in the PS4 titles that are compatible with it, there’s still a lot to keep you entertained. There’s a digital-only edition out there, but it might be worth using the Blu-ray drive for all your movie viewing.

PlayStation recently revamped its subscription service models with additional tiers and more classic games, but it lacks the backward compatibility of the Xbox ecosystem. (It’s similar to the Nintendo Switch in that way; you can play some of the classics, but you’ll have to buy them again or subscribe to one of Sony’s online services.)

If Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Final Fantasy VII Remake, or God of War: Ragnarok look appealing to you, the PS5 is a great way to experience them without having to pony up for a powerful gaming PC. Most of your favorite multiplayer titles are here, too, and they’re adding more retro classics all the time. It can even do ray tracing, and it’s easy to upgrade the internal storage yourself.

Read our full review of the PlayStation 5.

Pros

• Fast solid-state storage

• Wonderful 4K, HDR gameplay

• Excellent new controller

Cons

• Bigger than previous consoles

• Needs more default storage space

Buy now at Amazon

$578.65 from Walmart

Xbox Series S

• 4K upscaling with support for up to 120 fps
• Best-in-class accessibility and accessory customization
• 512 GB SSD for internal storage
• Full next-gen catalog and robust backward compatibility
• Online and local multiplayer

If you’re looking to maximize your options—next-gen games, every generation of the Xbox catalog, 4K video playback, and all the streaming apps you can handle—the Xbox Series S is an unbeatable value. Paired with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription (and games like Forza Horizon 5 or Halo Infinite), the Series S will provide high-performance gameplay and entertainment for years to come.

All your favorite video and music apps are here, along with thousands of games, and the next era of first-party Xbox titles is only just beginning. This is a great way to enjoy favorites like Call of Duty: Warzone, Fortnite, GTA Online, and Minecraft.

Pros

• 4K upscaling and video playback

• Four generations of Xbox games

• Compatible with next-gen titles

Cons

• Doesn’t output in native 4K

Buy now at Amazon

$299.99 from Abt

$299.99 from Best Buy

$292.02 from Walmart

Nintendo Switch Lite

• Compatible with the vast majority of Switch games
• Comes in violet, yellow, turquoise, and pink
• 32 GB of internal storage
• Lightweight design for maximum portability
• Online multiplayer (Wi-Fi) and wireless system link

If you don’t need all the features of the OLED Model, you’ve got another great Nintendo option. Priced at $199 or less, the Nintendo Switch Lite is an elegant, all-in-one solution to the problem of wanting to play the latest Animal Crossing, party game, or indie sensation and not having a Switch.

It’s a gorgeous, sturdily-made system that plays almost any game—the exception being that you can’t remove the controllers from the handheld configuration, so motion controls and other features are somewhat limited.

Otherwise, the other main compromises you’ll find are its somewhat smaller screen and lack of TV (“docked”) mode. And its battery may not hold up quite as long as the larger, standard OLED Switch. It’s available in a fun array of colors: turquoise, yellow, coral pink, indigo blue, and gray.

You’ll find yourself wanting to play this all the time, wherever you go. It offers the same 32 GB of storage as the original Switch, expandable with any standard microSD card.

Pros

• Incredible games catalog

• Simple all-in-one design

Cons

• Thumbstick drift is common

• Pretty small screen

$199.99 from Amazon

$199.99 from Target

$199.99 from Abt

$199.99 from Best Buy

Steam Deck OLED

For PC gamers looking to play their favorite games on the go, the Valve Steam Deck OLED is arguably the best handheld console. With up to 1TB of local storage and the option to expand even further, and backed by a custom Linux operating system, the Steam Deck will run thousands of PC games from the Steam storefront.

The Steam Deck also supports many game emulators and can run games from older console generations, like the GameCube and PlayStation 2, up to the Nintendo Switch. It’s also super comfortable to hold for hours on end and the Steam Deck OLED is noticeably lighter than before. (We were particularly impressed with the button layout and how friendly it is to people with small hands.)

What was once the Steam Deck’s weakest features—the battery life and screen—have been remedied by the Steam Deck OLED. The new 50Whr battery and more efficient processor means you’ll be playing games for 30% to 50% longer than on the Steam Deck LCD, and the fan is now whisper-quiet. The screen has been buffed to a 90Hz OLED display and is the first on any gaming handheld capable of HDR. Valve claims the Steam Deck OLED can hit 600 nits in SDR and 1,000 nits when HDR is enabled, and that the new screen covers 100% of the sRGB color space. It’s an impressive technical accomplishment, and the icing on top is that the Steam Deck OLED is only $549 for the 512GB model.

Because you can install games directly onto the Steam Deck, you don’t need Wi-Fi access to play them, which makes it a better travel companion on flights or car trips compared to something like the Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld. While other handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally might be more powerful, the Deck has them beat for battery life and useability.

Read our full review of Valve’s Steam Deck OLED.

Pros

• Improved battery life

• Excellent value

• A truly fantastic screen

Cons

• Only minor performance uplift

Buy now at Steam

Logitech G Cloud

If you mostly game from your couch or bed and need a device with at least eight hours of battery life, check out the Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld. Don’t let the “cloud gaming” part put you off; if you have a reliable internet connection, you won’t be able to tell the difference between gaming on the Logitech G and other handhelds like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch.

The Logitech G’s 7-inch, 1080p display not only produces vivid colors, but its physical size and maximum resolution make the text in games like Cyberpunk 2077 much easier to read without adjusting the UI settings in-game. It’s also a tad lighter and more comfortable to hold than the Steam Deck.

The Logitech G can run cloud gaming services such as GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, the indie game-focused Utomik, and any other cloud-gaming app that is available on Android. You can also connect the Logitech G to your local gaming PC via Steam Link and play that way.

One downside is that the Logitech G doesn’t come with a cellular chip. So, if you want to cloud game over a 5G cellular connection you’ll need to have a hotspot-capable cell phone to connect the device to. This can work seamlessly, but if there are too many people in your vicinity or if you are too far away from a 5G tower, it won’t.

But Logitech designed this handheld to use at home or anywhere with a stable Wi-Fi connection, and it passed our tests in that regard with flying colors. It’s not a direct competitor to the Steam Deck, Switch, and other gaming handhelds, but if you don’t want to be locked into a single ecosystem, the Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld lets you play both PC and console games from a single device without having to mess around with bulky hardware.

Read our full review of the Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld.

Pros

• Super comfortable

• Incredible battery life

• Great display and performance

Cons

• Wi-Fi reliance reduces portability

$299.99 from Amazon

$299.99 from Best Buy

$407.95 from Walmart

More Articles You Might Enjoy

• The Best Nintendo Switch Consoles
• Nintendo Switch OLED Review
• The Best Switch Games

• Xbox Series X Review

  

  

  Nintendo Switch OLED

  • Outputs to your TV in 1080p or plays as a handheld system at 720p
  • 7-inch OLED handheld touchscreen
  • 64 GB of internal storage
  • Adjustable stand for a wide variety of viewing angles
  • Online and local multiplayer, plus wireless system link

  Nintendo’s flagship console got some important quality-of-life upgrades with the arrival of the Switch OLED model. Available in a stylish white-and-black design or red-and-blue “neon” version, it offers a seven-inch OLED screen in handheld mode, along with 64 GB of storage—double that of the original Nintendo Switch.

  The catalog of games is superb, ranging from the 2017 Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to the near-perfect Super Mario 3D World remaster.

  Another big selling point for the hardware continues to be its playful versatility: You can play it on the go as a handheld by taking it off the dock.

  You can play it on your television with a controller; you can share one of your Joy-Con with a friend and enjoy hassle-free “couch co-op” in games like Mario Kart and so on. You can also use the built-in stand to prop it up for use as a shared screen when you’re playing multiplayer away from your TV.

  Every Switch available is at risk of developing the same “Joy-Con drift” problem, caused by a defective thumbstick design, but Nintendo has promised free repairs for Joy-Con controllers that stop working properly. Having a Joy-Con fail certainly isn’t ideal, but it’s a risk worth taking for a console with exclusives like Super Mario Wonder, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

  If you just want a great video game console, and you aren’t too fussed about having it hit specific performance benchmarks or serving as a be-all-end-all entertainment system, the Nintendo Switch OLED model is a perfect choice.

  It offers all kinds of unforgettable gaming experiences, from single-player adventures and RPGs to Mario Kart to unique multiplayer titles like Splatoon 3 and Nintendo Switch Sports. Unless your kid wants to play Spider-Man 2, Elden Ring, or Destiny 2, the Switch is hard to beat.

  Read our full review of the Nintendo Switch OLED.

  Pros

  • Incredible games catalog

  • Playful, ingenious design

  • 7-inch handheld screen

  Cons

  • Thumbstick drift is common

  • Lacks 4K output

  Buy now at Amazon

  
  

  $349.99 from Target

  
  

  $349.99 from Best Buy

  
  

  $308.99 from Walmart

  

  

  Xbox Series X

  • Native 4K output with a full library of 60 fps and 120 fps games
  • Best-in-class accessibility and accessory customization
  • 1 TB SSD for internal storage
  • 4K UHD disc player and robust backward compatibility
  • Online and local multiplayer

  The Xbox Series X is the console I use the most in my free time at home. Its social features, multiplayer systems, and game selection are great for a wide range of players—though it may seem more appropriate for teens and adults compared to the all-ages appeal of the Switch.

  The two newest Xbox consoles look great in any living room, have the biggest library of games available on any one system, and work great with all your favorite streaming services, Blu-rays, and a wide variety of entertainment apps. If you haven’t owned a Microsoft console since the Xbox 360 days, they’ve come a long way in terms of both power and dependability.

  If you want maximum value, Xbox has that. If you want performance, the Xbox wins that one nine times out of ten. If you want to play new multiplayer games with friends online, and you don’t want to fool around with a big expensive gaming PC, the Xbox is probably your ticket. It doesn’t have Zelda or God of War, but it’ll make you a very satisfied customer.

  Read our full review of the Xbox Series X.

  Pros

  • Incredibly powerful tech

  • Hugely improved load times

  • Future proof

  Cons

  • Absolutely massive

  • Needs more default storage space

  Buy now at Amazon

  
  

  $499.99 from Best Buy

  
  

  $448.95 from Walmart

  
  

  $449.99 from Target
  

  

  Sony PlayStation 5

  • Native 4K output with support for up to 120 fps
  • 4K UHD disc player and immersive controller haptics
  • 825 GB SSD for internal storage
  • Enhanced compatibility with loads of PS4 and VR titles
  • Online and local multiplayer

  The Sony PlayStation 5 is the console of choice for many people who prefer single-player, cinematic games. If you’re looking for a good story and some peace of quiet to yourself, chances are you’ll love the PS5. It’s a significant upgrade from the PS4 Pro, it comes with a 4K UHD disc drive, the haptics built into the DualSense controller make for next-level immersion, and the games are great.

  It doesn’t have quite the games library that the Xbox and Switch have as of yet, but when you add in the PS4 titles that are compatible with it, there’s still a lot to keep you entertained. There’s a digital-only edition out there, but it might be worth using the disc drive for all your movie viewing.

  PlayStation recently revamped its subscription service models with additional tiers and more classic games, but it lacks the backward compatibility of the Xbox ecosystem. (It’s similar to the Nintendo Switch in that way; you can play some of the classics, but you’ll have to buy them again or subscribe to one of Sony’s online services.)

  If Spider-Man 2, Final Fantasy VII Remake, or God of War: Ragnarok looks appealing to you, the PS5 is a great way to experience them without having to pony up for a powerful gaming PC. Most of your favorite multiplayer titles are here, too, and they’re adding more retro classics all the time. It can even do ray tracing, and it’s easy to upgrade the internal storage yourself.

  Read our full review of the PlayStation 5.

  Pros

  • Fast solid-state storage

  • Wonderful 4K, HDR gameplay

  • Excellent new controller

  Cons

  • Bigger than previous consoles

  • Needs more default storage space

  Buy now at Amazon

  
  

  $578.65 from Walmart
  

  Xbox Series S

  • 4K upscaling with support for up to 120 fps
  • Best-in-class accessibility and accessory customization
  • 512 GB SSD for internal storage
  • Full next-gen catalog and robust backward compatibility
  • Online and local multiplayer

  If you’re looking to maximize your options—next-gen games, every generation of the Xbox catalog, 4K video playback, and all the streaming apps you can handle—the Xbox Series S is an unbeatable value. Paired with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription (and games like Forza Horizon 5 or Halo Infinite), the Series S will provide high-performance gameplay and entertainment for years to come.

  All your favorite video and music apps are here, along with thousands of games, and the next era of first-party Xbox titles is only just beginning. This is a great way to enjoy favorites like Call of Duty: Warzone, Fortnite, GTA Online, and Minecraft.

  Pros

  • 4K upscaling and video playback

  • Four generations of Xbox games

  • Compatible with next-gen titles

  Cons

  • Doesn’t output in native 4K

  Buy now at Amazon

  
  

  $299.99 from Abt

  
  

  $299.99 from Best Buy

  
  

  $292.02 from Walmart
  

  Nintendo Switch Lite

  • Compatible with the vast majority of Switch games
  • Comes in violet, yellow, turquoise, and pink
  • 32 GB of internal storage
  • Lightweight design for maximum portability
  • Online multiplayer (Wi-Fi) and wireless system link

  If you don’t need all the features of the OLED Model, you’ve got another great Nintendo option. Priced at $199 or less, the Nintendo Switch Lite is an elegant, all-in-one solution to the problem of wanting to play the latest Animal Crossing, party game, or indie sensation and not having a Switch.

  It’s a gorgeous, sturdily-made system that plays almost any game—the exception being that you can’t remove the controllers from the handheld configuration, so motion controls and other features are somewhat limited.

  Otherwise, the other main compromises you’ll find are its somewhat smaller screen and lack of TV (“docked”) mode. And its battery may not hold up quite as long as the larger, standard OLED Switch. It’s available in a fun array of colors: turquoise, yellow, coral pink, indigo blue, and gray.

  You’ll find yourself wanting to play this all the time, wherever you go. It offers the same 32 GB of storage as the original Switch, expandable with any standard microSD card.

  Pros

  • Incredible games catalog

  • Simple all-in-one design

  Cons

  • Thumbstick drift is common

  • Pretty small screen

  $199.99 from Amazon

  
  

  $199.99 from Target

  
  

  $199.99 from Abt

  
  

  $199.99 from Best Buy
  

  

  Steam Deck OLED

  For PC gamers looking to play their favorite games on the go, the Valve Steam Deck OLED is arguably the best handheld console. With up to 1TB of local storage and the option to expand even further, and backed by a custom Linux operating system, the Steam Deck will run thousands of PC games from the Steam storefront.

  The Steam Deck also supports many game emulators and can run games from older console generations, like the GameCube and PlayStation 2, up to the Nintendo Switch. It’s also super comfortable to hold for hours on end and the Steam Deck OLED is noticeably lighter than before. (We were particularly impressed with the button layout and how friendly it is to people with small hands.)

  What was once the Steam Deck’s weakest features—the battery life and screen—have been remedied by the Steam Deck OLED. The new 50Whr battery and more efficient processor means you’ll be playing games for 30% to 50% longer than on the Steam Deck LCD, and the fan is now whisper-quiet. The screen has been buffed to a 90Hz OLED display and is the first on any gaming handheld capable of HDR. Valve claims the Steam Deck OLED can hit 600 nits in SDR and 1,000 nits when HDR is enabled, and that the new screen covers 100% of the sRGB color space. It’s an impressive technical accomplishment, and the icing on top is that the Steam Deck OLED is only $549 for the 512GB model.

  Because you can install games directly onto the Steam Deck, you don’t need Wi-Fi access to play them, which makes it a better travel companion on flights or car trips compared to something like the Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld. While other handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally might be more powerful, the Deck has them beat for battery life and useability.

  Read our full review of Valve’s Steam Deck OLED.

  Pros

  • Improved battery life

  • Excellent value

  • A truly fantastic screen

  Cons

  • Only minor performance uplift

  Buy now at Steam
  

  

  Logitech G Cloud

  If you mostly game from your couch or bed and need a device with at least eight hours of battery life, check out the Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld. Don’t let the “cloud gaming” part put you off; if you have a reliable internet connection, you won’t be able to tell the difference between gaming on the Logitech G and other handhelds like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch.

  The Logitech G’s 7-inch, 1080p display not only produces vivid colors, but its physical size and maximum resolution make the text in games like Cyberpunk 2077 much easier to read without adjusting the UI settings in-game. It’s also a tad lighter and more comfortable to hold than the Steam Deck.

  The Logitech G can run cloud gaming services such as GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, the indie game-focused Utomik, and any other cloud-gaming app that is available on Android. You can also connect the Logitech G to your local gaming PC via Steam Link and play that way.

  One downside is that the Logitech G doesn’t come with a cellular chip. So, if you want to cloud game over a 5G cellular connection you’ll need to have a hotspot-capable cell phone to connect the device to. This can work seamlessly, but if there are too many people in your vicinity or if you are too far away from a 5G tower, it won’t.

  But Logitech designed this handheld to use at home or anywhere with a stable Wi-Fi connection, and it passed our tests in that regard with flying colors. It’s not a direct competitor to the Steam Deck, Switch, and other gaming handhelds, but if you don’t want to be locked into a single ecosystem, the Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld lets you play both PC and console games from a single device without having to mess around with bulky hardware.

  Read our full review of the Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld.

  Pros

  • Super comfortable

  • Incredible battery life

  • Great display and performance

  Cons

  • Wi-Fi reliance reduces portability

  $299.99 from Amazon

  
  

  $299.99 from Best Buy

  
  

  $407.95 from Walmart

  More Articles You Might Enjoy

  • The Best Nintendo Switch Consoles
  • Nintendo Switch OLED Review
  • The Best Switch Games
  • Xbox Series X Review