Finding the Best Gaming Console for Every Player

by Best Lists
Two men playing video games on the couch having fun.

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From Budget-Friendly to Feature-Rich: Which Gaming Console Tops the Charts in 2024?

Embarking on the quest for the perfect gaming console can be as thrilling as the virtual adventures it promises. In 2024, the landscape is vibrant and varied, with “What is the best gaming console to buy?” being the chant on every player’s lips.

The answer is a mosaic of factors, where affordable prices meet a treasure chest brimming with games, where sterling performance is as important as a family-friendly console, and where streaming capabilities turn gaming systems into entertainment hubs.

Navigating this digital playground, one seeks more than just a machine; you’re on the lookout for an experience that fits snugly into family game nights as well as into the solitary sanctuary of a dedicated gamer.

Whether you’re competing online or diving into a story-driven solo quest, performance is non-negotiable. The most popular gaming consoles aren’t just about specs; they’re about smiles per hour and memories made.

Join us as we explore, compare, and dissect the gaming consoles vying for your attention. We’ll arm you with insights and educated evaluations to aid your decision, so whether you’re a parent seeking a child-friendly console or a hardcore gamer chasing the adrenaline rush of high-definition worlds, you’ll find your match.

Also worth noting, these days some gaming consoles provide more features than just your favourite games, they can provide access to streaming apps!

Here are the best gaming consoles, old and new, that are still topping everyone’s list:

The Nintendo Switch gaming console is versatile and can be played both at home and on the go. It was launched in 2017 and has become the best-selling console of all time. The Nintendo Switch provides a diverse selection of popular games and entertainment options and family-friendly games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Although the Nintendo Switch has a limited selection of streaming apps, it does offer the most popular ones, like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, as well as a Crunchyroll app for anime fans.

Best Family Friendly
Nintendo Switch
5.0
$405.50
Pros:
  • Hybrid design - gaming at home or on the go
  • Extensive library of family-friendly games
  • Affordable price
Cons:
  • Weak hardware compared to other consoles
  • Some games can be expensive
  • Joy-Con controllers can be prone to drift issues
Buy Now
Rating are noted at time of writing.
02/02/2026 05:17 pm GMT

The PlayStation 5 (PS5) is Sony’s latest home console and was released in 2020. It is one of the most powerful consoles on the market and offers stunning graphics and performance. The PS5 also has a number of innovative features, such as a haptic feedback controller and a lightning-fast SSD.

The PlayStation 5 has a wide selection of streaming apps, including all the major ones. It also has several niche streaming apps, such as Funimation and Viki.

PlayStation 5 (PS5)
5.0
$518.90
Pros:
  • Powerful hardware
  • Innovative features
  • Extensive library of exclusive games
Cons:
  • High price
  • Can be difficult to find in stock
  • Some games require a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online
Buy Now
Rating are noted at time of writing.
02/02/2026 05:18 pm GMT

The Xbox Series X is Microsoft’s latest home console and was also released in 2020. It is just as powerful as the PlayStation 5, and offers similar features and performance. The Xbox Series X also has a number of exclusive games, such as Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5.

The Xbox Series X has a similar selection of streaming apps to the PS5. It also has the unique feature of being able to watch live TV from certain providers, such as Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV.

Xbox Series X
5.0
$649.99 $599.99
Pros:
  • Powerful hardware
  • Innovative features
  • Extensive library of exclusive games
Cons:
  • High price
  • Can be difficult to find in stock
  • Some games require a Xbox Live Gold subscription to play online
Buy Now
Rating are noted at time of writing.
02/02/2026 05:17 pm GMT

The PlayStation 4 (PS4) is Sony’s previous-generation home console, released in 2013. The console offers a vast collection of games for users to select from. Additionally, the library is extensive and diverse. The PS4 is also relatively affordable, making it a good option for budget-minded gamers.

The PlayStation 4 has a wide selection of streaming apps, including all the major ones. It also has several niche streaming apps, such as Funimation and Viki.

Sony PlayStation 4 (PS4)
5.0
$499.99
Pros:
  • Large library of games
  • Affordable price
  • Good performance
Cons:
  • Starting to show its age
  • Some games require a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online
Buy Now
Rating are noted at time of writing.
02/02/2026 12:07 pm GMT

The Xbox One is Microsoft’s previous-generation home console and was also released in 2013. It is similar to the PlayStation 4 in terms of performance and features. The Xbox One also has an extensive library of games to choose from and is relatively affordable.

The Xbox One has a similar selection of streaming apps to the PlayStation 4. It also has the unique feature of being able to watch live TV from certain providers, such as Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV.

(Price is for renewed)

Microsoft - Xbox One
4.0
$254.99 $205.99
Pros:
  • Large library of games
  • Affordable price
  • Good performance
Cons:
  • Starting to show its age
  • Some games require a Xbox Live Gold subscription to play online
Buy Now
Rating are noted at time of writing.
02/02/2026 12:07 pm GMT


Wrap up

All of the consoles have their own strengths and weaknesses.

If you are looking for a console that is both affordable and family-friendly, the Nintendo Switch is the outstanding choice.

If you are looking for the most powerful console on the market with the latest features, the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X are top of the lists.

And if you want all the fun for a lower price, the previous models of both PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, are still great options.

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