PS5, Xbox or Switch 2: which console suits you?

First: which games do you want to play?

Each brand has games that only come out on its own console, or come out there first. Sony makes them for PlayStation, and Nintendo makes Mario, Zelda and Pokémon only for its own consoles. Microsoft releases its own games on Xbox and PC, and these days often on other consoles too.

If you mainly play big games that come out everywhere, like sports, racing and shooting games, any console will do. Look at the other points below then. If you play online with friends, it often helps to pick the same console as they have, because playing together across brands does not work in every game.

See which games are available: PS5 games, Xbox Series games and Switch games.

PlayStation 5: Slim, Digital or Pro

The PS5 comes in three versions.

• PS5 Slim with disc drive: plays games from disc and from Sony's store, like the PlayStation 5 Disc Edition Slim.
• PS5 Digital Edition: the same console without a disc drive, like the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Slim. You then buy games digitally only. Sony sells a separate disc drive you can attach later.
• PS5 Pro: according to Sony with a stronger graphics chip for sharper images and higher frame rates, and 2 TB of storage. The PlayStation 5 Pro has no disc drive; the separate drive works for it too.

Sony says the PS5 plays most PS4 games. To play online with others you need a PlayStation Plus subscription for most games, except most free games, such as Fortnite.

Xbox Series X or Series S

Microsoft has two consoles in this generation.

• Xbox Series X: the most powerful Xbox, made for 4K on the TV. There is a version with a disc drive, the Xbox Series X, and an Xbox Series X Digital Edition without one.
• Xbox Series S: smaller, without a disc drive and, according to Microsoft, made for images up to 1440p. The Xbox Series S plays the same games as the Series X, with lower image quality.

Xbox revolves around Game Pass, a subscription with a large library of games you can play while you are a member. Microsoft says the Xbox Series also plays many older Xbox games. According to Microsoft, online multiplayer on the console is part of the Game Pass Essential, Premium and Ultimate plans. Free-to-play games, Microsoft says, play online without a subscription.

Nintendo Switch 2 or Switch OLED

The Switch is a console you hold in your hands and connect to the TV in a dock.

• Switch 2: according to Nintendo with a 7.9 inch Full HD screen and images up to 4K on the TV. The Switch 2 plays the new Switch 2 games and, according to Nintendo, also compatible games from the first Switch. Nintendo adds that some Switch games are not supported or do not work fully. There are bundles with a game, like the Switch 2 with Mario Kart World.
• Switch OLED: the previous generation, with a 7 inch OLED screen, like the Switch OLED white. It only plays games from the first Switch, not Switch 2 games.

According to Nintendo, online features need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

Or a handheld PC

A handheld PC is a small PC shaped like a console. You play PC games on it, from your own library. Valve's Steam Deck OLED runs SteamOS and is made for games from Steam. The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally runs Windows 11 with an Xbox full screen view, so you can also play games from other stores. If you already own many PC games, a handheld PC is a way to take them with you. See more under handheld PCs.

Disc or digital

A game on disc can be lent, swapped and sold later. A digital game sits on your account and cannot be resold, but you never have to change discs. If you are unsure with the PS5, choose the Disc Edition or keep the separate disc drive in mind. Digital games need storage. The manufacturer lists how much space each version has. To add storage to a PS5, Does this SSD fit my PS5? shows which SSD fits.

TV and connection

PS5 and Xbox Series X can output up to 4K at 120 Hz. Microsoft lists an HDMI 2.1 port for the Series X and says 4K at up to 120 frames per second needs a screen that supports it, so look for a TV or monitor with HDMI 2.1. On a regular screen the console works too, just not at that top setting. Read more in our guide choosing a gaming monitor. An extra controller is under controllers.