10 Best Consoles in 2026

You walk into a friend's living room and see them tearing through the latest blockbuster on a screen that looks impossibly crisp, load times so short you barely blink. Meanwhile, across the hall, someone is laughing through a four-player session on a retro Wii that cost a fraction of what today's hardware demands. The console landscape in 2026 is as wide as it is deep. The best consoles today aren't just metal boxes that sit under your TV; they define how you play, who you play with, and what you can access. Whether you're after raw 4K performance, portable hybrid freedom, or a nostalgia trip to the early 2000s, the right machine is out there. This guide covers the 10 best consoles you can buy right now, each chosen for what it does uniquely well.

TL;DR: The PlayStation 5 1TB is the disc-drive powerhouse most people should buy: vast library, lightning-fast SSD, and 4K ray tracing. The Xbox Series X is the technical titan with Game Pass and backward compatibility that reaches four generations. The Nintendo Switch OLED is the undisputed king of handheld and local multiplayer fun. The PlayStation 5 Digital Edition is a slimmer, all-digital alternative for the PS Plus crowd. For budget-minded players, the Xbox Series S delivers next-gen speed in a tiny box.

#	Product	Storage	Best for
1	PlayStation 5 1TB	1TB SSD	The all-round console with the best exclusive lineup
2	Xbox Series X 1TB	1TB NVMe SSD	Maximum 4K/120FPS performance and Game Pass value
3	Nintendo Switch OLED	64GB internal	On-the-go gaming with the best first-party exclusives
4	PS5 Digital Edition	825GB SSD	The digital-only PS5 for download lovers
5	Xbox Series S 512GB	512GB SSD	Compact next-gen gaming with Quick Resume
6	PlayStation Portal Remote Player	N/A (remote)	Playing PS5 games on your sofa or in another room
7	PS4 500GB (Renewed)	500GB	The huge PS4 library at a lower entry point
8	Xbox One 500GB (Renewed)	500GB	Xbox backward compatibility and a robust media hub
9	Nintendo Wii Premium Bundle (Renewed)	N/A	Motion-controlled family fun and a massive retro library
10	PS2 Slim (Renewed)	N/A	The ultimate nostalgia machine for PS1 and PS2 classics

How we picked the best consoles

• Exclusive game library and ecosystem. A console lives and dies by the games you can only play on it. We looked at the breadth and quality of each platform's exclusive titles, from PlayStation Studios blockbusters to Nintendo's first-party icons and Xbox's growing first-party roster.
• Performance and graphical capabilities. Frame rate, resolution, ray tracing support, and load times determine whether games feel smooth and look sharp. We considered what each machine can actually deliver in real games, not just theoretical specs.
• Backward compatibility and game preservation. The ability to play older titles is a huge factor in a console's long-term value. We weighed how many previous generations each system supports and whether that support comes natively or through emulation.
• Form factor and portability. Does the console live under your TV, or can you take it on a plane? Hybrid designs like the Switch OLED and remote-play devices like the Portal open up new ways to game.
• Online services and subscription depth. Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo Switch Online are central to how people buy and access games. We evaluated each service's catalog, day-one releases, and cloud streaming options.
• Renewed and retro viability. For older consoles that are only available renewed, we considered reliability, the current state of online play, and the ease of finding physical games and accessories.

1. PlayStation 5 Console – 1TB: Best Overall

Pros

• 1TB SSD with ultra-fast load times and the custom SSD architecture for seamless game design.
• Ray tracing support creates realistic lighting and reflections in supported games.
• Includes a disc drive, so you can buy, sell, and trade physical games.
• Comes with the DualSense wireless controller and Astro's Playroom pre-installed.
• Backward compatible with the vast majority of PS4 games.

Cons

• Large footprint; finding room in an entertainment center can be tight.
• The 1TB fills up fast with modern games, though you can add an internal SSD.
• Exterior white panels show dust more than a matte black finish would.

Best for: Anyone who wants the biggest, best PlayStation library with no compromises on disc support or storage.

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The PlayStation 5 has been the centerpiece of Sony's strategy since 2020, and the 1TB disc model remains the fullest expression of that vision. The first thing you notice is the sheer speed. The custom SSD is not just about numbers; it transforms how games are designed. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart uses it to rip between dimensions in a second, and Spider-Man 2 loads its entire city in a couple of heartbeats. Sony's first-party output is unmatched in set-piece polish, and the DualSense controller's haptic triggers add a tactile layer that no other console matches. The disc drive matters more than you might think. You can buy a used copy of Returnal for cheap, sell it when you're done, or lend a game to a friend. The 1TB drive is adequate, but if you play a lot of Call of Duty or Grand Theft Auto, you'll eventually want to add an M.2 SSD. The console is also physically imposing: it's tall, vented, and stands out in a way the understated Xbox does not. But that's a small complaint when everything else works this well. The PS5 is the best console in 2026 for the player who wants a curated, high-fidelity experience with no asterisks.

2. Xbox Series X 1TB: True 4K Powerhouse

Pros

• True 4K gaming at up to 120 FPS with DirectX ray tracing for realistic lighting.
• 1TB custom NVMe SSD with Xbox Velocity Architecture for very fast loading.
• Backward compatible with thousands of games across four generations (Xbox, 360, One, Series X|S).
• Bundled with a Carbon Black wireless controller and HDMI cable.
• Supports 8K HDR output, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, and Auto Low Latency Mode.

Cons

• Fewer exclusive launch-window blockbusters compared to PlayStation's output (though Game Pass helps).
• The monolithic tower shape doesn't fit horizontally in every cabinet without standing it on its side.
• No built-in camera for video chats or streaming.

Best for: Those who want the most powerful console hardware, deep backward compatibility, and Game Pass access.

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The Xbox Series X is the purest expression of Microsoft's philosophy: give developers a huge, consistent target and let them push frame rates and visual fidelity as high as possible. With 16GB of GDDR6 memory and a bus width that feeds the GPU at 560 GB/s, this thing chews through Forza Horizon 5 and Flight Simulator at a locked 4K/60, and can hit 120 FPS in Halo Infinite's multiplayer. The backward compatibility is a genuine differentiator. Pop in a disc from 2005, and the Xbox Series X upscales it with auto HDR and faster loading. The Quick Resume feature lets you switch between five or six games instantly. Game Pass Ultimate, while a separate subscription, gives you day-one access to every Microsoft first-party title plus hundreds of other games. The hardware itself is quietly confident: a matte black tower with a single large fan that stays nearly silent under load. The only real tradeoff is the relative exclusives gap. Sony's cinematic adventures are more numerous, but Microsoft has been investing heavily in studios (Bethesda, Activision Blizzard) and the fruits of that spending are starting to appear. For raw specs and backward compatibility, this is the best console Microsoft has ever made.

3. Nintendo Switch OLED Model: Best for Portable and Couch Co-op

Pros

• Vivid 7-inch OLED screen makes handheld play look spectacular.
• 64GB internal storage (a portion reserved for system use) plus microSD expansion.
• Wide adjustable kickstand for tabletop mode.
• Enhanced audio in handheld and tabletop modes.
• Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer out of the box.

Cons

• 64GB fills up fast; you'll need a microSD card for more than a few big games.
• No 4K output when docked (stays at 1080p).
• Joy-Con drift can occur over long use (Nintendo has repair programs, but it's an annoyance).

Best for: Players who value portability, local multiplayer, and Nintendo's exclusive franchises like Zelda, Mario, and Splatoon.

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The Switch OLED refines the hybrid formula that made the original Switch a phenomenon. The upgraded display is the headline: colors pop, blacks are deep, and the 7-inch size makes games like Tears of the Kingdom feel immersive even on a plane. The kickstand now runs the full width of the console, so you can prop it up at a dinner table without fear of it tipping over. The local multiplayer aspect remains unique in the console market. Hand a Joy-Con to a friend and you're playing Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros. seconds later. The library is staggering: Nintendo's first-party output alone justifies the purchase, but you also get indies, ports, and even cloud versions of big AAA titles. The 64GB of internal storage is stingy, but a 256GB or 512GB microSD card is cheap and solves it. The Switch OLED won't give you 4K graphics, and the hardware is getting long in the tooth compared to its rivals. But none of that matters when you're curled up on the couch with an OLED glow and a game that respects your time. For portability and pure fun, it's still the best console in its lane.

4. PS5 Digital Edition: All-Digital PlayStation 5

Pros

• Same CPU, GPU, and SSD performance as the disc version; 16GB GDDR6 RAM, 825GB SSD.
• Supports up to 120fps at 120Hz, 8K output, and Tempest 3D AudioTech.
• Slimmer design than the disc model (no optical drive bulge).
• HDR technology and ray tracing support for supported PS5 games.
• Includes DualSense controller, USB cable, and HDMI cable.

Cons

• No disc drive: you are locked into the PlayStation Store for purchases, with no ability to buy used or lend games.
• 825GB SSD is smaller than the disc version's 1TB, though still fast.
• Some users report that the white panels show scuffs more easily than darker units.

Best for: Players who buy all their games digitally, use PS Plus, and want the slimmest PS5 footprint.

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If you haven't bought a physical game in years, the PS5 Digital Edition makes more sense than the disc model. It's a bit smaller, the clean white shell feels more elegant without the disc drive bulge, and you save on the purchase price. The internal hardware is identical: the same AMD RDNA 2 GPU, the same custom SSD architecture, the same 16GB of GDDR6. Games load just as fast, ray tracing looks just as sharp, and the DualSense is the same controller. The catch is the 825GB drive versus the disc model's 1TB, which disappears fast when you're downloading Modern Warfare or Horizon Forbidden West. You can add an internal M.2 SSD, but that's an extra purchase. The bigger consideration is the digital-only life. If you ever want to resell a game, borrow a disc from a friend, or buy a bargain bin title at a store, you cannot. For those already all-in on digital downloads and PS Plus cloud saves, this is the leaner, cleaner way to get the best console experience PlayStation offers.

5. Xbox Series S 512GB: Compact Next-Gen

Pros

• The smallest Xbox ever, easy to pack for travel or tuck into a tight shelf.
• Up to 120 FPS gameplay with Xbox Velocity Architecture and DirectX Raytracing.
• 512GB custom NVMe SSD delivers lightning-fast load times and Quick Resume.
• Plays thousands of games from four Xbox generations via backward compatibility.
• Includes Xbox Wireless Controller with textured grips and a dedicated Share button.

Cons

• 512GB fills up extremely quickly with modern games; you'll likely need external storage.
• No disc drive for physical media.
• Lower resolution target than the Series X (1440p native, upscaled to 4K).

Best for: Gamers on a tighter budget who still want next-gen features, or as a secondary console for a bedroom or dorm.

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The Xbox Series S is an engineering marvel in its own right. It packs the same CPU architecture as the Series X, the same Quick Resume functionality, and the same ray tracing capabilities into a box that weighs less than seven pounds and fits in a backpack. You lose some GPU grunt and internal storage, but the experience is far closer to the Series X than the price difference would suggest. Playing Gears 5 at a smooth 60 FPS on a console you can carry to a friend's house is genuinely impressive. The biggest practical limitation is storage. After the system software, you have about 360GB free. Installing one Call of Duty or Baldur's Gate 3 eats half of that. Microsoft offers expansion cards, but they are not cheap. The Series S is ideal as a dedicated Game Pass machine, especially if you stream games on a decent connection. For anyone who wants to play Halo, Forza, and upcoming Starfield without spending on a top-tier console, the Series S is a seriously capable option.

6. PlayStation Portal Remote Player: Stream Your PS5 Anywhere

Pros

• Play PS5 games remotely over Wi-Fi, including PS4 games installed on your console.
• Cloud streaming from PS Plus Premium Game Catalog and Classics Catalog (no downloads required).
• Beautiful 8-inch LCD screen with 1080p resolution and up to 60fps capability.
• Tempest 3D AudioTech support for immersive sound (with compatible wired or wireless audio).
• Familiar DualSense layout with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback (when supported by the game).

Cons

• Requires a PS5 console to function for remote play (it's not standalone).
• Performance heavily depends on your home Wi-Fi network quality (5Mbps minimum, 15Mbps recommended).
• No local game storage or Bluetooth; audio uses PlayStation Link or wired connection.

Best for: PS5 owners who want to play from another room, on the go, or while someone else uses the TV.

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The PlayStation Portal is a specialized device, and it knows exactly what it is: a handheld remote player for the PlayStation 5. It is not a console in the traditional sense, but for anyone who shares a TV or wants to play in bed, it's a revelation. The 8-inch LCD is sharp and bright; 1080p at 60fps feels fluid, and the DualSense features are mostly preserved. The addition of cloud streaming for PS Plus Premium subscribers means you can access hundreds of PS5 games without even having them installed on your console, which softens the reliance on the home console. In practice, the Portal works best with a solid home network. If your router is in another room and you have thick walls, you may experience lag or compression artifacts. But with a decent mesh system, the Portal feels almost native. It won't replace the main console experience, but as a companion device for the PS5, it's far more useful than a phone clip.

7. PlayStation 4 500GB (Renewed): The Last-Gen Legend

Pros

• Access to the enormous PS4 library, including masterpieces like Red Dead Redemption 2, God of War, The Last of Us Remastered, and Spider-Man.
• Suspend mode lets you jump right back into a game.
• Share button on the controller makes capturing and sharing gameplay easy.
• 500GB hard drive (upgradeable).
• Reliable and quiet operation with a huge community.

Cons

• No native 4K or HDR on the base model (PS4 Pro has better visuals).
• Load times are significantly slower than modern SSDs.
• The renewed unit may show cosmetic wear, and the internal hard drive could have many hours of use.

Best for: Anyone who missed out on the PS4 generation or wants a dedicated second console for streaming and older games.

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The PS4 may be a decade old, but its game library remains one of the deepest in gaming history. This renewed model gives you an entire generation of award-winning exclusives for a fraction of what a new PS5 costs. The console itself is no slouch: it runs most games at 1080p/30, and with a hard drive upgrade to an SSD, load times become tolerable. The 500GB drive fills up fast with modern downloads, but swapping it out is straightforward. The renewed condition means you are getting a used unit that has been tested and cleaned. It is a perfectly valid entry point to the PlayStation ecosystem, especially if you are primarily interested in single-player narrative games that don't demand the latest hardware. Just do not expect to play the newest PS5 games, and be ready for longer loading screens.

8. Xbox One 500GB (Renewed): Backward-Compatible Media Hub

Pros

• Plays thousands of Xbox 360 and original Xbox games via backward compatibility, plus all Xbox One titles.
• Blu-ray drive for movies and games.
• HDMI passthrough for TV (allows overlay features).
• Includes a wireless controller.
• 500GB hard drive (can be upgraded with external USB drive).

Cons

• No 4K output (Xbox One S had 4K video; this base model is 1080p).
• Slower load times compared to solid-state-driven modern consoles.
• Renewed units may have wear on the controller and console shell.

Best for: Budget-minded players who want access to a wide Xbox back catalog and a media player in one box.

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The original Xbox One was Microsoft's ambitious all-in-one entertainment console, and even today, that vision holds up. It handles streaming apps, Blu-ray discs, and a vast library of games from three Xbox generations. The backward compatibility list is one of the best in the industry: you can play Mass Effect, Skate 3, or Ninja Gaiden Black from the 360 era, with upscaled resolution and improved performance. The 500GB hard drive is modest, but you can attach an external USB 3.0 drive for more space. As a renewed product, it is a gamble on cosmetic condition, but it is a cheap way to get into Xbox gaming. If you are not fussed about the latest graphics and just want to play the hits, the Xbox One is a capable machine. Just avoid expecting high frame rates or quick loading.

9. Nintendo Wii Premium Bundle (Renewed): Motion-Controlled Family Fun

Pros

• Comes with original OEM controllers (no third-party knockoffs).
• Huge library of fun, party-friendly games like Wii Sports, Mario Kart Wii, and Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
• Motion controls are still unique and engaging for groups.
• Can be hacked or modded relatively easily (if that interests you).
• Includes all necessary cables and accessories in the premium bundle.

Cons

• Standard-definition 480p output looks very dated on modern TVs.
• No built-in ethernet; you will need a USB adapter for online play.
• The Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service for online multiplayer is mostly defunct (fan servers exist but require setup).

Best for: Families, party hosts, and anyone wanting a nostalgic, motion-controlled gaming experience.

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The Wii transformed gaming when it launched in 2006, selling over 100 million units. This renewed premium bundle includes the console, original Wii Remotes, and Nunchuks. The motion controls are still surprisingly responsive in games like Wii Sports Resort, and the library is full of gems that never got remastered. The biggest issue is the video output. On a modern 4K TV, the Wii looks blurry and soft. You can improve it with a component cable or upscaler, but it will never look as good as you remember. For the price, though, you get an entire ecosystem of games that are easy to pick up and play with friends. If you want to relive bowling tournaments or introduce your kids to the Mii era, this is the cheapest way in.

10. PlayStation 2 Slim (Renewed): The Eternal Classics Machine

Pros

• Plays the largest game library of any console in history (over 4,000 PS2 titles, plus PS1 games).
• Slim design takes up very little space.
• DVD playback out of the box.
• DualShock 2 controller is included.
• 2 memory card slots for saving progress.

Cons

• Standard composite video looks terrible on modern screens; S-Video or component cables help but require finding them.
• No online connectivity without a network adapter (and most servers are gone).
• The console may have wear from use, and disc read errors can occur with scratched games.

Best for: Retro gamers who want the definitive PS2 experience and have a CRT or good upscaler.

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The PlayStation 2 is the best-selling console of all time, and for good reason. Its library includes Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Shadow of the Colossus, Metal Gear Solid 2, Final Fantasy X, and hundreds of other titles that defined the medium. The Slim model is about the size of a DVD box, making it easy to fit into a retro setup. It also plays original PlayStation games, so you can enjoy Crash Bandicoot and Final Fantasy VII on the same machine. The renewed unit comes with a DualShock 2 controller and is tested for function. The image quality over composite is poor by modern standards, but a component cable and a decent CRT or upscaler transform the experience. For purists, there is no substitute. The PS2 is a time machine.

Buyer's Guide: How to Choose a Console

Choosing the best console for your needs comes down to a handful of factors that go beyond the marketing specs. Here is what really matters.

Game Library and Exclusives

The single most important factor. Every console maker has a different stable of exclusive games. PlayStation leans heavily into cinematic action-adventure (God of War, Spider-Man, The Last of Us). Nintendo delivers polished family-friendly experiences that are rarely replicated elsewhere (Zelda, Mario, Animal Crossing). Xbox focuses on subscription value and genre-spanning hits (Halo, Forza, and now Call of Duty under its umbrella). Look at the games you actually want to play, then buy the console that runs them. If you want both, you may end up with two. That is normal.

Performance: Resolution, Frame Rate, and Storage

Raw power matters most if you have a high-end TV. The Xbox Series X and PS5 are closely matched, both targeting 4K at 60 to 120 FPS with ray tracing. The Xbox Series S sacrifices native 4K for a smaller, cheaper box. The Switch OLED sticks to 1080p docked and 720p handheld. Storage is a practical concern: modern games routinely exceed 100GB, so a 512GB or 825GB drive will fill up fast. Look for a console that supports expandable storage (NVMe slots on PS5, expansion cards on Xbox, microSD on Switch).

Portability and Form Factor

If you travel often or share a TV with family, portability becomes a deciding factor. The Switch OLED is the only true hybrid; you can play it on a bus and dock it at home. The PlayStation Portal lets you stream your PS5 to any room over Wi-Fi but stays tethered to the home network. The Xbox Series S is small enough to pack in a carry-on. The full-sized PS5 and Series X are strictly living-room furniture.

Backward Compatibility

How many of your old games will work on a new console matters more than many buyers realize. Xbox offers the best backward compatibility in the business: the Series X runs games from 2001's original Xbox, 2005's Xbox 360, and 2013's Xbox One, often with improved frame rates and auto HDR. The PS5 plays most PS4 games but not PS3 or older titles natively. The Switch OLED runs all Switch games but no Wii U or 3DS titles without ports. The renewed consoles sacrifice modern features but play their respective classic libraries directly.

Online Services and Subscription Value

Xbox Game Pass is the most generous subscription in gaming, giving you access to hundreds of games and day-one releases for a monthly fee. PlayStation Plus has tiers that include a catalog of older games, but day-one exclusives rarely appear. Nintendo Switch Online is cheap but offers a small selection of NES, SNES, and Nintendo 64 games, plus cloud saves. Consider whether you want to build a library of owned games or simply subscribe and play what comes.

Renewed and Retro Considerations

Buying a renewed or retro console can save a lot of money, but there are tradeoffs. The hardware is older and may be noisier, slower, or less reliable. Video outputs are often composite or component, which look soft on modern 4K TVs. You will need to track down physical games or use fan servers for online play. That said, the libraries of the PS2, Wii, PS4, and Xbox One are enormous and dirt cheap secondhand. For a secondary or nostalgia setup, they are unbeatable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which console has the best graphics in 2026?

The Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 are essentially tied on raw graphical power. Both deliver true 4K resolution, ray tracing, and frame rates up to 120 FPS in supported titles. The Series X has a slight edge in raw compute (12 teraflops vs. 10.3), but in practice, games look very similar across both. The console you choose should come down to exclusive games and ecosystem preference, not graphical capability.

Can I play PS5 games on a PS4?

No. PS5 games are built for the custom SSD and RDNA 2 GPU in the PS5 and are not compatible with the PS4. However, many cross-generation games (like Call of Duty or FIFA) are released on both platforms, with inferior performance on PS4. If you want PS5 exclusives, you need a PS5 or PS5 Digital Edition.

Is the PlayStation Portal worth it if I don't have a PS5?

No. The Portal is designed exclusively as a remote player and cloud streaming device for PS5. Without a PS5, you cannot use the remote play function, and cloud streaming alone (via PS Plus Premium) limits you to a subset of the catalog. It is a companion device, not a standalone console.

How many games can I install on a 512GB Xbox Series S?

It varies by game, but you can typically fit four to seven modern AAA titles. For example, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is about 200GB, Halo Infinite around 50GB, and Forza Horizon 5 about 100GB. Most users need an external drive or expansion card after a few big downloads.

Should I buy a renewed console or a new one?

Renewed consoles are tested, cleaned, and often come with a short warranty, but they use older components. If your priority is saving money and you do not mind slightly older hardware (slower load times, lower resolutions), a renewed PS4, Xbox One, or Wii is fine. For modern performance and reliability, buy a new current-gen console.

Does the Nintendo Switch OLED play 4K?

No. The Switch OLED outputs 1080p when docked and 720p in handheld mode. There is no 4K support. If 4K gaming is essential, look at the PS5 or Xbox Series X.

Can I use a PS5 controller on a PS4?

No, the DualSense controller is not compatible with the PS4. Similarly, the DualShock 4 works on PS5 only for PS4 games played via backward compatibility. For PS5 games, you must use a DualSense.

Are old game servers still up for PS2 and Xbox One?

PS2 online servers were shut down years ago. Some fan-run servers exist (like XLink Kai), but require technical setup. Xbox One still has active online multiplayer through Xbox Live, and many games continue to work.

Final Verdict

The best console in 2026 depends more than ever on how you play. If you want the richest exclusive lineup and the tactile feedback of the DualSense, the PlayStation 5 1TB is our top pick. It balances raw power, disc support, and Sony's incredible game catalogue better than anything else. For the purest raw specs and the deepest backward compatibility, the Xbox Series X is the technical champion, especially when paired with Game Pass. The Nintendo Switch OLED remains the king of portability and local co-op, unmatched for handheld gaming and family fun. For everyone else on a stricter budget, the Xbox Series S delivers next-gen speed in a compact package, and the renewed consoles (PS4, Wii, Xbox One, PS2) offer huge, affordable libraries of classic games. There is no single perfect machine. Read the guide, match the console to the games you love, and you will not be disappointed.

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