What are the best gaming console options right now?

✨TL; DR: Which gaming console should I buy?

The PlayStation 5 Slim (CFI-2000) is the best overall gaming console in 2026 for players who want premium exclusives and consistent performance. On the other hand, the Xbox Series X is the best value gaming console for players who want variety through Game Pass. The Nintendo Switch 2 is the best portable gaming console and the top console for families.

Why can you trust this list of the best gaming consoles?

Consoles used to compete based on graphics capabilities. Nowadays, it's not that simple, because it’s not just that the strongest graphics means the best console. Gamers now look at the overall ecosystem, subscription options, portability, and how easily the consoles fit into their daily routines because let's be real: it's a fast-paced world out there, and gaming time is a precious commodity.

That’s why, for this guide, our team drills down into real-world usage instead of treating this as a specs-only breakdown. We’re focusing on what you actually play, how often you buy games, whether you sit in front of a TV or move around while gaming, and how much effort you want to put into setup and maintenance.

We’ve also used our expert knowledge of the console market to give you insights into specifications and what you can expect performance-wise, because that still matters. We fully clean, repair, and restore gaming consoles like PlayStations and Xboxes to premium quality following The Back Market Promise. We’ve even played a sneaky game or two to test them out, so we know what’s what.

How do the top options differ at a glance?

*Back Market prices taken on the date of publication — these are subject to change.

Which console is the best overall pick?

✨The PS5 is for those who want a single console and don’t want to second-guess it later. For this reason, the PlayStation 5 Slim still feels like the safest place to land.

If you’re the type of player who wants something immersive after a long day to simply enjoy your gaming session, the PlayStation 5 Slim (CFI-2000) is the best console for cinematic exclusives and plug-and-play performance. With this console, you don’t have to fiddle with settings; you simply turn it on and it works as you would expect. So, if you’re asking which console to buy for cinematic exclusives and strong everyday performance, the PlayStation 5 Slim is the safest answer. Compared to the Xbox Series X, it leans more into cinematic exclusives, while the Nintendo Switch 2 focuses on flexibility. To keep your console running smoothly for as long as possible, check out our PS5 maintenance tips.

It's also worth noting that the DualSense controller adds adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. This means that actions like drawing a bow, braking during a drift, or firing certain weapons can feel more distinct in your hands. And with the PS5 Slim, you gain access to PlayStation exclusives at launch along with features like Activity Cards, which let you jump into parts of a game far more quickly.

You’ll also fall in love with the smaller things as you become more accustomed to this console; for example, the way the menus flow, how quickly you can jump back into a game, and the feel of the controller, which is one of the best of any console.

However, for all its plus points, it’s still not perfect. Storage fills up faster than you expect, and once you start adding SSD upgrades, the price creeps up in a way that is easy to underestimate. But for many, this trade-off is worth it.

Still on the fence? We've broken down exactly why now is the right time to upgrade to a PS5 if you're weighing it up in 2026.

What are the specifications of the PlayStation 5 Slim?

The technical specifications of the PlayStation 5 Slim are as follows:

• CPU: AMD Zen 2, 8 cores up to 3.5 GHz

• GPU: AMD RDNA 2, 10.3 TFLOPS

• RAM: 16 GB GDDR6

• Storage: 1 TB SSD (Slim model, with slightly more usable storage than the original PS5)

• Output: Up to 4K at 120Hz, 8K support, VRR

• Audio: Tempest 3D AudioTech

• Controller: DualSense with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1

• Backward compatibility: Yes (PS4 titles)

Which console is the best value pick?

✨The Xbox Series X tends to win people over slowly rather than immediately with its value for money entry pricing and Game Pass, making it a great value pick.

For decades, there has been a fierce rivalry between Sony and Microsoft in the gaming console market, and this has extended to their fanbases. Users of each console tend to be fiercely loyal, so it can be difficult to understand why you should choose one over the other, especially because the PS5 Slim and the Xbox Series X, on paper, are very similar spec-wise.

Compared to the PlayStation 5 Slim, it trades blockbuster exclusives for flexibility, while still offering slightly more raw graphical power on paper. With this in mind, the main reason a gamer would choose the Xbox X Series over the PS5, aside from brand loyalty, is that it tends to offer more value for your money. Where PlayStation leans big into standout titles, Xbox leans into Game Pass. This is the big reason most gamers stay when comparing the PS5 vs Xbox Series X.

Instead of picking one game and committing, you can bounce between 5 or 6 titles without worrying about the cost, since there are hundreds of games included in the Game Pass subscription service. With Game Pass, you can try games you’ll know you’ll love, and even a few you might not usually pick. One Redditor even said,

“I love it. Game pass, play anywhere, and backward compatibility boosts make it my go-to console.”

That makes it the best value gaming console for players who want variety without buying every major title separately.

The Xbox Series X is also built around convenience and range, with support for 4K resolution, Quick Resume, and a refresh rate up to 120Hz. With Quick Resume, you can swap between multiple games without fully restarting them. That’s pretty nifty. It's also pretty darn cool that Xbox offers backward compatibility, so many of the older Xbox titles you know and love benefit from shorter load times and better performance.

The trade-off (yes, there is one) is that it can feel far less “event-driven” than the PlayStation. There are fewer moments when a single exclusive will pull you in and allow for a quintessential immersive experience.

What are the specifications of the Xbox Series X?

The Xbox Series X comes with the following specs:

• CPU: Custom AMD Zen 2, 8 cores at 3.8 GHz

• GPU: RDNA 2, 12 TFLOPS

• RAM: 16 GB GDDR6

• Storage: 1 TB NVMe SSD

• Output: Up to 4K at 120fps, 8K HDR

• Features: Quick Resume, Variable Refresh Rate

• Audio: Dolby Atmos support

• Connectivity: Compatible with Wi-Fi signals up to 802.11ac dual band

• Backward compatibility: Extensive (Xbox One, 360, original Xbox)

PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Comparing the biggest hitters in 2026

Most long-term gamers will be aware of the ongoing battle for supremacy in the console market between PlayStation and Xbox. Since Xbox’s arrival in 2001 with the original Xbox, PlayStation has had a permanent rival vying for top spot in the game console space. In 2026, the story remains the same: currently, the PS5 and Xbox Series X are the top choices for serious gamers.

Let’s take a look at what separates these heavy hitters across their specs and capabilities.

Which console is best for portability and families?

✨The Nintendo Switch 2 offers Nintendo-specific classics that keep gamers loyal, like Pokémon and Mario Kart, and it's child-friendly. It also does not try to compete directly, which is exactly why it works.

Are you looking for a console for family bonding sessions from the comfort of your couch or the best console in 2026 for kids? How about something you can be a little selfish with when you’re out and about? The Nintendo Switch 2 might be the best choice for you. Unlike the PS5 Slim and Xbox Series X, it is not trying to compete on power, which is exactly why it fits more naturally into everyday routines.

When compiling our Nintendo Switch 2 review, we found that this gaming console is one of the easiest to use and supports either single-player or co-op play. Considering it comes with detachable Joy-Cons, you can play on the TV and then pick it up and continue somewhere else. This type of flexibility remains largely unmatched. Essentially, the Nintendo Switch 2 is the best portable gaming console because it works in the handheld, tabletop, and docked modes. Some players, however, note that for more graphically demanding titles, the battery life can fall below the advertised 2-hour minimum.

It's also a marked improvement over the Switch 1, offering better performance and clearer visuals, especially when docked. Additionally, Nintendo's interface and game design tend to be easier to learn and get used to, even for younger or less experienced players. One player put it like this:

“The Switch 2 feels more premium than the Switch 1, a tad more polished if I may, I really like the new magnetic mechanism, it’s definitely more durable than the old Switch.”

Considering its hybrid model, ease of use, and simplicity, it fits into most everyday routines, making casual play easier than ever. It also doesn’t hurt that it comes with consistently fun titles for all ages, like Mario Kart, Zelda, Animal Crossing, and Smash Bros.

But, of course, there is a ceiling. If you are used to high-end visuals or large open-world games running at max settings, you will notice the difference.

What are the specifications of the Nintendo Switch 2?

Find the Nintendo Switch 2’s specifications below:

• Processor: Custom NVIDIA chip

• Graphics: NVIDIA GPU DLSS support

• RAM: 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM

• Storage: 256 GB UFS

• Display: 7.9-inch LCD, 1080p, HDR10

• Output (Docked): Up to 4K at 60fps

• Refresh rate: Up to 120Hz (handheld-supported titles)

• Controllers: Detachable Joy-Cons

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, NFC (Joy-Con 2 [R]), Wired LAN (via dock)

• Modes: Handheld, tabletop, docked

How do the specs of the best gaming console compare?

Before choosing which console to buy, it helps to compare the major console specs side by side, including PS5 vs Xbox vs Nintendo Switch 2.

Honourable mentions

Which is the best portable console?

✨The Steam Deck provides PC-level game play, a deep game library, and a powerful battery for the best on-the-go gaming experience in the handheld market.

While the Nintendo Switch 2 appeals to families and nostalgic adult players, the Steam Deck is the best all-round portable handheld console. This is because it combines power, price, a large game library, and PC-level flexibility and performance.

With a long-lasting battery and deep Steam game library, the Steam Deck offers better battery performance than the Switch, the largest game library of a handheld console, and the most extensive modding for a handheld.

Which is the best value home console?

The Xbox Series S is often considered the best value home console because of it combines raw performance, the best value access to a huge game library, and the strongest backward-compatibility ecosystem.

It’s typically priced far lower than the PS5 and equivalent consoles, while offering similar performance levels. Plus, with Game Pass, players access hundreds of games for a modest monthly fee. With Xbox Series S there’s no need to abandon your old games, Series X plays Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Original Xbox titles.

And the Series X offers the cheapest expandable storage path, because Xbox uses more affordable proprietary expansion cards while the PS5 requires Sony-approved NVMe drives.

Pairing that with a refurbished Xbox Series S from Back Market stretches the value even further, bringing the entry price down without touching the Game Pass experience.

Shopping advice: How do you choose the best gaming console for your needs?

✨The best console is not always the newest or the most expensive. In a lot of cases, it comes down to what you need and how you shop.

Choosing the best gaming console for your specific needs can be somewhat of a challenge. That’s why we’re sharing a few tips for how to choose and how to shop to ensure you get the best deal possible:

1. Start with how and where you play: If you don’t know how you prefer to play or where, it's harder to make the right choice. With little attention and some self-reflection, you'll determine the type of player you are, and then you can match that to the console that best suits your needs.

2. Look at the total cost: The real price of a console is more than just the sticker price. You also need to bear in mind subscription costs, extra controllers, storage upgrades down the line, and how often you buy new games. These costs add up and can have a huge impact on which console you end up choosing for you or your family.

3. Decide whether buying new is necessary: We all like shiny things, and a new console can be incredibly tempting. But do you really need a new one, or could you explore a refurbished model? There are select refurbished consoles that can save you a lot of money, making for a much smarter buy. So, if your goal is to get the best gaming experience without paying full retail, buying refurbished from a trusted marketplace like Back Market is worth a look.

Why should you consider a refurbished console?

Can you picture all the game consoles you’ve ever owned? We bet there was a time you had a broken console at home, maybe even two or three. When you buy refurbished game consoles from Back Market, you can save a console from being left forgotten, only to gather dust.

Whether you want to give a second life to a retro game console and awaken your inner child or are hoping to save money on a PlayStation 5 or Xbox One, you’ll find a range of refurbished consoles on Back Market.

Refurbished game consoles are better for the planet, too. When you buy refurbished, you contribute to ending fast tech, forced obsolescence, and the tons of e-waste created every year. Companies overproduce tech and continue to grow their carbon footprint. You can help break the cycle by buying refurbished tech when you’re looking for a new console and trading in old tech when you’reready to move on to a next-gen console.

All our refurbished game consoles pass an up to 100-point inspection, carried out by expert industry professionals. Game consoles from Back Market feel new after our testing process and come with a 1-year commercial warranty to ensure peace of mind and risk-free purchases.

What is the best gaming console in 2026 overall?

That’s about a wrap on our console buying guide 2026. The best gaming console in 2026 really comes down to how you play, but each option has a different job to do. The PlayStation 5 Slim is the best overall gaming console for players who want premium exclusives, strong performance, and a console that feels easy to settle into.

The Xbox Series X is the best-value gaming console for players who want variety, flexibility, and access to Game Pass without buying every major title separately. The Nintendo Switch 2 is the best portable gaming console and the best console for families, thanks to its flexible play modes and accessible games.

So, if you are deciding which console to buy, start with the basics. Think about the games you actually want, the total cost after subscriptions and accessories, and where you’ll be playing most often.

Additionally, if price is part of the decision, buying refurbished from Back Market is a smart way to spend less up front while still getting a device that has been tested, is backed by a 1-year commercial warranty, and includes a 30-day return policy.

Check out our console offers here and find the best gaming console for the way you actually play.