The Best Gaming Consoles of 2026: Our Buying Guide for Every Player, Family and Budget
Our picks for the best gaming consoles of 2026 in the US: best overall, best hybrid, best for 4K graphics, best for Game Pass, best value, best handheld gaming PC, best for kids, best for families and best retro console.
Buying guide
Updated November 2026
Buying a console in 2026 is a different game than it was a couple of years ago. The Nintendo Switch 2 has settled in, Windows handhelds like the ROG Xbox Ally X have gone mainstream, and the memory shortage has pushed prices up across the board: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo and Valve have all raised their prices this year. That makes picking the right machine more important than ever. Our team compared today's consoles on their game libraries, performance, portability, subscriptions and real-world value, and narrowed everything down to the systems we'd actually recommend to a friend.
Below you'll find our quick picks, a closer look at each console, our recommendations by need, and a short guide on what really matters before you buy. With GTA 6 on the horizon and the holidays around the corner, we've also flagged where stock is tight.
A note on prices: console prices went up several times in 2025 and 2026, and deals are rarer than they used to be. Black Friday (November 27) and Cyber Monday (November 30) are still the best time to look for bundles. We quote US list prices where we know them and use approximate ranges ($ = under $250, $$ = $250–$500, $$$ = $500–$800, $$$$ = over $800). Always check the exact model, storage size and edition (disc or digital) before you buy, and be wary of third-party sellers charging well above list price.
Our quick picks
| Category | Our pick | Why we like it |
|---|---|---|
| Best console overall | Sony PlayStation 5 Slim | The deepest library, a great controller and a disc option |
| Best hybrid & handheld console | Nintendo Switch 2 | Play on the TV or on the go, with Nintendo's exclusives |
| Best for 4K & graphics | Sony PS5 Pro | The most powerful console you can buy, with a 2TB SSD |
| Best for Game Pass & Xbox fans | Microsoft Xbox Series X | True 4K Xbox with a disc drive and great backward compatibility |
| Best value home console | Microsoft Xbox Series S | The cheapest way into current-gen Xbox, in a tiny box |
| Best handheld gaming PC | Asus ROG Xbox Ally X | Top performance, superb comfort and an Xbox-style interface |
| Best budget handheld & for kids | Nintendo Switch Lite | Light, tough and plays nearly the whole Switch library |
| Best for families & active play | Nex Playground | Motion-controlled games that get everyone off the couch |
| Best retro & arcade console | Evercade Alpha | A real bartop arcade cabinet with classic Capcom games |
Sony PlayStation 5 Slim
The one console we'd recommend to most people
- CPU / GPU:
- AMD Zen 2 8-core / RDNA 2 (10.3 TFLOPS)
- Memory:
- 16GB GDDR6
- Storage:
- 1TB SSD
- Disc drive:
- Standard model has a 4K Blu-ray drive; Digital Edition can add one later
- Backward compatibility:
- Most PS4 games
- Price range:
- $$$ ($649.99 list; Digital Edition $599.99)
If you want one console that covers the most bases, the PS5 is still the one to beat. Its library is the strongest of any system right now, from blockbuster exclusives like Marvel's Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök and Saros to a steady stream of indie gems, and it plays the vast majority of PS4 games too. The DualSense controller remains a highlight: its haptic feedback and adaptive triggers really do change how games feel when developers use them well.
The slimmer design fits more easily under a TV, the 1TB SSD keeps load times to a few seconds, and the detachable disc drive lets you choose between a physical collection and a cheaper digital setup. The catch is price. Sony's April 2026 increase put the standard model at $649.99 and the Digital Edition at $599.99, which is a lot this late in a generation. A vertical stand costs extra, and adding a disc drive to the Digital Edition later works out more expensive than buying the standard model up front.
What we like
- Best library of exclusive games
- DualSense is a standout controller
- Fast SSD and easy interface
- Disc or digital: your choice
What we don't
- Much more expensive in 2026
- Stand and disc drive (Digital) cost extra
- DualSense battery life is short
Already own a PS5? The Sony PlayStation Portal (around $249) streams your PS5 games to an 8-inch handheld screen with full DualSense features, and it can now cloud stream a selection of games without your console. It needs a strong Wi-Fi connection.
Nintendo Switch 2
The best way to play on the TV and on the go, and the only home of Mario Kart World
- Screen:
- 7.9-inch 1080p LCD, HDR10, up to 120Hz
- TV output:
- Up to 4K when docked
- Memory / storage:
- 12GB / 256GB (microSD Express)
- Battery:
- About 2–6.5 hours (Nintendo's rating)
- Backward compatibility:
- Most original Switch games
- Price range:
- $$ ($499.99 list since September 1, 2026)
The Switch 2 keeps everything that made the original Switch a hit and fixes most of what held it back. The larger 7.9-inch screen is bright and vivid, games like Mario Kart World run at a crisp 1440p docked and a smooth 1080p/60fps in handheld mode, and load times are much shorter. The new magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers are bigger and comfier, and they can even be used like a mouse on a flat surface, which is surprisingly handy in games like Civilization 7 and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
Exclusives like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza are reason enough for many families, and most original Switch games carry over, some with paid Switch 2 Edition upgrades. For long trips, plan around charging access or pack a compatible power bank. It's also bigger than the original, the screen is LCD rather than OLED, and storage expansion needs pricier microSD Express cards.
What we like
- Seamless handheld and TV play
- Big, sharp 120Hz display
- Huge performance jump over Switch 1
- Excellent backward compatibility
What we don't
- Short battery life
- Price went up in September
- No OLED; needs microSD Express
On a budget? The original Nintendo Switch OLED is still a solid buy on sale, with better battery life, but it can't play Switch 2 games.
Sony PS5 Pro
The most powerful console you can buy, for big 4K TVs and graphics fans
- GPU:
- AMD RDNA 3 (16.7 TFLOPS)
- Memory:
- 16GB GDDR6 + 2GB DDR5
- Storage:
- 2TB SSD
- Extras:
- PSSR upscaling, Wi-Fi 7, 8K in select games
- Disc drive:
- Sold separately
- Price range:
- $$$$ ($899.99 list)
If you have a great 4K TV and hate choosing between "quality" and "performance" modes, the PS5 Pro is for you. Its much faster GPU, better ray tracing and Sony's AI-based PSSR upscaling make enhanced games look sharper and run smoother; Marvel's Spider-Man 2, with its reflective puddles and realistic lighting, is a showcase. The 2TB SSD is a genuine everyday upgrade, holding dozens of big games without constant juggling, and Game Boost can lift performance in some older titles.
It plays exactly the same games as the regular PS5, though, and the improvements vary from game to game. At $899.99 before you add the optional disc drive and stand, it only makes sense for enthusiasts. Stock is also very tight right now: demand ahead of GTA 6 has kept it sold out at most retailers for weeks, so set an alert and avoid paying scalper prices well above list.
What we like
- The best console visuals and frame rates
- Noticeably better ray tracing
- Roomy 2TB SSD
- Wi-Fi 7 support
What we don't
- Extremely expensive
- Disc drive and stand cost extra
- Hard to find in stock
Microsoft Xbox Series X
The Xbox to get if you have a 4K TV or a shelf of Xbox games
- GPU:
- AMD RDNA 2 (12.1 TFLOPS)
- Memory:
- 16GB GDDR6
- Storage:
- 1TB SSD
- Disc drive:
- 4K UHD Blu-ray (standard model)
- Extras:
- Quick Resume, Game Pass, Play Anywhere
- Price range:
- $$$ ($799.99 list; Digital Edition $749.99)
The Series X is the most powerful console Microsoft has ever built, and it shows on a big screen: games target 4K and drop to 1440p only when needed to hold a smooth frame rate, and loading is very fast. Its standout feature is backward compatibility across every generation of Xbox, so your old discs and digital purchases are ready to play. Quick Resume, which lets you jump between several games right where you left off, is one of our favorite features on any console.
It's also the best box for Game Pass subscribers who want the full-fat experience on a 4K TV, and Play Anywhere means compatible purchases and saves move between Xbox and PC. The downside is price: after this year's increases it costs $799.99, which is hard to justify if you mostly stream or download Game Pass games to a smaller screen, or if you already have a capable gaming PC. It's also heavy, and the interface feels busy.
What we like
- Strong 4K performance
- Excellent backward compatibility
- Quick Resume and Game Pass integration
- Runs quietly
What we don't
- Very expensive in 2026
- Fewer must-play exclusives than PS5
- Bulky, busy interface
Microsoft Xbox Series S
The least expensive way into current-gen Xbox, in a box that fits anywhere
- GPU:
- AMD RDNA 2 (4 TFLOPS)
- Memory:
- 10GB GDDR6
- Storage:
- 512GB or 1TB SSD
- Resolution:
- Targets 1440p, up to 120fps in supported games
- Disc drive:
- None (digital only)
- Price range:
- $$ ($499.99 list for 512GB; 1TB costs more)
The Series S plays the same current Xbox games as the Series X, just at lower resolutions, and it does so in a small, quiet, good-looking box that slides into a bedroom or a cramped entertainment center. Load times are measured in seconds, it doubles as a great streaming box with apps like Netflix and Disney Plus, and paired with Game Pass it can be a very affordable way to try a lot of games.
Be aware that it's no longer the bargain it was at launch: Microsoft's price increases have taken the 512GB model to $499.99, so we'd only pay full price if you specifically want Xbox and play on a 1080p or 1440p screen. The 512GB drive fills up fast, expansion cards are expensive, and with no disc drive you can't buy used physical games. Watch for holiday bundles and certified refurbished units, which can make it much better value.
What we like
- Cheapest current-gen Xbox
- Tiny, quiet design
- Full access to the Xbox library and Game Pass
- Quick loading
What we don't
- Far pricier than it used to be
- 512GB fills up quickly
- No 4K gaming, no disc drive
Asus ROG Xbox Ally X
Your PC game library in your hands, with an Xbox-style interface
- Processor:
- AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme
- Memory:
- 24GB LPDDR5X-8000
- Storage:
- 1TB SSD
- Screen:
- 7-inch 1080p IPS
- OS / weight:
- Windows 11 with Xbox full screen experience / 715g
- Price range:
- $$$$ (around $1,000)
If you want to play your PC games (Steam, Xbox PC Game Pass and more) away from your desk, this is the handheld we'd buy.
Microsoft's full screen Xbox experience hides most of Windows 11, so it boots fast, sleeps and wakes reliably and feels much more like a console than older Windows handhelds, though it's still not as unified as SteamOS. The big drawbacks are the price, at around $1,000, and the 7-inch IPS screen, which is fine but a bit dull next to an OLED at this money.
What we like
- Top-tier handheld performance
- Exceptionally comfortable
- Very quiet
- Console-like Xbox interface
What we don't
- Very high price
- Dull IPS screen, no OLED
- Windows overlay less polished than SteamOS
Other handheld PCs: the cheaper Asus ROG Xbox Ally (Ryzen Z2 A, 16GB, 512GB) has the same comfy chassis and screen and is our pick for indie and lighter games. The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is even faster with excellent battery life, but costs much more. Valve's Steam Deck OLED (sold directly by Valve, now $789 for 512GB and $949 for 1TB) still has the best screen and the friendliest software, while Lenovo's Legion Go S with SteamOS is another option.
Nintendo Switch Lite
Nintendo's games in a light, tough handheld for a lot less money
- Screen:
- 5.5-inch 720p LCD
- Storage:
- 32GB (microSD expandable)
- Battery:
- About 3–7 hours
- Weight:
- 275g (0.61 lb)
- TV play:
- No (handheld only)
- Price range:
- $ (around $229)
For kids, commuters and anyone on a tight budget, the Switch Lite is still the best-value handheld you can buy. It plays nearly every game in the huge original Switch library, from Mario and Zelda to Pokémon and a mountain of indies, and its compact size means it disappears into a backpack or a large pocket. The thick plastic shell is tougher than the regular Switch, and because the controls are built in, there are no Joy-Cons to lose.
Battery life of three to seven hours is enough for a school trip or a cross-country flight, and it comes in several bright colors. Know the trade-offs before you buy: it can't connect to a TV at all, the screen and D-pad are on the small side for big hands, and it can't play Switch 2 games, which matters more as Nintendo's new releases move to the newer console.
What we like
- Affordable
- Very light and portable
- Durable, kid-friendly build
- Huge game library
What we don't
- No TV mode
- Small screen and D-pad
- Can't play Switch 2 games
Nex Playground
A kid-safe, motion-controlled console that gets the whole family moving
- Controls:
- Full-body motion via built-in camera
- Games included:
- 5 out of the box
- Play Pass:
- 45+ more games ($49 for 3 months or $89 per year)
- Designed for:
- Kids and families
- Setup:
- Plugs into your TV, no controllers needed
- Price range:
- $ (much cheaper than a Switch 2 or PS5)
The Nex Playground has quietly become one of the most popular consoles for families, and it's easy to see why. There are no controllers to fight over: a camera reads your body movements, so games like its excellent take on Fruit Ninja and the rhythm game Starri get kids (and adults) up and moving instead of slumped on the couch. Setup is simple, and everything is designed for children, so parents don't have to worry about inappropriate content.
You can't buy individual games. Five come in the box, and the optional Play Pass unlocks more than 45 others, many of them exclusive, with new ones added regularly. Even with the subscription, it costs far less than a mainstream console. The hardware is modest, though, so a few games can struggle, and there's no depth for older kids who want traditional console games.
What we like
- Affordable
- Very easy to set up and use
- Gets kids active
- Family-friendly content only
What we don't
- Games lack depth
- Play Pass needed for most of the library
- Modest performance
Evercade Alpha
A real bartop arcade cabinet for your home, with room to grow
- Format:
- Bartop arcade cabinet
- Screen:
- 8-inch IPS, 4:3
- Editions:
- Street Fighter or Mega Man (6 Capcom games each)
- Expandable:
- Evercade cartridge slot
- Extras:
- USB controller support, swappable marquee cards
- Price range:
- $–$$ (varies by edition and retailer)
For anyone who grew up feeding quarters into arcade machines, the Evercade Alpha is the most authentic way to relive it at home. It's a compact, sturdy bartop cabinet with an arcade-quality stick and buttons, surprisingly good speakers and a crisp 8-inch screen that shows classics in their original 4:3 shape. The Street Fighter edition includes Street Fighter 2 Champion Edition and Turbo, the three Street Fighter Alpha games and Super Puzzle Fighter 2 Turbo; the Mega Man edition packs both Power Battle games, Carrier Air Wing, Final Fight, Knights of the Round and Strider.
Emulation is smooth across the board, and because it takes Evercade cartridges, you can keep adding to the library. You can plug in USB controllers for two-player sessions, and the swappable marquee cards let you change its look. It's slow to boot, though, and the games don't offer difficulty options.
What we like
- Authentic arcade feel
- Great build and speakers
- Plays Evercade cartridges
- Excellent emulation
What we don't
- Long boot time
- No difficulty options in games
Prefer a handheld or a cartridge collection? The HyperMegaTech Super Pocket is a tiny, inexpensive retro handheld with built-in classics (in Taito, Capcom, Technos and Atari editions) and an Evercade cartridge slot. If you own a stack of Nintendo 64 cartridges, the Analogue 3D plays them with modern 4K output and a convincing CRT filter, though it's pricey and has no controller in the box.
Best consoles by need
| If you need… | Our pick | Budget alternative |
|---|---|---|
| One console that does it all | Sony PlayStation 5 Slim | PS5 Digital Edition |
| Nintendo games and play on the go | Nintendo Switch 2 | Nintendo Switch Lite |
| The best graphics on a 4K TV | Sony PS5 Pro | Xbox Series X |
| Game Pass and an Xbox library | Xbox Series X | Xbox Series S |
| A small console for a bedroom or dorm | Xbox Series S | Nintendo Switch Lite |
| PC games on the go | Asus ROG Xbox Ally X | Asus ROG Xbox Ally |
| A first console for a young child | Nintendo Switch 2 | Nintendo Switch Lite |
| Active family game nights | Nex Playground | Nintendo Switch 2 with motion games |
| Playing your PS5 away from the TV | Sony PlayStation Portal | PS5 Remote Play on your phone |
| Retro and arcade classics | Evercade Alpha | HyperMegaTech Super Pocket |
Not sure which to pick? Start with the games. If Mario, Zelda and Pokémon are what you want, it has to be Nintendo. If you or your friends already play on PlayStation or Xbox, staying in that ecosystem keeps your library and your online friends. If you just want the best all-rounder for a TV, the PS5 is the safest bet.
How to choose a gaming console: 7 things that actually matter
1. Start with the games
Exclusives still matter more than specs. Nintendo's biggest franchises only appear on Switch consoles, Sony's blockbusters launch first on PS5, and Xbox games also come to PC through Play Anywhere and Game Pass. Many of the biggest third-party games are on every platform, so look at what you and your friends actually play before worrying about teraflops.
2. Decide where you'll play
The PS5, PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X|S live under a TV. The Switch 2 moves between the TV and your hands in a second, the Switch Lite is handheld-only, and handheld PCs like the ROG Xbox Ally X bring your PC library with you. If several people share one TV, a handheld (or a PlayStation Portal) can end a lot of arguments.
3. Match the console to your TV
A good 4K TV is where the extra power of the PS5, Xbox Series X and especially the PS5 Pro becomes obvious. On a 1080p screen, several hundred dollars of extra graphics horsepower is surprisingly hard to see, and the Xbox Series S makes more sense. If you want 120Hz modes, check that your TV has HDMI 2.1.
4. Disc or digital?
Digital-only consoles cost less up front but lock you out of used games, disc sales and lending games to friends. A disc drive also turns the PS5 and Xbox Series X into 4K Blu-ray players. The PS5's detachable drive lets you add one later, but it costs more that way.
5. Budget for storage
Modern games can take 100GB or more each. The 512GB in the Xbox Series S fills up in days, while the PS5 Pro's 2TB is generous. Expansion options differ: PS5 takes standard M.2 SSDs, Xbox needs proprietary expansion cards, and Switch 2 needs microSD Express cards.
6. Count the ongoing costs
Online multiplayer generally needs a subscription (PlayStation Plus, Game Pass or Nintendo Switch Online), new Nintendo games can cost up to $80 and PS5 games often $70, and extra controllers aren't cheap. Game Pass can save serious money if you like trying lots of games. For families, the Nex Playground's Play Pass is the main extra cost.
7. When to buy
Console discounts have been scarce in 2026 because of rising component costs, so Black Friday and holiday bundles (which add a game or a second controller) are the best value you're likely to find. Certified refurbished consoles from the manufacturer are another smart way to save. For hard-to-find models like the PS5 Pro, set a stock alert and avoid paying resellers far above list price.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best gaming console in 2026?
For most people, the Sony PlayStation 5 Slim. It has the best library, a great controller and backward compatibility with most PS4 games. If you want to play on the go or you're buying for Nintendo fans, the Nintendo Switch 2 is the better choice.
Should I buy a PS5 or a PS5 Pro?
Most players should buy the regular PS5. Both play the same games; the Pro adds sharper images, better ray tracing, steadier frame rates and a 2TB SSD. It's worth it only if you have a high-end 4K TV and care about those differences, and right now it's also hard to find in stock.
PS5 or Xbox Series X?
We prefer the PS5 overall for its exclusives. The Xbox Series X makes more sense if you already own Xbox games, use Game Pass a lot or also play on a Windows PC, thanks to Play Anywhere and excellent backward compatibility.
Is the Steam Deck still worth buying?
The Steam Deck OLED is still a great handheld, with a gorgeous HDR OLED screen and the friendliest software of any handheld PC, but Valve raised its price in 2026 to $789 (512GB) and $949 (1TB), and it's sold directly by Valve rather than Amazon. At those prices, the ROG Xbox Ally (for less money) and the ROG Xbox Ally X (for more performance) are strong alternatives. Valve's new Steam Machine, a living-room PC with SteamOS, is also sold directly by Valve and costs over $1,000.
Is the Switch 2 worth it if I already own a Switch?
Yes if you want new Nintendo exclusives like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, better performance in older games, or a bigger, sharper screen. If your original Switch still does everything you need and you mostly play older games, there's no rush to upgrade.
What's the best console for a young child?
The Nintendo Switch 2 is the best all-round choice thanks to Nintendo's family-friendly library and parental controls. For younger kids or tighter budgets, the Switch Lite is tough, light and affordable, and the Nex Playground is great if you want them moving rather than sitting.