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The 6 best games consoles of 2025, tested by a gaming expert
Reviewing games consoles is different from assessing other technologies. Firstly, it’s just as much about the third-party software as the machine itself, and having the best hardware in the world won’t save a console if the games are underwhelming. Secondly, unlike the best smartphones, where new models arrive on an annual basis, games consoles are a longer-term investment, tending to last five years or more.
Prospective console-buyers have never had so much choice. At the high end of the market, the most powerful PlayStation costs £700, but you can play many of the same games on the £300 Xbox Series S. The Nintendo Switch revolutionised the industry in 2017 by merging the handheld and home console, and its successor continues that trend. Then there’s the Steam Deck, which isn’t technically a console at all, but a mini PC optimised for handheld gaming.
So, which one is right for you?
The best games consoles of 2025: At a glance
How to choose the best games console
There’s a lot to consider when you’re buying a games console, but a good starting point is the games. There are certain PS5-exclusive games, such as Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and The Last of Us series, that aren’t available on Xbox, while the likes of Super Mario and Pokemon are strictly Nintendo series. Most third-party games are released on all of the major consoles, which means that exclusives can make the difference.
If you want the latest cutting edge graphics, then the Switch 2 shouldn’t be your first choice. Do you care so much about resolution and frame rates? That’s a consideration you’ll have to make when buying an Xbox or a PlayStation 5, as there are different variants of each console available.
It’s also worth thinking about ongoing costs. Buying a console without a drive, like the Xbox Series S, saves money today, but digital games are more expensive and can’t be traded in when finished. Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo all offer some kind of subscription service now, too, each of them a bit different.
Finally, you should consider online gaming. The PS5 and Xbox are more robust for playing online multiplayer, but the Switch 2 offers more safeguarding features.
