What is the best gaming console and what you should buy

Gaming is a very personal thing. Whether you're all about high competition co-op games or enjoy an occasional weeknight gaming sesh, you want a gaming console that fits your needs. And you're in luck—there are several winning products with features designed with you in mind.

Asurion Experts are no strangers to gaming. From game console repairs to finding ways to extend the life of your console, count on us for advice you can trust. So, what is the best gaming console? We'll walk through a few options to help you find one that suits your lifestyle.

Performance and hardware comparison

For hardcore gamers, performance and hardware specs matter—a lot. You want a console that won't lag, contains lots of storage, and supports high-quality graphics. You'll find all those benefits in a PlayStation 5. It comes with 1TB of built-in SSD storage and 4K graphics with supported games.

The Xbox Series X also boasts stellar performance. It comes standard with 1TB of storage, but you can upgrade to a 2TB SSD system. You get 4K graphics on supported games, plus 8K High Dynamic Range (HDR) on some titles.

A less-pricey alternative with great specs is the Xbox Series S. The basic model has 512 GB of internal storage and support for HDR graphics.

For hybrid gamers who alternate between handheld and console gaming, the Nintendo Switch is a solid option. While its internal memory is just 32 GB, a microSDHC card easily expands the storage space to 2TB.

Game library and exclusives

The PS5 boasts several blockbusters such as Final Fantasy 16, Spider-Man Remastered, and God of War. It's also home to The Last of Us series and Astro Bot.

Xbox Series X/S have fewer exclusive titles. However, Microsoft offers Game Pass, a paid subscription that gives you access to hundreds of titles. You can pick and choose games to play without buying them separately.

Nintendo is well-known for its beloved Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Brothers, and Pokemon franchises. You'll find a mix of those fan favorites, plus action-oriented and sports games.

Portability and flexibility

The Nintendo Switch offers the most flexibility of any gaming console. It can be used for handheld and console gaming, which is ideal if you travel frequently.

Parents looking for a handheld-only gaming option should consider the Nintendo Switch Lite. It's ultra-portable, relatively low-cost, and marketed as a kid-friendly gaming solution, with bright color options and a lightweight design.

The PS5 and Xbox Series X are meant for home use and don't currently support handheld games.

Online services and subscriptions

Each console offers optional subscriptions you can sign up for. With PlayStation Plus, you get access to monthly games, online multiplayer, and cloud storage. Some membership plans also include a game catalog, so you can play titles that you don't already own.

The Xbox Game Pass & Live Gold subscription includes all those perks, plus an extensive gaming catalog. It's an optimal choice for gamers who like to mix and match a variety of titles rather than stick with a few favorites.

Nintendo Switch Online supports online play and data cloud storage. It's highly affordable and includes a wide selection of retro games from the original Nintendo Entertainment System and Game Boy. If you dream of reliving Super Mario Bros. 3 or Tetris, this is the best retro gaming console you can buy.

Backwards compatibility and legacy games

Of all the consoles, Xbox Series X and Series S offer the most support for older games. You can play discs from an Xbox 360 or Xbox One on both consoles. And you can also use your old Kinect on the Xbox Series X, provided you have a few extra parts.

The PS5 can play most PS4 titles, but not all. Nintendo Switch doesn't provide backward compatibility. Games from older systems may be available through the Nintendo Switch Online catalog.

Who each console is best for

So, what is the best gaming console? Here's our final breakdown:

• PlayStation 5: wins for cinematic visuals and sharp performance.
• Xbox Series X/S: best for Game Pass subscribers and value-focused players.
• Nintendo Switch: ideal for casual, family, and mobile play.

No matter which gaming console you decide is the right one to purchase, make sure it's covered from mishaps with a protection plan—explore options to find one that fits your lifestyle and your budget.

FAQ

Are any consoles better suited for local co-op or family play?

Nintendo Switch offers a broad catalog of family-friendly titles. It's the perfect console for kids, tweens, and teens.

Do the game libraries vary across these consoles?

The PlayStation and Xbox libraries are similar, but the PS5 has several titles that are exclusive to it, such as Spider-Man and God of War.

Which console is the best fit for casual or first-time gamers?

The Nintendo Switch is perfect for new gamers. It features an easy-to-use controller and supports handheld gaming.