The landscape of interactive entertainment is constantly evolving, with 2025 offering a spectacular array of gaming consoles to suit every type of player. From the raw power of next-generation home systems to the liberating flexibility of handheld and VR devices, the choice has never been more exciting. Whether you’re building a family game library, seeking the most immersive experiences, or wanting to take your games on the go, there is a perfect machine waiting for you.
Selecting the right console depends on your preferred gaming style, the types of games you enjoy, and your setup at home. This roundup breaks down the top contenders, highlighting the key features and benefits of each to help you make an informed decision. We’ve compiled a list of the most compelling options available, from household names to innovative newcomers, ensuring you find the ideal platform for your next gaming adventure.
The Best Game Consoles for Your 2025 Wishlist
- PlayStation®5 console (slim)
- Xbox Series X – All Digital Gaming Console
- Nintendo Switch OLED Model (Renewed)
- Xbox Series S – All Digital Gaming Console
- Valve Steam Deck 512GB Handheld Console LCD
- Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con
- Meta Quest 3S 128GB VR Headset
- PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of The Mountain Bundle
- Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB Handheld Console
- PlayStation 5 Slim Console
PlayStation®5 console (slim)
The PlayStation 5 (slim) continues to be a powerhouse for gamers seeking a premium, all-in-one experience. Its inclusion of a disc drive provides flexibility for both physical and digital game libraries, while the fast 1TB SSD drastically reduces load times, getting you into the action almost instantly. The console comes with the innovative DualSense wireless controller, which offers immersive haptic feedback and adaptive triggers for a more tactile gaming session.
Out of the box, you get everything needed to start playing, including a horizontal stand, necessary cables, and the pre-installed game ASTRO’s PLAYROOM, which is designed to showcase the capabilities of the DualSense controller. This model represents a more streamlined design compared to the original, making it a sleek addition to any entertainment center. For those who prefer a vertical setup, the stand is available as a separate purchase.
Xbox Series X – All Digital Gaming Console
As a disc-free version of Microsoft’s flagship console, the Xbox Series X All Digital delivers the same top-tier performance for a fully digital lifestyle. It supports stunning 4K resolution gaming with frame rates up to 120 FPS, creating incredibly smooth and realistic visuals. Features like Quick Resume allow you to switch between several games instantly, picking up your progress right where you left off.
This console is a fantastic hub for gamers invested in the Xbox ecosystem, offering access to services like Xbox Game Pass. Its extensive backward compatibility means you can play a vast library of games from four generations of Xbox, with many titles receiving automatic enhancements for better visuals and performance on the new hardware. The 1TB SSD provides ample space for a substantial collection of games and ensures quick boot times.
Nintendo Switch OLED Model (Renewed)
This renewed model offers a cost-effective way to experience the premium version of Nintendo’s iconic hybrid console. The standout feature is its vibrant 7-inch OLED screen, which produces richer colors and deeper contrasts, making handheld and tabletop play more visually impressive than ever. With 64GB of internal storage, you have more space for digital games and downloadable content right from the start.
The Nintendo Switch OLED maintains the system’s signature flexibility with TV, tabletop, and handheld modes. It’s the ultimate console for local multiplayer, whether you’re sharing Joy-Con controllers at home or connecting with other Switch systems wirelessly. This certified renewed product is a great option for families and gamers who want access to Nintendo’s exclusive franchises like Mario and Zelda without the cost of a brand-new unit.
Xbox Series S – All Digital Gaming Console
The Xbox Series S is widely recognized as the best value in gaming, providing a gateway to the next generation at an accessible price point. Its compact, sleek design houses impressive capabilities, including support for up to 120 FPS for super smooth gameplay. The 512GB SSD enables lightning-fast load times, so you can jump into popular titles like Fortnite and Roblox almost instantly.
Fully digital by design, this console is perfect for players who primarily purchase games through the Microsoft Store or subscribe to Xbox Game Pass. It shares many of the same features as its more powerful sibling, including the Quick Resume function and extensive backward compatibility. For gamers with 1080p or 1440p displays, the Series S offers a fantastic and modern gaming experience.
Valve Steam Deck 512GB Handheld Console LCD
The Steam Deck LCD is a revolutionary handheld that brings your extensive Steam library into the palm of your hands. Powered by a custom AMD APU, it delivers the performance needed to run a wide variety of AAA games and indie favorites on the go. The 512GB SSD offers generous and fast storage, reducing load times and giving you plenty of room for your most-played titles.
Its high-resolution LCD display provides a sharp and engaging window into your games, making it a compelling alternative to traditional gaming laptops for portable play. The device runs a custom operating system that provides a console-like experience while maintaining the flexibility and customization options PC gamers appreciate. It’s the ultimate solution for taking your PC game collection anywhere.
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con
The standard Nintendo Switch model remains a top choice for its unparalleled versatility. It features a 6.2-inch LCD screen and three distinct play modes: TV mode for playing on the big screen, tabletop mode for shared sessions with the kickstand, and handheld mode for personal gaming anywhere. The included Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con controllers enable instant two-player fun right out of the box.
This console excels at social and family gaming, supporting local co-op, online multiplayer, and local wireless connections between multiple Switch systems. It provides full access to Nintendo’s beloved first-party games and a massive indie catalog. The hybrid design continues to be its greatest strength, seamlessly adapting to your changing gaming situations throughout the day.
Meta Quest 3S 128GB VR Headset
The Meta Quest 3S is a standalone virtual reality headset that requires no wires or external PC, offering complete freedom of movement. With twice the graphical processing power of its predecessor and a Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, it delivers smooth performance and next-generation graphics for a more realistic VR experience. This bundle includes exclusive content for Gorilla Tag and instant access to a library of over 40 games.
Its untethered design makes it easy to use in any room with enough space, perfect for gaming, fitness applications, and social experiences. The 128GB of storage provides a solid foundation for building a collection of VR titles. For those new to virtual reality or looking for a more accessible entry point, the Quest 3S presents a compelling package with a strong game library from day one.
PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of The Mountain Bundle
This bundle offers the most high-fidelity VR experience available for console gamers, designed exclusively for the PlayStation 5. The PSVR2 headset incorporates advanced Sense technology, including eye tracking, headset feedback, and 3D Audio to create unparalleled immersion. Its 4K HDR visuals provide a sharp, vibrant picture that brings virtual worlds to life with stunning clarity.
The included game, Horizon Call of the Mountain, is a showcase title built from the ground up to take advantage of the hardware. The controllers feature haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and finger touch detection, translating the innovative feel of the DualSense into the VR space. For PS5 owners looking to expand their gaming into new dimensions, the PSVR2 represents the cutting edge of consumer virtual reality technology.
Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB Handheld Console
This premium version of the Steam Deck features a stunning 7.4-inch HDR OLED display with an anti-glare etched glass surface, offering superior contrast, color, and readability in various lighting conditions. With a massive 1TB NVMe SSD, it provides ample high-speed storage for an extensive game library. The display also supports a 90Hz refresh rate, making gameplay feel exceptionally smooth and responsive.
Beyond the visual upgrades, the OLED model includes improved battery life and Wi-Fi 6E support for faster and more stable wireless connections. It represents the peak of handheld PC gaming, combining the vast game catalog of the Steam platform with the comfort and convenience of a dedicated portable device. For serious mobile gamers, this is the top-tier choice.
PlayStation 5 Slim Console
The PlayStation 5 Slim Console maintains the core next-generation experience in a more compact and streamlined form factor. It delivers the same powerful performance, featuring a high-speed solid-state drive for rapid loading and support for ray-traced graphics. The console is designed to be a centerpiece for modern entertainment, playing host to a deep catalog of exclusive and third-party games.
This model offers the same versatile gaming experience as the original, providing a seamless bridge between immersive single-player narratives and competitive online multiplayer. Its reduced size makes it easier to fit into various entertainment setups while retaining the distinctive aesthetic of the PS5 brand. It continues to be supported by a robust online ecosystem and regular system updates.
Buying Guide: How to Pick Your Next Game Console
Choosing the right game console for 2025 feels more complex than ever. We’re no longer just picking between a couple of boxes; we’re choosing an entire ecosystem. As someone who’s been through many console generations, I think the best approach is to start by asking yourself a few key questions. Your answers will immediately narrow down the field for the 10 best game consoles for 2025.
First, what kind of games do you want to play? This is the most important factor. If you’re all about Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, and the next Horizon title, your path leads directly to the PlayStation 5. If Starfield, Halo Infinite, and the vast library of Game Pass is your jam, then the Xbox Series X is your machine. And of course, if Nintendo’s iconic franchises like The Legend of Zelda, Mario, and Animal Crossing are your primary interest, the Nintendo Switch remains the only option. Exclusives define these platforms.
Next, consider your budget and how you prefer to access games. The Xbox Series S is a fantastic, budget-friendly entry point, especially when paired with an Xbox Game Pass subscription. It’s a digital-only console, so be ready for a library that exists entirely on its internal drive. On the other hand, services like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass are incredible value propositions, offering hundreds of games for a monthly fee. Think of it as the Netflix for games. If you prefer to own physical discs, the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition and Xbox Series S are immediately off the table.
Finally, think about your setup and who you play with. Do you have a 4K TV that can take full advantage of the power of a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X? Or are you more of a casual gamer who values the hybrid portability of the Nintendo Switch? Also, consider your friends. If your entire social circle plays on a specific platform, that’s a very good reason to join them for multiplayer sessions. For the family, the Switch’s local multiplayer and approachable games are often the best fit. By weighing these factors—games, budget, and lifestyle—you can confidently pick the console that’s perfect for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 2025 a good year to buy a new console, or should I wait for a “Pro” model?
This is a classic question. As of now, there are no official announcements from Sony, Microsoft, or Nintendo regarding new, more powerful “Pro” versions of their current consoles for a 2025 release. The current generation—PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch—is in its prime, with a fantastic and growing library of games. My advice is to buy based on the games you want to play now. Waiting for hardware that hasn’t been confirmed could mean missing out on years of great gaming. The current lineup of the 10 best game consoles for 2025 is already very capable.
What is the real difference between the Xbox Series X and the less expensive Series S?
The main difference comes down to resolution and physical media. The Xbox Series X is designed for 4K gaming, has a larger 1TB SSD, and includes a 4K Blu-ray disc drive. The Series S is a 1440p/1080p machine, has a smaller 512GB SSD (though the newer black model has 1TB), and is digital-only, meaning you can’t use game discs. For gamers with a 4K TV who want the absolute best performance and have a collection of physical games, the Series X is the choice. The Series S is a brilliant, affordable gateway into the new generation, especially if you plan to use Game Pass.
Is the Nintendo Switch too old to buy in 2025?
While the Nintendo Switch hardware is older, its library of games is arguably the strongest of any console. With timeless classics like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Odyssey, its value is in the software, not the raw power. Rumors about a “Switch 2” are persistent, but without an official release date, the original Switch remains a fantastic purchase, particularly for families and fans of Nintendo’s exclusive titles. Its hybrid design is still completely unique and wonderful.
How important is a subscription service like Game Pass or PlayStation Plus?
These services have become incredibly important. Xbox Game Pass, in particular, is a major selling point for the Xbox ecosystem, offering day-one releases of all first-party Microsoft games. PlayStation Plus offers a catalog of older hits and a few newer ones. For a monthly fee, you get access to a massive library, which is a great way to try many games without a big upfront cost. If you’re on a budget or just like variety, a subscription service can be a better value than buying individual $70 games.
Should I get a digital-only console or one with a disc drive?
This is a personal preference with practical implications. Digital-only consoles like the PS5 Digital Edition and Xbox Series S are often cheaper upfront. However, you are locked into buying games from the PlayStation Store or Microsoft Store, where prices can be higher and sales less frequent than with physical discs. A console with a disc drive gives you the freedom to buy games anywhere, sell them when you’re done, or borrow from friends. If you like building a physical collection or hunting for deals, the disc drive is worth the extra initial cost.