The Best Gaming Consoles in 2023

Thanks to a vast selection of new AAA and indie titles coming out, now is as good a time as any to buy a new console. As new game bundles and discounts emerge across multiple platforms, it’s becoming more rewarding to play on the console. Moreover, manufacturers continue to update their respective libraries to enhance user experience.

Related: The Best Portable And Handheld Gaming Consoles For 2023

With numerous gaming consoles offering top-tier performance and specs along with an ever-growing library, picking one is a difficult task. Thankfully, each gaming console has its fair share of strengths and weaknesses. This makes it easier to narrow down to a couple of console options, and eventually settle for one.

When choosing a gaming console, consider the following factors

• Pricing: Create a budget that takes into consideration the desired console’s cost, the cost for upgrades, and peripherals.
• Specs: Consoles offer diverse features, so it’s best to choose one whose offerings closely match one’s gaming needs.
• Game Library: While some games are available on multiple consoles, exclusive titles are tied to a particular console. As such, it makes sense to get a console that supports one’s favorite titles in this case.

These are the Best Gaming Consoles in 2023

Sony PlayStation 5

The Best Overall Gaming Console

$414 $500 Save $86

The Sony PlayStation 5 console is one of the most popular gaming machines on offer currently with a fast SSD, a customer AMD APU, and 16GB of GDDR6 console memory making it one of the fastest options if you are looking for a living room console experience. It also happens to have a surprising number of console exclusives on offer and currently trades at a discount at multiple retailers nationwide.

4K Capabilities

Yes, Upto 4K 120Hz

Power Source

AC Power

What’s Included

Console, HDMI Cable, Controller, A/C Power, Stand, Documentation

Brand

Sony PlayStation

Processing Power

Upto 10.3 TFLOPS

Storage

825GB

CPU

Custom 8-Core Zen 2

Battery

Built-in with the controller

Weight

12 pounds

RAM

16GB GDDR6

Pros

• Superfast internal NVME SSD
• Excellent exclusive titles
• User-upgradeable storage

Cons

• Has less built-in storage than the competition
• Lacks the Xbox’s quick-resume feature

The Sony PlayStation 5 remains Game Rant’s best gaming console thanks to its stellar catalog of exclusives and 3rd party titles. The newly released exclusive Spiderman 2 has further endeared Sony’s console to fans. Users unsatisfied with the console’s 825GB SSD storage can extend it manually using any off-the-shelf M2 SSD, so long as it’s PCI-E 4.0 and meets a minimum of a 5500MBPS spec. While it has an excellent appearance, users might be less thrilled given its tendency to stick out, especially in the living room, unlike the Xbox Series S and X which have an easier time blending in with sound bars and cable boxes. Many users compare it to a larger version of some internet routers. A new “slim model” variant was launched in October 2023, but rather than come in a less conspicuous build, it brought changes like a detachable disc drive.

Related: The Best Consoles of Each Generation, Ranked

Regarding storage, the PS5 comes up a little bit short with its 825GB offering compared to the rival Xbox Series X’s 1TB. Although its SSD is slightly faster than the Series X, it skips on a quick resume feature. That could change soon via software updates. With support for up to 120Hz at 4K resolutions thanks to the HDMI 2.1 interface on the PS5, it can deliver great visuals or high refresh rates, though rarely both. This allows for a built-in performance or graphics and fidelity mode option for gamers, depending on their preferences.

Nintendo Switch OLED Family Gaming Console

The Best Portable Gaming Console

The Nintendo Switch OLED comes with a number of upgrades over the original Nintendo Switch console while retaining most of the same internals when it comes to maintaining compatibility. With a larger 7-inch OLED screen and double the internal storage of the original Nintendo Switch, it doesn’t feel like a new console altogether; That being said, it is an option worth checking out for better display alone.

4K Capabilities

No

Power Source

A/C Power, built-in battery

What’s Included

Console, Joycons, Dock, misc accessories

Brand

Nintendo

Screen

7-Inch, 720P

Game support

Nintendo Switch Titles, Retro games (emulated)

Processing Power

0.5 TFLOPs (Docked)

Storage

64GB, extendable via microSD

CPU

Custom Nvidia Tegra X1

Battery

Built in batteries in controller and console (4310mAh)

Connectivity

Wi-Fi, Ethernet

Dimensions

4.13 x 10.24 x 8.19 inches

Weight

3 Pounds

RAM

4GB

Pros

• Offers a gorgeous 7-inch OLED display vs its predecessor
• Is portable and easy to move around
• Offers slightly better performance in docked mode for users
• Has an excellent game library led by Nintendo-only titles

Cons

• Is significantly slower than the PS5 and Series X
• Struggles to maintain a playable frame rate in some multi-platform titles
• Needs memory card purchase due to low inbuilt storage

With portability being one of its biggest selling points, the Nintendo Switch performs well both in docked and handheld mode, offering a little more power in the former, but a lot more flexibility with the latter. The Switch is a favorite for many gamers, including younger gamers and users looking to play retro titles or exclusives like Zelda and Mario.

This makes it a one-stop shop for people looking to experience the best that the Japanese manufacturer has to offer. The newer variant delivers on these promises, and then some, with a new gorgeous 7-inch OLED display and double the internal storage of the original Switch. If one does go for the Nintendo Switch or its OLED variant for living room use, the team at GR recommends picking up a Switch Pro Wireless controller as part of the package.

The Nintendo Switch does lag behind the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5, offering a fraction of the processing power of the two beefier home consoles. It makes up for its low processing power in terms of its versatility and excellent game library. Regardless of its lackluster performance, the Nintendo Switch OLED is a stellar option that is hard to beat, despite many attempts by various competitors to crack the handheld gaming market. The fact is, Nintendo currently dominates the handheld world, thanks to its global mass appeal that the Switch OLED model continues to build on.

Xbox Series X – Diablo IV Bundle

The Best Premium Gaming Console

$400 $500 Save $100

The Xbox Series X is arguably the most powerful console gamers can buy in 2023, and it comes as part of multiple bundles, including Diablo 4. With a built-in multi-volt supply, 1TB of SSD storage, and arguably one of the best stock controllers in the market, it is a gift worth giving to most gamers, but it might appeal to Diablo fans more than others.

4K Capability

Yes, up to 4K 120FPS gaming, up to 8K video

Top Games

Halo, Forza, Gears of War, etc.

Power Source

Built-in power supply unit requiring external power

What’s Included

Console, Controller, Diablo 4 Voucher, Quick Start Guide, Cables

Brand

Microsoft

Screen

Not Included

Game support

All Xbox One, Series S/X Titles

Processing Power

12 TFLOPS Custom RDNA 2 GPU + 8 Core AMD Zen 2 CPU

Storage

1TB custom SSD built-in, expansion slots available

CPU

Custom AMD Zen 2-based Eight Core CPU

Battery

N/A

Connectivity

Ethernet, Wi-Fi 802.11ac dual band

Bands

2.4G, 5G

Ports

3x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x custom expansion slot

Dimensions

5.94 x 5.94 x 11.85 in

Weight

9.8 lbs

Audio

Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, Dolby TrueHD + Atmos, 7.1 L-PCM

RAM

16Gb GDDR6 320bit shared with SoC

Pros

• Has a plug-and-play SSD expansion option
• Comes with support for AMD FreeSync (VRR)
• Excellent quick-resume game feature

Cons

• SSD expansion options are pricier than the competition
• Currently one of the most expensive consoles now

Microsoft’s Xbox Series X is arguably the most powerful console available to purchase. And while it trades blows with the PS5 and loses the upper hand on some titles, it has more tricks up its sleeve than raw power alone. The Series X offers a larger 1TB SSD with plug-and-play expansion slots, an excellent quick resume feature, and support for the latest standards in both VRR (AMD FreeSync) and HDR tech (Dolby Vision).

Thanks to its 12 TFLOPs of power, the Series X is, on paper, the most capable console for home gaming. Add to this the fact that Xbox Game Pass offerings maintain Microsoft’s commitment to publishing all first-party exclusive titles on release day to subscribers. Game Pass is so lucrative for players that competitors such as Sony now push competing memberships, too.

The Series X has its own value proposition that is nothing to scoff at, even as it remains a distant second in terms of raw console sales to the PS5. However, Microsoft’s proprietary SSD expansion slots do result in much costlier upgrades for end users who are already forking over nearly $500 for the most expensive current-generation console. This makes it a less appealing prospect than getting a cheaper SSD upgrade for, say, a PS5.

Note: The above product tag is the Xbox Series X bundle with Diablo IV. The standalone console is available on Amazon and online stores.

Nintendo Switch Lite

The Best Budget Portable Gaming Console

The Nintendo Switch Lite was released in 2019 as a low-cost, handheld-only game system. It’s designed specifically for handheld play, offering a lightweight design as part of its portable offerings. The controllers are built into the system for handheld play, unlike the larger Switch models. The console itself retains full functionality as a standard switch but does not support docked mode of play.

Screen

5.5” Touch Screen

Processing Power

0.

Storage

32GB

Dimensions

2.76 x 7.8 x 7.09 in

Weight

0.61 lb

4K Capabilities

No

Power Source

AC Power and Battery

Brand

Nintendo

CPU

Custom Nvidia Tegra X1 processor

Battery

Li-on battery (3570mAh)

RAM

4GB DDR4

Screen Resolution

1280 x 720 (720P)

Pros

• Offers the most cost-effective current-gen console experience
• Plays all Nintendo Switch titles that the original console can play
• Is much more compact than the original Nintendo Switch

Cons

• Can not be used in docked mode
• The smaller screen might not be ideal for all users

The Nintendo Switch Lite offers budget-conscious gamers the chance to play diverse titles on the go. Unlike the regular Switch or OLED variant, the Lite’s Joy-Cons are built into the console. This build style seems to present fewer problems with stick drift compared to older Joy-Cons that overwhelmingly experienced drift issues. Clocking in at just about $200, the Switch Lite is essentially a smaller, more portable version of the Nintendo Switch. As such, it’s no surprise that it can play all the titles that the main console typically runs in handheld mode.

Offering between 3 and 7 hours of battery life, the Switch Lite is a fine handheld companion. While it does not offer a docked mode, its affordability is a decent compensation. While not all users are a fan of its smaller display, it does make for sharper image quality due to its higher PPI and its denser pixel counts. These visual upgrades make it a formidable and cheap way to access Nintendo’s burgeoning game library that houses famous franchises such as Mario, Zelda, Fire Emblem, and more.

Microsoft Xbox Series S

The Best Budget Gaming Console

The Xbox Series S is a digital-only game console that offers the same processor as its more powerful Xbox Series X sibling but cuts down on memory, storage, and the GPU while removing the disc drive to offer a next-generation console experience at a fraction of the cost while targeting gamers at lower Full HD or 2K resolutions instead.

4K Capabilities

No (Upscaling available)

Power Source

AC Power

Brand

Microsoft

Processing Power

4 TFLOPS

Storage

1TB SSD SSD

CPU

Custom AMD Zen 2 8-Core CPU

Battery

2 AA batteries required.

Dimensions

11.5 x 14.17 x 5.04 inches

Weight

7.06 Pounds

RAM

10GB

Pros

• Allows access to all current-gen Xbox Titles
• A cost-effective purchase bundled with Xbox Game Pass
• Comes with 512GB of fast SSD storage

Cons

• Significantly cuts down on the memory and GPU specs
• The 512GB SSD storage might be a limiting factor

The Xbox Series S is a powerful console in its own right, engineered alongside the more powerful Xbox Series X. This Xbox console dials down on the memory, storage, and GPU on offer, but retains compatibility for all the latest titles. For lack of a better word, many consider it the “Xbox Game Pass” console thanks to the strong value proposition of Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass or Game Pass Ultimate combined with the fact that the Xbox Series S has no disc drive on offer.

With a fast 512GB SSD, a capable AMD Zen 2-based CPU, and a price tag that makes it considerably more appealing than its nearest competitor, the Series S offers great value. Priced far lower than the Xbox Series X and PS5 Disc editions, the Xbox Series S is one of the best gaming consoles money can buy.

Steam Deck

The Best Handheld Gaming Console For PC Gaming

$589 $734 Save $145

Valve’s long-awaited portable console is here, and it’s taking the handheld gaming market by storm. Valve partnered with AMD to create Steam Deck’s custom APU, optimized for handheld gaming. It is a Zen 2 + RDNA 2 powerhouse, delivering more than enough performance to run the latest AAA games in a very efficient power envelope.

4K Capabilities

Yes

Screen

7″ diagonal 1280 x 800px (16:10 aspect ratio) 60Hz

Storage

64 GB – 512 GB

CPU

AMD APU Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz

Battery

40Whr battery. 2 – 8 hours of gameplay

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.0 and Dual-band Wi-Fi radio, 2.4GHz and 5GHz

Ports

1x USB-C with DisplayPort 1.4 Alt-mode support; up to 8K @60Hz or 4K @120Hz, 1x USB 3.2 ,1x Micro SD slot, 1x 3.5 audio jack

Dimensions

298mm x 117mm x 49mm

Weight

Approx. 669 grams

Audio

Stereo with embedded DSP for an immersive listening experience and Dual Microphone Array

Pros

• Comes in multiple storage capacities out of the box
• Has a user-upgradeable SSD or a MicroSD card
• Considerably more powerful than the Nintendo Switch

Cons

• The internal fan can get noisy while gaming
• Less portable than most of its direct competitors

Much like most current-gen gaming consoles, Valve’s portable Steam Deck is closer to a PC than many from the last-gen. This makes it a powerful gaming computer for PC gamers who want to run their favorite titles in handheld mode. It runs a custom build of Linux as part of its SteamOS offerings while providing multiple storage options and upgrades (SSDs or MicroSD cards), depending on user needs.

It comes backed by an extensive Steam game library, with many titles being ported over or certified for the console over time, running at its custom sub-HD resolution with ease thanks to its faster hardware on offer compared to most of its competition. At the same time, the Steam Deck sees considerable competition from a faster, but pricier ASUS ROG Ally that runs a customized version of Windows.

The Steam deck is plagued by some issues, including a noisy fan, and some game problems with titles that do not have certification by Valve. There’s also the fact that its large bezels make it a less portable option than Nintendo’s smaller Switch Lite. It makes up for this by offering better options for retro gamers, more customizability out of the box, and the ability for modders to play custom titles that are not possible on any other console on offer currently.

ASUS ROG Ally

The Best Premium Handheld Gaming Console For PC Gaming

$600 $700 Save $100

The Asus ROG Ally is the ultimate handheld system for PC gamers. Relying on the new AMD Ryzen Z1 series of processors, the ROG Ally can handle any game thrown at it. The 7-inch 1080p Full HD display with FreeSync Premium on the system provides gamers with a crystal clear and smooth gaming experience. The advantage of the ROG Ally is that it can run most Windows-compatible games and is compatible with Xbox Game Pass titles. It also comes with 3 months of Game Pass Ultimate. The ROG Ally also features an ergonomic design that makes gaming fo long periods enjoyable.
 

Dimensions

2 Speakers with Dolby Atmos

Playing Time

1.3-4+ hours

Brand

Asus

Weight

1.34 lbs

Chipset

AMD Ryzen Z1 / Z1 Extreme

RAM

16GB LPDDR5

Wireless Connectivity

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Headset Compatibility

Wired, Wireless

Display

7-inch LED IPS

Output resolution

1080p

Storage

512GB NVMe SSD (PCIe 4)

Graphics

2.8 GHz AMD RDNA 3

Ports

USB-C, Custom Asus PCIe Port

Battery

40Wh / 1.5 to 3 hours

Pros

• Delivers great gameplay through AMD Ryzen Z1 processors
• Can play games from different libraries
• Ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold the console

Cons

• Battery life is poor
• Windows experience needs improvement

Despite being barely a year old, the ASUS Rog Ally has made quite an impression in the handheld console market. While the segment features competition from the likes of Valve’s Steam Deck and the Ayaneo 2, the Ally stands out thanks to AMD’s Z1 series processor. The Ally’s powerful processing power along with access to more PC gaming libraries like Nvidia GeForce Now, Cloud Gaming from Xbox, and even Steam. It retails for $700, making it more expensive to purchase than the competition.

Built to allow users to game easily, the Ally features a great ergonomic design that makes reaching each button an effortless task. Although the Ally packs a disappointing battery life compared to the Steam Deck, owners can go from 0-50% in 30 minutes thanks to the console’s fast charging feature. In GameRant’s hands-on review, the Rog Ally was deemed to be a console that can deliver a premium handheld gaming experience with minimal shortfalls. That’s if buyers are willing to overlook its inferior battery life and underwhelming Windows experience.

Evercade EXP

The Best Gaming Console for Retro Lovers

Looking for a handheld console that can play classic retro titles with ease? The Evercade EXP builds on the success of the first Evercade, offering a lot more features than its predecessor. An all-new TATE mode allows gamers to play arcade games the original way they were meant to be played: portrait mode. The console also comes with built-in CAPCOM titles, a USB-C port, a mini HDMI port, built-in Wi-Fi, and a battery that’s good for around 4 to 5 hours. 
 

Screen Dimensions

4.3”

Storage

4GB Built-in

Portable

Yes

Battery

3,000 mAh battery which lasts between 4 and 5 hours

Multiplayer Support

No

Connectivity

USB-C, Mini HDMI, and WiFi

Brand

Blaze Entertainment

Display

IPS

Resolution

800×480

Dimensions

192.7 mm ( 7.76″) x 78.5 mm ( 3.1″) x 20.7mm ( 0.8″)

Pros

• 18 built-in games from CAPCOM
• Wi-Fi for software updates
• Supports up to 380 retro titles

Cons

• Skips on multiplayer support
• Sound quality isn’t great

There are times when gamers want to get away from the thrill of modern-day titles and slip into the classics that made their childhood memorable. The Evercade EXP is an incredibly competent console for playing many classic hits, including 18 built-in games from CAPCOM. What’s more, the Evercade is a handheld console, making it perfect for on-the-go gaming. It sports a 4.3″ IPS screen which not only delivers bright visuals for gaming but provides wide viewing angles for an immersive experience.

Although it competes with the more powerful Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and Asus ROG Ally, it manages to hold its own as a dedicated console for retro gaming. The EXP’s design is simple and functional, with a circular D-Pad and tactile functions being two of its most captivating features. It supports over 380 games, including titles from the 8-bit to 32-bit eras and Arcade.

Speaking of Arcade, the EXP allows players to enjoy Arcade titles the way they were meant to be: vertically. It achieves this through a special feature called the TATE mode. Enjoy retro Arcade hits like Capcom’s 1942 and Atari’s Centipede through this mode. The EXP also comes with modern connectivity features like a USB-C port for charging, a Mini HDMI out port, and Wi-Fi for updates.

How to Choose The Best Gaming Console in 2023

Before hitting the online or physical store to get a new console, it’s worth learning the extent of its performance. To do this, buyers need sufficient information and reviews from previous owners to help guide their purchase. Whether the buyer is a hardcore gamer or is shopping for a console for the first time, below are three important factors to consider.

Pricing: Thanks to market demand, storage, refresh rate, and a few other factors, consoles are priced differently. Therefore, it pays to compare prices across different stores to get the best deal.

Specs: It’s worth researching a gaming console’s specs (CPU, system storage, GPU, etc.) to get a better idea of how they’ll perform. Reading user reviews along with watching YouTube video reviews to see how consoles like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series S/X handle the same game is strongly recommended.

Game library: Although some games can be played on different platforms with different frame rates, some titles are exclusive to a console. For instance, The Legend of Zelda games have only been released on Nintendo consoles. It’s worth confirming that a console supports one’s favorite games and offers some irresistible exclusives.

More: The Best Gaming Controllers For 2023

FAQ

Q: Is the PS5 better than the Xbox Series X?

While both the PS5 and Series X are two powerful consoles, the Series X offers more power than Sony’s product. With up to 12 TFLOPs of computing power, it is easily ahead. However, it doesn’t offer as many exclusive titles as the PS5, a fact potential buyers should know when comparing both options.

Q: What is the most successful console?

The PS2 is considered the best-selling video game console with over 158 million units sold as of May 2023.