Which console is right for me?

The most important question when buying a console is not processing power but: which games do you want to play? Many big titles now come out on several platforms, such as sports games, racing games or shooters. The difference lies in the manufacturers' own games. Nintendo releases series such as Mario, Zelda, Pokémon or Animal Crossing only for its own consoles. Sony has its own studios with big action games that appear first or exclusively on PlayStation. Microsoft now often brings its games to other platforms too, but focuses on its Game Pass subscription.

So write down three to five games you definitely want to play and check which consoles they run on. Also ask around among your friends: if they play online together, it is handy to be on the same platform – not every game supports cross-platform play.

Three manufacturers currently matter. Sony offers the PlayStation 5 as a Slim with or without a disc drive and the more powerful PS5 Pro. Microsoft has the Xbox Series X for 4K gaming and the smaller, cheaper Series S. Nintendo has been selling the Switch 2 since June 2025, and the first-generation Switch models – standard, OLED and Lite – remain widespread, mainly on the used market.

If you play almost exclusively on the big TV in the living room, the PS5 and Xbox Series X are the obvious candidates. Both output games in 4K and support up to 120 frames per second on suitable TVs. The PS5 Pro and the Series X get the most out of a high-end 4K TV. On a Full HD TV or a smaller monitor, however, the difference from the cheaper models is small – here a PS5 Slim or even an Xbox Series S is often enough.

If you also want to play on the go, in bed or when travelling, there is hardly any way around Nintendo. The Switch 2 and the first Switch models can be used as handhelds and placed in the dock for the TV. The Switch Lite is a handheld-only console with no TV connection. Nintendo is also interesting for families because the Joy-Con can be detached, so two people can play straight away.

The console's purchase price is only part of the bill. For online multiplayer, all three manufacturers require a subscription in most games: PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass or Nintendo Switch Online. The subscriptions come in different tiers, some with a game catalogue. If you try out lots of new things, a catalogue subscription often saves money; if you only play a few games intensively, you are better off buying them individually.

Further costs come from a second controller, extra storage and of course the games themselves. Consoles with a disc drive have the advantage that you can buy discs used and sell them on again. With Nintendo, game cartridges can also be resold. Digital purchases, on the other hand, are tied to your account.

The Switch 2 has a larger 7.9-inch display, 256 GB of storage and enough power for new, more demanding games. Most games for the first Switch continue to run on it. New Nintendo titles released only for the Switch 2, however, do not run on the older models. If you are planning long term, you are better placed with the Switch 2.

The first Switch is still not outdated: it has a huge library of family, party and adventure games and is much cheaper used. For children or as a second device, a used Switch OLED or Lite is a sensible choice.

Technically, the PS5 and Xbox Series X are close. In favour of PlayStation are Sony's exclusive games and how widespread it is among many players' friends. In favour of Xbox are Game Pass with its large game catalogue and the very good backward compatibility: many Xbox One and selected older Xbox games run directly. If you already own Xbox games, that is a strong argument.

On a small budget, the Xbox Series S is the cheapest route to current-generation games – though without a disc drive and at a lower resolution. A used PS5 with a receipt can be a good alternative if Sony's games matter to you.

If you can't make up your mind, these rules of thumb help. They don't replace a look at your favourite games, but they point you in the right direction.

Once you have decided on a platform, the question of how remains. New consoles come with the full statutory warranty and often a manufacturer's guarantee, but they cost more. Used devices from shops are a good middle way because you have statutory warranty rights there too, albeit often only for one year. Private purchases are the cheapest but require a thorough check on the spot.

Bundles with games can be worth it if the included game is on your list anyway. Work out what the console costs on its own and value the game at the price you would actually pay for it. With used sets containing several games, it pays to look closely at the titles: a package with five games is only a bargain if you really play at least some of them.

Our price history shows you how the price of every offer has developed. That way you can tell whether it is worth waiting – for example before typical sales periods – or whether an offer is already at the lower end of the usual range. If you are in no hurry, watch two or three offers you like for a few weeks before you buy.

All three manufacturers offer parental controls: you can limit playing time, require approval for purchases and filter games by age rating. Nintendo provides its own app for parents, while Sony and Microsoft handle this through family accounts. Set up these features right when you first set up the console, so you don't have to adjust anything later.