Rating of the TOP 10 best gaming consoles: which one is better to choose, reviews, price, characteristics, pros and cons

Let's talk about game consoles or consoles. Unlike a computer, the main priority is on games, and the TV is used as the basic output device. Until recently, each console had a unique set of games distributed as exclusives. Especially for you, we have compiled a rating of the TOP 10 best gaming consoles, in which we will consider popular models, tell you how to choose and find out the opinions of users. We’ll also look at the main question: which game consoles are better and cheaper.

Microsoft Xbox One X

• stationary
• hard drive capacity 1024 GB
• virtual reality support
• support for UHD resolution and 3D mode
• wireless controller included
• Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (802.11ac), LAN
• video playback
• 8 GB
• connectors: HDMI, USB x3, optical audio output

This is Microsoft's response to the release of Sony PlayStation Pro and, I must say, it turned out to be successful. This is currently Microsoft's most powerful model in the console market. And, let's add, the most expensive. It supports 4K resolution and HDR, and these same 4K are “native” for more games than Sony.

Like the S version, the X model is highly compatible with games from previous generations of consoles and can play video in UHD Blu-ray quality. This console has one unpleasant feature: for some reason, Microsoft engineers decided to limit the console’s data storage to 1 TB. And with modern games it will fill up very quickly.

Pros: power, 4K support in games and videos.

Cons: price, low value exclusives.

NES/SNES Classic

• stationary
• controller included
• connectors: HDMI

When it became known that Nintendo had decided to re-release an updated model of the classic consoles of the early 90s - the NES and Super NES Classic - a sigh of nostalgia swept through the ranks of old-school gamers. For many, it was the NES Classic that opened the world of console gaming, and a number of games for it were included in the golden collection of gaming masterpieces.

Some iconic games, such as Super Mario Kart and Street Fighter II Turbo, are included with the purchase of the device. And by paying a little extra, you can once again relive the sensations of Megaman X, Earthbound, Kirby Super Star and Super Mario RPG.

The new version of the popular game console directly copies the appearance of the old one, except that it is a little smaller in size. And it comes with two controllers for multiplayer play.

Pros: Small size, access to classic games.

Cons: only 30 games, difficult to find on sale.

Nintendo 3DS

• portable
• display 3.53″, 800×240 pixels.
• operating time 3.5 hours
• 3D mode support
• Wi-Fi (802.11b/g)
• Supported memory cards: SD, SDHC
• connectors: headphone output

Although Nintendo's portable consoles are becoming increasingly rare, they are still around. They are inexpensive, have excellent ergonomics, take up little space and can be worn anywhere.

The problem with the 3DS and 2DS line is that with the release of the Switch it became obsolete, so there will be no new games for it. But the old ones are more than enough. The 3DS and 2DS's extensive library includes a variety of games, including ports of Mario, Zelda, and Animal Crossing—and they're excellent.

The price option also speaks in favor of the “old man”; While Switch games will cost you $60 and up, 3DS and 2DS games are only $20.

Pros: price, large library of games.

Cons: there will be no new games for it.

How to choose a good game console?

The segment of stationary consoles is updated very rarely. Over the past years, so much has been said about the difference between PS4 and XONE that I don’t even want to return to this topic. If you don’t know how to choose a good console, then you should understand that there is no clear leader among Microsoft and Sony consoles, otherwise there would simply be no competition, and the segment would be updated even less frequently. Companies use approximately the same hardware; each brand has its own services. And in terms of availability, Microsoft probably wins, but in terms of exclusives, Sony obviously takes the lead. And this trend is visible in almost all respects - in some places the PS4 wins, but in others it is leveled out by the Xboxe. As for the latest generations, which have just emerged, it is too early to say anything. We'll add more later...

Simplified versions . There is not always a need to overpay for the premium (updated) version of the console, since both brands have almost the same hardware. Yes, minor drawdowns in games are possible, but this is unlikely to bother those users who willingly want to get a premium model at an affordable price. In terms of power, the Xbox One S is stronger than the simplified version of the classic PS4 from its competitor, if only for the reason that it supports 4K.

Portable set-top box . If the task is to keep a teenager busy, then you can pay attention to the budget segment, where you can find extremely simple and weak models from Sega and competitors. However, even modern smartphones can withstand greater loads than such solutions. The only difference is that for a full game on a tablet or phone you need a trigger or gamepad, and this is an additional cost. In the premium class of portable consoles, the clear leaders are Sony and Nintendo. In favor of the first, integration with stationary models can be attributed. The second company is an obvious “monopolist” in its segment, offering a high level of user-friendliness of controls, a good range of games, interesting functions, and good power.

Nintendo Switch

• portable
• display 6.2″, 1280×720 pixels.
• operating time 6 hours
• HD resolution support
• wireless controller included
• Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (802.11ac)
• virtual reality support
• built-in memory 32 GB
• supported memory cards: microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC
• connectors: HDMI, USB x2, headphone output

When developing the Nintendo Switch, the creators were guided by different principles than the mastodons of the industry, Xbox and PlayStation. This is a very small device, completely autonomous. That is, unlike the already mentioned consoles, the Nintendo Switch does not require a massive TV screen, a stand for it and a separate place in the room.

Nintendo Switch successfully combines the best features of a home gaming console (with the ability to connect to a TV, if desired) and a smartphone. You can play it while standing in line, on the subway, during a break between classes, while waiting for your child to come home from school - or anywhere.

The Nintendo Switch is inferior in power to the PlayStation and Xbox, and its graphics are somewhere in the middle between PS3 and PS4, so it won’t be able to handle “weighty” games. However, autonomy, portability and a large selection of Nintendo's own excellent games more than compensate for this difference. Plus, Nintendo has recently begun to expand its library with indie games, among which there are real masterpieces. And graphics are not important for indies.

Let's also add that if PlayStation relied on virtual reality, then Nintendo created its own analogue, Nintendo Labo. And this is one of the most original and creative new products that have appeared in console building recently.

Pros: versatility, excellent exclusives. We recommend that you choose a Nintendo console with a red box and a serial number starting with XKW - this is a new version of the device, which, among other things, has a more powerful battery.

Cons: low capacity, no online service.

Consoles not included in the rating

iPega PG-9090

The iPega PG-9090 game console supports Android and iOS and is suitable for computers and smart systems. You can play for up to 10 hours thanks to a 300 mAh battery; in standby mode, the device will last up to 30 days. When you need a portable set-top box for Android, the Pega PG-9090 is the best choice.

You can connect smartphones with a width of 45 to 80 mm. And the computer detects it as XBOX 360. You can play while charging

View on AliExpress

Nintendo Switch Lite

• portable
• display 5.5″, 1280×720 pixels.
• operating time 6 hours
• Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac)
• built-in memory 32 GB
• supported memory cards: microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC
• connectors: headphone output

Nintendo Switch comes in two forms on the market. The full-size version, which ranks sixth in the rating, has a 6.2-inch screen, removable controllers, a folding leg for placement on a hard surface, and the ability to connect to a TV.

And the Switch Lite model is simpler. The screen is only 5.5 inches, the controllers cannot be detached, there is no foot, and you cannot connect to the TV. But the price is only 2/3 of the “full” version. Switch Lite is perfect for highly mobile people, as well as for those with small hands - for example, children. Plus, the Switch Lite has other advantages - for example, the “light” version of the gamepad is much more convenient than the “full-size” one.

Mobility comes at a price. Although you can connect Joy-Con to the Switch Lite, you will have to buy them separately, and they are inconvenient to use. Plus, you can’t play all the games from the Switch’s large library (all those that require a connection to TV or multiplayer are cut off).

Pros: mobility, large selection of colors, nice design and shape.

Cons: Limited selection of games.

The best portable gaming consoles

In the segment of portable consoles, quite a lot of brands compete for their target audience - here you can find models from the brand company Sony, and in the budget category, Sega’s offerings look good. From time to time, new brands delight us with an interesting ratio of price and functionality. We are not considering the latter, since you won’t get exclusives from XoKo, PSP and similar companies, but the fact of their existence is still worth mentioning. As for our opinion, the following models are relevant and in demand.

SEGA Genesis Gopher 2

Our Top 10 gaming consoles open with the portable model SEGA Genesis Gopher 2, which attracts attention with its support of 500 pre-installed games. The 16-bit, budget model is equipped with 6 buttons, which is not enough for using retro games. In the center of the device there is a compact 4.3-inch screen, the resolution of which is 480 by 272 pixels with an aspect ratio of 16 by 9. The advantages of the console include the presence of a capacious 2000 mAh battery, which is enough for 7 hours of battery life. The device has a slot for expanding permanent memory via microSD. The kit includes a charger and a USB cable. At the same time, the model has modest dimensions around 170 by 82 by 18 millimeters and weighs 120 grams.

Pros:

• small sizes;
• low cost;
• many installed games;
• modest weight;
• good screen.

Minuses:

• for simple games.

Sony PlayStation Vita

Another good portable game console was proposed by quite experienced Sony engineers. The PlayStation Vita model has a fairly clear OLED screen with rich blacks, excellent color reproduction and a wide viewing angle. It is worth noting that the console has a powerful processor for its price, so you can enjoy good graphics in different games. There are configurations with support for 3G and Wi-Fi, which will allow you to always stay connected. Another bonus is the synchronization of the portable console with the PS3. At the same time, the manufacturer has taken care of the presence of built-in cameras through which you can publish your data. In terms of games, as usual, everything in the company is on top. It won't seem enough.

Pros:

• there are exclusives;
• good screen;
• modest dimensions;
• case quality;
• good power.

Minuses:

• few options.

Nintendo Switch Lite

By the name you can understand that we are talking about a simplified version of the popular portable game console. The younger model of the “Switch” series is distinguished by an even more ergonomic body and low weight. In addition to the reduced size, the smaller screen should be noted, but the price corresponds to the parameters of the console. The display size of this set-top box is 5.5 inches. Among the strengths, we can note the well-known custom NVIDIA Tegra chip, which guarantees good performance, and, therefore, the number of supported games. There should be no problems connecting the set-top box to the TV. The battery was also reduced, but this did not particularly affect the battery life. The device operates for 5-6 hours without loss of performance. The battery charges quickly.

Pros:

• reduced sizes;
• clear screen;
• good processor;
• loyal price.

Minuses:

• reduced screen.

Sony PlayStation Portable Slim & Lite

If you don’t know which portable console to choose from Sony, we recommend paying attention to the PlayStation Portable Slim & Lite model with an adequate price and good parameters. The console has a modest screen based on a TFT matrix, the size of which is 4.3 inches with an aspect ratio of 16 by 9. The screen resolution is 380 by 272 pixels. Control is carried out via 4 “Action” keys, a classic four-way joystick, two shift keys and an analog joystick - in general, a standard set. In terms of equipment, we can note USB support, a wireless adapter and a slot for Memory Stick Duo. Separately, it is necessary to note the work of the company’s engineers for the quality of energy consumption optimization. Now the device works much longer without recharging.

Pros:

• battery life;
• good display;
• good equipment;
• convenient controls;
• good power.

Minuses:

• difficult to find.

Nintendo Switch

The best portable console in 2021, according to Price/Quality, is the Nintendo Switch model, a simplified version of which we reviewed earlier. The classic model provides for use both as a portable and stationary console with a connection to TV. This flexibility is guaranteed by the Joy-Con controller. When you enable handheld mode, these controllers can be connected as joysticks on the sides of the screen. In turn, in stationary mode the controllers are disconnected and used as independent joysticks. This gamepad itself is worth the cost. As for the set-top box, we are pleased to have a high-quality IPS matrix with a good viewing angle, HD resolution, and a good level of color rendition. The simple version is equipped with 4 gigabytes of RAM and 32 gigabytes of permanent memory.

Pros:

• good power;
• chic gamepads;
• excellent screen;
• Memory;
• price-quality ratio.

Minuses:

• not found.

SEGA Genesis Mini

• 2 joysticks
• HDMI cable
• Charging cable

Another good and inexpensive gaming console straight from the nostalgic haze of childhood gaming. This time SEGA offers to return to bygone times. The console itself remained faithful to the prototype, although it became smaller in size. Along with the device, buyers will receive as many as 42 classic games right out of the box. Among them are such legends as Castlevania, Sonic, Tetris and Contra.

The console also comes with two wired controllers, a power cable, a USB adapter and an HDMI cable. And even the original 16-bit menu theme music!

Pros: design, size, attention to detail, price/number of games ratio.

Cons: Banking on nostalgia doesn't always work for new buyers.

Rating of the best stationary devices for gaming

When purchasing a gaming console, the future buyer has to decide on the manufacturer; reviews and functionality of the device are studied in detail. The cost of the product is not always the main factor when choosing, but a good advertising campaign in any case affects the final price.

PlayStation 5

The first thing that catches your eye is the new design of the console, made in white. The internal filling deserves no less attention. The console runs on an AMD Ryzen™ Zen 2 processor with 8 cores and a frequency of 3.5 GHz. 16 GB of GDDR6 RAM is installed, as well as an ultra-fast SSD drive. This ensures lightning-fast game loading speeds.

Gamers are guaranteed an incredibly immersive gaming experience thanks to the wide range of tactile feedback of the controllers, 3D sound and clear picture detail. It’s also worth mentioning that the console supports the best and highest quality PlayStation games, which include: “Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales”, “Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart”, “Returnal”, etc. You can connect the console to a TV that supports 4K format transmission.

Advantages and disadvantages

• wide range of controller vibration frequencies;
• powerful processor;
• ultra-fast SSD storage;
• 8K input and output system;
• quality content for PS5;
• realistic and bright color reproduction.

• high price.

Xbox One X

An excellent option for gamers with a cost of about 25,000 rubles. The dimensions are smaller than the One S model and this version of the console focuses not on power consumption, but on power and performance. At launch, a huge number of games are offered with 4K support.

Advantages and disadvantages

• High performance.
• 4K support.
• 60 frames per second.

• In general, a small number of games, especially exclusive ones.
• High price.
• Many people note the inconvenient joystick.

Sony PlayStation 4 Slim

A good option as a replacement for the previous model at a price of 20,000 rubles. The dimensions are small, thickness 3.9 cm, and weight 2.1 kg. There are 2 high-speed USB connectors. The work is performed under the control of a TFLOPS processor and 8 GB of RAM, there is support for HDR. For lovers of functional devices, this is the ideal solution. Sold with internal memory of 500 GB.

The game graphics are at a high level, minimal operating noise, everything is focused only on the game.

Advantages and disadvantages

• High degree of reliability.
• Small sizes.
• Convenient joystick.
• Modern gameplay.
• A large number of games.

• 30 FPS.
• Does not support 4K.

Microsoft Xbox One S

Main parameters:

• Contents: headset, HDMI cable, wireless joystick.
• Technical base (OS): AMD processor with 8 cores.
• RAM 8 GB.
• Internal memory capacity: 500 GB.
• Working with HD format.

A device from the manufacturer Microsoft with perfect quality. This device is one of the best set-top boxes for TV, the main competitor is SPS 4. It is characterized by small dimensions and a stylish appearance, which are not typical for a standard console. For the power supply, you need to allocate a separate place near the TV.

The manufacturer has made the device energy efficient. The controller is made of pleasant-to-touch plastic with a matte surface, which is very convenient to use; the buttons are placed intuitively, so operation is comfortable. If there is no gaming experience, then the device has a quick adaptation to movements and functions. The price of the console is 21,300 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Simple firmware.
• Convenient gaming.
• Quiet operation.
• Excellent interface.
• Small console size.
• Supports more than 6000 games.

• Large power supply.
• Color design.
• Graphics quality is worse than competitors.

Sony PlayStation 4 Pro

Main parameters:

• Contents: USB and HDMI cable, headset, wireless joystick.
• Availability: Bluetooth, Ethernet, Wi-Fi.
• Technical base (OS): AMD processor with 8 cores.
• RAM 8 GB.
• Internal memory capacity: 1 TB.
• Working with HD format.

A good option for spending your free time playing games or watching movies in maximum quality. A very popular model of set-top box for 21,000 rubles for TV, which is constantly improving technically and externally. The equipment is characterized by high performance and power, the console is black with a matte surface, there are touch buttons that make it easy to turn the device on and off. The operation of the disk drive is not accompanied by noise. The gamepad is comfortable, easy to hold and use all functions.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Stable work.
• Quick response from tech. support.
• High reliability.
• Small size and internally installed power supply.
• Versatility of games.
• Value for money.
• Long service life.
• 60 FPS.

• Joysticks do not retain their charge for long.
• Games and updates for them are rarely released and are expensive to buy.
• To see the difference with Slim you will need a 4K screen.

Sony PlayStation 4

• stationary
• hard disk capacity 1000 GB
• virtual reality support
• support for HD resolution and 3D mode
• wireless controller included
• Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), LAN
• video playback
• connectors: HDMI, USB x2, optical audio output

PlayStation is the most popular console on the market. Sony holds 62% of the game console market, and the number of PlayStation 4 copies sold reaches 64 million. The secret of popularity is a huge library of exclusive games that cannot be enjoyed on another platform.

Note that in recent years Sony has become generous and, from the entire array of games on which it sits like a dragon on treasures, it has ported one entire game to the PS. This is Horizon Zero Dawn. And the rest - including God of War, the entire Uncharted series, Bloodborne, Marvel's Spider-Man, Shadow of the Colossus, etc. - are still only available to PlayStation owners.

The exclusives come with a very convenient controller, an extremely simple and intuitive interface, and support for virtual reality, which competitors cannot boast of. Sony has its own subscription system, which gives access to multiplayer games and MMOs. In addition to the subscription, players will also receive 2 free games per month; however, they are not given forever, but for the duration of the subscription.

Let's also add that if you plan to play with friends, choose the same console as them, since Sony does not support cross-platform. And only in very few cases can PlayStation players join their PC friends in the MMO world. In all others, they exist in separate “pendocks” that do not intersect in any way, as in The Elder Scrolls Online or Destiny 2.

Pros: large selection of exclusive games, intuitive interface and controls, not too high a price for a console.

Cons: graphics, no 4K resolution, poor compatibility with games of previous generations.

The best models for children

Sony PlayStation 4 Slim

• stationary
• hard disk capacity 500 GB
• virtual reality support
• support for HD resolution and 3D mode
• wireless controller included
• Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (802.11ac), LAN
• video playback
• connectors: HDMI, USB x2

A great choice if you want access to all the Sony exclusives but want to part with as little cash as possible.

The PlayStation 4 Slim will handle 1080 resolution, while the fps in games will be about 30, and these figures are more than enough for ordinary, casual gamers for whom games help them relax after a hard day and who do not aspire to more. And despite its low price, the PlayStation 4 Slim supports virtual reality.

Pros: price, large library of games.

Cons: poor compatibility with games of previous generations.

Sony PlayStation 4 Pro

• stationary
• hard disk capacity 1000 GB
• virtual reality support
• support for UHD resolution and 3D mode
• wireless controller included
• Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (802.11ac), LAN
• video playback
• connectors: HDMI, USB x3, optical audio output

PlayStation 4 Pro can do everything PlayStation 4 can do, only better. If by “resolution” you mean 4K, and you have a powerful TV at home with HDR support, then Pro is the best choice. At the moment, this is the most powerful gaming console in the Sony line, the only one that can produce honest 4K (the graphics of a number of games were specially adjusted for the pro version).

Unfortunately, the PlayStation Pro does not have enough power to handle “normal”, not “powerful” 4K with a high frame rate. In general, against the backdrop of the upcoming PS5, spending money on the Pro version only makes sense if for you it’s 100 dollars more, 100 less - it makes no difference.

Pros: support for 4K, HDR and virtual reality, large library of games, relatively low price.

Cons: cannot play videos, poor compatibility with games of previous generations, a new version will be released soon.

Which game console is best to buy in 2021?

Thus, for many years now, well-known leaders have been operating in the field of production of consoles, both portable and stationary, whom we have repeatedly mentioned in our publication. If you don’t know which game console to buy, I would like to add that the latest generations of Microsoft and Sony are also slightly different in terms of using past editions. For example, an American corporation uses Xbox Smart Delivery, with which you can use past editions for new generations of consoles without losing quality. It's more profitable. Sony still has problems implementing such technology. However, in terms of exclusive games they have a serious advantage. If this is important, then the conclusion is obvious. Considering these factors, our opinion is:

1. Best simplified game console – Xbox One S;
2. A good portable console is Nintendo Switch;
3. The most powerful gaming console is Microsoft Xbox One X;
4. The best premium gaming console is Sony PlayStation 5.

The topic is quite controversial, so I would like to see your thoughts on the subject of leaders. Thanks friends.