Best gaming consoles

Start with the PS5 — the most complete console for most people: big exclusives, 4K gaming, and a disc drive if you want physical games and Blu-rays.

• PS5 Pro — for people with a 4K/120Hz TV who want the sharpest picture and smoothest frame rates.
• Xbox Series X — the pick if you like Game Pass and want the most powerful console for the money.
• Nintendo Switch 2 — best for families, portability and Nintendo's own games; it plays on the TV too.
• PS5 Digital — same games, no disc drive, for anyone who buys everything digitally.

Skip the older slim and 1TB variants unless they're the only ones in stock.