The current generation of consoles is well underway. The PS5 and Xbox Series X|S have matured enough that supply issues are rarely a problem. Plus, they have plenty of AAA games to keep gamers occupied for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch continues to prove wildly popular with gamers thanks to its impressive library of games they can take on the go. Alternatively, handheld consoles emulate a PC in the player's hands too. In short, there has never been a better time to be a gamer.

The Best Portable And Handheld Gaming Consoles For 2023
Related
The Best Portable Gaming Consoles for 2024

Gamers on the go gotta know: which portable gaming console is the best? Here's our rundown of the top handheld gaming systems in 2024.

With numerous gaming consoles offering top-tier performance along with an ever-growing library of exceptional games, picking a new one is a difficult task. Thankfully, each gaming console has its fair share of strengths and weaknesses. This makes it easier to narrow down one's options and eventually settle on the perfect fit.

Whether it's for a hardcore gamer or a casual player, finding the perfect gaming console to suit their needs is essential for the ultimate gaming experience. From jaw-dropping graphics and seamless gameplay to immersive virtual reality, the best gaming consoles in 2024 offer something for everyone. And with our help, every gamer will be able to find the perfect gaming companion that fits their needs and budget.

Game ZXC's Picks of the Best Gaming Consoles in 2024

Xbox Series X offers seamless gaming experience with high-quality visuals.
Best Overall Gaming Console
Microsoft Xbox Series X
$494 $499 Save $5

The Xbox Series X boasts the fastest CPU and GPU configuration currently available for a current-generation console while offering 1TB of fast SSD storage for users out of the box.

It comes with an Xbox Series S|X controller, a power cord, and documentation along with a trial for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate in the box.

Brand
Microsoft
Battery
2 x AA (LR6) Batteries (Included)
Weight
9.7 lbs
Dimensions
301 mm × 151 mm × 151 mm
Pros
  • Uses the best controllers on the market
  • Supports AMD FreeSync (VRR)
  • Plug-and-play SSD expansion option
  • Compatible with Game Pass
  • Extremely easy to use and setup
Cons
  • Doesn't allow unlicensed controllers
$500 at GameStop$500 at Target$500 at Best Buy$494 at Walmart$539 at Newegg$500 at Amazon

Thanks to its 12 TFLOPs of power, the Xbox Series X is, on paper, the most capable console for home gaming. On top of this, Microsoft has maintained its commitment to publishing all first-party-exclusive titles on release day to Xbox Game Pass subscribers. This alone can potentially save gamers hundreds of dollars every year, although they will not technically own the games since it is a subscription-based service. With many new games now retailing for an eye-popping $70, Xbox Game Pass provides gamers' wallets with a much-needed reprieve.

6:15
Best Games On xbox Game Pass March 2024 featured image
Related
The Best Games On Xbox Game Pass (June 2024)

Xbox Game Pass is unquestionably worth the subscription fee, but which of the available games are the best use of your hard drive space?

Xbox also offers incentives to use Game Pass, including a rewards program that can actually get players credit towards the Microsoft Store. Additionally, Xbox has systems in place for players to find a new group or even chat with players across platforms through Discord. On top of all the great gaming features, the Xbox UI is a fantastic media hub, with tons of streaming apps available, such as Crunchyroll and Prime Video. The Xbox also tries to give gamers the PC experience as much as it can and, for the most part, it succeeds.

Although some people have been speculating about a new PlayStation, many more have continued to struggle to find a PS5 and the console remains one of the most expensive on the market. However, console exclusives such as Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and Stellar Blade have further endeared gamers to Sony's console. Users unsatisfied with the console's 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 X and S, which have an easier time blending in with sound bars and cable boxes. A new "slim" model launched in October 2023 with a detachable disc drive, though this option is only $50 less than the standard console.

Three of the best SSDs for the PlayStation 5
Related
The Best M.2 Drives for the PlayStation 5 (Best PS5 SSD in 2024)

There's lots to consider when it comes to finding the best PS5 SSDs, such as price, reliability, and after-sales service. These drives excel in all 3.

Despite the first model of the PS5 only having 825GB of storage compared to the rival Xbox Series X's 1TB, subsequent models now match the Xbox's storage capacity. Additionally, while its SSD is slightly faster than the Series X, it does not have the handy Quick Resume feature that Xbox gamers enjoy. However, that could change via software updates in the future. For now, PS5 gamers seem to be satisfied with the console's traditional Rest Mode.

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, and sometimes even both simultaneously. This allows for a built-in performance or graphics and fidelity mode option for gamers, depending on their preferences. For console gamers who want the peak of gaming in their living room, no matter the cost, the PS5 is the best choice.

With portability as 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 The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario Wonder. While the console does allow for third-party games too, plenty of customers buy the Switch solely for its massive library of first-party games.

best-nintendo-switch-controllers-gamezxc-thumb
Related
The Best Controllers for Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch allows gamers to use a variety of controllers, each with its own unique appeal. These are the best options for Switch owners!

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

The Nintendo Switch lags behind the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5 in terms of raw power, offering a fraction of the processing power. However, it more than makes up for its low processing power in terms of its versatility and excellent game library. Regardless of its lackluster specs, 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 remains that Nintendo currently dominates the handheld world, and the Switch OLED model only builds on the company's success.

The Nintendo Switch Lite offers retro gamers the chance to replay some of the most memorable titles in gaming while on the go. Unlike the regular Switch or OLED variant, the Lite's controllers are built into the console itself, making it ultra-portable and lightweight. This build style also seems to present fewer problems with stick drift compared to older Joy-Cons. 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.

Nintendo Switch vs Switch Lite: Which is Better?
Related
Nintendo Switch vs Switch Lite: Which is Better?

The Nintendo Switch revolutionized handheld gaming, but the question remains: Which console is better, the Nintendo Switch Lite or the original?

Offering between three and seven hours of battery life, the Switch Lite is a fine handheld companion. While it does not offer a docked mode to connect to a television, its affordability compensates for this somewhat. 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.

Retro gamers with a Nintendo Switch Online membership gain access to the current library of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games available digitally. Players who want to pay a bit more also get to play Nintendo 64, SEGA Genesis, and Game Boy Advance titles. Not only are there hundreds of games to choose from, but some titles have had multiplayer modes added in, so players can team up with friends or compete head-to-head. For gamers who want to relive the past through some classic handheld gaming, the Switch Lite is one of the best consoles to play retro games on.

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, but it 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 service, combined with the fact that the Xbox Series S has no disc drive.

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 disc-based PS5 console, the Xbox Series S is one of the best gaming consoles money can buy right now. Also, for users concerned about the smaller storage capacity, Microsoft offers a 1TB Xbox Series S, which is still cheaper than the disc-less PS5 or Xbox Series X.

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 still providing multiple storage options and upgrades (SSDs or MicroSD cards), depending on user needs.

best steam deck accessories anker dbrand razer ps5 controller
Related
The Best Steam Deck Accessories in 2024

These are the Steam Deck accessories you need to maximize your system!

The highlight of the new generation is the all-new OLED display, which brings games to life with bright, vivid colors and deep blacks. In addition to that, the panel also supports a higher refresh rate of up to 90Hz, making games look smoother and more visually appealing. The panel also supports HDR content, which means users can easily use the Steam Deck for streaming content.

The Steam Deck comes backed by an extensive Steam game library, with many titles being ported over or certified for the console over time. Valve also ensures maximum compatibility for a ton of games, with in-house verified games too. The main selling point here is that gamers have access to literally thousands of games. Despite the initial cost of the hardware, this is a cost-effective solution for handheld gaming if one already has a massive Steam library. That said, for folks who don't want to be restricted to playing games only on Steam, there are other Windows-based handheld gaming PCs too, which can be considered.

The Logitech G Cloud is a simple enough handheld console. It combines almost every game streaming service available into one central hub. Designed for gaming around the house in complete comfort, the G Cloud has an ergonomically contoured shape that makes it very easy to hold for long periods. Another factor helping players to do marathon gaming sessions is the fact that the G Cloud has an impressive 12-hour battery life. That's far more compared to other handhelds that peak at four hours.

Players can sync their devices with Steamlink, log in to their Game Pass account, and access a host of other cloud gaming services. As good as that is, this is also the biggest shortcoming of the G Cloud as it only supports cloud gaming. As a result, the G Cloud needs to be connected to the internet to be able to stream games from a cloud service. Or it needs to be connected to a console or a PC to stream games off of it. The only offline games one can play on the G Cloud are either Android games or emulated titles.

However, that caveat is easy to overlook when the price tag shows up, which is $350, though this is often dropped to just $300. Most ideal for players in busy households but with good Wi-Fi, the Logitech G Cloud is an excellent, affordable handheld gaming console that offers titles from a wide variety of sources that are sure to please any gamer.

For gamers who just wish they could get their hands on a Game Boy again, the Miyoo Mini Plus+ is here. Featuring the classic shape and design, the Miyoo Mini Plus has added a few extras to make gaming even better. Four triggers on the back and an IPS screen allow gamers to play a wide variety of genres from different eras.

While players can certainly use any of the dozens of emulators accepted by the Miyoo Mini Plus+, the retro handheld comes with a 64 GB SD card preloaded with over 12,000 classic games. There are multiple colors to choose from too – from the NES style off-white to the later-era transparent purple – so players can perfectly match their Miyoo Mini to their retro vibe.

The system also supports Wi-Fi and offers a battery life of up to seven hours. Although it's not exactly ergonomic, the compact build makes it easy to take this gaming device anywhere. On top of everything, the retro Miyoo Mini Plus+ is less than $80, making it the best budget retro gaming console.

For folks who are in the market for virtual reality without wanting to buy an expensive gaming PC or a PlayStation 5, the Meta Quest 3 is the way to go. It offers portable VR gaming in one package. The base model has 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, so gamers can expect smooth and immersive gameplay that will blow them away. In fact, there are already a ton of mixed reality games on the Meta Quest 3 for players to enjoy.

The main downsides are the battery life and price. The battery tends to only last a couple of hours, although there is a battery saver mode that can extend the battery life. Purchasing a Meta Quest 3 will set gamers back $500. In other words, it is as expensive (or more expensive) than the most premium gaming consoles on the market today. That being said, it is a relatively affordable way to experience virtual reality. Other VR headsets are more expensive, and they often require additional hardware in the form of a gaming PC that can set buyers back thousands of dollars. Unless one owns a PlayStation 5 and plans on buying the PlayStation VR2, this is one of the cheapest ways to experience VR.

How to Choose the Best Gaming Console in 2024

Before shopping for a new home console, it's worth learning about it some more. 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 four important factors to consider before buying a new console.

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.

Features

Consoles tend to have similar features, but some consoles may have unique features that the competition lacks. For instance, the PlayStation 5 console has a DualSense controller that offers haptic feedback to simulate tactile experiences. Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console that can connect to a television or go with gamers on the go. It offers portability that the PS5 and Xbox consoles lack.

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.

The Best Controllers for Sports Games Conclusion
Related
The Best Gaming Controllers in 2024

The best gaming controller offers enhanced customization and performance on PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox.

FAQ

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

While both the PS5 and Xbox 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.