Best gaming consoles of 2025: Which ones are worth buying?

In 2025, the gaming console market is experiencing a real boom thanks to the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, which has become the best portable console, surpassing its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch OLED. However, the PlayStation 5 remains the leader among home consoles due to its power, impressive game library, and reasonable price. The Xbox Series S appeals to those looking for an affordable way to play modern games. TechRadar has published a ranking of the best consoles of 2025, highlighting their features, pros and cons, to help you choose the ideal system for your gaming preferences.

1. PlayStation 5 Slim — Best All-Around Console

Specs:

• Processor: 8-core AMD Zen 2, 3.5 GHz
• Graphics: 10.28 TFLOPS, 36 compute units at 2.23 GHz
• RAM: 16 GB
• Storage: 1 TB (expandable via NVMe SSD)
• Price: approx. $500 / £479

Pros:

• High performance for 4K gaming (up to 120 fps)
• Unique DualSense controller with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers
• Strong library of exclusives including Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Stellar Blade, The Last of Us Part 1
• Fast loading thanks to SSD
• Backward compatibility with PS4 games

Cons:

• Weak controller battery (around 10 hours, down to 3 hours with age)
• Vertical stand sold separately

Who it’s for:
The PS5 Slim is ideal for those who value PlayStation exclusives and want high-quality 4K gaming. It’s a compact version of the original PS5 with expanded storage and a USB-C port. A digital-only version is available, with an optional disc drive for added flexibility.

Tip: Watch for sales like Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day for discounted bundles.

2. Xbox Series S — Best Budget Option

Specs:

• Processor: 8-core AMD, 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz with SMT)
• Graphics: 4 TFLOPS, 1.565 GHz
• RAM: 10 GB
• Storage: 512 GB / 1 TB (expandable with Xbox Expansion Card)
• Price: $299.99 / £249.99 (1 TB model: $349.99 / £299.99)

Pros:

• Compact size, perfect for small spaces
• Affordable, especially with discounts down to $249.99 / £199.99
• Supports all Xbox Series X games at 1440p
• Fast loading and Quick Resume feature
• Access to Xbox Game Pass with hundreds of games

Cons:

• Digital only (no disc drive)
• Limited storage (512 GB fills up quickly)
• No 4K support

Who it’s for:
Great for those entering modern gaming on a budget. Ideal for Game Pass subscribers who value compactness and 1440p performance. Choose the 1 TB version or buy a Seagate expansion card for more space.

3. PlayStation 5 Pro — Most Powerful Console

Specs:

• Processor: 8-core AMD Zen 2, 16 threads
• Graphics: 16.7 TFLOPS, AMD Radeon RDNA
• RAM: 16 GB GDDR6 + 2 GB DDR5
• Storage: 2 TB (expandable via M.2 NVMe SSD)
• Price: approx. $699 / £699

Pros:

• Unmatched graphics with 8K and 120 Hz support
• PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) for enhanced visuals
• Massive 2 TB storage
• Wi-Fi 7 support

Cons:

• High price
• Disc drive and stand sold separately
• Marginal improvements for casual users

Who it’s for:
Designed for enthusiasts with 8K displays or 120 Hz TVs who want top-tier performance, especially in graphics-heavy titles. For most players, the PS5 Slim will suffice.

4. Xbox Series X — Best Xbox Console

Specs:

• Processor: 8-core AMD Zen 2, 3.8 GHz (3.6 GHz with SMT)
• Graphics: 12 TFLOPS, 52 compute units at 1.825 GHz
• RAM: 16 GB
• Storage: 1 TB (expandable with Xbox Expansion Card)
• Price: $499 / £479

Pros:

• Powerful 4K performance with 120 fps support
• Supports Dolby Vision and Atmos
• Excellent backward compatibility (all the way to original Xbox)
• Xbox Game Pass access

Cons:

• Fewer exclusives than PlayStation
• Less intuitive interface than PS5

Who it’s for:
Great for those invested in the Xbox ecosystem, with access to Game Pass and older Xbox games. Ideal for 4K gaming and multimedia content.

5. Nintendo Switch 2 — Best Portable Console

Specs:

• Processor: Custom Nvidia
• Graphics: Custom Nvidia
• RAM: 12 GB
• Storage: 256 GB (expandable via microSD Express)
• Price: $449.99 / £395.99 / AU$699.95

Pros:

• Excellent 1080p screen in handheld mode, up to 4K in docked mode
• Enhanced performance (1440p/60 fps in docked mode)
• VRR support and new Joy-Con 2
• Full backward compatibility with original Switch games
• Unique features like Joy-Con 2 with mouse-style use

Cons:

• Weak battery (around 3 hours with intensive games)
• Outdated interface

Who it’s for:
Perfect for portable gaming and Nintendo exclusives like Mario Kart World. Dock fan keeps it running smoothly, but short battery life may be an issue during travel.

Tip: If portability is key, consider the Switch Lite — but it doesn't support Switch 2 games.

6. Nintendo Switch Lite — Best Console for Kids and Families

Specs:

• Processor: NVIDIA Custom Tegra
• Graphics: NVIDIA Custom Tegra
• RAM: 4 GB
• Storage: 32 GB (expandable via microSD)
• Price: $199.99 / £200

Pros:

• Compact and durable design
• Affordable price
• Bright colors (blue, pink, purple, yellow)
• Supports all original Switch games (not Switch 2)

Cons:

• Handheld mode only (no TV output)
• Smaller screen and weaker performance than Switch 2

Who it’s for:
Ideal for children and families thanks to its sturdy build and non-removable Joy-Cons. Compact size suits smaller hands, but lack of docked mode limits use.

7. Steam Deck OLED — Best for PC Gamers

Specs:

• Processor: Zen 2, 4 cores/8 threads, 2.4–3.5 GHz
• Graphics: 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.0–1.6 GHz (up to 1.6 TFLOPS)
• RAM: 16 GB
• Storage: 512 GB / 1 TB (expandable via microSD)
• Price: $549 / £479 (512 GB), $649 / £569 (1 TB)

Pros:

• Ergonomic design with excellent controls
• Stunning OLED display with 90 Hz refresh rate
• Huge Steam library, supports AAA games like Spider-Man: Miles Morales
• Cost-effective alternative to gaming laptops

Cons:

• Weak battery (2–5 hours depending on the game)
• Large for a portable device
• Some games require setup and tweaking

Who it’s for:
Ideal for Steam users wanting to play on the go. OLED screen and performance make it the leader in portable PC consoles, though battery life and customization needs may deter beginners.

8. Evercade Alpha — Best for Retro Gamers

Specs:

• Storage: Evercade cartridges
• Screen: 8-inch IPS, 4:3 ratio
• Price: Varies by model (Capcom or Street Fighter editions)

Pros:

• Authentic arcade experience in compact form
• Supports Evercade cartridges (over 500 games)
• Quality speakers and responsive arcade-style controls
• Stylish design with customizable lighting

Cons:

• Long system load times
• No difficulty settings in games

Who it’s for:
A dream console for retro fans looking to relive arcade classics at home. Preloaded with Street Fighter, Mega Man, and compatible with Evercade cartridges including Tomb Raider. It’s a niche device, not for modern gaming.

How to Choose a Console in 2025

Your choice depends on your preferences:

• For cinematic 4K/8K gaming: PS5 Slim or PS5 Pro
• For budget gaming and Game Pass: Xbox Series S or Series X
• For portability and Nintendo exclusives: Switch 2 or Switch Lite
• For PC gaming on the go: Steam Deck OLED
• For retro nostalgia: Evercade Alpha

Tips:

• Check game libraries: PlayStation leads in exclusives, Xbox in Game Pass, Nintendo in family games
• Consider your budget: Xbox Series S and Switch Lite are most affordable
• Think about portability: Switch 2 and Steam Deck are great for travel
• Watch for discounts: Black Friday and Prime Day offer great deals

Conclusion

In 2025, consoles offer something for every type of gamer. The PlayStation 5 Slim remains the best all-around choice for its exclusives and performance. Xbox Series S leads in affordability, while Nintendo Switch 2 sets the standard for portable gaming. The PS5 Pro suits 8K enthusiasts, Xbox Series X appeals to Xbox fans, Switch Lite is great for families, Steam Deck OLED caters to PC gamers, and Evercade Alpha is perfect for retro lovers. With the arrival of Switch 2 and the powerful PS5 Pro, the console market is more exciting than ever — it's a great time to jump into the game.