There has been no better time in history to love playing video games. Not only are there so many unique gaming consoles and experiences available for you to try, but most of them are incredibly affordable. If you have been enjoying gaming with friends and are ready to buy a console of your own, you may be overwhelmed with the options. Choosing the ideal console for your requirements is only possible if you know the best options. Here is a guide we have put together that ranks the five best gaming consoles available to purchase in 2024.
1. PlayStation 5
The Sony PlayStation 5 is the very best gaming console that money can buy in 2024. Gamers who want to experience more here can do so using the PlayStation 5, as there are so many exclusive games to play. Even though both PlayStation and Xbox have exclusives, the list of exclusive releases for Sony in 2024 is by far the more impressive.
Another advantage to the PS5 is that you can also play virtual reality games – if you’re willing to spend more on PSVR2. The add-on does not come cheap, but if you are a VR enthusiast, you’ll find it extremely worthwhile.
2. Xbox Series X
The Xbox Series X is the flagship console from Microsoft, which allows you to play the latest AAA games in 4K resolution and up to 60 frames per second (fps). The most demanding games are sometimes capped at 30 fps, but the visuals are still breathtaking and full of fine details.
Series X is a terrific purchase in 2024, as the console is still in the early stages of its lifecycle. Xbox is known for maintaining its console lineup for several years, while Microsoft has also been working hard on the company’s games streaming service.
Between the AAA titles set for release in the next few years with Series X compatibility and the ability to stream games that come out even further in the future, you can likely use the Series X for up to a decade as your primary console.
3. Nintendo Switch
The ultimate gaming device that you can use on the go, the Nintendo Switch is still one of the best consoles on the planet. Nintendo may release the Switch 2 in the coming months, meaning the Switch would no longer be the most up-to-date console. However, there is still a huge library of games, and many Switch 2 games may also be compatible with the current console.
What sets the Switch apart from other consoles is the way you can enjoy games in handheld form. The Switch is not too much bigger than a large smartphone, which makes it easy to carry around. You can fit it in a jacket pocket, and it’s easy to throw into any bag.
Battery life is decent, and the controllers are intuitive and easy to use. You can conveniently plug the Switch into a television or monitor for a big-screen gaming experience.
4. Steam Deck
The Steam Deck is the very best way to enjoy PC gaming on the go. If you love playing computer games, but you do not want to carry around a heavy laptop, you can use the Steam Deck to play. Given that the console is around the size of a Nintendo Switch, you can enjoy a very similar gaming experience.
While the Steam Deck is compatible with tens of thousands of PC games, you will have to make compromises when you are playing the latest titles. AAA games that have been released in the last few years are likely to be playable at lower detail levels and in 720p resolution.
The resolution is a compromise of the Steam Deck, but the small footprint of the device more than makes up for such shortcomings. When you are playing on such a small screen, you will not notice lower resolutions in some games, either.
5. Budget Option: Xbox Series S
If the Xbox ecosystem appeals to you, either because you have older games or your friends all have Xboxes, the Series S console is a very good option for an entry-level purchase. While you lose out on 4K resolution and may have to deal with lower frame rates in some games, the Series S is still a very capable and future-proof console to buy in 2024.
Significantly less expensive as compared to the Series X, this Xbox console is compatible with all the latest game releases. Even AAA titles released in 2024 and 2025 are likely to work with the Series S, so an investment in the console would be wise.
Another reason to consider the Series S is Xbox’s game streaming service, which would let you play demanding games at higher resolutions and frame rates than the console permits.
Unforgettable Gaming Experiences Await
Each of the consoles on our list is well worth the purchase, especially if you are an avid gamer who plays for a few hours a day. Whether you go with a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, or the Steam Deck, you are likely to have a blast loading up your favorite titles and playing through them one by one. There are so many fantastic gaming experiences that you must try. With countless AAA games releasing in the coming months, 2024 is a great year to invest in a gaming console.
