The best game consoles

The first video game console appeared over 40 years ago. It was invented by Ralph Baer, ​​an American of Jewish-German origin, who received the nickname "The Father of Video Games." With the development of this industry, manufacturers have improved devices, made them more compact and functional. In addition to games, with their help users get access to the Internet, can watch movies and listen to music. Unlike computers, devices do not need to be assembled, they are more compact and easier to clean. The best game consoles of 2024 were selected models taking into account the pros and cons of their use, a comparative analysis of the opinions of users and experts.

Which company console is better to choose

Devices are classified into 2 main types: portable and stationary. The first ones are suitable for users who do not want to give up games while away from home. They can be taken on trips to brighten up the time spent on the road. When choosing a gaming console, experts recommend taking into account the technical characteristics of the models and the manufacturer's reputation, because it often affects the build quality. To facilitate the purchase of the device, the best manufacturers are presented below:

• Sony Corporation - Japanese transnational corporation, founded by Akio Morita in 1946. The first name of the company had to be changed, as it was difficult for Americans to pronounce. Trying to find a word that does not exist in any language, Morita dropped the letter n from Sony. In Japanese it sounded like "losing money." The company released its first game console in 1994. Every year engineers improve the models, supply them with new functions;
• Microsoft Is an American company that owns production units in different countries. The firm's activities are focused on the development of software and portable electronic devices. In 2001, the Xbox game console was released, an improved version of which is considered the most powerful device of its kind in the world;
• Nintendo Company, Limited Is a Japanese company founded by Fusajiro Yamauchi in 1889. The company released the first 8-bit game console Dendy in 1983. A few years after its release in the USA, it became the bestseller. Devices of this brand gained great popularity among children in Russia and the CIS countries in the 90s.
• Sega Games Co., Ltd Is an international company founded in 1940 in America. Later, the creators decided to move their headquarters to Tokyo. The company was engaged in the production of consoles from 1983 to 2001. In the struggle for the market, it competed with Nintendo, becoming in 1987 the second largest video game developer in the world. The manufacturers made Sonic the hedgehog the mascot of the brand. The company has now switched to releasing games for all platforms, which is why its devices are called retro consoles.

Rating of consoles for games

On store shelves you can find devices from various manufacturers. Which game console is the best depends on your preferences and specifications. The review takes into account the test results that were carried out to compare the functional and technical features of the models. The nominees were selected for the rating of the best game consoles after analyzing user reviews, evaluating the following parameters:

• View;
• Dimensions;
• The weight;
• Hard disk volume, RAM;
• Processor type and frequency;
• Multimedia capabilities;
• Interface;
• Features of the graphics module;
• Supported formats.

We also took into account the presence in the set of special controllers and accessories that are needed to control the game, the price of the device. The TOP nominees are divided into 4 groups. Each one presents models from a certain manufacturer, their advantages and disadvantages are considered.

The best gaming wheels

Best Sony game consoles

The demand for devices of this brand is due to better graphic characteristics, more convenient gamepad. For consoles, Sony releases a wide variety of exclusive games that are not available on other platforms. They have a strong storyline, high cinematography, and are often designed for one player. The choice towards Sony Playstation is recommended if you have a powerful computer. When comparing 5 analogs, 2 nominees of the rating became the best in terms of technical characteristics.

Sony PlayStation 4 Pro

The stationary model is equipped with a 2.13GHz AMD Ryzon processor. For gaming solutions, the best indicator is from 3 GHz. At the same time, the presence of 8 cores provides good gameplay comfort at medium and high graphics settings. The powerful PS4 Pro graphics engine supports higher frame rates to improve image clarity and game load times. HDR technology creates a vivid and lifelike picture on your TV that captures the finest gameplay details. The amount of RAM - 8 GB, hard disk - 1 TB. The virtual helmet and games are not included in the package.

Advantages

• HDMI0 interface, provides 4K and HD image output;
• Convenient connection of a headset via USB ports;
• Ability to connect a virtual reality helmet, watch video;
• High image resolution;
• Ability to connect a gamepad via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi;
• Best value for 4K games.

disadvantages

• Bulky;
• Noisy work;
• Does not support games from previous console versions.

Users admit that the Sony PlayStation 4 game console makes each other forget about the existence of things. The image on the screen is so realistic that the person feels like a part of the event. At the same time, some note the inconvenience of the shape of the gamepad when playing, which requires holding it for a long time without moving.

Sony PlayStation 4 Slim 1 TB

It weighs 1.2kg lighter than the PS4 Pro, and its smaller dimensions make it easier to fit your stationary gaming console. The pluses include a reduction in price and energy consumption by almost 30%. Such features are indicated by the Slim prefix. The processor in this nominee is also installed by AMD Jaguar, but with a frequency of 1.6 GHz. Therefore, the graphics of the images will be slightly worse. The parameters of the RAM and hard disk remain unchanged.

Advantages

• Ergonomic Dual Shock 4 controller;
• Practical plastic body with a protective coating against dust and scratches;
• Good performance;
• Ability to connect a gamepad via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi;
• The ability to watch videos;
• The presence of rubberized inserts on the case, which prevent it from sliding;
• Quiet work.

disadvantages

• Low battery capacity of the controller;
• Heating of the case;
• HD image output.

Buy a Playstation game console is recommended by about 91% of users. They note good sound, realistic pictures, high loading speed of games, and a decent price.

The disadvantages include the poor quality of the headset, the ability to play online only for an additional fee, and poorer detail in comparison with the Pro version.

The best Xbox game consoles

Microsoft devices are considered the most technical. The same game can be used for any version of the console, as they are designed for backward compatibility. At the same time, the brand refused to release exclusive games. Compared to competitors, the models benefit from high quality graphics. The Xbox online service is cheaper than Sony. If you want to play with your friends, experts recommend purchasing this brand of consoles. The advantages of Microsoft consoles include ultra-fast memory. Based on the best technical parameters, 2 top nominees were selected from 4 tested consoles.

Microsoft Xbox One X

The manufacturers have installed the most powerful 8-core Scorpio Engine with a frequency of 2.3 GHz in the Xbox game console. It has an improved architecture, performance - 6 teraflops, memory bandwidth - 326 GB / s. The latest liquid cooling system and centrifugal blower fan provide less heat and lower operating noise. The power technology is based on individual voltage settings for each processor in the chipset, allowing engineers to improve performance and reduce power consumption. The volume of the hard disk is 1 TB, the RAM is 12 GB.

Advantages

• High power graphics card;
• The ability to watch videos;
• Advanced multimedia capabilities;
• Vertical or horizontal arrangement of the device;
• Good graphics, sound;
• Ability to connect a gamepad via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi;
• 8 GB flash memory is provided;
• Image output in 4K and HDR format, no upscaling.

disadvantages

• High price;
• Large size compared to Sony consoles;
• Doesn't support virtual reality accessories.

Users report good performance with a decent frame rate. Experts say that in comparison with the PlayStation, the American console is 40% more powerful. The kit often includes a map for free download from the server of computer programs for organizing gameplay. At the same time, most people do not recommend buying Xbox due to the lack of interesting exclusive games.

Microsoft Xbox One S

The technical characteristics of the top nominee are almost identical to the Sony PlayStation 4 Slim 1 TB. The device is equipped with an 8-core AMD processor with a frequency of 1.75 GHz and a performance of 1.4 teraflops. Hard disk capacity - 1 TB, RAM - 8 GB. The model is smaller and lighter than the previous Microsoft console. It also has advanced multimedia capabilities, built-in flash memory.

Advantages

• High quality build;
• Protective coating that eliminates scratches on the case;
• Convenient headset connection;
• Ability to connect a gamepad via Bluetooth;
• Image output in 4K and HDR format;
• low price.

disadvantages

• The need to adjust the upscaling settings;
• Poor graphics when playing on a screen larger than 32 inches.

Users are attracted by the low price of the model and the free subscription to online games. They give 4.5 for functionality, design and usability. The disadvantages include the lack of a battery on the joystick and exclusive computer programs for gameplay.

Best gaming monitors

The best Nintendo game consoles

The firm produces portable models that can be used outside the home. They don't require a TV connection for gameplay. Games for these consoles are distinguished by originality, but not variety. Most users consider this feature a disadvantage. Compared to Sony or Microsoft consoles, inexpensive Nintendo devices are less powerful. Based on the best technical characteristics, out of 10 analogue models, 3 top nominees were selected.

Nintendo Switch

A hybrid game console that combines the properties of a home and portable console. The compact device weighing 297 g has a touch screen with a diagonal of 6.2 inches and a resolution of 1280x720. The controller slots are located on both sides of the display. On the bottom there is a charger socket, and on the top there is a volume button, power button, a headphone jack and a slot for a cartridge. The image is displayed in HD format. The built-in flash memory is 32 GB. The capacity of the power source is enough for 5-6 hours of battery life.

Advantages

• The presence of a rear pull-out stand, the gadget can be left out of hand;
• Clear and bright image;
• The ability to increase the amount of memory;
• Accelerometer, gyroscope function;
• Supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi.

disadvantages

• The need to contact a service center to remove the battery;
• Lack of wireless joysticks included.

Experts say that the main advantage of the model is its versatility.At the same time, the price of the Nintendo Switch game console is not entirely adequate. The console does not provide a browser, there is no audio and video player.

A flaw on the part of the manufacturer is the impossibility of connecting Bluetooth headphones, which greatly complicates its use on the road. For graphics, functionality and usability, gamers give a "4" mark.

Nintendo switch light

Model with a touch screen 5.5 inches and a resolution of 1280x720. This version of the game console cannot be connected to a TV, it is only suitable for playing in handheld mode. The rest of the specifications are identical to the previous nominee, except for a lower battery capacity, which is 3570 mAh. If the game requires JoyCon functions, motion control, then you need to purchase special controllers. Gamepads are not included.

Advantages

• Compact;
• Lightweight;
• Stereo speaker;
• The ability to increase the amount of memory;
• Accelerometer, gyroscope function;
• Supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi.

disadvantages

• No HD vibration function, infrared motion camera;
• Not compatible with Nintendo Switch Dock;
• Short battery life.

Most users see the only advantage of this game console in comparison with the previous model - the lower price. At the same time, the set does not include controllers, which is considered a huge disadvantage. The battery capacity is also only enough for 5 hours of continuous play.

Nintendo New 2DS XL

The next portable model is presented by the manufacturer in the form of a folding book. Its dimensions are 160x163x20 mm, weight - 260 g. Each panel has an LCD display. The diagonal of the top is 4.88 inches, the lower touchscreen is 4.18 inches. You can buy it in white, green and other colors. On the outer edge there are headphone and power supply jacks, volume control, memory card slot, 2 cameras. Control buttons, a cross are located on the sides of the lower display. The battery life depends on the type of games. You can play simple games for about 10 hours, when loading demanding applications, charging is enough for a maximum of 3-4 hours.

Advantages

• Several navigation options;
• Built-in browser, Wi-Fi module;
• The ability to watch videos, use a stylus;
• Low price;
• High quality build.

disadvantages

• Marked case;
• Low battery capacity.

The popularity of the console among gamers is due to its good functionality and a wide variety of games of all kinds of genres. The convenience of using the console is also noted. The main disadvantages include the high price of games, the small size of the memory card, and the fragile plastic case.

The best Sega game consoles

The devices are very popular with retro gamers. The company was unable to compete with Nintendo systems, so the release of new consoles was suspended in 2000. You can still buy retro consoles, as well as games for them. The leading positions in functionality and usability in this category among 5 models were taken by 2 nominees for the rating of the best game consoles.

Sega genesis gopher 2

This portable game console comes in the form of an original design monoblock. Its dimensions and weight are slightly less than those of Nintendo devices. The screen diagonal is 4.3 inches, the resolution is 480x272. In terms of capacity, the battery is inferior to the nominees of the previous category, so the battery life of this model is low. The Sega lacks a Wi-Fi module, bluetooth. 500 games are immediately installed in the device. The kit includes a charger, cable, headphones.

Advantages

• Low price;
• High quality build;
• Good graphics quality;
• The ability to run "non-native" games;
• The presence of a memory card.

disadvantages

• Problems finding new games;
• It is necessary to get used to the location of the buttons, the cross.

Users like that the console is compact, works quickly, all old and favorite games are collected in it, the screen is covered with a protective film. The disadvantages include weak silicone on the buttons, they quickly sink. The model is good for a gift to children.

SEGA Retro Genesis Modern

The body of the nominee, stationary, is made of matte black plastic. At the bottom of the panel are the power and reset buttons, between them there is an insert with the logo and model name, in the center there is a connector for cartridges. On the bottom of the case, 4 rubberized pads are installed, which provide better grip. There are also 2 switches here. The first one allows you to change the regions for launching games, and the second one corrects the display of the image on the screen when connected to an old TV. On the front side of the device there are connectors for controllers, on the back - for the power supply and connection of the set-top box to the TV.

Advantages

• Sega Mega-SD connection input;
• Ergonomic joysticks;
• Low price;
• 170 built-in games;
• Flash card support.

disadvantages

• Connection to TV via AV-connector;
• Inability to launch games from other game consoles.

Most of the reviews about the model are positive. The main advantages are the large number of built-in games and the low price. This TV game console is advised to buy for children by 100% of the respondents. For graphics, functionality and usability, they put a solid "5".

Which game console is better to buy

If you want to play outside the home, then it is recommended to choose from models of portable devices. They are compact, easy to fit in your pocket, and have a wide range of built-in applications. When buying a stationary console, you need to consider its characteristics and the genre of games. Fans of sports, racing, various stimulants are advised to choose Xbox. There are more programs on PlayStation that relate to the genre of strategy, adventure, and battle. In each section of the rating, the following gadget is selected:

• Best Price / Performance Game Console 2024 - Sony PlayStation 4 Pro;
• Most Powerful Game Console - Microsoft Xbox One X
• Better Hybrid Device - Nintendo Switch
• The most inexpensive game console for a child is the Sega Retro Genesis Modern.

All presented models have their positive and negative sides. Each gamer makes a choice based on their preferences. The rating will give answers to questions on how to choose a game console and what to consider when buying it.