There is no such thing as the "best video game console," but figuring out which one is right for the gaming experience you want is more in reach. There are seven systems that you could reasonably call “current gen,” and others, such as Valve’s Steam Deck, further muddying the waters. Engadget staffers play games on pretty much every console you can think of, and a few that you might not have thought about for a very long time.
Quick Overview
  • Best high-end console

    PlayStation 5

    $460 at GameStop
  • Best with a large streaming library

    Xbox Series X

    $499 at Amazon
  • Best budget console

    Xbox Series S – 512GB SSD All-Digital Gaming Console – 1440p Gaming – 4K Streaming – Robot White

    $299 at Amazon
  • Best for local multiplayer

    Nintendo Switch

    $347 at Amazon
  • Best couch portable

    Valve Steam Deck

    $399 at Valve
See 2 more

For some gamers, nothing but the highest-specced system will do; others just need the cheapest way to play the latest games; maybe you value portability over everything; or maybe you haven’t played in years and are looking for a system that would be the best buy for your family to enjoy together. There are endless use-cases for a games console, and that’s why we’ve put together this article.

We’ve reviewed and evaluated every console in here, some more than once, and tried to categorize the “best gaming console” for specific needs. You’ll find 10 picks in here, with all of the big players represented, and two best "high-end consoles," each for different reasons. We hope by the end of this guide, you’ll be much closer to deciding on the console with the perfect specs and functionality for you.