Games and friends first
The exclusives you want and the platform your friends use matter more than specs. Make a list of five games you want to play and see where they are available.
Home or handheld
- PS5 and Xbox: TV only, best graphics
– Switch 2: TV and handheld, best for travel and shared TVs
– PC handhelds: powerful but more complex and pricey
Total cost of ownership
- Online play: about £50 to £80 a year
– Extra controller: £60 to £90
– Storage: 1 TB fills fast; budget for an SSD or microSD Express card
Do you need a Pro model?
Only if you own a large 4K TV with 120Hz and care about frame rates. On most TVs, the standard model looks very close.
Our picks
See all our best game consoles in the uk for more options.
Recommended products
Best overallSony · Game Consoles
PlayStation 5 Console (Slim)
Biggest exclusives.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Most gamers
- Typical price
- £429–£479
Pros
- Huge library including PS4 games
- Fast SSD loading
Cons
- Prices rose in 2025
Best for familiesNintendo · Game Consoles
Nintendo Switch 2
Home and handheld.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Families and handheld play
- Typical price
- £396–£429
Pros
- Plays at home and handheld
- Larger 1080p screen
Cons
- Games are rarely discounted
Cheapest Game PassMicrosoft · Game Consoles
Xbox Series S
Small and digital.
- Verdict
- Consider
- Best for
- Budget Game Pass
- Typical price
- £349–£369
Pros
- Small and quiet
- Works with Game Pass
Cons
- No disc drive
Frequently asked questions
Disc or digital?
Digital is cheaper up front, but discs can be resold and are often discounted. If you buy games used or share with friends, get a disc model.
Which console is best for kids?
Switch 2 for its family-friendly games and parental controls app, though all consoles have solid parental controls.
When is the best time to buy a console?
Black Friday bundles usually offer the best value in the UK.