Top 10 best gaming consoles

While Google struggles to develop effective cloud services, including Stadia, the world of gaming continues to be a fierce battle between the leading . From year to year, Sony and Microsoft release top solutions for gamers, and this one is no exception. In our rating of gaming consoles in 2021, we will try to find out who is No. 1 in the field of stationary solutions today. Actually, because in the field of production of portable consoles, Nintendo continues to be the undisputed leader. But in choosing an independent set-top box, everything is also ambiguous, if only for the reason that the manufacturer constantly comes up with new solutions: from budget to premium. As for retro consoles like Sega or Dendy, which, for sure, are “their leaders” for representatives of the previous generation, their relevance, of course, disappears against the background of modern corporations that have conquered the console segment. The exception is portable consoles.

The best portable gaming consoles

In the segment of portable consoles, quite a lot of brands compete for their target audience - here you can find models from the brand company Sony, and in the budget category, Sega’s offerings look good. From time to time, new brands delight us with an interesting ratio of price and functionality. We are not considering the latter, since you won’t get exclusives from XoKo, PSP and similar companies, but the fact of their existence is still worth mentioning. As for our opinion, the following models are relevant and in demand.

SEGA Genesis Gopher 2

Our Top 10 gaming consoles open with the portable model SEGA Genesis Gopher 2, which attracts attention with its support of 500 pre-installed games. The 16-bit, budget model is equipped with 6 buttons, which is not enough for using retro games. In the center of the device there is a compact 4.3-inch screen, the resolution of which is 480 by 272 pixels with an aspect ratio of 16 by 9. The advantages of the console include the presence of a capacious 2000 mAh battery, which is enough for 7 hours of battery life. The device has a slot for expanding permanent memory via microSD. The kit includes a charger and a USB cable. At the same time, the model has modest dimensions around 170 by 82 by 18 millimeters and weighs 120 grams.

Pros:

small sizes;
low cost;
many installed games;
modest weight;
good screen.

Minuses:

for simple games.

Sony PlayStation Vita

Another good portable game console was proposed by quite experienced Sony engineers. The PlayStation Vita model has a fairly clear OLED screen with rich blacks, excellent color reproduction and a wide viewing angle. It is worth noting that the console has a powerful processor for its price, so you can enjoy good graphics in different games. There are configurations with support for 3G and Wi-Fi, which will allow you to always stay connected. Another bonus is the synchronization of the portable console with the PS3. At the same time, the manufacturer has taken care of the presence of built-in cameras through which you can publish your data. In terms of games, as usual, everything in the company is on top. It won't seem enough.

Pros:

there are exclusives;
good screen;
modest dimensions;
case quality;
good power.

Minuses:

few options.

Nintendo Switch Lite

By the name you can understand that we are talking about a simplified version of the popular portable game console. The younger model of the “Switch” series is distinguished by an even more ergonomic body and low weight. In addition to the reduced size, the smaller screen should be noted, but the price corresponds to the parameters of the console. The display size of this set-top box is 5.5 inches. Among the strengths, we can note the well-known custom NVIDIA Tegra chip, which guarantees good performance, and, therefore, the number of supported games. There should be no problems connecting the set-top box to the TV. The battery was also reduced, but this did not particularly affect the battery life. The device operates for 5-6 hours without loss of performance. The battery charges quickly.

Pros:

reduced sizes;
clear screen;
good processor;
loyal price.

Minuses:

reduced screen.

Sony PlayStation Portable Slim & Lite

If you don’t know which portable console to choose from Sony, we recommend paying attention to the PlayStation Portable Slim & Lite model with an adequate price and good parameters. The console has a modest screen based on a TFT matrix, the size of which is 4.3 inches with an aspect ratio of 16 by 9. The screen resolution is 380 by 272 pixels. Control is carried out via 4 “Action” keys, a classic four-way joystick, two shift keys and an analog joystick - in general, a standard set. In terms of equipment, we can note USB support, a wireless adapter and a slot for Memory Stick Duo. Separately, it is necessary to note the work of the company’s engineers for the quality of energy consumption optimization. Now the device works much longer without recharging.

Pros:

battery life;
good display;
good equipment;
convenient controls;
good power.

Minuses:

difficult to find.

Nintendo Switch

The best portable console in 2021, according to Price/Quality, is the Nintendo Switch model, a simplified version of which we reviewed earlier. The classic model provides for use both as a portable and stationary console with a connection to TV. This flexibility is guaranteed by the Joy-Con controller. When you enable handheld mode, these controllers can be connected as joysticks on the sides of the screen. In turn, in stationary mode the controllers are disconnected and used as independent joysticks. This gamepad itself is worth the cost. As for the set-top box, we are pleased to have a high-quality IPS matrix with a good viewing angle, HD resolution, and a good level of color rendition. The simple version is equipped with 4 gigabytes of RAM and 32 gigabytes of permanent memory.

Pros:

good power;
chic gamepads;
excellent screen;
Memory;
price-quality ratio.

Minuses:

not found.

Game console Nintendo Classic Mini: NES

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Our top 10 gaming consoles open with the retro Nintendo NES Classic Mini console with 30 pre-installed cult games. A miniature copy of the legendary NES (introduced back in 1986) received support for Super Mario Bros, Mega Man, Donkey Kong and other well-known games. In the “Retro” mode, you can see a picture that is as close as possible to what we saw on old TVs with an aspect ratio of 4 by 3. To get a normal image, you need to switch to the “Original” mode. Obviously, this product is designed for people who want to immerse themselves at least for a few minutes in the past, remember their childhood or share their emotions with representatives of the new generation. It is worth noting that the package includes an HDMI cable as well as a USB cable. Features include support for multiplayer mode and game saving.

Game console Nintendo Classic Mini: NES

Advantages:

multiplayer mode
save game
support for iconic applications
good equipment

Flaws:

few and rare on sale

The best gaming consoles for TV

To this day, it is not clear which game console is better than Xbox or Playstation. From time to time, Microsoft and Sony come out with new models, and they seem to evenly distribute the target audience. On what basis? Most likely, Xbox fans like the performance; in our opinion, they are more powerful. In turn, Playstation is constantly “tug of war” with its exclusives, which, no matter how they have a positive effect on sales of the company’s consoles.

Sony PlayStation 4 Slim

A simplified version of the fourth generation console from Sony is joining the rating of game consoles - the PlayStation 4 Slim, the advantages of which include an updated appearance and reduced dimensions. As for the technical components, there are no major changes, which is another pleasant bonus, given the reduced cost. The memory capacity is 500 gigabytes, and the RAM is 8 GB. AMD Jaguar (8 cores) is used as the hardware basis. The package is attractive due to the presence of a proprietary Sony DualShock 4 controller, the quality and convenience of which is impossible to find fault with. There is a charging cable and a mono headset. The equipment is also excellent: the IEEE 802.11 b/g/n/ac module, Bluetooth 4.0, and 2 USB 3.1 ports are implemented.

Pros:

reduced sizes;
stylish design;
good equipment;
amount of RAM;
Quite a powerful model.

Minuses:

no second gamepad.

Microsoft Xbox One S

We are talking about a simplified version of the classic premium game console from Microsoft. In fact, this model is distinguished by a smaller copy that has retained the main parameters. At the same time, the corporation's engineers managed to reduce the body by almost 40%. At the same time, the console supports 4K resolution and HDR technology, which makes the console stand out from the simplified version of its competitor. By the way, this is the first console that “learned” to reproduce 4K graphics. In addition, there is a built-in power supply. I am pleased with the insignificant but upgrade of the gamepad, although in terms of size it has not changed. Advantages include optimization of video stream settings, the presence of a front USB port (it finally appeared), and playback of movies from Blu-Ray.

Pros:

convenient gamepad;
dynamic scaling;
4K video support;
power unit;
Frame rate stability.

Minuses:

paid network mode Xbox Live.

Sony PlayStation 4 Pro

Considering how many hundreds, if not thousands of reviews have been devoted to this premium gaming console, I wouldn’t want to spend too much time describing it. This is definitely a top-end console, which has not lost its relevance with the advent of the fifth generation. The model still has powerful hardware, is attractive with support for games in 4K resolution, and supports branded VR glasses. The hard drive has 1000 gigabytes of usable space. In terms of communications, everything is up to par: Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11 ac – that’s enough for now. We are pleased with the wide range of games, including exclusives. You can broadcast the game directly to YouTube by pressing one button, the menu is convenient. It is worth saying that the battery in the gamepad is not inferior to the batteries on the Xbox. However, the price of games leaves much to be desired; you have to wait for promotions so as not to “torture your wallet” too much.

Pros:

excellent gamepads;
good power;
equipment and complete set;
4K support in games;
simple controls, menu.

Minuses:

There is already a fifth generation.

Microsoft Xbox One X

The former leader on our list, for now, is the liquid-cooled Microsoft Xbox One X. We are talking about the most powerful gaming console with support for HDR 10 technology, Dolby Atmos, and 6 TFLOPS. It is worth saying that there is also a version of Project Scorpio, which differs in design, stand for vertical installation of the console and, of course, price tag. From a price/quality point of view, the classic version looks more attractive. High performance is guaranteed by an 8-core processor paired with 12 gigabytes of RAM. The maximum picture resolution reaches 4K, and the built-in storage capacity is 1000 gigabytes. The model has an extensive set of ports, including three USB 3.0 connectors, two HDMI interfaces, and optical S/PDIF. Using the latter, you can connect 7.1 acoustics to get the most pleasant gaming experience.

Pros:

maximum power;
number of interfaces;
stylish appearance;
excellent cooling;
Memory.

Minuses:

price of games.

Sony PlayStation 5

The best game console (console) of 2021 is the Sony PlayStation 5 model, the presentation of which took place online due to the pandemic. This did not stop the developers from making a splash in the world of gamers, which is not surprising, because almost seven years have passed since the premiere of its predecessor, if you do not take into account the Pro version of the fourth generation. The hardware base is now powered by a new generation 8-core AMD Ryzen processor based on Zen 2 architecture with advanced Radeon Navi graphics. This is truly the epitome of next-generation power. 8K support has been implemented. In addition, the manufacturer took care of the presence of a specialized audio chip that can take the sound to a new level. The new product has an SSD solid-state drive and a Dualshock game controller.

Pros:

new generation processor;
solid state drive;
advanced controller;
8K support;
sound accompaniment.

Minuses:

price at the start of sales.

Rating of game consoles

On store shelves you can find devices from various manufacturers. Which gaming console is better depends on your preferences and its technical characteristics. The review takes into account the results of tests that were carried out to compare the functional and technical features of the models. The nominees were selected for the ranking of the best gaming consoles after analyzing user reviews and assessing the following parameters:

View;
Dimensions;
Weight;
Hard disk capacity, RAM;
Processor type and frequency;
Multimedia capabilities;
Interface;
Features of the graphics module;
Supported formats.

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

The best gaming wheels

How to choose a good game console?

The segment of stationary consoles is updated very rarely. Over the past years, so much has been said about the difference between PS4 and XONE that I don’t even want to return to this topic. If you don’t know how to choose a good console, then you should understand that there is no clear leader among Microsoft and Sony consoles, otherwise there would simply be no competition, and the segment would be updated even less frequently. Companies use approximately the same hardware; each brand has its own services. And in terms of availability, Microsoft probably wins, but in terms of exclusives, Sony obviously takes the lead. And this trend is visible in almost all respects - in some places the PS4 wins, but in others it is leveled out by the Xboxe. As for the latest generations, which have just emerged, it is too early to say anything. We'll add more later...

Simplified versions . There is not always a need to overpay for the premium (updated) version of the console, since both brands have almost the same hardware. Yes, minor drawdowns in games are possible, but this is unlikely to bother those users who willingly want to get a premium model at an affordable price. In terms of power, the Xbox One S is stronger than the simplified version of the classic PS4 from its competitor, if only for the reason that it supports 4K.

Portable set-top box . If the task is to keep a teenager busy, then you can pay attention to the budget segment, where you can find extremely simple and weak models from Sega and competitors. However, even modern smartphones can withstand greater loads than such solutions. The only difference is that for a full game on a tablet or phone you need a trigger or gamepad, and this is an additional cost. In the premium class of portable consoles, the clear leaders are Sony and Nintendo. In favor of the first, integration with stationary models can be attributed. The second company is an obvious “monopolist” in its segment, offering a high level of user-friendliness of controls, a good range of games, interesting functions, and good power.

Game console Sony PlayStation 4 Pro

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SonyPlastation 4 Pro is Sony's best console at the moment. It supports virtual reality, 3D and is capable of displaying images at a maximum resolution of 4K with HDR mode, which increases dynamic contrast. The model received an 8-core AMD processor, 8 GB of memory and 1 TB of memory. Connection to the Internet is carried out via a LAN output or via Wi-Fi ac, that is, in the frequencies of 2.4 or 5 GHz. The device is capable of reading Blu-ray discs, has 3 USB outputs, an optical audio output and HDMI for connecting to a TV.

Game console Sony PlayStation 4 Pro

Advantages:

excellent image quality with high FPS
many exclusive games
VR and 3D support
convenient remote control

Flaws:

Games from previous generation consoles are not supported
quite noisy

Which game console is best to buy in 2021?

Thus, for many years now, well-known leaders have been operating in the field of production of consoles, both portable and stationary, whom we have repeatedly mentioned in our publication. If you don’t know which game console to buy, I would like to add that the latest generations of Microsoft and Sony are also slightly different in terms of using past editions. For example, an American corporation uses Xbox Smart Delivery, with which you can use past editions for new generations of consoles without losing quality. It's more profitable. Sony still has problems implementing such technology. However, in terms of exclusive games they have a serious advantage. If this is important, then the conclusion is obvious. Considering these factors, our opinion is:

Best simplified game console – Xbox One S;
A good portable console is Nintendo Switch;
The most powerful gaming console is Microsoft Xbox One X;
The best premium gaming console is Sony PlayStation 5.

The topic is quite controversial, so I would like to see your thoughts on the subject of leaders. Thanks friends.

Which brand of game 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. You can take them on trips to brighten up the time spent on the road. When choosing a game console, experts recommend taking into account the technical characteristics of the models and the reputation of the manufacturer, because it often affects the build quality. To make purchasing a device easier, the best manufacturers are presented below:

Sony Corporation is a Japanese multinational corporation founded by Akio Morita in 1946. The company's first name had to be changed because it was difficult for Americans to pronounce. Trying to find a word that does not exist in any language, Morita excluded the letter n from “Sony”. In Japanese it sounded like “to lose money.” The company released its first game console in 1994. Every year, engineers improve models and provide them with new functions;
Microsoft is an American company that owns production units in different countries. The company's activities are aimed at developing 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 gaming console Dendy in 1983. A few years after its release in the United States, it became a sales leader. Devices of this brand gained great popularity among children in Russia and the CIS countries in the 90s.
Seg a 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. It competed with Nintendo for market share, becoming the second largest video game developer in the world in 1987. 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.

Game console Sony PlayStation 4 Slim 1 TB

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This model is a simplified version of the Pro version. It has a more affordable price, displays images in maximum FHD resolution and offers smaller sizes. Like the older device, it can work with VR glasses and is designed to play 3D content. Compared to the regular PS4, this model has the ability to use the gamepad while charging it from USB.

Game console Sony PlayStation 4 Slim 1 TB

Advantages:

the most inexpensive in the line
compact dimensions
slight heating

Flaws:

games from previous lines are not suitable

Game console Microsoft Xbox Series X

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The most powerful gaming console, at least in the near future, will remain the Xbox Series X. It is worth saying that the engineers of the American corporation have developed the performance and speed of the model in all technological areas. For this console, they developed special processors based on the latest AMD Zen 2 and RDNA 2 architecture. According to the manufacturer, in this way they managed to achieve a fourfold increase in power for the Xbox One. GPU performance is now 12 TFLOPS, which is double that of the Xbox One X. It's worth noting the patented form of variable rate shading VRS, which allowed developers to evenly spend GPU cycles on literally every pixel on the display. Hardware-accelerated tracing has been improved with DirectX Raytracing. This means that each user will be able to enjoy more realistic lighting with an accurate reflection of acoustics. Thanks to the use of a new generation SSD solid state drive, it was possible to improve almost every aspect of the game: applications load instantly, support for quick return to the game, very fast saving.

Game console Microsoft Xbox Series X

Advantages:

high power
SSD disk capacity
acoustic reflection
DirectX Raytracing

Flaws:

not detected

Game console Sony PlayStation 3 Super Slim 500 GB

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Despite the fact that this model was introduced in 2012, it still remains relevant 8 years later. A super-compact, stylish case and reduced power consumption are the main differences between this version and others in the PS3 series. The cooling system is quiet, the only source of noise is the drive. This is due to the design features (there is no usual slot-type optical drive). The graphics are modest by modern standards, the maximum resolution is HD, but overall they look acceptable. Memory 500 GB, can be expanded if desired. Users note the convenience of the gamepad: it fits well in the hand, the buttons are located logically. There is DLNA support. The optical drive can play DVDs and Blu-Ray discs. Has its own internet browser. Overall, this is a good set-top box at an affordable price, but without a reserve of relevance for the future.

Game console Sony PlayStation 3 Super Slim 500 GB

Advantages:

many exclusive games
compact body
fairly quiet operation
low energy consumption
convenient gamepad
multimedia center capabilities
you can watch movies, go online, listen to music

Flaws:

the cost could be lower taking into account the year of manufacture
expensive games
Doesn't read all video formats
glossy inserts on the body are very easily soiled

Nintendo Classic Mini: Super Nintendo Entertainment System

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This is a desktop console for those users who want to play old Nintendo games. There are 21 pre-installed games, connection to TV is provided by an HDMI connector. The console is powered by USB; the power supply for it must be purchased separately, but there is no particular need for it. But the kit includes two gamepads.

Nintendo Classic Mini: Super Nintendo Entertainment System

Advantages:

Includes two classic joysticks
there is a set of classic games
compact
Easily flashed, allowing you to download games

Flaws:

quite difficult to acquire these days

It’s worth saying right away that Nintendo simply has no competitors. If you don’t know how to choose a portable gaming console, then the choice is obvious. There is no point in wasting time discussing retro consoles. Obviously, we will talk about the eternal race between two titans: Sony and Microsoft, which share the market for stationary consoles.

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Out of rating

Here we will look at several consoles that did not fit into the rating of 10 devices.

Nintendo Classic Mini

Although there was no place in the ranking for the Nintendo Classic Mini, it cannot be ignored. This is a reincarnation of the classic 1983 Nintendo Entertainment System console. In terms of content, this is a classic, but in terms of execution, it is a completely modern device with up-to-date interfaces that can be connected to any TV or monitor.

Nintendo Classic Mini

Here are its characteristics:

type – game console;
platform - 8 bit;
carrier – cartridge;
connection to TV – USB and HDMI;
CPU - Allwinner R16;
RAM – 2 KB;
USB powered;
additional devices – joystick pistol;
dimensions – 230x165x75 mm;
weight – 790 g;
set – console, 2 joysticks, USB cable, HDMI cable, 30 games.

pros

low price;
support for a huge number of classic games;
modern interfaces.

Minuses

outdated graphics.

Nintendo Classic Mini

PS 4 Pro and Xbox One X

Both PS 4 and Xbox have more powerful versions, which are designated One Pro X. The differences are in more powerful processors and video chips. The remaining characteristics are generally identical to the standard versions. It’s more pleasant to play on PS 4 Pro and Xbox One X, as the fps is higher and the picture is smoother. But the difference with the regular PS 4 and Xbox One still cannot be called dramatic. Of course, the “enhanced” versions are more expensive.

PS 4 Pro and Xbox One X