4 Best Video Game Consoles, Reviewed by Kids and Tech Experts
We found portable and unique options for gamers of all ages!
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There are really just two simple things to consider when looking for a new video game console for yourself or your kids: What games do you want to play, and who will you be playing with? Some games are exclusive to a specific console, so you’ll have to opt for that brand. It’s also important to know whether you’ll be playing solo or multiplayer games. Do you want to play with kids or with the whole family? The console you pick needs to work with your preferences.
Our top picks:
- Best overall: Sony PlayStation 5
- Best value: Xbox Series S
- Best for families: Nintendo Switch 2
- Most unique: Nex Playground
I’m a product analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Tech & Engineering Lab. I’ve played with 18 different gaming consoles over the course of my life, and my team and I recently tested 11 gaming consoles. We’ve also sent gaming consoles to families to test them in their homes for real-life use. We found the best video game consoles to purchase for yourself or to gift to the gamer in your life.
Pros
- Adaptive triggers make games more immersive
- SSD (solid state drive) is more rugged
- Digital or disk editions
Cons
- Large in size
✔️ WHY WE LOVE IT: The PlayStation 5 (PS5) is the most powerful Sony console to date, with an 825 GB SSD (Solid-State Drive). This means it has a storage capacity of 825 Gigabytes, and the Solid-State Drive allows you to start up and load games faster than any prior PlayStation console. There are two versions of the PS5: One has a disc drive, and one is purely digital. If you still enjoy owning hard copies of your games, opt for the version with the disc drive, though it is more expensive than the digital-only console.
✔️ CONTROLLER: The controller is simple to understand, with haptic feedback (vibrations caused by certain in-game actions) and adaptive triggers unique to the PS5 controller. This means that for certain games, the controller's rear triggers can adjust the tension to make it easier or harder to press depending on what's going on in the game. For example, if you're playing a driving game, the controller can simulate how much you’d need to press the pedal, increasing the immersion factor. It also has sharing capabilities, so if a moment happens during a game that you want to share with your friends, you click a button, and it saves your most recent gameplay so it's available to edit and send to anyone you want.
✔️ GAMEPLAY: The PlayStation 5 has both online and offline capabilities. In order to play online, there are varied subscription tiers you can purchase. The first and cheapest tier is $80 a year and allows access to multiple free games a month, the ability to play online multiplayer, cloud storage, exclusive PS5 games, and hardware discounts. If you wish to upgrade, for a maximum of $160 a year, you can stream hundreds of older PlayStation games for free, ranging from the first PlayStation all the way to PlayStation 4. Important to note: If you choose to only play F2P (free to play) games, you don't need to pay for online access.
✔️ IN OUR LAB TESTS: While it can be intimidating at first, the start-up process and navigation aren't too complicated. One tester said, "Navigating the menus took a little bit to learn, but once you do, it all makes sense." Another tester was very satisfied with the PS5 overall, saying, "I don’t see any reason why I wouldn’t recommend this to all my friends and family."
GH Institute Data & Product Operations Manager Nikolas Greenwald has been testing the PS5 Pro for the past few months. His findings: “If you're looking for the best performance and graphics, especially on ultra-realistic games, upgrading to the PS5 Pro for another $250 can be worth it.” He reported that his games look sharper but felt the real value in opting for the Pro is that it has double the storage capacity. “With PlayStation announcing they'll end physical disc production soon, the extra terabytes of space makes it easier for me to house my gaming collection without having to constantly juggle what's on my hard drive,” he said.
On his previous PS5, he hit the limit of the TB storage and had to uninstall some titles in order to play others. Meanwhile, he has been able to keep all his games installed on the PS5 Pro.
✔️ EXCLUSIVE GAMES: Horizon Forbidden West, Ghostwire: Tokyo, Gran Turismo 7, Stray, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
| CPU | 3.5GHz, 8-core AMD Zen 2 |
| GPU | 10.3 teraflop RDNA 2 GPU |
| Ram | 16GB GDDR6 |
| Frame-rate | Up to 120 FPS |
| Resolution | 4K |
| Disc drive | Yes, but there is a digital-only option |
| Storage | Custom 825GB - 1TB SSD + External Hard Drive capabilities |
Pros
- Really quiet
- Extremely fast load times
- Xbox Game Pass enables access to hundreds of games
Cons
- Need a Microsoft account to play even offline
✔️ WHY WE LOVE IT: For those who love to game but don't need an all-powerful console, the Xbox Series S is a slight downgrade from the Xbox Series X in terms of tech, but it's $200 cheaper, and it's still capable of doing what the Series X can in terms of game content and general functionality. The Series S is much smaller, so if you like to bring your console to your friend's house, it's easy to do so.
✔️ CONTROLLERS: Xbox controllers are battery-operated and connect wirelessly to the console. Depending on the game, you can typically have up to four controllers connected to one Xbox at a time. You can even use the controller to save and share gameplay moments that you want to remember. It's also possible to have separate accounts so everyone in the family can play their own way. You set up passwords using the controller (where each button on the controller represents a certain number), which can help prevent family members from messing up someone else's saved game.
✔️ GAMEPLAY: There's no disc drive in this one, so in order to play games on this console, you’ll need to either download them from the Xbox Marketplace or play via a subscription to Xbox Game Pass. There are three subscription tiers—$10, $15, and $23 a month—and even at the cheapest tier, you gain access to hundreds of video games across the console. Some games don't even need to be downloaded. You can play over Xbox's new patented Xbox Cloud Gaming, where you stream the game. For the games you do have to download, you have 512 GB to 1TB of built-in storage on your console, depending on if you are willing to spend an extra $100. If you need more, you can attach an external hard drive, allowing you to increase its storage space by more than double.
✔️ IN OUR LAB TESTS: Our experts were impressed by the streaming option where they didn't have to download content. They were shocked at how well the games performed over the cloud, with little to no slowdown or frame-rate loss. There was still a slight improvement in graphics after downloading the game versus playing over the cloud, but overall, the feature works well. One of our testers said this console was "the quietest gaming console I have ever owned" despite the built-in fans that help keep it cool.
✔️ EXCLUSIVE GAMES: Forza Horizon 5, Halo Infinite, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Gears of War 5
| CPU | 8X Cores @ 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz w/SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU| |
| GPU | 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs @1.565 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU |
| RAM | 10GB GDDR6 128 bit-wide bus |
| Frame-rate | Up to 120 FPS |
| Resolution | 1440p |
| Disc drive | N/A |
| Storage | 512GB - 1TB Custom NVME SSD + External Drive Capabilities |
Pros
- Extremely portable
- Perfect for local multiplayer
- Tons of storage for games
Cons
- Controllers can have a learning curve
✔️ WHY WE LOVE IT: The Nintendo Switch 2—the new-and-improved version of the Switch—has a built-in screen, so you can play games without a TV. Whether you want to play games away from home (say, on a long car ride) or just in bed, this mobile gaming console is great for gaming wherever you are. However, you can connect it to a TV with 4k capability for better images and a bigger screen while playing with friends.
✔️ CONTROLLERS: The controllers now connect magnetically to the screen (rather than sliding onto each side), which makes it easier to pop them on and off. The controllers can also be used as mice (like a computer mouse), for different gaming styles. If you can't connect to a TV but don't want to play in handheld mode, the controllers can be removed, and there’s a built-in stand on the screen. Players used to a traditional controller may find that it can take a few tries to get used to the Switch 2 controllers. However, the console comes with an attachment that allows you to create a single controller using the two disconnected pieces. One of the best features of the Switch is that the controllers can actually be split between two people if kids want to play with their siblings or friends.
✔️ GAMEPLAY: To play games, you have the option of buying physical cartridges or downloading games off the Nintendo Online E-Shop. The cartridges are tiny and fit in a slot at the top of the Switch 2. Games can be played instantly if you have a cartridge—no extra downloading necessary. The console comes with 256 Gigabytes of built-in storage for downloading games. It also features an microSD Express card slot, which allows you to upload your games to a memory card to expand the storage by at least double. The Switch also has the cheapest online membership plan, at $20 a year for the cheapest, and $50 a year at the most expensive.
✔️ IN OUR LAB TESTS: Our testers loved how easy it was to play multiplayer games with other people in the same room. And because of the size of the Switch 2, you can play these multiplayer games anywhere you want. Extra controllers connect easily. Depending on the game, you can have up to eight people playing on one console. One tester said, “I really like the variety of the types of games that are on the Switch 2, and the simplicity of playing multiplayer games makes it fun to play with lots of people, no matter where you are. I take the Switch 2 with me every time I travel, and the stand makes it easy for me and my partner to play games together in a cramped plane.”
✔️ EXCLUSIVE GAMES: Donkey Kong Bananza, Pokémon Pokopia, Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, Hades II, Game Builders Garage
| CPU | NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor |
| GPU | NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyroscope, and mouse sensor located in Joy-Con 2 controller; Brightness sensor located in console |
| Resolution | Up to 4K via TV mode. Up to 720p via built-in screen. |
| Disc drive | Nintendo Switch game cards; compatible with microSD Express cards only (up to 2 TB) |
| Battery life | About 2 to 6.5 hours |
| Storage | 256 GB (UFS) |
Pros
- Games involve physical movement
- Small and compact
- Easy setup
- Great for kids, teens, and adults
Cons
- Annual subscription fee
✔️ WHY WE LOVE IT: The Nex Playground is designed for ages 5 and up, and while our adult testers had fun playing with their children, we especially love it for kids. This gaming console is unique because it uses a built-in camera to track movement to play the games, rather than using controllers. That way, players are standing, jumping, dancing, and moving their body rather than sitting still for hours playing video games. The design impressed our experts so much that Nex Playground won a recent Good Housekeeping Parenting Award.
✔️ CONTROLLERS: This console comes with one controller to select games and the number of players. Other than that, every game is played with body movements. This means players get a bit of physical activity added into their day, and it can be great for any kids, teens, or adults with dexterity issues or difficulties using hand controllers.
✔️ GAMEPLAY: Not only is Nex Playground small, but it has only digital games, so there are no physical discs or cartridges you’ll need to store. It’s a compact console that can be great for those with small spaces. To play, you need to plug in an HDMI cable to the TV and connect to Wi-Fi. There are five games pre-downloaded when you purchase the console, including the classic game Fruit Ninja. Rather than swiping with your fingers on a screen to slice fruit, Nex Playground requires you to slice fruit by waving your arms (you might start breaking a sweat!). You can get over 50 more games with an annual or three-month Play Pass subscription.
If your kid is looking to play with others, certain games can have 4 people playing at once. Nex will eventually be coming out with something called connected play, which will allow kids to play online with friends or family that have been approved by their parents.
✔️ IN OUR LAB TESTS: The Nex Playground is a different style of console, making it the most unique gaming style we’ve tested. We were incredibly impressed by how well the camera worked, even with multiple people of different heights (like kids and parents). Plus, the games were simple to play but very interactive.
"My family has been using the Nex Playground for years, and my kids still love it," said Lexie Sachs, the executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute. "It keeps them engaged, and I love how it keeps them moving instead of playing games while sitting. We find it especially useful on rainy or cold days when we’re stuck inside."
✔️ EXCLUSIVE GAMES: Mingle, Luminous, Starri
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Nex Playground, a Motion-Tracking Gaming Console, Took Our Family Game Night to the Next Level
| CPU | Amlogic A311D2-NOD CPU |
| GPU | Mail-G52 MC4 GPU |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR4X RAM |
| Frame-rate | Up to 120 FPS |
| Resolution | Up to 4K |
| Disc drive | N/A |
| Storage | 64GB SSD |
How we test video game consoles
The experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Tech & Engineering Lab test all kinds of toys every year. For each video game console we test, we review the specs—and share them in our reviews for those interested in the underlying tech—but we feel strongly that you can find an excellent console for your needs without needing to understand all the numbers. Here’s what else our gaming pros in consider when we test video game consoles:
✔️ Ability to withstand extended play: We push the consoles to their limits to make sure there is no frame-rate drop and that they don't overheat during extended use.
✔️ Ease of use: For each device, we compare how easy it is to get to the main screen and set up an account, straight from the box. And we ask children to play to see which consoles they enjoy the most.
✔️ Image quality: We assess the images during gameplay and have consumer testers compare graphics quality.
✔️ Controller comfort: We evaluate how comfortable the controllers are to hold and use, and we ask our consumer testers to rate the controllers’ comfort and ease of use.
✔️ Available games and levels: We consider the number and variety of games each device offers. Since most consoles have exclusive games, it’s important to note what levels of gamers and ages of players would enjoy the games available on each device. Some consoles are better for young children; others are best for experienced gamers looking for a challenge. Some are great for those who simply like to play a game every so often.
✔️ Evolution of the market: Because my Tech & Engineering Lab colleagues and I are lifelong gamers, we factor in advancements within and between platforms, like differences across PlayStation versions, the iterations of the Xbox, various updates to Nintendo consoles, and more.
What to look for when buying a console
Video game consoles are getting faster, lighter, and more robust in their offerings. Here are some key factors to consider, no matter which style you’re looking for:
✔️ Storage: Out of all the specs, when it comes to gaming, storage is arguably the most important. If you don't have the space to download a game, it doesn't matter how powerful your console is. If you’re able to spend a few extra bucks, I recommend buying an external hard drive to make sure you always have space available. Also, whether the console has an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive): SSDs will load games and start up consoles much faster than HDDs, and they overall provide a higher grade of performance than HDDs.
✔️ Portability: Are you interested in bringing your console on trips? Do you want to take it to a friend's house? Make sure your pick is portable. Portable options are great even if you just live in a small apartment and don't have much space.
✔️ Games: Make sure you understand what types of games you want to play. While a lot of games do work across platforms, there are some that will only ever release for one console. We usually recommend that if you already have a system, you consider staying within that ecosystem and upgrading when the time comes, because the games will likely carry over and be compatible, and you may have already established a community of gamers that are distinct to that platform.
✔️ Frame-rate: A higher frame-rate means a smoother gameplay experience. The more frames-per-second (fps) you have, the better the game will look and feel because the screen is being updated more frequently. This also allows you to react faster (in theory!) to outperform any competition. Ideally, you'll want up to 120fps or higher, which is what most consoles can reach nowadays. At minimum, you should make sure your console can at least reach 60fps.
✔️ Parental Controls: If the console is a gift for your kid, look for built-in parental controls, which allow you to control the content and duration of gameplay. The level of security and control varies, so it's important to review in advance to understand what you will be capable of overseeing with your child's play.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
In his role as Test Engineer in the Good Housekeeping Institute, Alec Scherma uses his mechanical engineering knowledge and his gaming expertise (he’s been playing nearly since infancy!) to help rigorously test new products.
For this story, he worked closely with GH Institute Data & Product Operations Manager Nikolas Greenwald. Nik works on internal tools to capture and analyze testing data. He credits video games with sparking his love of STEM, and he’s been gaming nearly daily since he was 8 years old.
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