5 Best Game Consoles of 2026

The PlayStation 5 Slim in its digital version is the console we would point most people to when the goal is a powerful machine under the TV. Digital Trends names the PS5 its best overall console and says the standard model is better value than the Pro for most people, while Tom's Guide picks the Slim as its choice for most buyers. The reasons are a deep library of exclusive games, fast loading and the DualSense controller, whose adaptive triggers and haptics remain among the best inputs on any console. This model has a 1 TB solid-state drive and no disc drive, so every game is a download. That keeps the design slimmer and the price lower than the disc version, and a separate drive can be added later if you want to play physical copies. If you own many discs or like buying second-hand, consider that extra cost before deciding. The console also plays PS4 games, which helps if you are moving up from the previous generation. It suits players who want big single-player productions, a simple setup and a console that handles 4K televisions without fuss. It is also a good fit for households with one main screen. The compromises are size and price. Even in its Slim form it is large compared with a hybrid or an Xbox Series S, and Digital Trends notes that console prices rose noticeably during 2026. Without a drive, you also give up the resale value of discs. If those points do not worry you, this is the most complete living-room console.

The PlayStation 5 Pro is the most powerful console you can buy, and both TechRadar and Tom's Guide describe it that way. Digital Trends calls it the best high-end option and credits it with the best visual performance of the PS5 family, thanks to improved ray tracing, PSSR upscaling and higher, steadier frame rates in games that support it. It also ships with a 2 TB solid-state drive, which is more than enough for a large library. It is meant for a particular buyer: someone with a high-end 4K television who notices differences in resolution and smoothness, and who wants the best version of every PlayStation game. In that setup the extra power is visible, especially in titles with demanding graphics modes. There are reasons to hesitate. The improvements vary from one game to another because they depend on each title being updated for the Pro, and many games look very similar to the standard model. Digital Trends also says that the regular PS5 is the better value for most people, which is why the Pro sits below it here. The disc drive is an optional accessory, so physical players must add it to the bill, and the price is the highest on this list among home consoles. If you already have a PS5, the upgrade is hard to justify unless you chase top performance. If you are buying your first PlayStation and your television can show the difference, the Pro is the version to have. Otherwise, the standard model gives you the same games and the same controller for much less.

The Xbox Series S is the cheapest way into the current Xbox world, and it remains attractive because of how small and quiet it is. Digital Trends names it the most affordable Xbox, praising its compact size, its integration with Game Pass and support for up to 120 frames per second in compatible games. It aims at 1080p and 1440p screens, which makes it a good match for a bedroom television or a monitor. The Game Pass catalogue is the real draw. For a monthly fee you get access to a large library, so the console fits people who like trying many games rather than buying a few at full cost. It also suits children and secondary rooms, where a big console would be overkill. The downsides are clear. There is no disc drive, so everything is a download, and the 512 GB base storage fills up quickly, so budget for an expansion card or an external drive. Its graphics targets are lower than those of the Series X, and it is not a console for 4K enthusiasts. Digital Trends also notes that the price has risen well above the launch figure, which weakens the argument that it is the obvious budget choice. We place it fourth because its appeal is narrower than that of the three machines above: it is excellent for subscription players and small setups, but it asks you to accept limited storage and resolution. If your friends play on Xbox or you already use Game Pass on a PC, it is a sensible, small and easy console to live with.

The Steam Deck OLED is not a traditional console, but Digital Trends includes it as the best handheld gaming PC, and it deserves a place here for anyone who already buys games on Steam. It combines a bright OLED screen with a 90 Hz refresh rate, a console-style interface and better battery life and thermals than the original Steam Deck, according to Digital Trends. The result is the most comfortable way to take a PC library out of the house. Its biggest strength is flexibility. You can play thousands of games you may already own, change graphics settings, install other launchers and use the device as a small computer. It is a strong choice for people who value open systems over curated ones. That freedom comes with responsibilities. Demanding new releases can push the hardware, so you will sometimes lower settings to keep a stable frame rate. Compatibility with the Linux-based system is broad but not complete, and some games need tinkering. Digital Trends also warns that Valve has raised prices during 2026, which puts the Deck closer to the cost of a premium home console. We rank it last because it asks the most from the buyer: you need an existing Steam library, some patience with settings and a willingness to accept a screen that is smaller than a television. If those suit you, it is the best way to play PC games on the sofa or on a train. If you simply want something that works out of the box, the consoles above are easier to recommend.