The ultimate gaming console shopping guide

Games and Christmas, a match made in heaven. Thinking back to those «good old days» make me feel all fuzzy inside. Little Domagoj ripping off the wrapping paper hiding new consoles, handhelds and games like a fierce predator in a frenzy – ah, the memories. Picture something like this:

Would you also like to treat a friend or family member to this kind of excitement, but don’t know where to start? No need to despair. We’ve put together an extensive overview of all currently available consoles plus recommendations for the right target group to go with it.

Nintendo Switch: old hardware, but has it all

Nintendo’s handheld-console hybrid is a little outdated. Nevertheless, it still makes for an excellent Christmas present.

Switch models

The Switch is available in three versions. The cheapest one is the Nintendo Switch Lite (around 230 euros or francs). This mini version with a 5.5-inch screen is intended for portable use only and can’t be connected to a TV. It doesn’t have detachable Joy-Con controllers either. For this reason, some Switch games are only partially compatible or not compatible at all with the Lite version, as they have to be played with Joy-Cons (such as Just Dance, Ring Fit Adventure or Mario Party Jamboree).

The basic model of the Switch is slightly more expensive (around 300 euros or francs). It features a 6.2-inch LCD screen with detachable Joy-Con controllers. It also includes a TV dock to connect it to the television.

The most expensive Switch model is the OLED model (around 350 euros or francs). As the name suggests, its seven-inch diagonal OLED screen is larger, brighter and really pops. The device also has a better battery life compared to the basic model. This model is the one I’d recommend most.

The three Switch models are the same in terms of performance. The fact that all models are portable means that compromises had to be made in terms of the graphics. Switch hardware was already technically outdated at launch in 2017 and massively falls behind other consoles.

A successor console to the Switch is expected to be released next year and an official announcement is imminent. Nintendo will continue to support the current Switch with new software even after the release of its successor. However, the majority of new Nintendo games and third-party titles are expected to be released exclusively for the new, more powerful hardware next year. Keep this in mind before making a purchase.

Controllers and essential accessories

Two types of controllers are available for the basic model and the OLED version. The small, detachable Joy-Con controller (around 70 euros or francs) and the larger Pro-Controller (around 60 euros or francs). Both controller families are now available in countless bright colours and special editions. Investing in an additional Pro controller is a must – especially if you have large hands. Alternatively, you can also place the Joy-Con controllers in a holder to give them more grip.

Both Pro and Joy-Con controllers have a precise vibration function, built-in motion control and NFC readers, which are used in some games with Nintendo’s Amiibo game figurines. The battery life is excellent, especially on the Pro version. However, the triggers on the back are a drawback – compared to other consoles, these are digital and not analogue. This means they only have one pressure point and don’t react to how hard you press them.

When buying a controller, you should be aware that Joy-Cons in particular are often affected by an issue known as «stick drift». This happens when the controller’s analogue sticks wear out over time and register your inputs incorrectly.

Games: a family-friendly line-up with exclusive bangers

With the Switch, you can choose from a vast range of games from different genres for all types of players. Even eight years after its release, the console’s still being supplied with brilliant games, both by Nintendo itself and by third-party manufacturers.

Compared to other consoles, the Switch has the most exclusive games. This is partly due to the huge number of games Nintendo has churned out for this console generation. The Switch is home to many popular Nintendo series including Mario, Zelda, Animal Crossing, Pokémon, Super Smash Bros and Metroid. Many of these exclusive Switch games are among the best games of recent years across all consoles.

The Switch is also the console with the most family-friendly titles, which is mainly owed to Nintendo’s enormous game output. But «family-friendly» doesn’t mean just for children. Nintendo games generally appeal to a very broad target group.

You can buy Switch games either physically or digitally in the Nintendo eShop. All three Switch models are compatible with both physical and digital games.

You can read our reviews of this year’s best Switch games in the following articles:

Subscriptions: good value for money

Like all current consoles, the Switch comes with an online subscription: Nintendo Switch Online. You need it to be able to play online against other players. As a bonus, you get access to a retro games library that’s expanded with new titles every month.

In the basic model for 20 euros or francs per year, you can play NES, SNES and Game Boy games. It also includes access to cloud storage for your game data and exclusive multiplayer games such as Tetris 99 or F-Zero 99.

The expansion package for 40 euros or francs per year comes with additional Nintendo 64 and GBA games as well as new content for various games from Nintendo, such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Animal Crossing.

As a subscriber, you also have the opportunity to purchase exclusive Nintendo hardware such as the Nintendo alarm clock Alarmo or new editions of retro controllers. You also get to exclusively use the new Nintendo Music app for smartphones with a subscription.

Verdict:

The Switch is technically outdated and can’t keep up with current consoles in terms of graphics. On the other hand, the device impresses with its portability and a huge game library that appeals to a broad target group. The controllers impress with many integrated functions and a very good battery life. The online subscription’s inexpensive and offers lots of exciting content, especially for retro fans. Of the three models available, I recommend the OLED.

PlayStation 5: the expensive blockbuster machine

The PS5 is the top-of-the-line machine for gamers with high graphical demands. Sony’s console also impresses with the best controllers of all manufacturers.

PS5 models

The PS5’s available in four models. The first two launch models – one with a Blu-ray drive and one without a drive – are no longer available in stores. They’ve since been replaced by the Slim version.

The PS5 Slim’s significantly smaller than the original. What’s more, the disc drive for physical games is no longer permanently installed. If you buy the cheaper Digital Edition (around 450 euros or 390 francs) without a drive, you can always buy one separately and upgrade your console when required. It will cost you around 130 euros or francs. With the more expensive Disc Edition (around 550 euros or 450 francs) there’s a disc drive included.

The fourth and most recent model’s the PlayStation 5 Pro. Compared to the Slim version, the Pro often enables a smoother and/or sharper display of games. Think 60 frames per second instead of 30 and 4K resolution with upscaling technology.

With this kind of technology, Sony’s narrowing the gap to the most expensive PC configurations. For most players, however, the differences will only be apparent on closer inspection. Even the base models of the PS5 are high-end consoles that can conjure up impressive graphics on the screen – including new effects such as ray tracing and the like. Check out a detailed test of the PS5 Pro here:

The additional computing power you get with the PS5 Pro’s reflected in the price: for a slightly smoother or sharper gaming experience, you’ll have to pay around 800 euros or francs.

The PS5 Pro’s only available without a drive, but it does come with 2 terabytes of storage instead of just 1 terabyte like the Slim version. You can also retrofit the drive to the Pro at any time. The drives of the Slim version are compatible with the Pro.

If you decide to get a PS5 – whether it’s the Pro or Slim version – you’ll be well equipped for the coming years. Analysts have predicted that Sony won’t be releasing its new generation of consoles (i.e. the PS6) until 2027 to 2029. Further upgrades in the style of a PS5 Pro aren’t expected before that time. However, it’s possible that Sony’ll surprise us with a portable PS5 in the near future.

Controllers and additional accessories

Sony has a total of three official controller types for the PS5. The standard Dualsense controller’s supplied with every console. It impresses with integrated speakers, a microphone, motion controls, a touchpad, an incredibly precise vibration function and adaptive triggers that provide resistance when pressed. It’s by far the best and most sophisticated controller of all console manufacturers. The only drawback? Its meagre battery life.

For seasoned gamers, Sony offers the much pricier Dualsense Edge. It has interchangeable sticks and optional pedals at the back. The controller options also allow you to adjust a huge number of settings down to the smallest detail. Unfortunately, the battery life’s even worse than with the basic controller.

For people with physical disabilities, Sony also offers the Access Controller for around 60 euros or francs. It’s a highly customisable, modular controller that allows you to create your personalised input device.

If you’d rather play your PS5 games in handheld format, you can do so on the PlayStation Portal for around 220 euros or francs. The device is basically a tablet fused with a PS5 controller. You can’t install and play games locally, you can only mirror the content of your PS5 to the Portal via an internet connection. Find out how this works here:

With the latest firmware update, you can also use the Portal to stream games directly from the cloud (without going through a PS5), provided you have the expensive PlayStation Plus Premium subscription (see below). With this new function, you can theoretically just buy a PlayStation Portal without a PS5. Provided you can live with playing streamed games only and putting up with delays that can be pretty noticeable at times.

VR fans can immerse themselves in virtual reality with the PlayStation VR2 on PS5. However, you’ll have to shell out more for Sony’s VR glasses than for a PS5 Slim – namely around 550 euros or francs. But if this is in your budget, expect a solid headset with an OLED screen and excellent VR controllers that offer the same functions as «regular» PS5 controllers.

A cool bonus: with the PS VR2 PC Adapter for around 60 euros or francs, you can also use Sony’s glasses for VR games on your PC.

Games: a huge game library with exclusive blockbusters

The PS5’s backwards compatible with the entire PS4 game catalogue. This means Sony’s console has a huge games library at its disposal. The PlayStation’s supplied with countless high-quality titles by both third-party manufacturers and Sony itself. Compared to the Switch, there are fewer top-class family-friendly games on the PlayStation. Instead, there are all the more blockbusters that try to outdo each other in terms of spectacular staging.

Sony’s often exclusive PlayStation games are among the best and most successful games ever. Due to rising production costs and longer development times, the output of PlayStation studios is no longer as high as with previous PlayStation generations. Nevertheless, some exclusive PS5 hits and multiplatform titles have already been released that are worth buying the console for. These include Spider-Man 2, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Astro Bot, Stellar Blade or Demon’s Souls.

Compared to Nintendo, Sony’s no longer super strict about being exclusive. Many PS5 games are also made available for PC at a slightly later date. Multiplayer games such as Helldivers 2 are even released simultaneously on both platforms.

You can purchase games on the PS5 both physically as a disc version or digitally in the PlayStation Store. Needless to say, you need a PS5 with a disc drive for the disc versions.

Check out our reviews of this year’s best PS5 games in the following articles:

Subscriptions: expensive fun

If you want to use the online functions of the PS5, you need an additional subscription called PlayStation Plus. As a bonus, you’ll get monthly games as a gift and access to a relatively large games library depending on your subscription level.

The basic Essential subscription costs 72 euros or 79 francs per year. It includes three «free» games per month as well as cloud storage for your game data.

The more expensive Extra subscription will set you back 126 euros or 140 francs a year. In return, you get access to a games catalogue with hundreds of new and older PS4 and PS5 games in addition to the benefits of the Essential subscription. Brand new games from PlayStation studios are only added to the subscription a few months after their release.

The absolute high-end subscription is Premium. This one will cost you 152 euros or 170 francs per year. In return, you can access a retro games catalogue with PS1, PS2 and PS3 titles. You can also stream PS5 games via the cloud instead of downloading them locally to your PS5. This works relatively well if you have a stable and fast internet connection. Selected Sony films can also be watched with this subscription.

Verdict:

PS5 consoles are high-end devices for people who want outstanding graphics and spectacular gaming blockbusters. If you’re not willing to make any compromises and want to be well equipped for graphically complex games, it’s worth investing in a PS5 Pro. For most gamers, however, the basic PS5 models will do. As a fan of physical media, I recommend the version with a disc drive.

The huge game library offers everything the average gamer’s heart desires – including time-exclusive PlayStation games. Accessories include excellent controllers, a solid VR headset and gadgets such as the PlayStation Portal.

The Xbox Series X and S: Microsoft’s consoles mainly impress with their subscription

Microsoft’s latest consoles take a different approach to Sony’s PS5. Instead of wooing customers with exclusive blockbusters, Microsoft’s all about its unbeatable subscription model.

Xbox models

Three models of the current Xbox generation are currently available. The cheapest one’s the Xbox Series S. The console’s astonishingly small, but occasionally cuts considerable corners in terms of graphical performance. This model’s intended as a gateway to the current console generation. This is also reflected in the price: the tiny Xbox costs just 275 euros or 250 francs.

The Xbox Series S doesn’t feature a disc drive. Unlike the PS5 Slim, you can’t retrofit one either.

The Xbox Series X is Microsoft’s most powerful console. On paper, it’s faster than the PS5 (Slim), but in practice, you won’t notice the difference. This version costs around 550 euros or 450 francs. The console’s equipped with a permanently installed disc drive.

The latest model’s the Xbox Series X Digital Edition without a drive. Unlike the PS5 Slim, you can’t retrofit one either. This model is the same as the standard version of the Xbox Series X in terms of performance.

If you go for an Xbox Series X, you’ll be well equipped for the next few years. The same goes for the Series S, but you’ll have to put up with limited functions for some games.

Although Microsoft’s said they’re working on a successor console, this is unlikely to be released anytime soon. It’s also pretty clear that Microsoft’s working on a handheld version of the Xbox, but we’ll have to wait a few more years for that. A Pro version of the Xbox Series X isn’t expected to be released in the coming years.

Controllers and additional accessories

Xbox controllers are available in three versions. The standard model, the Xbox Wireless Controller, is a rock-solid controller with excellent battery life. Compared to Nintendo and Sony’s input devices, however, it’s pretty boring. You won’t find any exciting functions such as motion controls or precise vibrations. Having said that, it also costs considerably less at around 50 euros or francs. In the Xbox Design Lab, you can put together your own personal controller with wild colour combinations.

Unfortunately, the controller’s powered by batteries. If you want to install a chargeable battery in the device, you’ll have to opt for the Xbox Play & Charge Kit for around 25 euros or francs.

For more demanding gamers, there’s the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller. For around 130 euros or francs, you get interchangeable sticks, pedals on the back and countless settings to suit your gaming style.

For people with physical disabilities, Microsoft also offers the Adaptive Controller for around 130 euros or francs. It’s a highly customisable, modular controller that allows you to create your personalised input device.

Games: huge selection, not much exclusivity

The Xbox game catalogue’s similar to the PS5’s in many respects. Above all, you can expect spectacular blockbusters from Microsoft and third-party manufacturers. Compared to the Switch, however, there are fewer top-class titles for the whole family. Microsoft has stepped it up a notch in terms of backwards compatibility. The Xbox Series X and S don’t just let you play games from the last generation (Xbox One) natively, but many titles from the generation before last (Xbox 360) too.

Unlike Sony and Nintendo, Microsoft no longer offers any exclusive games. All games from the Xbox studios also come out for PC at the same time. More and more titles are also being ported to the PS5. The Switch has also already received some formerly Xbox-exclusive games. It can be assumed that more and more Xbox games will also be available on other platforms in the future.

At least you can rest assured that many big titles will be released on the Xbox first. This is because Microsoft, in recent years, has bought up a number of major game studios who have supplied their consoles with blockbuster titles and will continue to do so in the future. For example, Bethesda (known for Fallout, The Elder Scrolls and Starfield) or Activision (known for Call of Duty).

You can purchase games for the Xbox either physically or digitally in the Microsoft Store. If you buy a Series S or Series X Digital Edition, you’ll have to do without physical games.

Check out our reviews of this year’s best Xbox games in the following articles:

Subscriptions: the Xbox’s trump card

The Game Pass is more than just a subscription for online gaming. With its subscription, Microsoft’s created a service many gamers view as Netflix for the gaming sector. However, this only applies to the most expensive version.

Three subscription levels are available for consoles. But unlike for Nintendo and Sony, you can’t purchase subscriptions annually. The prices listed below are monthly.

With the cheapest Core subscription for 7 euros or 9 francs per month, you only get a small catalogue of around 25 games in addition to the online functionality. Brand new games from Microsoft aren’t included here.

With the slightly more expensive Standard subscription for 13 euros or 15 francs per month, there are «hundreds of games» available in the catalogue according to Microsoft. However, there are no brand new releases here either.

Your best option is Game Pass Ultimate for 18 euros or 20 francs a month. This subscription gives you access to a huge library of games. All games from Xbox studios will appear immediately on the subscription at no additional cost. These include big hits such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. You can also play the games on your PC or stream them via cloud gaming. This also works on mobile phones and tablets. PC gaming handhelds such as the Lenovo Legion Go or the ROG Ally can also be used as a portable Xbox even if they weren’t manufactured by Microsoft.

Verdict:

The Xbox consoles are high-end devices full of spectacularly staged blockbusters. Since Microsoft has bought up so many game studios in recent years, you can be sure that the console will continue to be supplied with many hits in the future. The excellent backwards compatibility gives you access to an immense catalogue of games from past Xbox generations.

Microsoft makes up for the boring controllers and lack of exclusive games with an unbeatable game subscription. As a fan of physical media, I recommend the version with a disc drive. If you only want to use the Xbox as a Game Pass machine, go for the digital version.