The Best Consoles For PlayStation Fans

What to Look For

Stacking up video game consoles isn’t an easy task, so we decided to use five key questions to guide our search: Does it deliver quality and smooth graphics? Does it have a wide and varied catalog of compatible game titles? Is the price fair for the quality? Is the hardware built to last? Will it remain relevant for years to come? The winner, in our eyes, is the PlayStation 5 since this insane gaming machine offers wicked-fast speeds and gorgeous graphics. But if you’re ready to try something besides Sony, the Xbox Series S will also serve you well. For an in-depth look at these consoles and more, read on.

PlayStation 5 Console

The latest and the greatest

This spanking new console sets the gold standard for cutting-edge hardware and innovative design.

Best Overall

Find on Amazon

The PlayStation 5 has a lot of hype surrounding it, but we still recommend checking out its specs to see why it’s so acclaimed. For starters, it sports a lightning-fast SSD that can boot up games at record speeds. Pair that with a 3.5GHz processor and a “10.3 teraflop” GPU, and you have a console that can run the latest titles smoothly and sharply. We also love the DualSense controller since it feels more ergonomic and responsive than previous generations. Best of all, the PS5 can display brilliant 4K images that serve as a constant reminder of Sony’s knack for innovation.

Pros:

• Stylish case with new-age aesthetics
• Fans keep everything cool without much noise
• Expandable storage
• Intuitive user interface
• Compatible with streaming apps like Netflix

Cons:

• Not everyone will love the bulkier size of the console and controller

Sony Playstation PS4 1TB Black Console

Can't beat the classics

It might be a few years old at this point, but this beloved console keeps its place among the greats.

Runner Up

Find on Amazon

It might have been a while since the PS4’s imminent release was first announced, but this console remains as relevant as ever. In fact, its age has benefits since it has a lower price and a wider catalog of compatible games when compared to newer models. Plus, it plays streaming apps, like Netflix and Hulu, helping to consolidate your devices. Still fast, still powerful, and still beloved, the PS4 will remain one of the best video game consoles for years to come.

Pros:

• Includes the widely-lauded DualShock 4 controller
• Compatible with tons of awesome, tried-and-true games
• High value for the price
• Sleek style
• Reliable hardware lasts for years
• Can run 4K

Cons:

• Not as powerful as the newest-gen consoles

PS5 Console – Horizon Forbidden West Bundle

Ready for adventure

If you want to start gaming right away, we suggest checking out this game-and-console bundle.

Best Bundle

Find on Amazon

Horizon Forbidden West is a critically-acclaimed adventure game that offers hours upon hours of exciting exploration and riveting side quests, so it’s a game we would’ve bought anyway. But because it comes preinstalled on this legendary console, it helped bring this bundle to one of the top spots on our list. There are other great PlayStation 5 bundles out there, but this one offers our favorite game in recent memory.

Pros:

• Horizon Forbidden West is appropriate for ages 10 and up
• Beautiful graphics with a high fantasy style
• The fast-travel feature is made even faster by the PS5’s solid-state drive
• This is the complete PS5, disc drive included

Cons:

• Some people may find the included HDMI cable to be on the short side

Xbox Series S

A worthy contendor

With a bargain price and top-notch specs, this slim console is an excellent choice.

Best Alternative System

Find on Amazon

Yes, this article is here to review consoles for PlayStation fans, but the latest Xbox is a worthy consideration for any gamer. Indeed, the Xbox Series S brings the latest generation of hardware to the Microsoft legacy, with a GPU that can display gameplay at 120fps and 1440p. Better yet, it has a respectable 10GB of built-in RAM and an SSD for super-speedy load-in times. Best of all, the price is shockingly affordable, making this an excellent gift for the gamer in your life.

Pros:

• The responsive controller is familiar in feel and shape to the DualSense
• Quick Resume feature lets you pick up right where you left off
• Massive library of excellent titles and cross-platform capabilities
• Compact and slim

Cons:

• No disc drive, so the SSD fills up quickly (though you can expand the storage)

Sony PlayStation Vita, Renewed

Portable perfection

Take your games with you on the go with one of the best handheld consoles to ever hit the market.

Best Handheld

Find on Amazon

For those of us who grew up with a GameBoy in our hands, portable gaming will always remain near and dear. That’s why we love the PlayStation Vita since it offers advanced graphics, processing speeds, and resolution. And because it was released several years ago, the Vita has an exceptional library of games, including RPGs and indie titles. Most importantly, the wifi connection is strong, letting you buy and download games quickly and access other apps like visual novels.

Pros:

• Super affordable
• Supports digital downloads through the PlayStation Store
• Feels good in the hand
• Long-lasting battery life
• Bright, colorful screen

Cons:

• You’ll likely have to purchase at least one PS Vita proprietary memory card to save your games

Frequently Asked Questions

Which video game console makes the best gift?

This depends heavily on the preferences of the gift receiver. The latest generation of PlayStation consoles are the top choice for competitive gaming, and they’ll likely remain higher-end for many years. However, they’re far more expensive than the second-to-last generation of consoles. So for those with tight budgets, the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One still remain excellent consoles that can play tons of popular titles.

Is it a good idea to buy a console that lacks a disc drive?

The current trends in video game hardware seem to indicate a move away from hard copies of games. These days, new releases are usually available as digital downloads. If your console of choice lacks a disc drive and you don’t have tons of physical discs that you want to play, getting the digital edition of a console is a good idea.

About the Author

If you're a console gamer, Dani won't hold that against you. Although he plays on the PC, he grew up with an Xbox controller in his hand. He's also a filmmaker and musician, so he's figured out the importance of quality gear. He hopes to use his expertise to help people make informed decisions in their search for tech that works.

Why Trust Us

With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.