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Looking to purchase a new games console but unsure of which one to choose? With so many games consoles out there, it can be a tough call.

While some households are fortunate enough to own multiple consoles, not everyone has the room or can afford the hefty price tag. However, by shopping refurbished, you'll cut the cost of your next console… you can even save on other devices such as refurbished phones, refurbished iPhone models and much more with musicMagpie.

Whether you're a diehard Xbox fan or you're making the switch to PlayStation, we'll be searching for an answer to the all-important question 'what is the best console?'.

Keep reading to see how we've ranked each console and to find out which has won the title of best games console!

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In this blog:

• PlayStation 5
• Xbox Series X
• Nintendo Switch OLED
• Nintendo Switch Lite
• Xbox Series S
• PlayStation 4 Pro

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PlayStation 5

The best overall

It's tough to decide between the PS5 console vs Xbox Series X, but we think Sony just about wins this fight.

When it comes to choosing which is the best gaming console between the PS5 and Xbox Series X, design and available games were what swayed our choice.

The PlayStation 5 is Sony's current-generation machine, offering a great library of exclusive titles and upgraded PS4 games that, in our opinion, Microsoft can't compete with. Huge gaming hits such as The Last of Us, Uncharted and even classics like Spyro and Crash Bandicoot make PlayStation the superior console.

You'll find a super-quick SSD on the PS5, offering fast loading times and improved graphics. Best of all, you can choose from the standard PS5 or a Digital Edition PS5 for a slightly cheaper price.

Pros	Cons
Great exclusive titles	Often out of stock
Amazing 4K visuals	Console is quite large
Easy upgrade NVMe SSD
Has a digital-only option

Xbox Series X

The runner up

Although we prefer the PS5, the Xbox Series X is a great runner up and for those who favour Microsoft over Sony, it will be your preferred console.

Microsoft's new games console is arguably the most powerful console on the market, with an SSD and huge power putting it right up there with the PS5.

Looking at PS5 console vs Xbox Series X in terms of price, they both have similar price tags. What could be the decider for some though, is the Xbox Game Pass; this membership scheme gives users access to a huge range of games for an affordable monthly fee.

Unfortunately, you don't have the option to buy a digital-only Xbox Series X, so you'll have to pay full price.

Pros	Cons
Powerful console	Bulky and unattractive design
Amazing Xbox Game Pass	Very few exclusive games
Almost silent operation	No digital-only option

Nintendo Switch OLED

Moving on from the PS5 console vs Xbox Series X battle, we have the fantastic Nintendo Switch OLED console.

The Nintendo Switch OLED is essentially an upgraded version of the Nintendo Switch, offering plenty of much-needed upgrades. It's got a new OLED screen that makes handheld play that much better, along with a better dock and improved kickstand.

If you're wondering what is the best console between the Nintendo Switch OLED and the original Nintendo Switch, we'd go for the OLED version. The Nintendo Switch OLED is a little pricier than the original though, so if you don't want to pay the extra, then you might be better off with the standard Nintendo Switch instead.

Pros	Cons
Large OLED display	Heavier handheld
Impressive battery life	No 4K capabilities
Almost silent operation

Nintendo Switch Lite

While you might think the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite are near enough the same, they have some major differences that could sway your choice.

If you prefer to play handheld games, then it makes much more sense to get the Nintendo Switch Lite, as this is the best games console for handheld play.

The Nintendo Switch Lite was built for on-the-go gaming, so it's lighter than the Switch and doesn't offer docking for TV connection. You'll benefit from a longer battery life, easy-to-use built-in controls and multiple colour options, though!

If you don't have space in your home for a Switch or Switch OLED and you only really want to play via handheld mode, the Nintendo Switch Lite is your best option.

Pros	Cons
Most affordable Switch model	Can't be docked
Compact and colourful design	Limited to handheld games only
Retro D-pad feature has been added

Xbox Series S

For Xbox fans wondering 'which console should I buy' but that can't afford to or don't want to splash out on the Xbox Series X, the Series S console is a good alternative.

Created as a more affordable, less powerful alternative to the Series X, the Xbox Series S is still one of the newer Xbox consoles on the market and offers some decent features.

While you won't get the luxury of playing in 4K, you'll still get a modest 1080p or 1440p. One perk of this model is that you'll be able to play all the next-gen games available on the Series X, without having to spend as much for that console.

The Xbox series X is a digital-only console though, so you won't be able to play physical discs on it.

Pros	Cons
Cheaper than the Series X	No disc drive
Can play next-gen games	Lacks 4K capabilities

PlayStation 4 Pro

While it's true there are newer consoles out there, it doesn't mean you should disregard the older models, as the best games console for you could be a previous model like the PlayStation 4 Pro.

The PS4 Pro has a huge library of games and is a pretty impressive console when it comes to playing PS VR games. It has better visuals than the PS4 as well as increased frame rates for compatible games, so it's definitely a worthy step up from it's predecessor.

Although it's by no means better than or as good as the PS5, it's still a relevant console to have if you can't afford the newer model.

Pros	Cons
Can be found at low prices	There are newer consoles available
Still a great console	Unlikely to see many new releases

 

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Which console will you choose? Whatever you decide, get a great price when you buy refurbished consoles and secondhand games with musicMagpie! You can trade in games consoles and sell games with us for cash too, as well as mobile phones (take a look at our Sell My Phone and iPhone trade in pages for full info!).