Best gaming & consoles 2026
Our pick of the best gaming & consoles, ranked by our independent scores — best overall, best value, best budget and more.
Choosing a console comes down to the games you want, storage and whether you buy physical or digital. Here's how to decide.
Our top picks
Our highest overall score (85/100) in the category.
The best performance for the money at €200.
The smart pick on a tight budget (€219).
No compromises — the top of the range if budget allows.
How to choose
Platform & exclusives
PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo each have distinct exclusive games — pick the ecosystem with the titles you want, and where your friends play.
Storage
Modern games are large (50–150 GB) and base storage fills fast; budget for an expansion drive, especially on digital editions.
Edition
Disc editions play physical games and 4K Blu-rays; digital editions are cheaper but download-only. Pick based on how you buy games.
How much to spend
Handhelds and last-gen consoles start around €200. Current-gen consoles run €300–€550; bundles and pro models go higher.
Frequently asked questions
How much storage do consoles need?
Modern games are large (often 50–150 GB). The base storage fills fast — an expansion drive is worth budgeting for. Check the Storage spec.
Which edition should I buy?
Disc editions play physical games and 4K Blu-rays; digital editions are cheaper but download-only. Pick based on whether you buy boxed games.
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