Which console should you buy in 2025? Check out our guide to help you choose

If you’re wondering which console should you buy in 2025, the answer depends on what type of gamer you are. Whether you prioritize raw power, portable gaming, exclusive titles, or value-driven ecosystems, the gaming landscape has something tailored for you.

In this post, we analyze the four most relevant and available consoles in 2025, diving into their strengths, weaknesses, ecosystems, and pricing to help you decide which one truly fits your gaming lifestyle.

Performance and Power: What Fits Your Needs? ⚙️

PlayStation 5 Pro 🎯

The PS5 Pro is the pinnacle of PlayStation’s home console evolution. Designed to handle the demands of 8K output, improved Ray Tracing, and higher frame rates, it delivers a premium experience for gamers who value graphical fidelity and cinematic immersion.

Its upgraded GPU and CPU outperform the standard PS5 by approximately 45%, and its expanded 2TB SSD finally addresses the storage pressure of modern AAA games. Combined with near-instant load times, it ensures a seamless gaming experience.

This console is ideal for players who want PlayStation’s top-tier exclusives, like Spider-Man 2, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, and God of War Ragnarök, running at the highest visual settings. Backward compatibility with PS4 and PS5 titles extends its appeal even further.

If there’s a downside, it’s the physical size, which remains substantial. The PS5 Pro is built for performance, not portability, and demands both space and a 4K or 8K display to fully appreciate its capabilities.

Xbox Series X ⚙️

The Xbox Series X remains one of the most balanced consoles on the market, offering 4K gaming at 120fps, fast load times via its 1TB SSD, and Ray Tracing for realistic lighting and shadows.

Its hardware is complemented by Quick Resume, a feature that lets players switch between multiple games almost instantly—a standout convenience compared to any other console.

The real value of the Series X lies in the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. With access to over 400 games, including day-one releases from major studios like Bethesda and Obsidian, plus cloud gaming and cross-platform support, the subscription transforms the Series X from a simple console into an entertainment hub.

While Microsoft’s exclusive lineup isn’t as packed with narrative-driven blockbusters as Sony’s, games like Starfield, Forza Motorsport, and Hellblade II prove that Xbox is no slouch in delivering major experiences.

Nintendo Switch 2 🧳

The newly released Nintendo Switch 2 has successfully redefined what a hybrid console can be. Now supporting 4K resolution when docked and 1080p handheld gameplay, it addresses one of the biggest criticisms of the original Switch: graphical limitations.

Internally, it packs 12GB of RAM, a significant jump from the previous 4GB, and 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD. It runs on a new custom NVIDIA chipset, offering better performance, smoother frame rates, and faster loading across both handheld and docked modes.

The Switch 2 continues to shine thanks to Nintendo’s unmatched exclusive library. Iconic titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Odyssey 2, Pokémon Legends, and the new Mario Kart World make it an essential choice for anyone drawn to Nintendo’s magical game design.

Its strengths lie in versatility, family-friendly gaming, and a retro catalog spanning NES, SNES, N64, GameCube, and more. Its downside remains consistent with previous Nintendo hardware—it’s not designed for the most graphically demanding third-party titles, though cloud versions and optimized ports mitigate this limitation.

Steam Deck 🎮

The Steam Deck is the standout handheld gaming PC that’s actually available right now. Built by Valve, it offers access to the massive Steam ecosystem, with compatibility extending to Epic Games Store, Game Pass for PC, and more when running Windows.

Powered by a custom AMD APU, the Deck includes 16GB RAM, with storage options ranging from 64GB eMMC to 512GB NVMe SSD, ensuring quick load times on higher-end models. Its 7-inch LCD touchscreen, with a resolution of 1280×800, balances size and clarity for handheld gaming.

While it can’t match the graphical prowess of PS5 Pro or Xbox Series X, it comfortably runs games like Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, and most modern AAA titles at medium settings. Its sweet spot is indie games, retro titles, and PC exclusives, offering flexibility no console can match.

Battery life varies widely—between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the game—but its affordability, starting at $399, makes it one of the most accessible portable gaming solutions in 2025.

Design, Portability, and User Experience 🧳

When considering which console should you buy in 2025, design matters just as much as specs.

The PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X dominate home entertainment setups. Both are substantial in size, built for living rooms, and designed to complement large 4K or 8K displays.

The Nintendo Switch 2 offers a perfect hybrid experience—seamlessly transitioning between docked play and handheld use. Its improved build quality, larger screen, and redesigned Joy-Con controllers enhance the comfort and longevity of portable play.

The Steam Deck remains a unique proposition. While bulkier than the Switch, it feels purpose-built for serious gaming on the go. Its button layout, grip design, and responsive touchscreen make extended sessions surprisingly comfortable.

Ecosystem, Games, and Services 🎯

• PlayStation 5 Pro: Best for single-player, cinematic blockbusters. Access to exclusives and a strong retro library via PlayStation Plus Premium.
• Xbox Series X: Best for players who value game variety, multiplayer, and cross-platform support. Game Pass Ultimate remains the best subscription service in gaming.
• Nintendo Switch 2: Perfect for family-friendly gaming, co-op fun, and nostalgia, with access to both current and classic Nintendo titles.
• Steam Deck: Ideal for PC gamers who want full access to the Steam library, emulators, mods, and a wide array of indie and AA titles.

Price and Value 💰

*Values ​​updated in June 2025

Which console should you buy in 2025? 🎯

Deciding which console should you buy in 2025 comes down to how and where you like to play.

If you want top-tier performance with cinematic exclusives, the PS5 Pro is the clear winner. The Xbox Series X offers the best value for players focused on variety, subscription models, and flexible play across console, PC, and cloud.

For those who love to game both at home and on the go, the Nintendo Switch 2 remains unrivaled in hybrid versatility, offering both powerful exclusives and family-friendly experiences.

If your priority is portable access to PC games, mods, and an open ecosystem, the Steam Deck delivers unmatched flexibility at an affordable price point.

No matter your choice, 2025 offers the most diverse and gamer-focused selection of hardware ever.

FAQ – Which console should you buy in 2025? ❓

1. Is the Nintendo Switch 2 powerful enough for AAA games?

• Yes, especially for Nintendo exclusives and optimized third-party titles. It offers 4K docked output and 1080p handheld, a major leap from the previous model.

2. Which console has the best graphics?

• The PS5 Pro leads with 8K support and enhanced Ray Tracing, while the Xbox Series X offers 4K at 120fps with similar fidelity.

3. Is the Steam Deck better than a console?

• For players wanting access to PC libraries, mod support, and greater flexibility, yes. But it requires more technical setup than plug-and-play consoles.

4. Which is the cheapest next-gen option?

• The Steam Deck, starting at $399, is the most affordable device for portable and PC gaming.

5. Does Xbox Game Pass remain the best value?

• Absolutely. Game Pass Ultimate continues to dominate with day-one releases, cloud gaming, and a huge library across console and PC.