10 best game consoles

We begin the review of home game consoles with a very popular old man in the world - the usual PlayStation 4. The model, at first glance, can do little to attract buyers. A performance of 1.82 teraflops is enough for a comfortable game in FullHD resolution, but you can’t rely on PS4 Pro-level graphics or a powerful gaming computer. The design is more angular than the new comrades, which many will like. Of the relative shortcomings, we note the lack of Wi-Fi of the latest generation (802.11ac) and a fairly high average cost.

Why, despite these shortcomings, is the model included in the rating? It's simple, the base PlayStation 4 is gradually being retired, which is why sellers often make big discounts. Also, the set-top box almost always comes with games that are sold separately for at least 2 thousand rubles, a PS Plus subscription and even additional DualShock 4 gamepads. Finally, this version of the “curling iron” has already acquired a large number of accessories that can be bought for a penny.

The Slim version has become a "lighter" version of the classic PS4, featuring slightly smaller dimensions, quieter operation and a lower price. The good news is that the HDMI cable is now included in the kit by default and does not need to be purchased separately. We have not forgotten about the DualShock with pleasant tactile sensations, but slightly worse ergonomics than the Xbox.

The console looks decent. In terms of dimensions, it turned out to be smaller than the 3rd generation. The graphics chip, although average, is based on modern architecture, while the 3rd generation had a powerful graphics core, but it was obsolete. The processor operates at a frequency of 1.6 GHz, RAM is only 8 GB of GDDR5 format. There is no port for reading memory cards, but Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are fully present. I was upset by the fact that it will not work to connect external audio peripherals to it like speakers. You will have to choose between connecting headphones to a gamepad or being content with sound via an HDMI channel.

The first representative of Microsoft game consoles hurts competitors with several features at once.First of all, you pay attention to the significantly lower cost. Some stores offer the device for only 16-17 thousand rubles. True, this will be a version with a 500 GB hard drive, which will not be enough for an avid gamer. For 23-24 thousand you will find One S with a 2 TB HDD - this is the best indicator on the market.

The second feature is 4K support. Blu-ray in this quality works fine. Games are more difficult. Firstly, in the settings you need to force the upscale to UltraHD. Secondly, you will not get a smooth and beautiful picture. But with FullHD everything is fine - the picture quality is slightly better than on PS4, PS4 Slim and regular Xbox One. The refresh rate can reach 60 fps. There is support for HDR - high contrast mode, in which the picture looks much more contrast. Finally, let's not forget the look - many reviewers and buyers agree that the Xbox One S is a very beautiful device.

Powerful and silent device. If the original model produces 1.8 Teraflops, then this one immediately 4.2. The Wi-Fi module has been updated, which works stably with 5 GHz networks. The power of the set-top box is enough to display both Full HD and full 4K on the screen. In general, this is still the same PS4, only for large screens.Matte 3 piece monoblock collects a minimum of dust and fingerprints. There are 2 USB 3.0 ports on the front and 1 on the back, which allows you to connect PS VR not from the front, but from the back.

At the same time, power consumption increased to 310 watts. The device is delivered in a voluminous and heavy box of medium presentable appearance. The package also includes a mono earpiece with a microphone, the feasibility of which is currently in question.

The Xbox One X is officially the most powerful gaming console in the world. Its performance is 6 teraflops! The closest competitor from Sony has a third less power. All thanks to the new Scorpio Engine processor and 12 GB of RAM. Of course, there is support for 4K and HDR10. The picture is excellent. But if you have a simpler TV, don't worry - One X will be relevant for you too, because in FullHD or 2K resolution, the set-top box simply produces a much more beautiful (due to various effects) and smooth picture with a refresh rate of up to 60 frames per second. You don’t have to worry about the sound either - DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 standards with Atmos TrueHD technology are supported.

On Xbox, compared to PlayStation, there are not so many exclusives. At the same time, purchased games will also be available on the Windows PC on board, making them a smarter purchase in some ways.

Already old, but still relevant game console, which is interesting in the presence of two displays, two built-in cameras and a stylus. This console can be used as an e-book, have fun with cameras, superimposing various effects on photos, surf the Internet. In the reviews, users praise the fast speed of the interface and loading games, although this model lags behind in performance against the backdrop of game consoles in 2019 and 2020.

The screen resolution is lower than that of analogues - 256x192, the top panel is glossy and easily soiled, the size of the console is such that it does not fit in a standard pocket, the weight is decent - 314 g. But in DSiWare you can buy inexpensive games, you can enjoy both modern projects and retro. A great option for connoisseurs and those who need a functional prefix not only for gaming, but also for reading books.

One of the best portable game consoles in the world.There is a touchscreen 5.5-inch display with HD resolution, the classic layout of the navigation keys. There is Bluetooth and support for Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, headphone output, support for memory cards, 32 GB of internal memory. The performance is very high, despite the fact that the set-top box is one of the most inexpensive in this form factor.

The reviews praise the compact size and ergonomics of the device, as well as the fact that the Nintendo Switch Lite allows you to play full-fledged large AAA projects for older platforms. Disadvantages: not everyone is happy with the reduced screen size and the reduced amount of internal memory, the battery life in heavy games is limited to 3 hours, and the fact that resource-intensive games make the console heat up. If you are looking for an inexpensive compact portable game console with a huge selection of games, then this is the best solution.

The leading position is expectedly occupied by the novelty that has made a noise - Nintendo Switch. This is the world's first hybrid game console. What does it mean? There is the main part, in the form of a tablet with a 6.2 'screen and HD resolution, and "dopa". If you want to play on the go - connect the joycons to the "tablet" and go. A large TV in front of the sofa - the console into a special docking station, and the joycons into a special platform in the form of a gamepad and again play in comfort. You can play alone or with a friend by giving him one of the joy-cons. The games are really interesting and unique. In addition to the traditional Nintendo series, there is a set of 1-2-Switch mini-games and full-fledged third-party projects like TES V: Skyrim, FIFA 18 and Wolfenstein.Battery life is about 6 hours.

You get special pleasure from versatility: you started the game at home in front of a huge TV, then disconnected the console and continued playing on the subway, and at the end of the evening sat down with friends in a cafe, putting the console on the built-in kickstand. Do not part with games anywhere and never - isn't this the dream of a real gamer?

If you miss the classic 16-bit cartridge-based Sega, then this game console will surely appeal to you. The model is inexpensive, but fully meets the expectations of connoisseurs of retro consoles. The kit includes everything you need: the game console itself, two gamepads, a power supply, an AV cable for connecting to a TV, instructions, built-in games - depending on the modification, there can be 5, 38 or 65 of them. You won’t be able to write new games to the console’s memory - you have to buy cartridges.

If you've saved Sega cartridges from the 90s, you can pop them into your console and relive your childhood with your favorite games.The image on the TV screen will be full-color, three-dimensional. The gamepads are shaped like a crescent, sit comfortably in the hand, and the buttons are easy to press. If you are looking for a retro console like when you were a child, then the Sega MegaDrive 2 16 bit is the best and inexpensive solution.

16-bit portable console, where the manufacturer carefully collected the best retro games in the amount of 500 pieces. All are translated into Russian, and most importantly, there is the possibility of saving (up to 7 entries in each). There is support for a memory card. On microSD, you can store another 1000 games if desired. The buttons are easily reprogrammable. You can connect headphones. The screen with a diagonal of 4.3 inches with a resolution of 480x272 is bright, with almost no inversions. 2000 mAh battery. The interface is simple and clear, games downloaded to the memory card can be easily launched.

The quality of the console is excellent - there is no backlash, there are no gaps. The only thing is that some users complain about weak rubber-silicone gaskets in the keys: they can crack after a few months of active use. There are no other serious shortcomings - this is one of the best "nostalgic" consoles in the world.