I tested the best game console of all time on Amazon, so now understand the exhilarating appeal of gaming consoles! Explore my personal rankings and peruse hands-on reviews to discover the one that suits your needs perfectly.
Please be advised that the prices and ratings provided are accurate as of the time of writing.
1. PlayStation 5 Console
Top-rated: 27,713 ratings
Credit: Amazon.com
Informative Review: “I love this! The DualSense doesn’t feel like a normal controller and the games speed of download and online play are insane fast! Can’t wait to see what more games and features to come!
Update: 12/6/2021 In depth:
I will sum up of not just the physical look but performance and play overall on M.2 SSD and PS5 SSD etc
The PS5 may look, depending on people preference, special in its own way but the futuristic look of the console is a breath opener for whats to come when powered on making a great, eye catching, for what awaits
The Look: Personally, I love the look. Not only because its something new, but looks nex gen and more out of the current gen style. I seen lots of memes of being a heater, LOL funny, but the look works and better prepare on how different this console is from any other PS System ever played on before.
The system shells even have mini carved printed Triangle, Square, Cross, and Circle symbol from the playstation controller as unique feel on the case as well. The stand, no matter side ways or standing, RECOMMEND using it as the stand helps support the weight, especially on Digital owners as the digital version weight is top heavy.
However, I don’t like their isnt many USB slots on the PS5 as, depending if using VR too with the PULSE Headset, can take all slots easily.
Gameplay: The games gameplay appeal, even in remakes of PS3/PS4 titles take things to a whole new level as the new software of PS and the Hardware specs are almost that of a PC spec of a RTX GPU with separate options.
The promo of Ray Tracing is gorgeous to look at, the colors, HDR, saturation and even real time render of the reflections, shadows, and in game particles make game lookes like a real live movie or in real life time itself.
The separate options are Fidelty (which keeps ray tracing and real shadows and particles but in 4K to full quailty but in 30FPS) or Performance (Which doesnt have Ray tracing but in full 60fps and runs smoother than previous console of PS4, even on PS4 games looks much smooth with update of PS5 patches) on both PS5 games and even in the PS5 settings for anyone looking for a separate Ray tracing or true 60fps experiance.
With or Without any Ray Tracing or HDR, games still look amazing no matter what screen size from a 1080p or 4K even in upcoming 8K (which have been tested and looks great on OLED UHD TVs.
Memory: The PS5 Speed of its internal SSD is amazing for reducing loading times and almost instant to a dime, its even faster, depending on your M.2 SSD, Speed making its almost none existence thas even on PS4 games.
For Digital Owners, I recommend save for M.2 thats up to 2TB to 4TB as some PS5 games are large but worth it with expanded SSD. The PS5 Internal 825GB is ok, but not enough, especially if recording video on PS5 or even trophy achievement videos.
Thankfully, can disable the trophy achieve videos to only image. The recommend M.2 SSD is Gen4 6000m/s speed and M.2 Thermal casing for a good reason.
Yes, you can do with lower speeds at some M.2 but I wouldnt recommend that. You can use HDD but only for PS4 games as PS5 games need SSDs for speed and size of game that runs on them than a SATA HDD.
Fan/Cooling: Thankfully, this is the same issue as with PS4/PS4 Pro as the fan is silent no matter the settings and hard push for game quality. The fan is cool and quiet and even testing temperature doesn’t get anywhere near hot as long in a open desk or spaced area.
The Controller: The DualSense… is MORE than just a controller. The haptic feedback works too well to even call as vibration. The triggers weight for the feedback and feature of the controllers motion ALL shine in Astro’s Playroom Demo on the PS5 and recommend for ANY PS fan as it is token for not just being a demo to showcase the controllers features, but secret messages and easter eggs too.
Besides the haptic feed, the Touch Pad has had even a small upgrade as feel on it tracks and feel the feed through press or sliding on the touch pad on the DualSense, at least in games like Astro’s Playroom and Demon Souls, whether through the character you are playing or even the environment for the feed back of the wind or the quake of the ground or weapons and abilities from the trigger buttons.
I do hope more game developers fully use the DualSense features to their protentional.
Backwards Compatibility: as of 12/6/2021, PS5 is completely backwards compatible with 99.9% of PS4 games, PSVR games as well, and works with PS5 DualSense controllers, but I recommend PS4 DualShock 4 Controller on some games though. PS Plan for more different service for a answer for more games from previous generation but we will have to wait, if I test out, will update the review here.
Pros:
-Can play MANY PS4 games, Disk or Digital out the box via your PSN Account
-Great library, so far and the planned games ahead
-DualSense is a GREAT next generation of gaming introduction into next gen of gaming in general
-Fast loading and expansive storage for PS5 M.2 SSDs
-PS5 can use HDD for PS4 games but still increase loading on most games that been updated through the patch (although not as fast than on PS5 or M.2 SSD)Cons:
-Hard to get one if any because scalper bots
-Is big and can take up lots of space depending on desk size
-Not many USB slots on the console
-Removing the cover shell of PS5, if impatient, can scratch the console a bit (but isnt damaging)” – Roy Correll
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2. Xbox Series X 1TB SSD Console – Includes Wireless Controller
Top-rated: 24,084 ratings
Credit: Amazon.com
Informative Review: “I have been a gammer all my life, have owned almost every console since the Atari Pong all the way till the Ps4 and Switch, but I have skipped most Xbox’ s except for the original that was given to me as a gift.
This new console that Microsoft has made is in my opinion the absolute best in this generation. Spec-wise it cannot be beat and if superior to the PS5 I most respects.
But when you use your series X and in conjunction with Game Pass Ultimate (GPU), it simply becomes the hands down, no questions asked, absolute BEST VALUE in gaming anywhere!
Today Microsoft has also teamed up their GPU service with EA, and now we can get most sports games and most EA titles included in GPU. But you must also add the future inclusion of Bethesda and all their amazing titles from day one in GUP since MS has bought them out.
So how can’t you go wrong with the MOST POWERFUL CONSOLE EVER MADE and the potential of including GPU to make it the best value in gaming PERIOD.
Yes some will think that their are few titles specifically made for this new generation as of this writing, but the same goes for Playstation, and Sony changed their mind in the short term, as most titles that they have as great exclusives are also being released for the foreseeable future on PS4 as well as PS5.
PROS:
- Best Value in gaming when used with Game Pass Ultimate.
- Most powerful console ever made (12TFLOPS – 52 CU’s).
- Intuitive and very functional OS.
- Great games even for this generation like: Medium.
- FPS Boos feature for older games.
- Automatic HDR for older games.
- Instant Resume feature is just awesome!
- Great controls, I thought I would not like them, BUT THEY ARE GREAT!
- Minimalistic design, that goes well with anything you have already.
- QUIET there is no noticeable sound of fans even when gaming for hours.
- More available space in internal drive then PS5.
CONS:
- Controllers use a AA Battery… WHY would you do this in 2021? Yes there are options, but I should not need to look for options, personally for now I went the rechargeable Energizer route, but it is a hassle that should not be present in a console this generation.
- No gimmicks and straightforward pure power, no you don’t get resistance in the adaptive triggers like a PS5, makes it feel a bit less futuristic.
- Had a bug happen to me more then once while purchasing new games, got an error, so for workaround had to add to cart, go to billing address, put edit, select the same billing address and then it worked, very annoying.
SPECS:
- Processor: 8-core AMD Ryzen Zen 2-architecture CPU at 3.8GHz (3.6GHz with SMT)
- Graphics: AMD Navi/RDNA 2-family GPU with 52 CU at 1.825GHz (12TFLOPS FP32)
- Video:16GB GDDR6 with 14Gbps 320-bit interface (10GB at 560GB/s allocated to GPU, 6GB at 336GB/s allocated to rest of system with 3.5GB for GPU)
- Die Size: 360.45 mm2
- Process: 7nm Enhanced
- Memory: 16 GB GDDR6 w/ 320mb bus
- Memory Bandwidth: 10 GB @ 560 GB/s, 6GB @ 336 GB/s
- Internal Storage: 1 TB Custom NVME SSD
- I/O Throughput: 2.4 GB/s (Raw), 4.8 GB/s (Compressed, with custom hardware decompression block)
- Expandable Storage: 1 TB Expansion Card – Seagate ATM only avail.
- External Storage: USB 3.2 External HDD – WB Black Gaming 5TB what I got for it.
- Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-Ray Drive-
- Performance: 4K @ 60 FPS, up to 4K @ 120 FPS, 8K @ 60 FPS
- Size: 301mm x 151mm x 151mm
Finally, I will recommend this console over the the PS5, its simply a BEAST and a better value when teamed with GPU. I won’t get a Ps5 for the foreseeable future at least not till late 2022, since by then they might really have PS5 exclusives that don’t get. a PS4 version.
The Xbox Series X is such a great console that you would be hard pressed to look it over over the hype that the Ps5 has generated because of its lack of availability.
So if you like simply the best console this generation and wish to get the best bang for your buck, Xbox Series X simply rocks.
PRO+: The Xbox series X is also an amazing emulation system, it can run Retroarch with no hacks, with nothing weird, just look it up in YouTube and you will find tutorials. But it can do emulation like very few systems and it add to its tremendous lineup and value.
Great job Microsoft, you not only added a customer, but a new fan.” – Ricardo Orrantia Ponce
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3. Sony Playstation Portable (PSP) 3000 Series Handheld Gaming Console System
Top-rated: 749 ratings
Credit: Amazon.com
Informative Review: “Haven’t even received mine yet but I thought I would help the people complaining.
If you’re going to get a psp, get a micro sd and a psp memory card/microsd adapter so you don’t need an OEM memory card, grab a fresh cameron sino battery for your model and a OEM charger.
The PSP can only connect to WPA WiFi.
It’s 2023, all routers use WPA2+
You don’t even a proper reason to connect to WiFi. I don’t understand why everybody is giving 1 star blaming Amazon for this?
The built browser is from 2004 it wont load anything you would want and Sony servers for the PSP have been shut down for years.
If you’re so concerned about getting your system on the most recent firmware, you can download it on your computer and put it on your micro SD.
CFW will let you make it region free if you had any issues with region locks.
X and O button is flipped?
YouTube and Google are your friends.” – Xavier Rose
Another Helpful Review: “honestly i was kinda worried when i saw some displeased people in the reviews, but now that i’ve received my PSP i think it’s prolly just a bunch of boomers that can’t operate their kid’s game lol.
came with all its cords, not sure if it was an accident or not but i had a battery already in the PSP so i now have 2, it works, now i just have to buy the memory stick (which they even said they didn’t provide), i’ve wanted one since i was little so thanks for making me a satisfied customer.” – Cameron R
One More Review: “Just received mine today! It looks pretty good their are minor scratches on the screen but nothing I wouldn’t have done myself using it. It works!
And that’s the main thing! I’m pretty pleased. It comes with a 4gb memory stick. I ended up buying an extra one because I wasn’t clear if it came with one or not!
However, everything that comes with it is:
– 1 charging cable
– The psp of course
– 2 batteries (one inside the console and a extra in a separate baggie)
– And a 4 gn memory card.I gave three stars because for $130 it should have been brand new, untouched but I’m still pretty happy with it. Hope I helped anyone looking to purchase it lol :)” – Montana Garrett
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4. PowerA Wireless Nintendo Switch Controller
Top-rated: 15,029 ratings
Credit: Amazon.com
Informative Review: “After playing Hades heavily for over a week, I was noticing a lot of pain in my hands. I tried using the Joy-Cons and even my boyfriend’s Pro Controller, but I had pain either way. So, I went in search of a smaller controller that actually worked.
For reference, my palm is 3.5in wide, 3.5in height, and my hand spans 6.5in from tip of middle finger to wrist. Fingers and thumb are right about 2.5in long. I have small hands with short fingers, usually wear women’s small gloves and still have empty room in the finger tips.
Lots of looking led me to this Nano controller, and I am honestly impressed with it so far. It’s only been 4 days, but I’ve played steadily with it in that time. I have no pain in my hands, no feeling of over-extended muscles. I’ve felt more comfortable and more confident playing.
I will say that I miss the rumble function, but I am adjusting quickly to playing without it. Looking forward to setting up the additional buttons that are perfectly placed where middle fingers typically rest.
Pros:
-Perfect size for my small hands
-Good tactile feedback from buttons
-Same button config as Joy-Cons or Pro controller
-Wireless with good battery life
-Wakes console from sleep
-Good connectivity over distance
-Love the look of the grey/blue/red
-Additional buttons that can be programmed
-Comes with a soft bag for travelCons:
-No rumble functionHonestly 100% recommend, especially to those with smaller hands like myself.” – Tara Zellam
Another Helpful Review: “I have a very unique take on controllers because I do esports. Basically, all of my equipment gets put through the wringer, especially my controller.
However, this thing has stood up to it pretty well. It responds well and isn’t prone to sticking. It can pick up on very slight movements. Connecting to switches, even several different ones, is not an issue unlike other controllers I have tested.
It also has a nice feel in the hands. It might be a tad large for smaller hands, though.
I have noticed a slight issue where it will occasionally move to the left but this is relatively uncommon and easily fixed by turning the controller on and off. I have yet to have it impact gameplay.
One thing I have yet to be able to test is how it holds up over time but I have been using this controller for several hours a day every day for a month and have not noticed any wear-related issues. If I remember to, I’ll edit this later with an update.
Overall, this is quite a nice controller. There’s no bells and whistles but it does exactly what it says it does. Works just fine for casual or more intense play, even esports.” – William Smith
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5. Nintendo Switch with Gray Joy‑Con
Top-rated: 23,663 ratings
Credit: Amazon.com
Informative Review: “This is my review of the ‘V2’ (2019) version of the Nintendo Switch (model #HAC-001(-01)).
So a little background, I was a enthusiastic PC gamer in college who built my own PCs for the purpose and am now – due to the demands of adulthood – someone who only plays the occasional game.
My last handheld Nintendo console was the black and white Game Boy Pocket in the early 90’s, so I’ve been away from the platform —- a while.
I bought the Switch purely because I learned they had ported Skyrim to it, and as a huge fan of the Elder Scrolls genre I was hoping to devote some of my train commute to questing around Tamriel.
In this sense, the Switch does not disappoint. I am not a graphics connoisseur, but – compared to the PC version – Skryim plays really well on the Switch.
No perceptible lag, colors are crisp. Yes, it’s missing the expansions and yes, the text can be a little small, but that’s a fair trade-off for the portability this platform brings.
So far, I only own 2 games – Skyrim and MarioKart 8 (another throwback to my college dorm days on the N64), and I love playing both on the Switch, MaroKart is obviously the newer game and so the graphics and gameplay are much better but I’m a still a sucker for Skyrim (at least until the next ES is released, hopefully in my lifetime).
Anyway, all this to say the Nintendo Switch is a great console for busy adults who want to reminisce about the fun they had 10, 20, or even 30 years ago.
The Switch doesn’t take itself too seriously (which I love) but that means it might not be the right choice for people concerned with the perfect graphic or gameplay experience – there are dedicated consoles that do this much better.
What the Switch does is make gaming on the go effortless, fun for the average busy person and something you can really enjoy with your whole family – which I think was Nintendo’s real goal here all along.” – Sherlockian
Another Helpful Review: “The Nintendo Switch is a fantastic gaming console that offers a unique and versatile gaming experience. The ability to play both at home on the TV and on the go in handheld mode is a huge plus, as it allows for gaming anytime and anywhere.
The Switch’s Joy-Con controllers are also a great feature, as they can be used separately for two-player games or attached to the console for handheld play.
The Switch’s game library is impressive, with a wide variety of games available, from first-party titles like “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and “Super Mario Odyssey”, to third-party games like “Minecraft” and “Fortnite”.
The Switch also has a growing number of indie titles which are also worth checking out.
The Switch’s online service, Nintendo Switch Online, is also a good value, offering access to online multiplayer, cloud saves, and a growing library of classic NES and SNES games.
Overall, the Nintendo Switch is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and fun gaming experience. It has a great selection of games, and the ability to play both at home and on the go makes it a great option for gaming on the go.
The only downside might be that the battery life could be better, but overall it’s an excellent device.” – Richard P.
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6. Nintendo Switch – OLED Model w/ White Joy-Con
Top-rated: 33,370 ratings
Credit: Amazon.com
Informative Review: “I absolutely love the product. I had a spat when I got it. It didn’t have a charger for the dock.
However talking to Amazon Support they corrected it for me and I was able to get a charger off the store. With the Switch Oled, you not only are able to have a bit more vibrant colors, but the system itself has great battery life.
I had the original switch and this is leagues better. I literally had the switch in my bed for 4 days playing off and on and within those 4 days the battery went as low as 30% and the charging happens fairly quick, not to mention you can dock it and play it while it charges on a big screen tv.
SO IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT A SWITCH IS OR HOW IT WORKS LET ME EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCES
- theres 3 versions
- Switch (original one with a dock and can be played on a tv w/ a smaller screen than Oled)
- Switch lite (the hand held version with no dock and can’t be played on a tv)
- Switch Oled (newest one, vibrant colors on screen, Larger screen, and has a tv dock)
- Games
- The switch is one of the better nintendo systems that have more 3rd party games on it, although the selections are smaller than the Playstation and Xbox, the switch gives you versatility to not only bring it with you on the go to play games,
- it gives you the action to play with multiple people by separating the joy cons (controllers) and with that you can use each one sideways as a controller allowing two people to play and with multiple joy cons you can have a session of multiple people.
- It has both digital and cartridge games. the cartridge games are very small, and they also have a fast install time. The games are very fun to play and have lots of multiplayer options. No full VoIP on the system but they have an app for cellphones to use.
- the store usually has great deals on titles as most of the cartridge games cost full price or barely have anything discounted at places like Target, Walmart or Gamestop.
- How they work (docked versions)
- a docked Switch connects to the TV, it allows the device to charge and you can play games as it charges on the dock.
- it has a tabletop mode where you can play games on the screen as a tv. In other words you can still use a controller but have the tablet part standing upwards as you use a full controller to play on it.
- Handheld is where the Joy cons are attached to the tablet and you use it like a handheld or similar to a gameboy or something in that way.
Personally it’s worth the money and Nintendo has usually very good systems that last a long time. Although they might not be the best graphically they have some fun family friendly first party games.” – Justin
Another Helpful Review: “I’ve had my Nintendo Switch for around 5 years. When I used the switch in hand held mode, I could use it for around an hour then my eyes had enough and my hands would cramp up.
With my up coming trip to Hawaii I decided I wanted to play my switch on the 8 hour flight for the first time. I upgraded and bought the OLED switch and bought these beefy looking side grips called Hori Nintendo switch split pad pro.
On the flight to Hawaii, I played my OLED switch with these new grips for 8 hours straight! The longest I ever played the switch in handheld mode.
What a difference this has made in the overall quality of comfort.With the newly designed kickstand, I was able to put the switch on the tray table and play on a flat surface while still holding the switch.
I should have listened to my body and made these changes long ago. On my return flight back to the mainland, I plan on playing another 8 hours going back. The OLED screen is bigger and is much better on these older eyes.
I’ve had no eye strain or headaches compared to my old switch. But the grips are more ergonomic made for adults as they are much bigger and comfortable than the standard switch side grips.” – Brad
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