6 best game consoles

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Game consoles are becoming more and more popular. Playing on a PC is already bad manners. Why, if it's much easier to do it on the console? And there are more consoles of all kinds – just remember the Uncharted series from Sony and Gears of War from Microsoft. But which game console should you choose? If you want to get an answer to this question, then check out our selection of exclusively the best models available at the moment.

Rating of the best game consoles

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best stationary game consoles	1	Microsoft Xbox One X	RUB 27,700
	2	Sony PlayStation 4 Pro	RUB 26 380
	3	Sony PlayStation 4 Slim 1 TB	RUB 21,400
The best handheld game consoles	1	Nintendo Switch	RUB 18,990
	2	Sony PlayStation Vita Wi-Fi	–
	3	Nintendo New 2DS XL	RUB 9,690

The best stationary game consoles

Microsoft Xbox One X

Rating: 4.8

According to the company Microsoft, this is the most powerful game console among the existing ones at the time of writing this rating. Indeed, the Xbox One X is packed with powerful hardware that delivers incredible computing performance – on par with top gaming computers. For example, an eight-core solution from AMD operating at a clock frequency of 2.3 GHz is used as a processor. It alone provides improved AI behavior for games and upscales to 4K. But the device also has a high-speed video memory GDDR5, the volume of which reaches 12 GB. This greatly reduces the load times of the game, while at the same time ensuring the seamlessness of huge worlds.

If we continue the story about the parameters of the Xbox One X, then we should note the processing power of the processor, which is 6 teraflops. The video memory bandwidth reaches 326 GB / s – a higher parameter can only boast top-end video cards, which in themselves are much more expensive than this game console. The console is also capable of surprising with a minimum noise level – in this regard, it also outperforms all competitors. Oddly enough, the console does not overheat. The secret of this miracle lies in the use of a liquid cooling system.

A 1 TB hard drive is designed to store games and other data. As mentioned above, some games on the Xbox One X run at 4K resolution, and even at 60 fps. Of course, there is also support for HDR – a special effect that makes the color reproduction more realistic. Of course, for such a game console and a TV, you need an appropriate one – there is no point in buying it for an ordinary LCD with a resolution Full HD. However, it is impossible not to notice that the console in any case will not suit every gamer. The fact is that a limited number of games use the high power of components. The fourth Gears of War and the next Forza Motorsport – that's probably all that might interest you in the first place. Needless to say, the Japanese competitor is ready to offer more titles?

Advantages

• Built-in three USB 3.0 ports;

• The dimensions are reduced compared to its predecessor;

• During operation, the set-top box practically does not make noise;

• Very large amount of high-speed video memory;

• There is a dual-band Wi-Fi module;

• Games available with 4K resolution and 60 FPS;

• There is an HDMI 2.0b port;

• The gamepad has become very convenient;

disadvantages

• Few exclusive games that use all the power;

• The cost reaches 40 thousand rubles.

Sony PlayStation 4 Pro

Rating: 4.8

It is this game console that is in greatest demand now. Proof of this is its regular disappearance from the shelves of many retail chains – very quickly the console is bought up. The device is available in two colors – white and black. Also, from time to time, bundles with a game are released, which may have an original body color. For example, in the spring of 2018, a set with the game God of War was born – this console has a silver case, decorated with Scandinavian runes.

The Japanese console is also capable of delivering 4K-resolution graphics, albeit in most cases only at 30fps. However, this is enough to get the pleasure of playing with a cinematic picture. The greatest delight is caused by projects with HDR support – this technology makes the image as realistic as possible.

Compared to the standard PS4, the GPU power has almost doubled. Faster video memory is also used here, which slightly speeds up the loading of games. By the way, it is not necessary to buy a 4K TV for such a console. The difference in picture quality can also be seen on the FullHD screen, which is confirmed by numerous comparison reviews. And even with this resolution, in most cases, the frame rate increases.

All the above features of the console would not be of any importance if a large number of games were not created for the Sony PlayStation 4 Pro. Fortunately, the Japanese and third-party developers have done their best. Uncharted 4, God of War, Driveclub, Gran Turismo Sport, Horizon Zero Dawn and many more 4K games are now available. But in the foreseeable future these games will become even more – we are waiting for 'Spider-Man', 'The Last of Us: Part Two', Ace Combat 7 and other long-awaited releases. In a word, it will not be difficult to fill a 1 TB hard drive here.

It is impossible not to note the expansion of the PS4 Pro's capabilities by purchasing a PS VR virtual reality helmet (on the 'slim', using it will provide less pleasure, since the graphics level will be lower). There are all sorts of games for this accessory, from children's Playroom VR to the hardcore Resident Evil VII.

Advantages

• A large number of games with support for 4K resolution;

• Several color options;

• Very handy gamepad with additional functionality;

• HDR supported;

• It is possible to connect a camera and a VR headset;

• Three USB ports are built in;

• Convenient and easy-to-learn interface;

• High-speed video memory is used;

disadvantages

• It is quite difficult to buy in Russia at an adequate price;

• At some moments it starts to make a lot of noise.

Sony PlayStation 4 Slim 1 TB

Rating: 4.8

The Slim version has come to replace the standard Sony PlayStation 4. The dimensions of this console have slightly decreased, while in terms of characteristics, it has practically not changed at all. Moreover, HDR support appeared here, which made the image on the corresponding TVs more realistic. Also, the Wi-Fi module has undergone changes, from now on it supports the high-speed 802.11ac standard. The device comes with a hard drive up to 1 TB. Also hidden under the body of the console is an eight-core processor from AMD. The computing power of the chipset is 1.84 teraflops, which, of course, is not enough to display images with 4K resolution. Strictly speaking, this is exactly what the PS4 Slim differs from the Pro version – this console is tailored for the traditional resolution Full HD. That is why they ask about 23 thousand rubles for the prefix, which can be considered a quite affordable price tag.

I am glad that the Japanese did not limit the amount of video memory. This allows us to count on the fact that games developed exclusively for the Pro version of the console will not be released in the near future. However, this does not negate the fact that games will definitely take a little longer to load here, which is due to the slower video memory bandwidth. And some more chagrin is caused by USB-connectors, built-in here in only two pieces. It's easy to imagine a situation where you need to charge two gamepads – at this moment you are deprived of the opportunity, for example, to connect a USB drive. But this is very important, since some time ago Sony introduced the function of downloading games purchased from the PS Store to an external hard drive.

Perhaps the PlayStation 4 Slim is the best choice for anyone with only a conventional LCD TV without a 4K display. Also, this console was created for those who are definitely not going to buy a virtual reality helmet in the near future. The possibility of its connection is present here, but you shouldn't count on good picture quality.

Advantages

• Small size and weight;

• The price tag cannot be called overpriced;

• Can connect VR helmet and camera;

• There are a large number of exclusive games;

• Comes with a 1000 GB hard drive;

• Very handy gamepad, complemented by a headset jack;

• Wi-Fi 802.11ac possible;

disadvantages

• There are only two USB ports;

• No 4K resolution support.

The best handheld game consoles

Nintendo Switch

Rating: 4.8

The Japanese company Nintendo has been following its own path for quite some time. When competitors try to introduce the latest and most powerful computer hardware into their consoles, thereby achieving realistic graphics, Nintendo releases the Switch. In fact, it is a hybrid set-top box. That is, it can be played anywhere in an airplane or car, which speaks of its portability. But all the juices from it can be squeezed out only by inserting the device into a special base connected to the TV.

The device most of all resembles a compact tablet. All controls are located on the sides of the device. Importantly, these sides are detachable, they represent miniature gamepads (so-called joycons). That is, the console by default provides the ability to play together, while competitors are sold with only one gamepad. Special vibration motors are hidden under the controls. Their extraordinary work can be appreciated in several social games. Joykons also have precise gyroscopes. In a word, the gamer will have to not only press the buttons and move the sticks, but also wave the gamepad with might and main (or even two at once).

Talking about the technical characteristics of the Nintendo Switch is sad. Even modern smartphones are more pleasing in terms of specifications, not to mention the stationary game consoles considered in this rating. The display of the device has a diagonal of 6.2 inches and a resolution of 720p. The built-in memory is 32 GB. The device also includes two USB ports, and this is the case when more of them are simply not required. The base is connected to the TV through the usual HDMI connector. There is also a Wi-Fi 802.11ac wireless module, with which an Internet connection is made. The autonomous operation of the console is provided by a 4310 mAh battery. This is enough for four to six hours of gameplay, depending on CPU load and control methods. Recharging starts immediately after the console is in the base.

Of course, you shouldn't expect realistic graphics from Nintendo Switch. This console takes the fun and unusualness of the gameplay. The most surprising are all kinds of social games where you need, for example, to milk a cow, performing the appropriate actions with a gamepad. Also, one cannot fail to note the gorgeous implementation of such hits as the new The Legend of Zelda (which, by the way, was first translated into Russian), Super Mario Odyssey and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Now the console is being actively sold, so many third-party studios have announced their return to this platform. As a result, DOOM, FIFA 18, WWE 2K18 and L.A. Noire came out on Nintendo Switch, and literally a week after this article was written on the console, you can play the already mentioned Resident Evil VII (of course, not in a VR helmet). In short, Nintendo Switch is a great choice for those who would like to try something new. Especially for those who already have a Sony PS4, but at the same time this prefix has become boring. This portable-stationary console is on sale for about 21-22 thousand rubles.

Advantages

• You can play on the road and on TV;

• Decent stereo speakers;

• Relatively light weight (297 g);

• Nintendo exclusives are almost perfect;

• A unique gaming experience is available;

• You can buy a large and convenient gamepad;

• Two joikons included;

disadvantages

• The case is easily scratched;

• Little built-in memory;

• Not the most convenient online store;

• High prices for exclusives;

Sony PlayStation Vita Wi-Fi

Rating: 4.8

Perhaps this is the most outdated console in our ranking. No, games for this console are still pleasing to the eye. However, they are now released only in Japan, and even then these are mostly just visual novels and simple JRPGs. In Europe and the USA, sales of Sony PS Vita have almost completely stopped, and the above genres of our people almost do not attract at all. However, all this does not mean that the set-top box is not recommended for purchase. Some of the previously released games will definitely delight you. For example, the Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA series of rhythm games has many fans. You can also definitely appreciate the exclusives 'Uncharted: Golden Abyss' and 'Killzone: Mercenary'. However, there are very few such exciting games on PS Vita, so paying for a console is more than 5 thousand rubles. do not do it.

The device is equipped with a 5-inch screen with a resolution of 960×544 pixels. By modern standards, this parameter seems ridiculous, however, pixelation, oddly enough, is not striking, many games look very good. It should be noted that the first version of the console was equipped with a OLED – display, thanks to which it could please with deep black colors. In the future, the console has become a little more convenient to transport, but its screen is now manufactured using a cheaper IPS technology. The product also has cameras, but it's better not to think about them – they should only be used in a few augmented reality games.

There are PS Vita variants with and without a SIM card slot. Consider now only the purchase of the regular version, endowed with only a Wi-Fi module. It is unlikely that you will walk down the street with this rather large console in search of like-minded people, not to mention the launch of online games, of which there are very few left.

Advantages

• There are some good exclusives;

• Can be found at a very good price;

• Remote play of PS4 games is possible;

• The first revision has a colorful screen;

disadvantages

• Not many games have been released;

• A special and extremely expensive memory card is used;

• Proprietary charging connector;

• Very weak cameras;

• The console is being phased out;

Nintendo New 2DS XL

Rating: 4.8

A simplified version of the New Nintendo 3DS handheld game console. The only major difference is the lack of 3D support here. That is, you cannot see a stereoscopic picture. Otherwise, it is all the same set-top box with two fairly large screens. On the top, you need to watch the gameplay, while the second is also a touchscreen. The device easily folds in half, so that it fits in a jacket pocket. The product has practically no built-in memory. However, a microSD card is used here, which will not be difficult to acquire. However, no one forbids forgetting about the online store, buying only games on cartridges, since the prices for physical and digital versions are approximately the same.

It should be noted that you will definitely not experience a lack of games. Projects for 3DS and 2DS are backward compatible with each other. A lot of them have been released in recent years. In particular, games from the Monster Hunter, Mario, Pokemon and The Legend of Zelda series should please. It is a pity that a few games have been translated into Russian – in this regard, Nintendo needs to learn from Sony.

Advantages

• Large library of games;

• The price varies from 9 to 10 thousand rubles;

• Good stereo sound;

• Weight does not exceed 260 g;

• Support for Amiibo figures;

• Two displays are used;

disadvantages

• Proprietary charger connector;

• The attachment turned out to be quite fragile;

• Games are quite expensive;

• Does not display stereoscopic images;

Conclusion

Of course, owning a game console costs money. If games on a PC are sold quite cheaply, especially during all kinds of sales, then any hit for a stationary console can easily cost several thousand rubles. However, this is more than pays off with the emotions that you get when playing through any God of War. In short, take a closer look at the rating from. Maybe it's time to get one of the devices discussed in it?

---

Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.