Xbox Series X has the broadest backwards compatibility among the current console families compared here: it plays Xbox One games, plus selected Xbox 360 and original Xbox titles. That older-game support is selective, not universal. PS5 supports the overwhelming majority of PS4 games, while Switch 2 supports many Switch games with exceptions. The right choice depends on the specific games you own and whether you have discs, digital licenses, or are willing to stream.
How the consoles compare
| Console family | Previous-generation games | Key qualification | What to check before buying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X|S | Xbox One games, plus selected Xbox 360 and original Xbox games | Support for Xbox 360 and original Xbox titles is selective, and features vary by game. See Microsoft’s supported-games information. | Look up each title in the supported catalog. Series X has a disc drive; Series S is digital-only. |
| PlayStation 5 | The overwhelming majority of PS4 games | This does not establish native compatibility with older PlayStation discs. See PlayStation’s PS4-on-PS5 support guidance. | Check the specific game and choose a PS5 configuration with a disc drive if you need to play physical PS4 games. |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Many Nintendo Switch games | Some games are unsupported or not fully compatible. See Nintendo’s Switch 2 compatibility guidance. | Check Nintendo’s compatibility information and consult the publisher for third-party titles. |
These are different kinds of compatibility. Xbox reaches farther back across generations, but its Xbox 360 and original Xbox catalog is a selection. PS5’s support is broad within the immediately preceding PlayStation generation. Switch 2’s support for Switch software is also broad, but not universal.
Why Xbox Series X leads on generational reach
Xbox Series X is the clearest answer if “best” means access to games from the greatest number of earlier console generations. Microsoft lists Xbox One games alongside selected Xbox 360 and original Xbox games for Series X|S. The older-generation selection is not the entire Xbox 360 or original Xbox library, and Microsoft notes that features vary by game.
Use Microsoft’s backward-compatible games page to verify individual titles rather than assuming that a franchise or console generation is covered. If your copy is on disc, confirm both that the game is supported and that your chosen console can read discs: Series S is digital-only.
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- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
What PS5 and Switch 2 support
PS5 and PS4 games
Sony says PS5 is backward compatible with the overwhelming majority of PS4 games. In an October 9, 2020 PlayStation Blog post, Sony said that “more than 99% of PS4 games will be playable on PS5 on day one.” That is a launch-era statement from 2020, not a newly measured 2026 compatibility percentage. Sony’s current support information is the better place to check a particular title.
Do not treat the PS4 compatibility claim as proof that PS5 natively plays earlier PlayStation discs. Access to older games through streaming, subscriptions, or re-releases is a separate matter. For physical PS4 games, check that the specific PS5 model you are considering has a disc drive.
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
Switch 2 and Switch games
Nintendo says Switch 2 plays many Nintendo Switch games, but warns that some are unsupported or may not work fully. Check Nintendo’s compatibility guidance for the title, and check the publisher’s information for third-party games. A broad platform-level statement is not a guarantee that every game feature or peripheral behaves identically.
Check your games before choosing a console
- Make a list of the exact games. Include the game edition and region where relevant. Do not infer compatibility from a series name or platform label.
- Check each official compatibility source. Search Microsoft’s supported catalog for Xbox titles, Sony’s PS4-on-PS5 information for PlayStation games, and Nintendo’s Switch 2 guidance for Switch games. For a third-party title, consult its publisher as well.
- Match the copy to the console. A physical disc requires a console with a compatible disc drive. For a digital game, confirm that its license is available on the account and system you plan to use.
- Confirm what “works” means for you. Verify title-specific details such as saves, peripherals, online functions, multiplayer, downloadable content, and performance. Compatibility alone does not promise that every feature works identically.
Native compatibility is not the same as access to a game
A console running a supported game from its original disc or digital license is different from a game being available through cloud streaming, a subscription catalog, or a remaster. Those options may let you play an older title, but they do not prove that the new console supports your original copy. If retaining access to a particular game matters, verify the format and route of access before you buy.
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Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
Which console should you choose?
- Choose Xbox Series X for the widest generational reach if the games you want are in Microsoft’s supported Xbox One, Xbox 360, or original Xbox catalogs, and you need a disc drive for physical games.
- Choose PS5 to carry forward a PS4 library if your priority is playing PS4 games and you have checked any title-specific exceptions and disc-drive needs.
- Choose Switch 2 to carry forward Switch games if your priority is Nintendo Switch software, after checking Nintendo’s caveats and the status of your specific games.
There is no directly comparable current percentage established here for the Xbox Series X|S or Switch 2 libraries. Sony’s 2020 PS4 figure has a different scope and date, so it should not be compared as if all three figures measured the same thing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
