Recommended Free Tools
There was no single best console for every player in 2023. The right pick depended on the games you wanted, whether you planned to play on a TV or on the go, and whether physical discs mattered. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S are home-console choices; Nintendo Switch OLED adds handheld and tabletop play. The details below compare those strengths without treating them as a measured performance ranking.
Which console should you choose?
| Choose | Best fit | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | Players drawn to PlayStation games and a home-console setup | Choose between a model with a disc drive and a Digital Edition that could use an optional detachable drive on Sony’s redesigned 2023 model. |
| Xbox Series X|S | Players choosing between Xbox configurations and considering Microsoft’s game-service ecosystem | Check the games and services you actually plan to use; service terms and game availability can change. |
| Nintendo Switch OLED | Players who want TV, tabletop, and handheld modes, or shared local play | Its hybrid design is the main differentiator; online play requires a separately sold Nintendo Switch Online membership. |
These are practical matches, not a universal ranking. Compare the specific games, console configuration, accessories, and services you would pay for in your region.
PlayStation 5: a home console with a disc option
Sony announced a smaller PS5 redesign in October 2023. Sony said it had more than 30% less volume than previous models and a 1 TB SSD. The Digital Edition could take an optional detachable Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive; the drive was an add-on, and compatibility should be checked for the exact console revision. Sony Interactive Entertainment’s announcement gave US recommended prices during the rollout of $499.99 for the disc-drive console and $449.99 for the Digital Edition. Those are historical US launch-era prices, not current shopping guidance or prices for other regions.
Who it suits
Consider PS5 if you want a home-console experience and are drawn to PlayStation’s library, or if physical games are important to you. Sony’s 2023 holiday guide included Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 among its PlayStation titles. Sony also described features such as 4K visuals, 3D audio, a high-speed SSD, and DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive triggers; these are Sony’s platform descriptions, not independent comparative test results. Sony’s holiday guide is an example of its lineup, not a complete catalogue.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match#1 Best Overall
- 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
Choosing the disc configuration
The disc-drive PS5 is the straightforward choice if you want a drive included. The Digital Edition offers a lower initial configuration in Sony’s historical US announcement, with the option of adding a detachable drive to the redesigned model. Factor the extra drive into the total cost if you expect to use discs, and confirm compatibility for the exact revision before buying.
Xbox Series X|S: compare the configurations and ecosystem
Xbox Series X|S gives shoppers two console configurations to consider. Microsoft’s official announcement introduced both and highlighted Game Pass as part of its offering. It listed 2020 launch-era estimated retail prices of $499 for Series X and $299 for Series S; those figures are neither 2023 prices nor current prices. Microsoft’s announcement does not establish current subscription terms or catalog size, so check the offer available in your region rather than assuming an older description still applies.
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
Check each game’s availability
Do not assume a game is exclusive to Xbox just because it appears in an Xbox showcase. The 2023 Xbox showcase included games also shown as available on PC, Steam, or cloud. Verify platform availability for the specific titles you care about before choosing a console.
Confirm the model’s features
Series X and Series S are distinct configurations. The cited Xbox announcement establishes the pair, but does not settle disc support for Series S. Check the exact model’s official specifications if physical media is part of your decision.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesRank #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)
Nintendo Switch OLED: the portability-first option
Nintendo Switch OLED can be played in TV, tabletop, and handheld modes, making it the clearest fit among these choices if you want to move between a television and portable play. Nintendo lists a 7-inch OLED screen and 64 GB of internal storage, some of which is reserved for system use. Those capacities describe different devices and storage architectures; they should not be treated as a direct performance comparison. Nintendo’s product page also names franchises including The Legend of Zelda and Mario Kart.
For shared and online play
The hybrid format can suit households that want to share local play or use the console in more than one setting. Nintendo says online play requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership, sold separately; some multiplayer modes need extra controllers, and features vary by game. Check the requirements for the particular game and mode before budgeting for online access or additional controllers.
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
A dated example of regional pricing
Nintendo announced a Switch OLED Mario Red Edition release for October 6, 2023, at a suggested retail price of 37,980 yen including tax in Japan. That is a dated, Japan-specific price for that edition, not a general or current Switch OLED price. Nintendo’s announcement provides the release and price details.
How to make the decision
- Start with the games. Make a short list of titles and franchises you expect to play, then check their availability on the specific console. Examples from Sony’s 2023 holiday guide and Nintendo’s product page illustrate their libraries but do not establish a full or exclusive lineup.
- Decide where you will play. If handheld or tabletop play is central, Switch OLED supports those modes as well as TV play. If you primarily want a home-console setup, compare PS5 and Xbox Series X|S against your game preferences.
- Settle the disc question. For PS5, distinguish the included-drive model from the redesigned Digital Edition’s optional detachable drive. For Xbox, verify disc support for the exact Series X|S model rather than inferring it from the family name.
- Calculate the actual local cost. Check today’s console price, any drive or extra controllers you need, games, and recurring services in your region. The manufacturer-announced prices here are historical and cannot establish today’s total.
- Check online requirements title by title. Nintendo identifies a separately sold membership requirement for online play and notes that controller and feature needs vary by game. Check current terms for any other service you plan to use.
What the announced specifications and prices do—and do not—tell you
The figures help identify the devices, but they do not produce a benchmark winner. Sony announced a 1 TB SSD and a greater-than-30% volume reduction for the redesigned PS5 in 2023; Nintendo lists 64 GB of internal storage and a 7-inch OLED screen for Switch OLED. The numbers describe different hardware and are not a like-for-like performance test.
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.
Likewise, historical manufacturer prices have a date and geography attached: Sony’s cited PS5 amounts were US rollout recommendations from 2023, Microsoft’s Series X|S amounts were 2020 launch-era estimates, and Nintendo’s 37,980-yen figure was for a specific edition in Japan in 2023. None should be used as a present-day quote. Sony’s October 10, 2023 announcement said the redesigned PS5 would be available starting that November at select US retailers and direct.playstation.com where available; availability was qualified even at launch.
Quick Recap
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.
