Video game consoles are the quickest and easiest way to tap into the newest video games. Modern game consoles support high definition video and online multiplayer titles. Finding the right console comes down to your gaming lifestyle, the games you want to play, and the unique experience you’re after. Below, we’ve collected the best gaming consoles of 2020 to help you pick the best one for your needs:
Next-generation game consoles
Sony PlayStation 5
Launched on Nov. 12, PlayStation 5 (PS5) is the newest and most powerful console Sony has ever built — it’s also one of the best gaming consoles of the year. This living room powerhouse will be home to a long list of hotly anticipated PlayStation-exclusive games like Demon’s Souls, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and Horizon: Forbidden West.
You’ll also get major triple-A (AAA) titles as soon as they’re available, including Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War. PS5 comes with an all-new, innovative wireless controller, support for PlayStation VR, and enough power for smooth 4K resolution gaming and HDR visuals. PS5 is available with or without a UHD Blu-ray drive (also known as the digital edition), and it’s backwards compatible with most PS4 games.
Microsoft Xbox Series X
Available Nov. 10, Xbox Series X is the most powerful Xbox ever, with standout 4K gaming support. Some great console exclusives are coming to the Xbox Series X platform, like Halo Infinite and Forza Motorsport. At launch, Xbox Series X also allows you to play games from previous generation Xbox consoles — all the Halo and Gears of War titles, among others — with juicy visual upgrades. An Xbox Game Pass subscription will instantly give you access to over 100 standout games.
Xbox Series X comes with an updated controller and also works with your Xbox One accessories. That lets you keep using your favorite Xbox One controller with faster response times. A built-in UHD Blu-ray drive allows you to play physical games and Blu-ray movies.
Microsoft Xbox Series S
Xbox Series S launched the same day as Xbox Series X and is a great option for gamers looking to play next-gen games at a lower price. Gaming resolution will target 1440p making it a great console for 1080p TVs and monitors. Yet it still gives support for 120fps gaming. You get the same controller as the Xbox Series X. It also works with Xbox One accessories, though it does not include a disc drive.
For a full breakdown of the Xbox Series X vs. Xbox Series S, check out our comparison here.
Current-generation consoles
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a gaming console that works as a portable or home console thanks to a dock that can instantly display your Switch games on a TV. The Switch has some of the most popular games on sale, like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Animal Crossing New: Horizons, and Pokemon Sword & Shield.
You can also choose the Nintendo Switch Lite, which is a more compact Switch console that can play your library of Switch games. While it doesn’t support docked TV play, it comes in at a lower price point, making it a great console for on-the-go play.
Sony PlayStation 4
PlayStation 4 (PS4) debuted in 2013 but is still one of the best gaming consoles and has some of the best games you can get. The legacy console supports deep playlists of new and upcoming titles, including Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War. You can also play a wide selection of great games released so far, including The Last of Us Part II, God of War, Horizon Zero Dawn, and eye-popping virtual reality games with the Playstation VR headset.
The PlayStation 4 Pro is an upgraded console that offers an enhanced gaming experience with higher-resolution gaming and improved framerates. The PS4 Pro is a great console for those with a TV with 4K or HDR capabilities.
Microsoft Xbox One
Xbox One was also released in 2013 and has amassed a huge library of games, including backwards compatibility with many Xbox 360 and Xbox games. The updated Xbox One S console is more compact than the original Xbox One. Even so, it has the same great gaming features, plus a 4K output for UHD Blu-rays and 4K streaming video.
There’s also the Xbox One X, which takes Xbox gaming to the next level. The superior hardware supports 4K gaming, with upgraded graphics on older titles as well as higher frame-rates, better textures, and other improvements on some current-gen games.
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