Best Game Consoles August 2026
Looking for a new game console? Whether you're a hardcore gamer seeking ultimate performance or a family looking for hybrid fun, there are great options available. This guide helps you compare the top models on the market, so you can find the perfect console for your needs and budget.
Last updated: 14 August 2026
The list is unchanged since the last update.
Game Consoles: Top 5
1
Sony PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5) 2TB
from £756.0015 stores
from £756.00
15 stores
2
Nintendo Switch 2
from £359.0016 stores
from £359.00
16 stores
3
Sony PlayStation 5 Slim (PS5) Digital Edition 825GB
4
Sony PlayStation 5 Slim 1TB (PS5)
from £529.9916 stores
from £529.99
16 stores
5
Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle (inkl. Mario Kart World)
from £439.004 stores
from £439.00
4 stores
The PlayStation 5 Pro is Sony's mid-generation refresh, offering a significant power boost over the standard models. With advanced PSSR upscaling technology and a massive 2TB SSD, it delivers smoother frame rates and sharper graphics for supported games. It's the top choice for performance-focused gamers who want the best possible console experience.
Pros
Most powerful console on the list (17 TFLOPs)
PSSR upscaling for enhanced visuals
Large 2TB built-in SSD storage
Quieter and smaller than the original PS5
Supports up to 120Hz refresh rates
Cons
Disc drive is sold separately
High initial price point
Nintendo's successor to the smash-hit hybrid console, the Switch 2 offers a major performance upgrade with DLSS 3 support and a larger 7.9-inch screen. It retains the beloved ability to switch between handheld and docked TV play, now with 4K output. It's an excellent choice for families and gamers who value flexibility.
Pros
Hybrid design for TV and handheld play
Improved performance with NVIDIA DLSS 3
Larger 7.9-inch Full HD screen
Supports 4K output when docked
Magnetic Joy-Con controllers
Cons
Shorter battery life (2–6.5 hours)
Uses an LCD screen instead of OLED
Some find it too large for a handheld
The PS5 Slim Digital Edition packs the full power of the PlayStation 5 into a more compact and streamlined design. It's an all-digital console, meaning games are downloaded to its fast internal SSD. This model is ideal for players who prefer a digital-only library and want to save space.
Pros
Compact and lighter than the original PS5
Supports 4K and 8K video output
Fast loading with a built-in SSD
Optional attachable disc drive
Cons
No optical disc drive included
Smaller 825GB storage capacity
The PlayStation 5 Slim is a more compact version of the original launch console, featuring a 1TB SSD and an included Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive. It delivers the same powerful performance for 4K gaming but in a smaller package. This is a great standard choice for players who want a physical media drive and a sleek design.
Pros
Compact design fits more easily into media centers
Includes an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive
Fast game loading times with 1TB SSD
Supports 4K gaming at up to 120Hz
Cons
Less powerful than the PS5 Pro model
Some users report hardware issues out of the box
This Nintendo Switch 2 bundle is a great starting package, including the console and the highly anticipated game 'Mario Kart World'. It delivers the same versatile hybrid experience, allowing you to play on your TV or on the go. This bundle offers excellent value for anyone ready to jump into the next generation of Nintendo.
Pros
Includes the game Mario Kart World
Good value compared to buying separately
Hybrid design for TV and handheld gaming
Backward compatible with Switch 1 games
Cons
Weaker performance than PS5 consoles
LCD screen has been criticized for motion blur
Limited battery life in handheld mode
Compare specifications
| Series | Playstation 5 | Nintendo Switch 2 | Playstation 5 | Playstation 5 | Nintendo Switch 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Video formats supported | 1080p (Full HD), 2160p (4K Ultra HD), 4320p (8K) | 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080p (Full HD), 2160p (4K Ultra HD) | 1080p (Full HD), 2160p (4K Ultra HD), 4320p (8K) | 1080p (Full HD), 2160p (4K Ultra HD), 4320p (8K) | 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080p (Full HD), 2160p (4K Ultra HD) |
| HDR Format | HDR10 | HDR10 | Dolby Vision, HDR10 | Dolby Vision, HDR10 | HDR10 |
| Optical drive | No | — | No | No | — |
| Built-in storage capacity | 2TB | 256GB | 825GB | 1TB | 256GB |
| Release year | 2024 | 2025 | 2025 | 2023 | 2025 |
How we create the list
The ranking is updated monthly and is based on data we collect from our own platform. Products that rank highly are popular among our users while also maintaining high quality according to editorial expert assessments. Specifically, we weigh how many users follow the product via price alerts or lists, how it is rated by experts and users, as well as how much traffic it generates to stores and how well it is represented in retail. The texts on this page are AI-generated and created to give you a quick and clear overview. No products are paid placements – the ranking is driven solely by data.
