Gaming isn’t slowing down anytime soon, nor are the consoles that power it. From the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X to the Nintendo Switch OLED and handheld beasts like the Steam Deck or ASUS ROG Ally X, there’s never been more ways to play than ever before. The question is—how do you choose the right one?

Sure, the PlayStation versus Xbox rivalry remains active, but it’s not just about choosing sides anymore. Graphics, exclusives, portability—each console offers something different to the table. And if you’re serious about upgrading your gaming setup, knowing which one is truly worth your time (and money) makes all the difference.

That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 5 best gaming consoles worth buying right now. From cinematic single-player epics to casual co-op nights and gaming on the go, one of these machines is ready to be your next upgrade.

• Best Console Overall: PlayStation 5
• Best Console For Family: Nintendo Switch OLED
• Best Console For Portability: ROG Ally X

• Release Date: November 10, 2020
• Founded: Microsoft
• CPU: 8-core AMD Zen 2 @ 3.8 GHz
• GPU: AMD RDNA 2, 12 TFLOPS, 52 CUs @ 1.825 GHz
• RAM: 16GB GDDR6
• Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-ray
• A/V Hookups: HDMI 2.1, USB 3.1 ports
• Video Output: Up to 8K, 4K @ 120Hz
• Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD (expandable with Seagate Storage Expansion Card)
• Price: USD $600

The Xbox Series X is Microsoft’s powerhouse and easily one of the smoothest gaming experiences you can buy right now. This thing was built to impress — with 12 teraflops of GPU power, near-instant SSD load times, and support for silky 120fps gameplay. Fire up something like Forza Horizon 5 or Halo Infinite and you’ll see exactly why people call it the “beast” of this generation. It’s not just about flashy specs — it actually feels different in your hands. Load screens that used to take minutes now disappear in seconds, and switching between multiple games with Quick Resume makes gaming feel seamless.

But the real MVP here is Xbox Game Pass. With a price similar to a Netflix subscription, you get access to a vast library of AAA games, new releases on launch day, and indie titles you might have missed. It’s a feature that seems optional at first but becomes indispensable once you experience it, making you wonder how you ever played without it.

Design-wise, the Series X resembles a sleek piece of home technology more than a toy — that minimalist tower fits perfectly next to a modern TV setup. Some gamers still argue PlayStation has the edge in exclusives and fair play, but in the real world? If you value performance and the best deal in gaming, the Xbox Series X is hard to beat.

• Release Date: November 12, 2020 (Slim refresh 2023)
• Founded: Sony Interactive Entertainment
• CPU: 8-core AMD Zen 2 @ 3.5 GHz
• GPU: AMD RDNA 2, 10.28 TFLOPS, 36 CUs @ 2.23 GHz
• RAM: 16GB GDDR6
• Optical Drive: 4K UHD Blu-ray (optional on Digital Edition)
• A/V Hookups: HDMI 2.1, USB-C, USB-A
• Video Output: Up to 8K, 4K @ 120Hz
• Storage: 825GB NVMe SSD (expandable with compatible M.2 drives)
• Price: $499 USD (Standard), $449 USD (Digital Edition)

The PlayStation 5 is more than just a console — it’s a cultural icon. From the moment it launched, it became the device everyone wanted to get their hands on, and in 2025, it’s still leading the way. Sony’s lineup of exclusives is unmatched: Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarök, The Last of Us Part I, and more that push the PS5’s hardware to its limits. When you start a game, the lightning-fast SSD nearly eliminates load screens, allowing the action to flow seamlessly from cutscene to gameplay.

But here’s where the PS5 really shows off: the DualSense controller. It’s not just a gimmick — adaptive triggers and haptic feedback let you feel every draw of a bowstring, every rev of an engine, and every clash of steel. It adds an immersion level that no other console currently matches.

Sony also refreshed the PS5 with the Slim model, reducing the bulky original design into something sleeker form that easily fits inside most entertainment units. Some players complain about its storage space being a little tight compared to Xbox, but thanks to expandable SSD options available, that’s less of a deal-breaker these days.

At the end of the day, if exclusives are your thing and you want the console that defines this generation of gaming, the PS5 remains the top choice. It’s powerful, polished, and offers experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else.

• Release Date: October 8, 2021
• Founded: Nintendo
• CPU: NVIDIA Custom Tegra X1
• GPU: Integrated NVIDIA Maxwell-based
• RAM: 4GB LPDDR4
• Optical Drive: None (cartridge + digital only)
• A/V Hookups: HDMI (via dock), USB-C, USB ports on dock
• Video Output: Up to 1080p docked, 720p handheld
• Storage: 64GB internal (expandable via microSD)
• Price: Around $399 USD

Now, Nintendo Switch OLED proves that you don’t always need raw power to succeed in gaming. What it lacks in teraflops, it compensates with versatility and fun. Dock it to your TV for a classic living-room setup, or slide it out and take it anywhere — planes, cafes, or just the couch. The upgraded 7-inch OLED screen truly makes a difference: colours stand out, blacks are deeper, and handheld gaming finally feels premium.

And then there are the games. Nintendo’s exclusives are essentially cheat codes in the console wars — The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons — titles that aren’t just best-sellers but cultural moments. Add in the ever-growing library of indies and retro classics through Nintendo Switch Online, and you have a console that combines nostalgia and innovation in one swift swipe of a Joy-Con.

In the real world, the Switch OLED has become the favourite for casual players and serious gamers alike. Families enjoy it for its social appeal, while solo players value being able to grind through Zelda on the train. It’s not the most powerful console on this list, but it doesn’t have to be — it’s the one that brings people together.

• Release Date: November 16, 2023 (OLED refresh)
• Founded: Valve
• CPU: Custom AMD APU (Zen 2, 4 cores / 8 threads, 2.4–3.5 GHz)
• GPU: 8 RDNA 2 CUs, up to 1.6 GHz
• RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
• Optical Drive: None (digital only)
• A/V Hookups: USB-C with DisplayPort 1.4 Alt-mode, Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm audio jack
• Video Output: Up to 8K @ 60Hz or 4K @ 120Hz (via external display)
• Storage: 512GB / 1TB NVMe SSD (microSD expandable)
• Price: Starting at $549 USD

Valve’s Steam Deck OLED takes what was already one of the most talked-about handhelds in years and makes it even better. The OLED upgrade improves the experience — colours are richer, blacks are deeper, and every indie platformer or AAA RPG feels more vivid in your hands. Additionally, with the larger battery and lighter design, it’s not just more attractive, but also more practical for everyday gaming.

But here’s the thing: this isn’t a traditional console. It functions as a portable gaming PC, allowing access to your entire Steam library and supporting launchers like Epic Games and Xbox Game Pass, though some setup may be required. This means your collection of games isn’t confined to a console stuck under your TV — it’s portable and travels with you.

This is why gamers love it in the real world: it feels like freedom. One minute, you’re exploring Baldur’s Gate 3 in handheld mode; the next, you’re docking it to a monitor and playing with a controller like a full PC rig. It’s not without quirks (yes, some games need tweaks to run smoothly), but as a mix of portability and power, the Steam Deck OLED is a game-changer — literally.

• Release Date: July 2024
• Founded: ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG)
• CPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (8 cores / 16 threads, up to 5.1 GHz)
• GPU: RDNA 3 graphics, up to 8.6 TFLOPS
• RAM: 24GB LPDDR5X
• Optical Drive: None (digital only)
• A/V Hookups: USB-C, ROG XG Mobile Interface, headphone jack, Bluetooth 5.3
• Video Output: Up to 4K @ 120Hz (via external display)
• Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD (expandable via microSD)
• Price: Around $799 USD

The ROG Ally X isn’t just an upgrade; it’s ASUS refining the handheld formula. Larger battery, more RAM, and a sleeker design show this isn’t a minor refresh. The 7-inch 120Hz screen looks incredible in use, delivering the smooth motion that you’d expect from a high-end PC monitor, even during fast-paced shooters and racing games.

Unlike the Steam Deck, this device runs Windows 11 straight out of the box. That means no workarounds — just install Xbox Game Pass, Steam, or Epic, and you’re ready to go. And for gamers who like to push their limits, the Ally X’s compatibility with ASUS’s external GPU dock transforms it into a desktop-class beast with just a single cable. It’s the kind of feature that makes you rethink what “portable” gaming really means.

Gamers who have tried the Ally X often mention two main points: comfort and flexibility. The redesigned grips feel more comfortable during long sessions, and the expanded RAM ensures demanding titles run much more smoothly. It’s pricier than its competitors, of course, but if you dislike compromises, the Ally X seems like the all-rounder that can keep up with you — no matter where you’re gaming.

At Many Men Magazine, we live and breathe gaming. Our team tests, researches, and compares consoles focusing on what really matters once you start playing — performance, exclusives, portability, design, and value for money. We also listen to the voices of real players across forums, communities, and long-term reviews to see how these machines hold up beyond launch day hype. Not every shiny new device makes it here — if it can’t deliver, it doesn’t make the cut. What you’re reading is a straightforward guide aimed at helping you find consoles that are genuinely worth your time and cash. We’ve done the homework, so all that’s left for you is to grab a controller and start gaming.

Choosing a gaming console isn’t just about picking the latest model; it’s about finding one that fits your lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans. Think of it as an investment in how you will enjoy your free time. A good console can last for years, provide reliable entertainment, and even serve as a multimedia centre for streaming, socializing, and more. To make the best choice, there are a few general guidelines worth thinking about.

• Exclusive Games: A console’s true identity often depends on its library of exclusive titles. PlayStation focuses heavily on narrative-driven blockbusters like Spider-Man, The Last of Us, and God of War, while Xbox offers large franchises such as Halo and Forza, along with the broad selection of Game Pass. Nintendo stands apart with beloved series like Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon. These exclusives are significant — if a particular franchise shapes your gaming preferences, it may be the key factor in your choice.
• Performance & Hardware: Specs matter, and not just for bragging rights. CPU speed, GPU power, RAM, and storage determine how well a console can handle demanding titles, now and in the future. High-performance consoles support higher resolutions, faster frame rates, ray tracing, and quicker load times — all of which enhance immersion and gameplay flow. Hardware longevity is also important: investing in a more powerful system now can result in fewer frustrations and less pressure to upgrade later as games become more demanding.
• Portability vs. Home Setup: Think carefully about where and how you want to play. Do you want a dedicated home system for immersive sessions on the big screen, or require something more flexible and portable that can travel with you? Hybrid and handheld consoles provide versatility but might sacrifice some raw power.
• Ecosystem & Online Services: A console is more than just its parts; its ecosystem shapes the entire experience. Online multiplayer access, digital storefronts, cloud gaming options, and subscription services like PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass, or Nintendo Switch Online offer valuable long-term benefits. These services not only give access to extensive game libraries but also keep you connected with perks such as cloud saves, early releases, and cross-platform features. It’s important to consider how much ongoing value the ecosystem provides versus the initial cost of the console.
• Budget & Longevity: Price is always a factor, but don’t focus solely on the upfront cost. Consider additional expenses like controllers, subscription services, and storage upgrades. Also, think about longevity: investing a bit more in a console that remains relevant longer can be more cost-effective in the end.

Ultimately, buying a console depends on balancing your priorities. Some players will value exclusives above all else, while others seek the highest performance or the flexibility of portable play. By focusing on the fundamentals — games, power, ecosystem, and value — you can choose a system that not only meets your needs today but continues to deliver over the years.

Still have questions? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.