Choosing Your Gaming Console in 2025
Choosing the perfect gaming console in 2025 is quite a challenge. Everybody has their favorites. Maybe you have heard about mind-blowing PlayStation exclusives, or perhaps Nintendo's secret sauce is what has caught your eye, or maybe the bang for your buck that Xbox Game Pass provides is enticing.
Let us cut to the chase and look at the pros and cons of the heavy hitters that are sitting out on the shelves today. Right now, you are likely considering one of the following five options: the standard PlayStation 5, the powerful PlayStation 5 Pro, the behemoth Xbox Series X, the bargain Xbox Series S, or the super portable Nintendo Switch (and its OLED variant).
Breaking Down the Consoles
Sony PlayStation 5 (PS5)
First hitting the shelves back in 2020, the PS5 was not long being a must-own. It is available with an internal disc drive for purchased copies and Blu-rays, or as a console that only uses downloads if downloads are your bag.
A rundown of what comes in the box:
- Processor: An AMD Zen 2 CPU with 8 cores running at 3.5 GHz.
- Graphics: Taking advantage of custom AMD RDNA 2 architecture, providing circa 10.28 TFLOPS.
- Memory: 16 GB of fast GDDR6 RAM.
- Storage: With an internal 1TB SSD.
Sony PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro)
Breaking into the spotlight in 2024, the PS5 Pro is the most powerful video game console released thus far. It is the updated version of the standard PS5, featuring a greatly enhanced graphics chip and larger 2TB SSD from the get-go.
Key specifications:
- Processor: Still has an 8-core AMD Zen 2 processor clocked at 3.5 GHz.
- Graphics: More beefy AMD RDNA 2 setup, pushing performance to about 16.7 TFLOPS.
- Memory: 16 GB of GDDR6 RAM, plus another 2 GB of DDR5.
- Storage: A whopping 2TB SSD included.
Xbox Series X
Microsoft released their ninth generation consoles in 2020 as two distinct models. The Series X and the Series S share the same RDNA 2 graphics architecture, but the Series X is the more powerful of the two, featuring some 12.15 TFLOPS of graphical capability compared to the Series S's 4 TFLOPS. The Series X also includes a disc drive, in contrast to its smaller sibling.
Here is a glimpse at its basics:
- Processor: 3.8 GHz AMD Zen 2 processor.
- Graphics: AMD RDNA 2, which delivers about 12.15 TFLOPS.
- Memory: 16GB GDDR6 RAM.
- Storage: It has a 1TB SSD.
Xbox Series S
The Xbox Series S is Microsoft's budget entry to this generation. While it plays the same games as the Series X, it typically targets lower resolutions. So if you do not care about top-of-the-line 4K graphics, it is a great option. It is a digital console only, so no disc drive is provided.
Specs at a glance:
- Processor: AMD Zen 2 processor, 3.6 GHz.
- Graphics: AMD RDNA 2, providing about 4 TFLOPS.
- Memory: 10 GB GDDR6 RAM.
- Storage: Comes with a 512GB SSD.
Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED
The original Nintendo Switch, which was first released back in 2017, is the one-of-a-kind hybrid console. It can be used at home as a TV console or taken on the road as a handheld device. The new version with an OLED screen, which was later released, also has a much better screen and more internal storage.
What is in this road-trip capable powerhouse:
- Processor: Powered by an NVIDIA Tegra X1+ chip.
- Graphics: Equipped with NVIDIA Maxwell-based graphics, with performance clocked at around 0.5 TFLOPS.
- Memory: 4 GB LPDDR4 RAM.
- Storage: The base has 32GB of eMMC storage, while the OLED version boosts it to 64GB. Both have a microSD card slot for easy expansion.
Performance and Storage: What to Expect
When we talk about pure raw horsepower, the PS5 Pro is currently at the top, followed by the Xbox Series X, and then comes the standard PS5. The three consoles mentioned here are all designed for 4K gaming, and they also offer support for the latest display features like HDR10+ and HDMI 2.1. Keep in mind that pushing the absolute maximum graphics settings to maximum frame rates can still be demanding, and therefore most games include several visual modes – like a 'quality' mode that prioritizes resolution and effects, or a 'performance' mode for smooth frame rates with maybe less detailed graphics.
Nintendo Switch plays in a different league when raw power is concerned. But what it is powerful with is having incredibly innovative and fun games with many original gameplay mechanics and cute-looking art styles that do not rely on high-end graphics.
Here is a brief summary of the available storage you get out of the box (after system files):
- PS5: Around 850GB available from the 1TB SSD.
- PS5 Pro: Around 1.9TB usable from the 2TB SSD.
- Xbox Series X: Around 800GB usable from the 1TB SSD.
- Xbox Series S: Around 360GB usable from the 512GB SSD.
- Nintendo Switch: Around 26GB usable from 32GB.
- Nintendo Switch OLED: Around 58GB usable from 64GB.
Worried about running out of space There is no need to worry. It is easy to add storage on the PS5 and Xbox Series consoles through suitable M.2 NVMe SSDs. For the Switch, a humble microSD card is enough.
Games and Subscriptions: The Real Decider
Ultimately, a console is only as good as the games you can play on it. Companies know this and thus have a tendency to sweeten the deal by offering subscription services that grant access to large game libraries.
Sony PlayStation 5 / PS5 Pro Games & PlayStation Plus
PlayStation is known for its blockbuster-grade exclusives, which are essentially interactive movies in most instances. But come on, there are plenty of awesome platformers and other game types as well.
Some of the standout exclusive highlights include:
- The Last of Us Part II: A gripping survival story set in a post-apocalyptic world.
- Marvel's Spider-Man 2: web-slinging across Manhattan as a super-buff has never looked so beautiful.
- God of War Ragnarok: An epic fantasy adventure set in the life of Kratos.
- Horizon Forbidden West: A stunningly rendered open world where you hunt down robotic beasts.
- Astro Bot: A delightful and inventive platforming treasure.
PlayStation Plus membership enhances your experience with different levels:
- Essential: Enables you to play online, gives you 2-3 free games a month, and offers discounts on the PlayStation Store.
- Extra: Includes all from Essential and the option to play access to a massive library of hundreds of PS4 and PS5 games.
- Premium: The most expensive tier, including classic games of PS1 and PS2 eras, besides trial copies of new games.
Xbox Series X/S Games & Xbox Game Pass
While maybe not boasting as many platform-exclusive titles as PlayStation, Xbox boasts some high-profile franchises and amazing value through subscription.
Some key exclusives and notable games include:
- Halo series: High-budget first-person shooters.
- Gears of War: Fast action third-personer with co-op appeal.
- Starfield: Gigantic space role-playing game from the team that created The Elder Scrolls.
- Microsoft Flight Simulator: Ridiculously realistic simulation experience.
Xbox Game Pass is often called one of gaming's best bargains:
- Standard Game Pass: Get access to a catalog of over 400 games. The best part All new Microsoft exclusive titles release into Game Pass on day one.
- Game Pass Ultimate: Adds all the features in the standard plan, including EA Play game access and the ability to stream some games via cloud gaming.
Nintendo Switch Games & Nintendo Switch Online
The Switch is possibly the current reigning king of family entertainment, parties, and solely gaming experiences. Most of its most successful games are platform exclusives.
Flagship exclusive franchises and games:
- The Legend of Zelda franchise: Critically beloved, genre-transcending adventures worldwide.
- Mario Kart: Nuts, zany arcade racing perfect for playing with friends (or foes).
- Animal Crossing: Cozy, relaxing life simulation.
- Pokémon franchise: The original monster-catching RPG.
Nintendo Switch Online membership includes features and retro games:
- Base Plan: Lets you play online, plus grants you access to a growing library of classic 8-bit NES and 16-bit SNES games.
- Expansion Pack: Includes extra retro games, including titles from the Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Advance.
So, Which One is Best For You
Here is a quick rundown to push you in either direction:
- On a Budget Or Love Value The Xbox Series S with Game Pass is super tough to top. The console is much cheaper than the PS5, PS5 Pro, and Series X, and Game Pass gives you access to a massive library for a few bucks a month. If you truly desire high-res gaming on the cheap, the entry-level Xbox Series X offers immense performance value.
- Gaming with Family or Friends Or Playing Anywhere The Nintendo Switch wins hands down for group gaming and convenience. Its clever design lets you take it on holiday and play in handheld mode, then dock it for multiplayer watch on a TV.
- Seeking the Utmost Graphics & Power If the technologically most advanced console is your top concern, the PlayStation 5 Pro is the clear winner with its enhanced graphical capabilities.
- Must-Play Exclusives If you are specifically considering Sony's critically received, cinematic first-party exclusives, the PlayStation 5 (or Pro) is where you will find them.
In the end, the "best" console is not necessarily one that fits all. Really, it depends on the type of games you enjoy, how you like to play, with whom you like to play, and what your budget is. Happy gaming.
