Best Gaming Consoles in 2026

There are essentially three consoles ecosystems worth considering in 2026. Each has distinct strengths, a different game library and a different price point. Here is an honest breakdown of all three.

1. PlayStation 5 (PS5) — Best Overall Consolses in 2026

The PlayStation 5 remains our top overall recommendation in 2026. Sony’s flagship console offers the most impressive exclusive game library of any platform — titles like God of War Ragnarok, Spider-Man 2, Horizon Forbidden West, Gran Turismo 7 and Final Fantasy XVI are system sellers that genuinely cannot be played anywhere else. The PS5’s custom SSD is still among the fastest in any consumer device, making load times almost nonexistent even in open world games.

The PS5 Slim, released in late 2023 and now the standard retail model, is smaller, lighter and marginally quieter than the original design while maintaining identical performance. The disc version retains a physical drive — important if you buy physical games or use Blu-ray — while the Digital Edition saves £80–100 upfront but locks you into PlayStation Store pricing.

Key specs:

  • CPU: AMD Zen 2, 8 cores at 3.5GHz
  • GPU: AMD RDNA 2, 10.28 teraflops
  • RAM: 16GB GDDR6
  • Storage: 825GB custom NVMe SSD (expandable)
  • Supports: 4K gaming up to 120fps, ray tracing, 8K output

Where to buy in the UK:

  • Currys — frequently bundles with games and controllers
  • Amazon UK — competitive pricing with Prime delivery
  • Very — buy now pay later options available
  • Argos — same-day collection from hundreds of UK stores

Where to buy in the USA:

  • Best Buy — largest dedicated electronics retailer in the USA
  • Walmart — competitive pricing and widespread availability
  • Amazon USA — Prime delivery and frequent deals
  • PlayStation Direct — official Sony store, guaranteed stock

Price (approx): £449 UK / $499 USA (Disc Edition) | £359 UK / $399 USA (Digital Edition)

Our verdict: The PS5 is the best all-round console available in 2026. If you can only buy one console and you want access to the best exclusive games, this is the one to get. The DualSense controller with its haptic feedback and adaptive triggers remains the most innovative controller in the industry and elevates compatible games in a way that has to be felt to be appreciated.

2. Xbox Series X Consoles – Best for Game Pass Value

The Xbox Series X is a genuinely excellent console that is often unfairly dismissed because of Microsoft’s weaker exclusive game lineup. The hardware itself is outstanding — it is technically marginally more powerful than the PS5 on paper, runs extremely quietly and the backwards compatibility system (which lets you play original Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox One games) is the most comprehensive in console history.

The real reason to buy an Xbox Series X in 2026 is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. At approximately £14.99/month in the UK and $19.99/month in the USA, Game Pass gives you access to hundreds of games including all Microsoft first-party titles on day one. For anyone who plays regularly, the value proposition is extraordinary — the subscription often pays for itself within a month compared to buying games individually.

Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard also means that Call of Duty, Diablo, Overwatch and the entire Blizzard library are now Game Pass titles — a significant addition that shifts the calculus for competitive and online gamers.

Key specs:

  • CPU: AMD Zen 2, 8 cores at 3.8GHz
  • GPU: AMD RDNA 2, 12 teraflops
  • RAM: 16GB GDDR6
  • Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD (expandable)
  • Supports: 4K at 60fps, 120fps at lower resolutions, ray tracing

Where to buy in the UK:

  • Currys — bundles with Game Pass subscriptions
  • Amazon UK — reliable stock and fast delivery
  • Smyths Toys — excellent for bundles with games
  • GAME — UK’s largest specialist gaming retailer

Where to buy in the USA:

  • Best Buy
  • Target — frequent console bundle promotions
  • Costco — excellent bundle value for members
  • Xbox.com — official Microsoft store

Price (approx): £449 UK / $499 USA

Our verdict: If you are a heavy gamer who plays many different titles, the Xbox Series X combined with Game Pass Ultimate is arguably the best value proposition in gaming in 2026. If you primarily play one or two exclusives, the PS5 pulls ahead. Both consoles are genuinely excellent — the choice ultimately comes down to which game library matters more to you.

3. Nintendo Switch 2 — Best Family & Portable Consoles

Nintendo launched the Switch 2 in 2025 to enormous demand, and it has quickly established itself as the must-have family and portable gaming console. Building on the original Switch’s hybrid concept — a device that works as both a home console connected to your TV and a handheld you take anywhere — the Switch 2 improves on virtually every aspect of its predecessor.

The screen is now an 8-inch LCD running at 1080p in handheld mode (a significant upgrade from the original’s 720p). Docked to a TV it outputs at 4K via DLSS upscaling. The new Joy-Con 2 controllers add a magnetic attachment mechanism, a mouse-like function for compatible games, and an optical sensor for better precision.

The Nintendo game library remains unmatched for family-friendly gaming. Mario Kart World (the Switch 2 launch title), a new Zelda, Donkey Kong Bananza and the full backwards compatible library of original Switch titles give immediate access to hundreds of games from day one.

Where to buy in the UK:

Where to buy in the USA:

Price (approx): £395 UK / $449 USA

Our verdict: The Nintendo Switch 2 is the best console for families, children and anyone who wants gaming on the go. It is also genuinely the best option for people who already own a PS5 or Xbox Series X and want a complementary device — the game libraries barely overlap, making it an excellent second console purchase. For more family-friendly product recommendations see our kids and family section.

Best Gaming Controllers in 2026

The right controller can transform your gaming experience — and the wrong one can genuinely hold you back. Here are the best options across all platforms and budgets.

1. Sony DualSense — Best PS5 Controller

The DualSense is not just the best PS5 controller — it is arguably the best controller ever made. Sony’s adaptive triggers create genuine physical resistance that varies by game (pulling back a bowstring feels different from pressing a car’s accelerator), and the haptic feedback is so precise it can simulate the sensation of rain, footsteps on different surfaces and the recoil of different weapons.

It charges via USB-C, has a built-in microphone and speaker, and the ergonomics are excellent for extended sessions. The only weakness is battery life at around 6–8 hours — shorter than the Xbox controller’s 40+ hour performance on AA batteries.

Available in the UK from: Currys, Amazon UK, GAME UK

Available in the USA from: Best Buy, Amazon USA, PlayStation Direct

Price: £59–£69 UK / $69–$74 USA

2. DualSense Edge — Best Premium PS5 Controller

Sony’s DualSense Edge is the professional-tier version of the DualSense — aimed at competitive players who want deeper customisation. Swappable back buttons, adjustable trigger travel, remappable controls, interchangeable stick caps and a dedicated profile system for switching between game configurations make this the most customisable first-party controller available.

The premium price (approximately £210 UK / $199 USA) is significant, but for serious PS5 players who spend hundreds of hours on a single game, the investment in comfort and precision is worthwhile. It also comes with a carry case — a thoughtful inclusion at this price point.

Price: £209 UK / $199 USA

3. Xbox Wireless Controller — Best All-Round Controller

Microsoft’s standard Xbox Wireless Controller is widely considered the most ergonomically comfortable controller for extended gaming sessions. The asymmetric thumbstick layout, textured grip surfaces and the satisfying clickiness of the face buttons make it the preferred choice of many professional players — and crucially, it works natively with Windows PCs as well as Xbox consoles.

Battery life is exceptional — up to 40 hours on two AA batteries. The USB-C port allows for wired play if preferred. The controller has also been updated with a dedicated Share button for screenshots and clips, and an improved d-pad.

Available in the UK from: Amazon UK, Currys, GAME UK

Available in the USA from: Best Buy, Amazon USA, Xbox.com

Price: £54 UK / $59 USA

4. Xbox Elite Series 2 — Best Premium Controller for Competitive Gaming

The Xbox Elite Series 2 is the gold standard for competitive gaming controllers. Four mappable paddles on the back, adjustable-tension thumbsticks, hair-trigger locks, interchangeable d-pads and a built-in rechargeable battery with up to 40 hours between charges make this the most feature-rich controller at its price point.

It is compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox One and Windows PC — making it an excellent investment if you game across multiple platforms. The rubberised grip and overall build quality feel genuinely premium compared to any standard controller.

Price: £159 UK / $179 USA

Available from: Amazon UK, Currys, Best Buy USA

5. Nintendo Joy-Con 2 — Best for Switch 2

The new Joy-Con 2 controllers that ship with the Nintendo Switch 2 are a significant improvement over the original Joy-Con. The magnetic attachment is more secure and satisfying, the buttons are slightly larger and the new mouse function — where you can use the controller like a PC mouse on a flat surface — adds a genuinely new control option for compatible games.

The original Joy-Con drift issue that plagued many Switch users has also been addressed in the new design with an improved optical thumbstick mechanism. Additional Joy-Con 2 sets are available for multiplayer gaming.

Price: £79 UK (pair) / $79 USA (pair)

6. Razer Wolverine V3 Pro — Best Third-Party Controller

Razer’s Wolverine V3 Pro is the best third-party controller available for PlayStation 5 and PC in 2026. Six remappable multi-function buttons, adjustable trigger stops, a hair-trigger mode, swappable thumbsticks and a 2.4GHz wireless connection with sub-1ms latency make it genuinely competitive with Sony’s own Edge controller at a similar price point.

The Razer Nexus app allows deep customisation of button mapping, trigger sensitivity and even lighting effects. For PC gamers in particular, the Razer ecosystem integration is excellent.

Price: £189 UK / $199 USA

Available from: Razer.com, Amazon UK, Amazon USA

7. 8BitDo Ultimate 2 — Best Budget Controller

If you want excellent build quality and solid features without the premium price tag, the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 is outstanding value. At approximately £45 UK / $49 USA, it offers customisable back buttons, adjustable trigger sensitivity, 2.4GHz wireless and around 22 hours of battery life.

It works across Nintendo Switch, PC and Android — making it one of the most versatile budget controllers available. Build quality punches well above its price point and the community around 8BitDo’s products is strong, meaning firmware updates and support are consistently maintained.

Price: £45 UK / $49 USA

Console Comparison: Which Should You Buy?

Still unsure which console is right for your situation? Use this quick guide.

Buy the PS5 if: You love single-player story-driven games, want the best exclusive titles, or are invested in the PlayStation ecosystem from previous generations.

Buy the Xbox Series X if: You play lots of different games and Game Pass appeals to you, you are a PC gamer who wants seamless cross-play, or you are a fan of multiplayer titles like Halo, Forza or Call of Duty.

Buy the Nintendo Switch 2 if: You have children or want family-friendly gaming, you want a portable console, or you already own a PS5 or Xbox and want a second device with a completely different library.

Buy more than one if: You are a serious gamer — PS5 and Switch 2 together is the combination most gaming journalists would recommend as covering the widest range of the best gaming experiences available.

Where to Find the Best Console Deals

Console prices rarely change dramatically but bundles — which include games, extra controllers or accessories — can represent genuinely excellent value. These are the best places to track deals in both markets.

UK deal sites to bookmark:

  • HotUKDeals — community-driven deal alerts, excellent for catching flash sales
  • PriceSpy UK — price history tracker across UK retailers
  • GAME UK Deals — dedicated deals section updated daily
  • Amazon UK Deals — Lightning Deals on gaming accessories are frequent

USA deal sites to bookmark:

Our Top Picks at a Glance

  • Best overall console: PlayStation 5 — unmatched exclusive game library
  • Best value console: Xbox Series X with Game Pass Ultimate — extraordinary value for heavy gamers
  • Best family console: Nintendo Switch 2 — perfect for all ages
  • Best controller: DualSense (PS5) — most innovative controller in gaming
  • Best premium controller: Xbox Elite Series 2 — ultimate customisation for competitive players
  • Best budget controller: 8BitDo Ultimate 2 — incredible value under £50

Final Thoughts

The gaming console market in 2026 has matured to a point where there is genuinely no bad choice among the three major platforms. Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo all make excellent hardware and all three are committed to long software pipelines that will keep their respective consoles relevant for years to come.

Our recommendation for most people is to start with whichever platform has the exclusive games that excite you most, invest in a quality controller from day one, and then consider a second console once you have exhausted the first platform’s library. The PS5 and Switch 2 combination covers the widest range of gaming experiences available — but all combinations are valid depending on your taste.

For more gaming recommendations including the best gaming PCs, monitors, headsets and chairs, visit our full gaming section. For tech accessories to complete your gaming setup see our tech products guide. And if you are buying for a child or as a gift, our kids and gifts section covers bundles and age-appropriate recommendations in detail.

Got a specific question about a console or controller not covered here? Contact us and we will get back to you directly — we update our guides regularly based on reader questions.

Prices mentioned in this article are approximate at time of writing and subject to change. Always check the retailer’s website for current pricing and availability. Some links may be affiliate links — see our full disclaimer for details.

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Written by ProductsOfAllSorts
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