Whether your kids are begging for a Switch 2 or a PlayStation, the right console depends on their age, the games your family wants to play together and how much you want to spend. Prices rose in 2026, so here’s what each one costs now and who it suits.
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Our picks at a glance
| Product | Best for | Price | Best for | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Best for families | $499.99 | All-ages and local multiplayer | 256 GB (expandable) |
| PlayStation 5 Digital Edition | Best value PlayStation | $599.99 | Older kids and teens | 825 GB SSD |
| PlayStation 5 (Disc Edition) | Best for big-name games | $649.99 | Teens and adults | 825 GB SSD |
| PlayStation 5 Pro | Best performance | $899.99 | Serious gamers | 2 TB SSD |
| Xbox Series X | Best Xbox for 4K | Awaiting new deal price | Teens and Game Pass fans | 1 TB SSD |
| Xbox Series S | Best budget console | Awaiting new deal price | Budget-minded families | 512 GB SSD |
| Nintendo Switch Lite | Best handheld for younger kids | Awaiting new deal price | Kids who play on the go | 32 GB (expandable) |
| Steam Deck OLED | Best for PC gamers | Awaiting new deal price | Teens with a Steam library | 512 GB or 1 TB |
1. Nintendo Switch 2 — Best for families
The easiest pick for most families: kid-friendly games, couch co-op and the ability to take it on the road.
Specs: Best for: All-ages and local multiplayer · Storage: 256 GB (expandable) · Play: TV + handheld · List price: $499.99
Pros:
- Big library of family games
- Plays on the TV or on the go
Cons:
- Battery life in handheld mode is modest
2. PlayStation 5 Digital Edition — Best value PlayStation
All the PS5’s power for less, if your family buys games digitally.
Specs: Best for: Older kids and teens · Storage: 825 GB SSD · Play: TV, up to 4K · List price: $599.99
Pros:
- Fast, smooth 4K gaming
- Excellent DualSense controller
Cons:
- No disc drive
3. PlayStation 5 (Disc Edition) — Best for big-name games
The full PS5, including a disc drive for used or borrowed games.
Specs: Best for: Teens and adults · Storage: 825 GB SSD · Play: TV, up to 4K · List price: $649.99
Pros:
- Plays disc games and 4K Blu-rays
- Huge game library
Cons:
- Storage fills up quickly
4. PlayStation 5 Pro — Best performance
For dedicated players who want the best-looking console games.
Specs: Best for: Serious gamers · Storage: 2 TB SSD · Play: TV, enhanced 4K · List price: $899.99
Pros:
- Sharper, smoother graphics
- Large storage
Cons:
- Very expensive
5. Xbox Series X — Best Xbox for 4K
Microsoft’s most powerful console, a great match for families who use Xbox Game Pass.
Specs: Best for: Teens and Game Pass fans · Storage: 1 TB SSD · Play: TV, 4K · Price: Awaiting new deal price
Pros:
- Quick Resume jumps between games
- Very powerful
Cons:
- 1 TB fills up fast
6. Xbox Series S — Best budget console
A small, digital-only Xbox that pairs well with Game Pass for a huge library at a low monthly cost.
Specs: Best for: Budget-minded families · Storage: 512 GB SSD · Play: TV, up to 1440p · Price: Awaiting new deal price
Pros:
- Affordable next-gen console
- Compact, with Game Pass value
Cons:
- Limited storage, not true 4K
7. Nintendo Switch Lite — Best handheld for younger kids
A lighter, handheld-only Switch that’s easy for small hands and road trips.
Specs: Best for: Kids who play on the go · Storage: 32 GB (expandable) · Play: Handheld only · Price: Awaiting new deal price
Pros:
- Comfortable to hold
- Fun colors and a proper D-pad
Cons:
- Can’t connect to a TV; some games need detachable controllers
8. Steam Deck OLED — Best for PC gamers
A handheld gaming PC that plays much of your Steam library anywhere.
Specs: Best for: Teens with a Steam library · Storage: 512 GB or 1 TB · Play: Handheld PC · Price: Awaiting new deal price
Pros:
- Excellent HDR OLED screen
- Better battery than the LCD model
Cons:
- Bulky; struggles with the newest AAA games
How to choose game consoles
Age and games
Nintendo has the deepest library of all-ages games and local multiplayer. PlayStation and Xbox lean toward teens and adults, though both have plenty of family titles.
Handheld or TV
The Switch 2 works on the TV and as a handheld, which is handy for car trips and shared living rooms.
Parental controls
All three major consoles offer free parental controls for play time, spending and age ratings. Set them up before the first game.
Ongoing costs
Online play usually needs a subscription. Factor in games, extra controllers and storage.
FAQ
What age is the Switch 2 good for?
Its library spans preschool to adult. Check each game’s ESRB rating; many Nintendo games are rated E for Everyone.
Digital or disc PS5?
The digital edition is cheaper up front, but disc games can be resold or borrowed.
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