Best gaming consoles in Australia

A plethora of gaming consoles will be available. Because Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo have all recently released next-generation gaming consoles, determining which one is best for you can be difficult. We’ve done the legwork and compiled our best gaming consoles guide, which includes something for everyone.

Best gaming console overall: Xbox Series X
Best gaming console for exclusives: PlayStation 5
Best handheld gaming console: Nintendo Switch OLED
Best digital-only gaming console: PlayStation 5 Digital Edition
Best value gaming console: Xbox Series S
Best cheap gaming console: Nintendo Switch Lite
Best previous generation gaming console: PlayStation 4 Pro
Best “mini” retro gaming console: Nintendo Classic Mini Super Nintendo Entertainment System

Xbox Series X

Best gaming console overall

Advantages

120Hz/HDMI 2.1 compatibility
Backward compatibility and HDR for older Xbox games
You can use your old Xbox controllers
Game Pass
Incredible mobile app
Very quiet

Disadvantage

Large
Proprietary expandable storage only
The UI is still messy and confusing

Why did we pick it?

There will always be strong feelings about whether the Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 is superior. Both are extremely powerful consoles with beefy specs, refresh rates of up to 120Hz and stunning graphics. You’re getting a fantastic machine either way.

However, unless you are solely interested in the exclusives offered by the PS5 (more on that later), there are numerous reasons to consider the Xbox Series X instead. And, while there are more 120Hz options on Xbox right now, it mostly boils down to the quality of life enhancements.

The lightning-fast loading times are a game-changer. This is especially useful when using the Quick Resume feature, which allows you to resume where you left off after exiting the game.

Backward compatibility is also a big plus if you’re a long-time gamer who wants to revisit old favorites or someone who wants to try out new ones for the first time. This is possible with Xbox Series X for Xbox One, Xbox 360, and even classic Xbox games. In comparison, PlayStation 5 only supports PS4 titles.

The Xbox app is also excellent, allowing users to quickly and easily set up their console using a code, similar to some streaming services. You can also use voice chat and save and share in-game screenshots.

The Xbox Series S also beats the PlayStation 4 in terms of Crossplay, which allows you to play compatible games across your console and PC, as well as play with friends regardless of which console they’re using.

Crossplay has recently allowed me to re-visit Destiny 2 with a group of friends, all of whom are playing on PC. I love how I can do it from the comfort of my couch.

However, there are some disadvantages. There is no rechargeable battery option and you can only expand your storage with proprietary Microsoft products. I frequently have to plug and play or use a lot of batteries.

I’m also not a fan of the interface, which hasn’t changed since the previous generation. It remains extremely congested and at times difficult to navigate. I truly hope that this will change in the future.

I may be harsh on the user interface, but one thing I will gladly praise is the setup process. This is due solely to the Xbox App. You can use it to set up your new console from your phone for the first time. It makes a huge difference.

Overall, the Xbox Series X feels like a friendlier, more consumer-focused console with a huge suite of options for all kinds of gamers – those looking for the latest title, those looking to play with their PC buddies, and those content with more casual or older games.

We also have a review of the Xbox Series X if you want to learn more.

PlayStation 5

The best gaming console for exclusives

Advantages

120Hz/HDMI 2.1 compatibility
Third-party expandable storage options
Great exclusives

Disadvantage

Oppressively large
Exclusive games are very expensive
No backward compatibility for PS3 games and older

Why did we choose it?

As I previously stated, there will be many people who prefer PlayStations in general to the Xbox ecosystem. That is something I completely understand and support. The PlayStation 5’s exclusives are one of its most compelling selling points. This is an area where Xbox seriously falls short.

PlayStation is the only place where you can play some of the year’s hottest games. This includes Returnal and Miles Morales from Marvel’s Spider-Man. Other notable exclusives include The Last Of Us Part II, Final Fantasy VII Remake, the Uncharted series, and Death Stranding. There are many, many more.

Horizon Forbidden West, Final Fantasy XVI, and God of War: Ragnarok are among the other upcoming exclusives. While some PlayStation exclusives do eventually make their way to other platforms, it takes a long time. And it’s done on purpose.

So, if you’re a fan of PlayStation exclusives and looking for a truly powerful next-generation console, the PlayStation 5 is the way to go. If you can get your hands on one during the year-long scarcity.

Nintendo Switch OLED

Best handheld gaming console

Advantages

The big OLED screen is gorgeous
The larger kickstand is great
Internal speakers are excellent

Disadvantage

No battery upgrade
Joy-Cons remain the same
No docked performance changes

Why did we choose it?

With the release of the Nintendo Switch in 2017, Nintendo revolutionized the modern gaming market. The smooth transition from console to handheld gaming was a game-changer, resulting in three additional Switch consoles in four years – the Nintendo Switch Lite, a revamped regular Nintendo Switch, and the new Switch OLED.

Because it appeared to be an incremental upgrade on paper, I was determined to rag on the Switch OLED. You probably don’t need it if you already have a Switch. However, if you’re a first-time buyer or your older model is broken, the upgrade is worthwhile.

It’s a joy to play the Switch OLED in handheld mode. It’s lighter than the standard Switch, the chassis is more comfortable to hold, and the larger OLED screen is truly stunning. The colors are punchy and vibrant, the blacks are as deep as a heart, and the glare is minimized. Other Switch devices’ displays appear washed out in comparison.

However, it is expensive, and it serves no purpose if you are only going to play it on your TV. Except for the upgraded storage, the internal specifications are the same as the 2019 Switch. This means that there is no difference in performance while docked.

Given that the Switch OLED costs $539 (more than an Xbox Series S), you should only consider it if you’re a handheld fan who will benefit from the external upgrades.

Digital PlayStation 5 Edition

The most effective digital-only gaming console

Advantages

120Hz/HDMI 2.1 compatibility
Third-party expandable storage options
Great exclusives
Identical specs as the standard PS5

Disadvantage

Oppressively large
Exclusive games are very expensive
No backward compatibility for PS3 games and older

Why did we choose it?

In 2020, both Xbox and PlayStation released digital editions of their next-generation consoles. This provided customers with a less expensive option if they wanted to save money or were not interested in using physical media such as game discs or Blu-ray. However, the two companies approached their digital-only offerings differently.

The Series S was less powerful than the flagship Xbox Series X. It has half the storage (512GB vs 1TB), a lower-powered processor (4 teraflops vs 12), and a lower resolution (1440p vs true 4K).

It can, however, maintain a frame rate of up to 120fps and support 8K HDR.

In comparison, the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition has the same high-powered specifications as its disc-wielding counterpart but costs $150 less. As a result, it triumphs over digital-only consoles.

However, if you want the cheapest option and don’t mind less beefy specs, the Xbox Series S is still worth considering. It costs $499 instead of $749 for the Series X.

Xbox Series S

Best value gaming consol

Advantage

Cheaper
120Hz compatible
Game Pass and Crossplay
Smaller

Disadvantage

Doesn’t have the same internal specs as the Xbox Series X
Xbox UI still hasn’t been updated

Why did we choose it?

Following on from the previous point, the Xbox Series S is without a doubt the best value console of this generation.

While the specs aren’t the best, it’s still powerful enough to handle games and is $250 less expensive than the Xbox Series X. It’s a great choice if you don’t mind pushing your console to its absolute limits with features like 8K and HDMI 2/1 gaming.

But it’s Xbox Game Pass that makes this the best deal. This has been a game-changer for console gamers, especially those of us who have an ever-growing shame pile of titles we’ve been meaning to play. We don’t need to go over Game Pass in detail again (check Best Overall if you skipped it right here), but I’ll say it again: it’s fantastic.

The Xbox Series S also has the advantage of being much smaller than the Series X, which is large and reminiscent of a supervillain’s lair.

PlayStation 4 Pro

Best previous-gen gaming console

Advantage

4K gaming at a cheaper price
Backward compatibility

Disadvantage

Blu-ray player can’t run 4K
Won’t get the same performance as next-gen consoles

Why did we pick it?

If you’re on a tight budget or simply don’t require the raw power of the PlayStation 5, consider the PS4 Pro instead.

This enhanced version of the original PlayStation 4 is the closest you’ll get to native and upscaled 4K gaming without shelling out a new-gen premium. While the Xbox Series X is the clear winner on this list, PlayStation has Microsoft beat in terms of the previous generation.

To be fair, not all of the PS4 Pro’s more demanding games will be capable of native 4K on a consistent basis. However, I’m willing to bet that if you’re looking here rather than at the PS5, that isn’t your top priority.

It’s also worth noting that the internal Blu-ray player can’t play 4K content, but it can play standard DVDs and Blu-ray discs. Streaming services in 4K are also available.

However, if you want to improve the look of your games but aren’t ready to upgrade completely, this is still a viable option.

Nintendo Super Nintendo Mini

Advantage

There are so many classic games.
Simple save states for the more difficult titles
A quick and simple introduction to classic retro gaming
Countless hours of entertainment with titles that are both nostalgic and new to you.

Disadvantage

Only 2-player for Secret of Mana
Star Fox/Star Fox 2 visuals haven’t dated well

Why did we choose it?

We’ve seen a slew of “Mini” retro console releases in recent years. These are, in essence, miniature emulators. They are offspring of the original console, loaded with digitized versions of some of the most popular games.

Growing up as a SEGA fan, I had a soft spot for the Mega Drive/Genesis Mini. It has 42 games installed, including Golden Axe, Sonic the Hedgehog, Virtua Fighter 2, and Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle.

Despite my love for SEGAAAAAAAA, the Super Nintendo Mini has to take the mini console crown. It has fewer games, but they’re all killers with no filler. And, as our resident retro gaming expert explains, it includes some rare titles that are typically more difficult and expensive to obtain, as well as the unreleased Star Fox 2.

This level of consideration and added value for retro fans are difficult to match, so it receives our vote.

Quick gaming console facts

A new console should cost between $300 and $550, depending on whether you want an older model with a smaller hard drive or a 4K-ready beast.

Retailers frequently include free games as purchase incentives, so keep an eye out for a package that piques your interest.

We can argue about teraflops and RAM all day, but none of that matters if you’re not playing a game you enjoy.

Compare game consoles

Specs	Nintendo Switch	Xbox One X	PlayStation 4 Pro
CPU	4 ARM Cortex A57 cores (theoretical max 2GHz)	8 core CPU @ 2.3GHz	x86-64 AMD “Jaguar,” 8 cores
GPU	256 CUDA cores (theoretical max 1GHz)	6 teraflop GPU @ 1,172 MHz, 40 compute units	4.20 TFLOPS, AMD Radeon-based graphics engine
Memory	4GB	12GB GDDR5	GDDR5 8GB
Storage size	32GB expandable to 2TB with MicroSD	1TB	1TB
Dimensions	Switch: 6.2 inch, Dock: 104mm x 173mm x 54mm	300x60x240 mm	295×55×327 mm
AV output	HDMI (connects to Switch dock)	HDMI out port (supports 4K/HDR)	HDMI out port (supports 4K/HDR)
RRP	$469.95	$649.00	$559.95

Video game consoles vs. gaming PCs

Video game consoles are designed to make playing games on your TV as simple as possible. Unlike PC gaming, which requires some technical know-how and the occasional bit of tinkering, consoles are a plug-and-play option.

Simply connect one to power and the other to your television using the included HDMI cord, and you’re ready to go. If you want to play online, you will also need to connect to the Internet.

Because consoles lack the flexibility of PCs and have fixed hardware, they are also significantly less expensive.

New console models typically appear in 5- to 8-year cycles known as “generations.” Because console manufacturers aren’t as eager to upgrade as PC or smartphone manufacturers, you’ll get many years of entertainment out of yours if you choose wisely.

However, be warned: we are nearing the end of the eighth generation of consoles, which means that more powerful successors will be available by late 2021.

While this may deter you from investing right now, it does mean that prices are much lower than they were at the start of the generation. There’s also a massive backlog of great games to play on current systems, whereas launch software for generation consoles is notoriously disappointing (though visually impressive).

Xbox vs PlayStation vs Switch

Three main systems define the current generation of consoles:

The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One were both released in 2013, with the Nintendo Switch following four years later. Since then, all three have received mid-generation hardware refreshes and have divided their product lines into high-end and low-cost models.

The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One have similar functionality. They’re designed to sit in your living room and deliver high-fidelity gaming to your television, using modified PC architecture.

The Switch is distinctive. Though it can be played in HD via your TV, it can also be detached from its dock and played in handheld mode via the 6.2-inch screen attached to the console. For portability and convenience, raw power is constrained.

There are two significant differences between these three systems. The PlayStation 4 line was split in 2016 into the PS4 Slim (which replaced the base launch model) and the more powerful PS4 Pro, which improved overall performance and added the ability to output some games in 4K HDR.

The Xbox One was superseded by the Xbox One S and the monstrous Xbox One X, Microsoft’s more expensive premium option for UHD gaming. In 2019, Nintendo introduced the Switch Lite, a less expensive, lighter version of the Switch that focuses solely on portability and cannot be docked and played on a television.

How to Evaluate Video Game Consoles

We can confidently recommend all three consoles now that the generation has advanced and the early kinks have been ironed out. Each, however, has its own personality and will appeal to different people. Consider these factors when making your choice.

Exclusive video games

The games that can be played on a console should be your primary consideration when purchasing one. After all, we don’t play games on consoles. Each system has exclusives that cannot be played on another system. These are typically developed by internal first-party studios, but third-party teams may occasionally sign exclusivity deals.

Sony made significant investments in internal development at the beginning of this generation, and it shows.

The PlayStation 4 has arguably one of the best exclusive game lineups ever, especially if you like flashy, big-budget, story-driven single-player action experiences. God of War, Spider-Man, Bloodborne, Uncharted 4, Horizon Zero Dawn, The Last of Us 2, and Persona 5 are all modern masterpieces that can only be found on the PlayStation 4.

Similarly, Nintendo has a reputation for producing high-quality exclusives. Long-running series like The Legend of Zelda, Mario, Fire Emblem, Smash Bros., and Mario Kart is at the heart of Nintendo’s identity, and excellent entries from all of these franchises have arrived on the Switch.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is already being discussed in the hushed tones reserved for “best games ever” lists.

Microsoft, on the other hand, infamously positioned the Xbox One as an “all-in-one entertainment platform” at the start of this generation, ignoring significant investment in exclusive games in favor of oddly misguided endeavors such as now-defunct internal television studios.

We have no idea why.

Although it eventually corrected itself, the console is still lagging behind the competition in terms of exclusives. However, Forza Horizon 4 is the best arcade racer on the market, and no third-person shooter feels better in the hand than Gears of War 4 and 5.

Third-party games

Third-party developers working for publishers such as Ubisoft, Activision, Electronic Arts, Warner Bros., and Bandai Namco create the vast majority of console games.

With a few exceptions, the majority of these titles are available on both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, with little to distinguish them. These games will occasionally have console-specific content, such as exclusive maps and skins or early access to DLC, but this is minor and should not influence your decision.

The Nintendo Switch is an outlier in this category. Because it is less powerful than its competitors, it misses out on significant third-party releases, most notably Call of Duty, Destiny, and newer Assassin’s Creed games.

However, due to its overwhelming success, the Switch is outperforming other Nintendo consoles in this regard. Publishers, seeing money in the size of the install base, are remastering older games for Switch.

Dark Souls, The Witcher 3, Doom, Wolfenstein, Skyrim, and older Assassin’s Creed games are all available on the Switch. There’s plenty to keep you occupied, and the ability to play a game as epic and deep as The Witcher 3 on a long-haul flight is an experience not to be missed.

Power/Performance

The Xbox One X, the most powerful console on the market, is the clear winner here if you want your games to run at their highest resolution and frame rate with the most advanced lighting and visual touches.

Its AMD APU chip (basically the console’s brain) runs at 6 teraflops, compared to 4.2 teraflops for the PS4 Pro. (On the low end of the scale, the Xbox One S clocks in at 1.4 teraflops, while the PS4 Slim clocks in at 1.84.) The Xbox One X also has more RAM than the PS4 Pro, with 12GB of fast GDDR5 RAM versus 8GB on the PS4 Pro.

In practice, this means that the Xbox One X has little difficulty outputting at native 4K resolution with HDR. Load times on Xbox One X are also significantly faster when properly optimized.

The PlayStation 4 Pro can display games in 4K HDR, but it is not “true” native 4K. Instead, it employs a clever technique known as checkerboard rendering, which involves only displaying half of the pixels on the screen at a time and then alternating to the other half so quickly that you can’t tell the difference.

Nintendo, well aware that its strengths lie elsewhere, is content to sit out the computational power arms race.

Controller

Controllers, also known as “gamepads,” are used to play games on consoles. This will largely be a matter of personal preference based on what your hands find comfortable. In terms of ergonomics, the Xbox One pad wins by a hair’s breadth. Sony finally looked at a pair of hands before designing the PS4’s “DualShock 4” controller.

The “Joy-Con” controllers on the Switch are distinct. Because of the Switch’s portability, Joy-Cons can be used in a variety of ways to suit your needs. The most comfortable configuration is simply connecting two Joy-Cons to the included charging grip.

We recommend trying them all out in a store or at the home of a friend. Remember, you’ll be holding these things for hundreds of hours, so they shouldn’t cramp up your hands.

Online Gaming

Online gaming with friends can be a lot of fun. However, unlike PC gaming, it is not free; you must subscribe. A year’s subscription to either PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold costs $79.95. Both services, in addition to allowing you to play multiplayer online, offer a few free games every month, often quite good ones from the previous year or two.

Nintendo Switch Online is significantly less expensive, costing only $29.95. This price allows you to play online multiplayer in games like Mario Kart 8 and Splatoon, as well as access to a library of classic NES and SNES games. You can play classic games like Super Mario World or The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past while you wait for the bus.

User Experience/Convenience

Consoles are the most convenient way to play games, but the introduction of online connectivity and software updates has muddied the waters slightly. A planned play session on Xbox One, in particular, can be derailed by mandatory game updates, forcing you to play something else (on PlayStation 4, you can easily opt not to install a hefty patch and continue playing in offline mode).

However, in terms of convenience, the Nintendo Switch is unrivaled. It’s the only console that adapts to your lifestyle, with updates that are always small and quick, and the ability to play any game on your TV or in handheld mode while on the go (and not the other way around). If you travel frequently or have trouble reclaiming the lounge room TV from binge-watching housemates or family members, the Switch is a game-changer.

Backward Compatibility

Traditionally, as new consoles are released, old games are left behind. This is no longer a firm rule.

As previously stated, you can play classic games on the Switch through its online subscription system. However, the Xbox One blows this out of the water. Microsoft worked hard to ensure that games from the previous Xbox 360 and original Xbox generations worked on Xbox One.

Though not every game is backward compatible, the majority of the ones you’d expect have been. If you have a collection of old games and want to play Halo or Gears without having to dust off your Xbox 360, this is a viable option.

Backward compatibility is not available on the PlayStation 4. However, some classic games, often with remastered graphics, are available on the PlayStation Store. Unfortunately, even if you own the originals, you cannot download these games for free. (Typically, prices range between $10 and $20.)

Storage

We recommend getting a 1TB hard drive model for the PS4 and Xbox One. With the increasing size of 4K games, many of which are larger than 100GBs, older 500GB drives quickly fill up.

Although the Switch only has 32GB of internal storage, it can be expanded using a standard SD card. Though Nintendo games are typically 5–10GB in size, if you buy them digitally, that drive will quickly fill up. You must include the cost of an SD card in your calculations.

7 things to think about

If you’re looking for a console for your younger children, the Nintendo Switch is a good option. Nintendo has the most high-quality family-friendly software of any console on the market.

If you don’t already have a 4K HDR TV, you can save money by purchasing a PS4 Slim instead of a PS4 Pro, or an Xbox One S instead of an Xbox One X. Though the more powerful units will load faster and have larger HDDs as standard, they are primarily designed to power 4K gaming. It’s not worth your money if you can’t display it on your TV (and you don’t plan on upgrading anytime soon).

On the other hand, if you own a 4K TV, you should really go for the more powerful models. Recent games, such as Red Dead Redemption 2 and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, look absolutely stunning in 4K HDR.

The Xbox Game Pass service from Microsoft significantly alters the Xbox One’s value proposition. It’s essentially Microsoft’s attempt to create a video game Netflix. You can download and play over 100 games from a regularly updated list as long as your subscription is active. They’re also very good. At launch, the service includes all Xbox first-party titles, as well as a good selection of recent third-party games. It is entirely possible to play a plethora of great games with an Xbox One and a Game Pass subscription without ever purchasing a single one.

It is impossible to play every great game unless you own all three consoles. You will miss out on something. But that’s okay. Simply try to match your choice to your gaming preferences. Sony’s exclusives are typically single-player narrative-driven titles, whereas Xbox’s exclusives are more focused on online competitive games. Nintendo is more concerned with providing enjoyable, healthy experiences.

Given that the Switch was only released in 2017 (as opposed to 2013 for the PS4 and Xbox One), it is unlikely to be succeeded and rendered “obsolete” anytime soon.

Once upon a time, it was smart to buy the “other” console that your friends didn’t have so that you could all play more games together. With the rise of online gaming, you might want to take the opposite approach and purchase the same system so you can play Destiny or FIFA with your friends online.

Should you wait for the next generation of consoles?

Microsoft and Sony intend to launch entirely new consoles this year. While no specific date has been announced, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X is expected to be available in stores during “holidays 2020.” Due to the coronavirus, the launch may be delayed until early 2021, but two new consoles will be available very soon.

With that in mind, it might be worth holding off on purchasing a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One until we see what the new consoles have to offer. Meanwhile, the Switch is still in its early stages and will most likely remain Nintendo’s flagship console for at least another year or two.

Needless to say, the new consoles will be significantly more expensive at launch, with all games expected to cost more than $90. If you only play games occasionally, we recommend waiting.