9 Best Game Consoles – 2021 Rating

With the resurgence of Nintendo and the rise in popularity of cloud streaming, the gaming console market is experiencing the best time in its history. We at TehnObzor have collected the best gaming consoles of 2021 from different companies, and even different versions of the same console.

Completely new technologies and services are available to us. Google Stadia and GeForce Now allow you to play any title on devices without powerful hardware, while subscription services like Xbox Game Pass offer users more flexibility when choosing games.

Which brand of game console is better to choose?

Devices are classified into 2 main types: portable and stationary. The first ones are suitable for users who do not want to give up games while away from home. You can take them on trips to brighten up the time spent on the road. When choosing a game console, experts recommend taking into account the technical characteristics of the models and the reputation of the manufacturer, because it often affects the build quality. To make purchasing a device easier, the best manufacturers are presented below:

Sony Corporation is a Japanese multinational corporation founded by Akio Morita in 1946. The company's first name had to be changed because it was difficult for Americans to pronounce. Trying to find a word that does not exist in any language, Morita excluded the letter n from “Sony”. In Japanese it sounded like “to lose money.” The company released its first game console in 1994. Every year, engineers improve models and provide them with new functions;
Microsoft is an American company that owns production units in different countries. The company's activities are aimed at developing software and portable electronic devices. In 2001, the Xbox game console was released, an improved version of which is considered the most powerful device of its kind in the world;
Nintendo Company , Limited is a Japanese company founded by Fusajiro Yamauchi in 1889. The company released the first 8-bit gaming console Dendy in 1983. A few years after its release in the United States, it became a sales leader. Devices of this brand gained great popularity among children in Russia and the CIS countries in the 90s.
Seg a Games Co. , Ltd is an international company founded in 1940 in America. Later, the creators decided to move their headquarters to Tokyo. The company was engaged in the production of consoles from 1983 to 2001. It competed with Nintendo for market share, becoming the second largest video game developer in the world in 1987. Manufacturers made Sonic the Hedgehog the mascot of the brand. The company has now switched to releasing games for all platforms, which is why its devices are called retro consoles.

Rating of game consoles

On store shelves you can find devices from various manufacturers. Which gaming console is better depends on your preferences and its technical characteristics. The review takes into account the results of tests that were carried out to compare the functional and technical features of the models. The nominees were selected for the ranking of the best gaming consoles after analyzing user reviews and assessing the following parameters:

View;
Dimensions;
Weight;
Hard disk capacity, RAM;
Processor type and frequency;
Multimedia capabilities;
Interface;
Features of the graphics module;
Supported formats.

We also took into account the presence of special controllers and accessories in the kit that are needed to control the game, and the price of the device. TOP nominees are divided into 4 groups. Each one presents models from a specific manufacturer and discusses their advantages and disadvantages.

The best gaming wheels

The best Sony gaming consoles

The demand for devices of this brand is due to better graphics characteristics and a more convenient gamepad. Sony releases a wide variety of exclusive games for consoles that are not available for other platforms. They have a strong plot, high cinematic quality, and are often designed for one player. It is recommended to choose a Sony PlayStation if you have a powerful computer. When comparing 5 analogues, the 2 nominees in the rating became the best in terms of technical characteristics.

Sony PlayStation 4 Pro

The stationary model is equipped with an AMD Ryzon processor with a frequency of 2.13 GHz. For gaming solutions, the best indicator is from 3 GHz. At the same time, the presence of 8 cores ensures good gameplay comfort at medium and high graphics settings. The PS4 Pro's powerful graphics engine supports increased frame rates, which improves image clarity and reduces game loading times. HDR technology creates a bright and realistic picture on your TV that conveys the smallest details of the gameplay. RAM capacity – 8 GB, hard drive – 1 TB. VR headset and games are not included.

Advantages

HDMI0 interface provides image output in 4K and HD format;
Convenient headset connection via USB ports;
Ability to connect a virtual reality helmet and watch videos;
High image resolution;
Ability to connect a gamepad via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi;
Best price for 4K gaming.

Flaws

Bulky;
Noisy operation;
Does not support games from previous versions of consoles.

Users admit that the Sony PlayStation 4 game console makes you forget about the existence of each other. The image on the screen is so realistic that a person feels like he is part of the event. At the same time, some note that the shape of the gamepad is inconvenient when playing games, which require holding it without moving for a long time.

Sony PlayStation 4 Slim 1 TB

Its weight has become 1.2 kg lighter compared to the PS4 Pro, and its more compact dimensions make it easy to place a stationary gaming console. The advantages include a reduction in price and energy consumption by almost 30%. Such features are indicated by the Slim prefix. The processor in this nominee is also AMD Jaguar, but with a frequency of 1.6 GHz. Therefore, the graphics of the images will be slightly worse. The parameters of RAM and hard drive remained unchanged.

Advantages

Ergonomic Dual Shock 4 controller;
Practical plastic case with a protective coating against dust and scratches;
Good performance;
Ability to connect a gamepad via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi;
Ability to watch videos;
The presence of rubberized inserts on the body, which prevent it from slipping;
Quiet operation.

Flaws

Low controller battery capacity;
Case heating;
Output images in HD format.

About 91% of users recommend buying a PlayStation game console. They note good sound, realistic pictures, high game loading speed, and a decent price.

The disadvantages include the low quality of the headset, the ability to play online only for an additional fee, and worse detail compared to the Pro version.

The best Xbox gaming consoles

Microsoft devices are considered the most technical. The same game can be used for any version of the console, since they are designed for backward compatibility. At the same time, the brand refused to release exclusive games. Compared to competitors, the models benefit from high-quality graphics. Xbox's online service is cheaper than Sony's. If you want to play with friends, then experts recommend purchasing consoles from this brand. The advantages of Microsoft consoles include ultra-fast memory module. Based on the best technical parameters, 2 top nominees were selected from the 4 tested consoles.

Microsoft Xbox One X

Manufacturers installed the most powerful 8-core Scorpio Engine processor with a frequency of 2.3 GHz in the Xbox game console. It has an improved architecture, performance – 6 teraflops, memory bandwidth – 326 GB / s. The latest liquid cooling system and centrifugal boost fan provide less heat and reduced operating noise. The power technology is based on individual voltage settings for each chipset processor, which allowed engineers to increase performance and reduce power consumption of the device. Hard disk capacity – 1 TB, RAM – 12 GB.

Advantages

High video card power;
Ability to watch videos;
Advanced multimedia capabilities;
Vertical or horizontal arrangement of the device;
Good graphics, sound;
Ability to connect a gamepad via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi;
8 GB flash memory provided;
Output images in 4K and HDR format, without upscaling.

Flaws

High price;
Large size compared to Sony consoles;
Does not support virtual reality accessories.

Users note good performance with a decent frame rate. Experts say that compared to the PlayStation, the American console is 40% more powerful. The kit often includes a map for free downloading from a server of computer programs for organizing gameplay. However, most people do not recommend purchasing an Xbox due to the lack of interesting exclusive games.

Microsoft Xbox One S

The technical characteristics of the top nominee are almost identical to the Sony PlayStation 4 Slim 1 TB. The device is equipped with an 8-core AMD processor with a frequency of 1.75 GHz and a performance of 1.4 teraflops. Hard disk capacity – 1 TB, RAM – 8 GB. The model is more compact and lighter than the previous Microsoft console. It also has advanced multimedia capabilities and built-in flash memory.

Advantages

High quality build;
Protective coating that prevents scratches on the body;
Convenient headset connection;
Ability to connect a gamepad via Bluetooth;
Image output in 4K and HDR format;
low price.

Flaws

The need to adjust the upscaling settings;
Poor graphics when playing on a screen larger than 32 inches.

Users are attracted by the low price of the model and free subscription to online games. They give it a 4.5 rating for functionality, design, and ease of use. The disadvantages include the lack of a battery on the joystick and exclusive computer programs for gameplay.

Best Gaming Monitors

Microsoft Xbox One X Gears 5 Limited Edition

It is one of the most powerful models in the line.
It has 12 gigabytes of graphics memory, an AMD processor with 8 cores, based on the Zen architecture, which were previously used in Ryzen chips. Allows you to play in 4K resolution, while achieving a stable rate of 60 frames per second. It operates almost silently and consumes quite little energy. Digital bandwidth is also excellent.

BluRay discs, various audio codecs, and much more are supported. Also, all games that worked on previous versions of the Xbox series will work great on this console.

The best Nintendo gaming consoles

The company produces portable models that can be used outside the home. They do not require connection to a TV for gameplay. Games for these consoles are distinguished by their originality, but not variety. Most users consider this feature to be a disadvantage. Compared to Sony or Microsoft consoles, inexpensive Nintendo devices are less powerful. Based on the best technical characteristics, 3 top nominees were selected from 10 analogue models.

Nintendo Switch

A hybrid gaming console that combines the properties of a home and portable console. The compact device weighs 297 g and has a 6.2-inch touch screen with a resolution of 1280x720. The slots for the controllers are located on both sides of the display. On the bottom edge there is a socket for the charger, and on the top there is a volume button, power button, a headphone jack and a slot for a cartridge. The image is output in HD format. The volume of built-in flash memory is 32 GB. The capacity of the power supply is enough for 5-6 hours of battery life.

Advantages

The presence of a rear retractable stand, the gadget can not be held in your hands;
Clear and bright image;
Possibility of increasing memory capacity;
Accelerometer, gyroscope function;
Supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi.

Flaws

The need to contact a service center to remove the battery;
Lack of wireless joysticks included.

Experts say that the main advantage of the model is its versatility. At the same time, the price of the Nintendo Switch game console is not entirely adequate. The console does not provide a browser, there is no audio or video player.

A flaw on the part of the manufacturer is considered to be the inability to connect Bluetooth headphones, which significantly complicates its use on the road. For graphics, functionality and ease of use, gamers give it a “4” rating.

Nintendo Switch Light

Model with a 5.5-inch touch screen and a resolution of 1280x720. This version of the gaming console cannot be connected to a TV; it is only suitable for playing in portable mode. The rest of the technical specifications are identical to the previous nominee, with the exception of a lower battery capacity, which is 3570 mAh. If the game requires JoyCon functions and motion control, then you will need to purchase special controllers. Gamepads are not included.

Advantages

Compact;
Lightweight;
Stereo speaker;
Possibility of increasing memory capacity;
Accelerometer, gyroscope function;
Supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi.

Flaws

There is no HD vibration function, no infrared motion camera;
Not compatible with the Nintendo Switch Dock;
Short battery life.

Most users see the only advantage of this gaming console compared to the previous model - a lower price. However, the kit does not include controllers, which is considered a huge minus. The battery capacity is also only enough for 5 hours of continuous play.

Nintendo New 2DS XL

The next portable model is presented by the manufacturer in the form of a folding book. Its dimensions are 160x163x20 mm, weight is 260 g. Each panel has an LCD display. The diagonal of the top one is 4.88 inches, the bottom touchscreen is 4.18 inches. You can buy it in white, green and other colors. On the outer edge there are connectors for headphones and a power supply, a volume control, a slot for a memory card, and 2 cameras. Control buttons and a cross are located on the sides of the lower display. Battery life depends on the type of games. You can play simple games for about 10 hours; when loading demanding applications, charging lasts for a maximum of 3-4 hours.

Advantages

Several navigation options;
Built-in browser, Wi-Fi module;
Ability to watch videos, use a stylus;
Low price;
High quality build.

Flaws

Stainless body;
Low battery capacity.

The popularity of the console among gamers is due to its good functionality and a wide variety of games of various genres. They also note the ease of use of the console. The main disadvantages include the high price of games, the small capacity of the memory card, and the fragile plastic case.

For a gamer - a gamer's thing. So the console?

Ease of use plays a big role for most, because not all gamers (techno-nerds don’t count) are carried away by the long process of selecting the right video card for their needs and tasks. And in the future you will also have to bother yourself with an upgrade. Console players do not need to install various special programs (DirectX, OpenGL, etc.), clients for Steam, Origin and other services. And what kind of dancing with tambourines sometimes happens when you need to configure a gamepad to work with a PC...

With consoles it's simple. You don't encounter any of the above. Of course, when you turn it on for the first time, you will have to configure the console (they say that there is a bit of fiddling with the new Xbox), but everything is more or less clear there, which cannot be said about setting up the joystick on the computer. In terms of ease of use, the question of which is better - a computer (PC) or PS4 / 5 / Xbox - is not worth it at all. Victory is definitely on the side of consoles.

Constant work on feature set - first missed

The absence of the need to calibrate game parameters for the video card, the presence of various convenient functions, such as quick screenshots, video recording and starting a stream in a few clicks - all this, although not very significant, still elevates consoles over PCs. Let us immediately note that sharing or publishing material will be faster and more convenient on a PC. However, developers at Microsoft and Sony are constantly increasing the number of functions and adopting successful solutions from computers.

The best Sega game consoles

The devices are very popular among retrogamers. The company was unable to compete with Nintendo systems, so the release of new consoles was suspended in 2000. You can still buy retro consoles, as well as games for them. The leading positions in terms of functionality and ease of use in this category among 5 models were taken by 2 nominees in the rating of the best game consoles.

Sega Genesis Gopher 2

This portable game console is released in the form of a candy bar with an original design. Its size and weight are slightly less than those of Nintendo devices. Screen diagonal – 4.3 inches, resolution – 480x272. In terms of capacity, the battery is inferior to the nominees of the previous category, so the battery life of this model is low. Sega does not have a Wi-Fi module or Bluetooth. 500 games are immediately installed in the device. The kit includes a charger, cable, headphones.

Advantages

Low price;
High quality build;
Good graphics quality;
Ability to run non-native games;
Availability of a memory card.

Flaws

Problems finding new games;
You need to get used to the location of the buttons and cross.

Users like that the console is compact, works quickly, it contains all the old and favorite games, and the screen is covered with a protective film. The disadvantages include weak silicone on the buttons; they quickly fall down. The model is good as a gift for children.

SEGA Retro Genesis Modern

The body of the stationary nominee is made of matte black plastic. At the bottom of the panel there are power and reset buttons, between them there is an insert with a logo and the model name, and in the center there is a connector for cartridges. There are 4 rubberized supports on the bottom of the case, which provide better grip on the surface. There are also 2 switches here. The first allows you to change the regions where games are launched, and the second corrects the display of the image on the screen when connected to an old TV. On the front side of the device there are connectors for controllers, on the back - for the power supply and connection of the set-top box with the TV.

Advantages

Input for connecting Sega Mega-SD;
Ergonomic joysticks;
Low price;
170 built-in games;
Flash card support.

Flaws

Connection to TV via AV connector;
Inability to run games on other game consoles.

Most reviews about the model are positive. The most important advantages include a large number of built-in games and a low price. 100% of respondents recommend buying this TV game console for children. For graphics, functionality and ease of use they give a solid “5”.

Retro Genesis HD Ultra

This console is made in a new unique style.
Also, the developers have added features that were not previously supported. They did everything to ensure that the device perfectly displays games on modern TVs. The set-top box is connected to the TV using an HDMI cable. There is frame optimization technology, as well as image stabilization technology. Anti-aliasing in games is excellent. You can listen to audio files and view photos. At the same time, the developers allowed users to connect headphones to this set-top box.

About 150 games of various genres and styles are intended for it. The kit includes 2 joysticks, a power adapter and instructions for use.

Which game console is better to buy?

If you want to play outside the home, it is recommended to choose from portable device models. They are compact, easily fit in your pocket, and are provided with a large set of built-in applications. When purchasing a desktop console, you need to consider its characteristics and the genre of games. Fans of sports, racing, and various stimulants are advised to choose Xbox. The PlayStation has more programs that fall into the strategy, adventure, and battle genres. The following gadget was selected in each section of the rating:

The best game console of 2021 in terms of price-quality ratio – Sony PlayStation 4 Pro;
The most powerful gaming console is Microsoft Xbox One X;
Better hybrid device – Nintendo Switch;
The most inexpensive gaming console for a child is Sega Retro Genesis Modern.

All presented models have their positive and negative sides. Each gamer makes a choice based on his preferences. The rating will answer questions about how to choose a game console and what to consider when purchasing it.

PlayStation Portable

People usually call this device PSP. To be honest, such a toy was relevant approximately 3-4 years ago. This is not a very cool device that allows you to “kill time” well. It is indispensable in queues or in pairs, lessons. Or rather, it was indispensable before advanced Android smartphones with the ability to download games for free from PlayMarket began to appear and be sold cheaply.

You can, of course, tell us more about the PSP, but there’s no need. She is, one might say, “dead.”