Best gaming consoles to buy in 2026

PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo: What's the real difference?

Let's cut through the noise. Each ecosystem has its strengths and honestly, there's no wrong choice. Just the right one for you.

PlayStation 5: PlayStation remains the home of cinematic, story-driven gaming. If you love blockbuster exclusives and premium single-player experiences, this may be the console for you. With a PS5® console, you’ll get:

• jaw-dropping first-party games like  Ghost of Yōtei™ and God of War that you simply can't play anywhere else
• immersive gaming with the DualSense® controller's haptic feedback, making you feel every explosion, raindrop and gunshot
• ability to purchase a PlayStation Plus subscription, which offers a solid game library
• the best gaming experience for single-player story lovers and anyone with a 4K telly

Xbox Series X/S: Xbox wins on value, flexibility and online services, especially if you play a lot of different games.

•  Game Pass Ultimate is genuinely one of the best deals in gaming where you’ll get access to hundreds of games for £16.99 a month, with all Xbox exclusives on day one.
• Brilliant backwards compatibility means your old favourites from Xbox 360 and original Xbox still work.
• Quick Resume lets you jump between games instantly, picking up exactly where you left off.
• It’s ideal for variety seekers and anyone who games on both console and PC.

Nintendo Switch: Nintendo isn’t chasing raw power. It’s focused on fun, flexibility and family-friendly gaming. With a Nintendo Switch console, you’ll get:

• a cool console that works on your telly and on-the-go
• an ability to play beloved Nintendo classics like  Mario,  Zelda and Animal Crossing
• perfect game nights with your family and friends, thanks to the local multiplayer
• the best gaming experience for shared family fun, commuters and anyone who wants flexible gaming

Still not sure what to choose?


Think of it this way.

If you want the most immersive, cinematic gaming experience for playing at home on a 4K TV, go for the PlayStation®5.

If you want the best value and access to hundreds of games without buying each one individually, choose an Xbox Series X|S.

If you want a console that’s great for commuting, travelling or playing on the go, pick the Nintendo Switch.

Buying a games console in 2026 can feel overwhelming. Specs get thrown around, new versions keep appearing and everyone online swears theirs is the best. The truth? It all comes down to what you want out of your gaming console. Now that you know what type of gaming experience you’ll get from each console, let’s look at what you can expect from the console’s hardware.

PlayStation
There are three main consoles to choose from with PS5®.

PS5 Original
• Comes with an 825GB SSD so you can store some of your favourite games.
• Modern games run smoothly in 4K on most TVs at up to 120fps.
• Includes both a digital edition and a disc drive option for physical game collectors.
• Gamers can enjoy less waiting, smoother gameplay and games that feel big and cinematic.

PS5 Slim
• Includes a slightly larger 1TB SSD.
• Offers the same powerful performance of the original PS5 in a smaller model.
• Uses a compact, lighter design that fits more easily into your set-up.
• Available as a digital edition and a disc edition for physical game collectors.

PS5 Pro
• Offers a larger 2TB SSD, so you don’t have to worry about extra storage or deleting.
• This model makes most sense if you play on a large 4K TV and want the smoothest, most future-proof experience.
• Can even support gaming up to 8K on compatible TVs.
• Is only available as a digital console. However, a  disc drive can be purchased separately. 

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy or like the perfect gift for a cinematic gamer in your life, we’ve got some products that we think you’ll love. You can also explore the  PlayStation page for more.

PlayStation®5 Pro Console. For £649, you can game on Sony’s most powerful PS5® console to date. Immerse yourself with AI-enhanced 4K visuals, silky smooth gameplay and 2TB SSD in this all-digital design.  

PlayStation®5 Slim Disc 24 month bundle with Call of Duty®: Black Ops 7 and more. £33 a month for 24 months. The PS5® Slim Disc bundle delivers compact power with ultra-fast load times, 4K graphics and up to 120fps. It includes Call of Duty®: Black Ops 7, PS Plus vouchers and exclusive EE Data Passes.  

 PlayStation®5 Slim 825GB Digital Edition Console. For £429 you can get the same power as the original PS5® console in a compact design. Enjoy 825GB storage, 4K graphics up to 120fps haptic feedback and 3D audio for an immersive gaming experience.  

 PlayStation Portal™ Remote Player 24 month bundle with PS Plus Extra and more. For £18 a month, enjoy handheld PS5® gaming anywhere in your house, without a TV. Includes PS Plus Extra and EE Data Passes.  

PlayStation®5 DualSense Edge® Controller. For £198, upgrade the way you play on your PS5®. This innovative controller allows you to map every button and joystick for a fully personalised gameplay.

Xbox
There are 2 main gaming consoles to choose from with Xbox.


Xbox Series X
• Includes a 1TB SSD, perfect for large game libraries.
• Runs games at true 4K with up to 120fps support.
• Available as both a digital edition and as a disc drive option for physical and older games.
• Serves as Microsoft’s most powerful console.

Xbox Series S
• Uses a smaller 512GB SSD.
• Offers 1440p resolution while maintaining smooth performance.
• Operates as a digital-only console.
• Often priced as the most affordable next-gen option.

If this sounds more up your alley, explore our Xbox catalogue for the perfect way to treat yourself or a gamer you know. We also recommend:

Xbox Series S Game Console. For £299.99, enjoy 1440p gaming and switch between games seamlessly with Quick Resume. It’s the perfect entry level console for new gamers, students or Xbox gaming on a budget.

Nintendo Switch
Nintendo focuses on flexibility, accessibility and fun-first design.

Nintendo Switch (Original)
• Includes 32GB of internal storage.
• Uses a 6.2” LCD screen with 1280x720 resolution for handheld play.
• Supports TV, Tabletop and Handheld mode.
• Battery life lasts approximately 4.5 to 9 hours but is dependent on the games you play.

Nintendo Switch OLED
• Offers double the storage of the original Switch with 64GB.
• Features a larger 7” OLED display. Same resolution as the original but with richer colours.
• Supports TV, Tabletop and Handheld mode.
• Same battery life as the original Switch but is dependent on the games you play.

Nintendo Switch 2
• Includes a massive 256GB memory for all your gaming adventures.
• Offers a 7.9” wide colour gamut LCD screen, that’s bigger than both the original and OLED models.
• Supports TV, Tabletop and Handheld mode.
• Able to support up to 4K gaming when docked to a compatible TV.
• Introduces GameChat to keep you connected with your friends while you game.
• Supports backwards compatibility with original Switch games.
• Battery life lasts approximately 2-6.5 hours but is dependent on the games you play.

Nintendo Switch Lite
• Offers 32GB of storage, that’s the same as the original Switch.
• Features a smaller 5.5” LCD display but with the same resolution as the original Switch console.
• Is only available as a Handheld console.
• Same battery life as the original Switch but is dependent on the games you play.

If this sounds like a fun way to game, explore our Nintendo consoles, games and more. We also recommend:

Nintendo Switch 2 24 month bundle with Mario Kart™ World, Nintendo Switch Online and more. For £22 a month for 24 months, dive into the new world of Mario Kart™ on the latest Nintendo Switch console. Includes Nintendo Switch online subscription and exclusive EE Data Passes.

Ready to level up?

You've got everything you need to make the right call on your gaming console for 2026. Whether you're after PlayStation's story-driven masterpieces, Xbox's Game Pass value bonanza, or Nintendo's portable gaming, there's never been a better time to jump in or upgrade.

Explore EE's  Gaming Hub to discover the latest console deals, game releases, and gaming accessories to complete your set-up.