Game consoles connected to a TV have been on sale for quite some time, but since the time of the classic Dandy, everything has changed quite abruptly in this market niche. Modern consoles are characterized by unique functional characteristics and wide capabilities. Manufacturers strive to equip them with as powerful processors as possible, to make the maximum hard drive capacity. In addition to games, they can be used to listen to music, watch movies, and access the Internet.
On sale there are a large number of different consoles, each of which has its own distinctive features. In this variety you can easily get confused. To prevent this from happening to you, we decided to devote today's review to the best game consoles you can find on the market. However, before proceeding to a direct analysis of the characteristics of a device, we first present the main points that you need to pay attention to when buying this equipment.
Summary of the rating:
What do you rely on when choosing a game console?
The whole environment of gamers can be divided into two camps - some prefer personal computers, while others favor game consoles. Each of these options has positive and negative points. First of all, manufacturers of games for consoles pay much more attention to action, there are practically no full-fledged strategies to find here, but there are enough such games for a personal computer.
In addition, a set-top box will definitely need a TV, and at least an LCD with a 1080p screen resolution - FullHD format, the diagonal of which should be at least 85 cm. Otherwise, you won’t be able to get a lot of pleasure from using the set-top box. Unlike a set-top box, a computer can be used for other purposes, for example, for work or study. In addition, PC games are significantly cheaper than console products.
When choosing a product, one must pay attention to its format - both portable and stationary designs are found on the market. A portable set-top box will be most suitable for people who spend a lot of time outside the home. Use it to brighten up your flight or trip hours. The portable option is well suited for children, in addition, its cost is much lower compared to a stationary console.
Turning to stationary consoles, they look at their performance and hard disk capacity. The last moment is very important, since each installed game will be saved to the hard drive, occupying about 20-40 GB of free space there. Active gamers say that in this situation even 500 GB of storage will not be enough, it is better to buy a set-top box with 1 TB of memory. Modern consoles are equipped with very productive processors that produce less heat and consume not too much power.
The number of games for consoles is not much less than for personal computers. At the same time, they come out for consoles much earlier.The games themselves will be quite expensive, but literally a few months after the release they can be purchased at a significant discount, which can reach up to 70-80%. For each console, you can find a huge number of different accessories that are produced both by console manufacturers and third-party developers. The most popular are helmets of virtual reality.
One of the most important criteria when buying a game console is its cost. Modern products will cost several tens of thousands of rubles, but, believe me, it's worth it. When compiling our rating, we took into account the price-quality ratio of the product, and also relied on user reviews for each of the consoles. As a result, our review includes only the most popular products that are of high quality workmanship. Well, now you can consider the characteristics of the models available on the market.
For retro lovers
2. SEGA Nano Trainer
The shape and appearance of this console is somewhat different from the classic Sega Mega Drive. It is issued in the form of one of the most popular characters that appeared on this platform - Sonic, the overall dimensions are not too large. The case is made of high-quality plastic with a matte finish, on which fingerprints or dust will not be visible. Build quality is very high, no backlash or extraneous creaks does not occur even with a strong enough pressure on the case. On the front side of the device there are two buttons and a window for receiving a signal from a wireless joystick. The left button is used to turn on, the second is designed to return to the main menu. On the back there are all the main functional connectors - outputs for audio and video, a slot for a memory card and a slot for a power cable. The device comes with a microSD memory card along with an SD adapter. Its volume is 512 MB - not too much, as it might seem at first glance. However, the average game for such a console weighs no more than 5 MB, so even such a small amount will be enough to record a huge number of games.
Four rubberized legs are provided on the bottom side, here you can also find the battery compartment - the console has the ability to work offline. The joystick’s shape has been left classic, like that of other SEGA consoles, but the color scheme has been greatly changed since the manufacturer initially claims that this console was designed exclusively for children. All keys are plastic, easy to press. The console has almost 90 different games in its memory.
Benefits:
- Very high quality workmanship;
- Small overall dimensions;
- A decent number of games in the kit, you can download about 400 more;
- Attractive appearance.
Disadvantages:
- Batteries are not provided with the device - they will have to be purchased separately.
1. SEGA MegaDrive Gopher
In fact, this device is a pocket version of the classic SEGA Mega Drive. Along with this device comes a storage case, memory card, headphones, charger. It is adapted for the mini-USB connector, so the console can be charged by charging from any modern smartphone or mobile phone. In addition, a cable is provided for connecting to a TV, so you can play your favorite games on the big screen. The device itself has small overall dimensions - 152x65x20 mm with a mass of 25 g. It is convenient to carry it even in your pocket. The edges are rounded, the housing cover is rubberized, which allows you to protect the console from slipping out of your hands. The hardware control keys are exactly the same as the joystick of the console itself: the cross is located on the left side and six control buttons on the right. Below the display are the Menu and Start buttons. The diagonal of the screen is 2.8 inches with a resolution of 360x240 pixels.Of course, the FullHD format is far, but all SEGA games were developed when you could only dream of such a screen resolution.
On the front panel you can find a special red LED that turns on, informing that the console is about to discharge. There is also a powerful speaker and infrared port for using wireless joysticks. Above is an activity indicator, a port for charging, a slot for a memory card, a volume control and an output for video. The build quality is excellent - no backlash or squeaks have been noticed. Currently, this portable console is the only licensed set-top box in the world based on SEGA Genesis. It operates on the basis of the 16-bit Motorola 68000 processor, whose clock frequency is 7.61 MHz - the original set-top box had exactly the same processor. RAM and video memory of 64 KB, the device boots up quickly - it takes about 5 seconds. The battery lasts about 10 hours of continuous play, it charges for three hours.
Benefits:
- Compact dimensions;
- Buttons like a classic console;
- It is possible to connect to a TV;
- Good power and speed;
- You can record up to 1000 games on a memory card.
Disadvantages:
- A cross may sometimes jam.
Best Nintendo Consoles
3. Nintendo Classic Mini: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
In fact, this prefix is a remastering of the 1985 model year. She immediately after appearing on the shelves won wildly popular among fans of fairly old games. Designers exactly repeated the original appearance of such a device, only by making it a little smaller compared to the classic product. With traditional Japanese meticulousness, they reproduced even decorative connectors for controllers, although in the modern world they are not needed at all. The only indication that the products are modern - there are two ports on the rear panel - one for connecting an HDMI cable, the second is a microUSB connector. The cell for connecting a cartridge is a dummy.
The appearance of the joysticks has not changed at all, as well as the color. On the left side there is a four-position cross, four buttons on the right, in the center of the Reset and Start buttons, and Reset performs the function of the Home button, allowing you to exit the game at any convenient time. The interface is divided into three parts - the largest of them is the central one, where the list of games is located. At the top there is a settings window with several sections that allow you to change the image format, color gamut, as well as resolution - you can choose one of the three modes “Retro”, “4: 3” or “Original resolution”. In the settings, you can activate the demo video, which will automatically start if the console is not used for some time. It is worth noting that the prefix is fully Russified. This device is very simple to use - you can deal with it in a couple of minutes.
Benefits:
- Small overall dimensions;
- Outwardly, it repeats the classic version of the console;
- You can run a huge number of games;
- It is possible to flash the device and play games from other platforms.
Disadvantages:
- Not very large amount of internal memory.
2. Nintendo New 2DS XL
Another fairly compact model, which has a simple but quite elegant look. Despite the fact that this mobile set-top box has been on the market for quite some time, it continues to remain popular with gamers. In appearance, the product is a classic version: a book folding along the horizontal edge, which has two liquid crystal displays at once. Outside, you can find four trigger buttons, two cameras, a slot for installing a memory card, a power key, headphone jacks, a power supply, and a volume control. It is worth noting that the bottom screen is a touch. In addition to it, on the inside of the console there is a front camera, a cross, two joysticks. They are responsible for the movement of the character and review, the latter also responds to the force of pressing.The case is high-quality, but quite easily soiled - all fingerprints will be clearly visible on it.
The menu is original, and there are quite a few navigation methods here. You can scroll through the list of games with your finger on the touch screen, cross or joystick. The console has a built-in browser, as well as a Wi-Fi module for accessing the Internet. The number of games released specifically for this platform is quite large - races, Pokémon, strategies, arcades, shooters and so on. Every gamer will find something suitable for himself. The main distinguishing feature of this device is the presence of a second screen, which greatly facilitates the interaction with the character and its management. The battery capacity is 1300 mAh, battery life varies greatly. If you play classic games, then it will last about 12 hours; when using demanding applications, the battery may run out after 3-4 hours.
Benefits:
- Compact overall dimensions;
- Excellent build quality;
- All buttons are placed very conveniently;
- The presence of a second touch screen;
- A large number of different games;
- Attractive appearance;
- Good performance;
- The presence of a Wi-Fi module.
Disadvantages:
- The case is easily soiled - every speck of dust and fingerprints will be visible on it.
1. Nintendo Switch
This is the latest portable set-top box, which first appeared on sale only in March this year. The design has a touch screen, slots for controllers are provided, and they are located both to the left and to the right of the display. On the upper edge there is a power button, volume control, a slot for installing cartridges and a headphone jack. On the bottom there is a socket for connecting a charger. The design has quite powerful speakers. On the rear panel there is a place for installing a memory card and a very convenient retractable stand, thanks to which the console does not have to be kept in your hands all the time. The device is remarkably fixed in an upright position - the leg does not slip, respectively, the console is quite stable. The main element of the product is the Nvidia Tegra chip. Its power is enough to ensure that a fairly clear picture is displayed on the screen.
The display itself is capacitive, its diagonal is 6.2 inches, and the resolution is 1280 × 720 pixels. The capacity of the 4310 mAh lithium-ion battery, according to the manufacturer, can be played even in fairly demanding games for five hours without a break. It is worth noting that you will not be able to remove the battery on your own. If it becomes necessary to replace it, you will have to contact a specialized service center. The standard memory capacity of the model is 32 GB - not very much, especially when you consider that versions of some games, even adapted for a mobile device, can occupy several tens of gigabytes. If necessary, this parameter can be expanded with microSD, microSDHC or microSDXC memory cards. The console has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1 modules, it also has an accelerometer, gyroscope and brightness sensor.
Benefits:
- A large number of exclusive games;
- Versatility - you can use both a portable console and connect to a TV;
- Low power consumption in sleep mode;
- High-quality assembly.
Disadvantages:
- Not very rich equipment - wireless joysticks will need to be purchased separately.
The best stationary consoles
5. Sony PlayStation 4 1 Tb
This is a fairly popular model from the Japanese manufacturer, which combines the functions of a game console and a multimedia center. The interface is very clear and simple - you don’t have to learn it for a long time and get used to it. The graphics are on top, the joystick is ergonomically shaped and fits comfortably in your hand. The case is stylish and high-tech, made of matte black plastic, there are beveled surfaces on all sides. It can be installed both horizontally and vertically.Visually, it is divided into two parts by a long slot, which performs an important function - it helps the cooling system to capture as much air as possible. The overall dimensions of the structure are 275x53x305 mm with a mass of about 2.8 kg. The power supply is built in. There are not too many connectors, but all the essentials are present, including wireless interfaces, and there is also support for Blu-ray discs. At the back there is a connector for an HDMI cable (the cable itself is supplied with the console), there is an AUX port for connecting the PlayStation camera. On the front panel there are USB 3.0 ports in the amount of two pieces, with their help you can connect various external media, joysticks and headsets.
The device has a fairly powerful Wi-Fi module, an optical drive for downloading games. All of them are automatically recorded in the memory of the console for quick loading. It is worth noting that this process takes place in the background, which in no way prevents the game itself from starting. The console operates on the basis of an 8-core processor from AMD with a clock frequency of 1.6 GHz and an AMD Radeon graphics chip. The RAM here is 8 GB. Productivity is about 1.85 billion operations per second. Almost all games come with a resolution of 1080p, the frame rate is high. The prefix does not heat up during operation and is slightly noisy. A device with an internal memory capacity of 1 TB is supplied - enough to install 20 games of 50 GB each.
Benefits:
- Very comfortable joystick;
- Superb graphics quality;
- Background processes do not affect model performance at all;
- High speed interface.
Disadvantages:
- A little noise;
- It is quite expensive.
4. Sony PlayStation 4 Slim 1 Tb
A more compact model compared to the above: it became lighter by almost 1 kg and lost almost 30% in size. Another distinguishing feature is the reduced energy consumption - 28% less. The case is made entirely of matte plastic, on which scratches or other surface defects will not occur, dust will not accumulate. The edges are not beveled, but rounded - streamlined body. If necessary, the hard drive can be removed and replaced with a larger one. The controller of this set-top box is recognized as one of the best today, but it has one significant defect - the battery capacity is only 8000 mAh, which is why it will need to be constantly charged. The buttons stand out against the background of the black case, as they are painted in gray.
Complete with a prefix there is everything necessary for connection to the TV and further operation. There is only one gamepad, so the second will have to be purchased additionally. The user interface is familiar to the consoles of this company. The hardware is the same as the previous model. The minimum frame rate in games is 30, but it can be higher. If necessary, the optical drive will support not only the Blu-ray format, but also DVD and CD discs.
Benefits:
- Insignificant overall dimensions;
- It works quite quietly;
- It is characterized by excellent speed;
- The volume of the hard drive is 1 TB;
- Fits well in the interior.
Disadvantages:
- The case may become slightly warm;
- High price.
3. Microsoft Xbox One S
By design, this one of the best game consoles of the year is significantly ahead of all previous models developed by this American company. The console looks attractive and very neat. An external power supply that used to occupy a decent amount of free space. The standard HDMI cable and power cable now exit the chassis. The console itself has become more compact by 40%. In terms of the quality of the materials of which the device housing is made, no complaints or complaints arise from users. The product is made of high-quality matte plastic, pleasant both in appearance and by touch. On it microcracks will not be noticeable. The assembly is excellent - there are no backlashes or creaks, in general, the case itself looks monolithic, although the console itself has a decent weight of 2.9 kg.
All the main interfaces are located on the rear panel: there are two USB 3.0 connectors, an optical audio output, and a jack for connecting an Ethernet cable. The front panel also has another USB port. The basis is a single-chip system running on a 1.75 GHz AMD Jaguar processor with a 64-bit 8-core CPU, and there is also an AMD Radeon GPU equipped with 12 computing units. The gamepad can connect to the console not only via the standard protocol, but also via Bluetooth. This allows you to use it not only with this console, but also on other devices running on the Windows 10 platform. The traditional keyboard layout has not changed a bit compared to previous versions. The console supports playback of video in Blu-ray format.
Benefits:
- High performance processor;
- Joystick compatibility with other devices;
- Small overall dimensions;
- The power supply is placed under the device;
- It is possible to use Skype.
Disadvantages:
- The graphics are a bit short of complete realism;
- There are functions that are not available in our country.
2. Sony PlayStation 4 Pro
This model was announced last year, but its release took place not so long ago - in September 2018. The event attracted the attention of console gamers around the world. The overall dimensions of this device are 295x327x55 mm with a mass of almost 3.5 kg - the device turned out to be quite large in size. An optical drive and two USB 3.1 connectors are located on the front panel, another one of the same ports is provided at the rear, making connecting a PS VR headset much easier. This version of the console supports HDMI 2.0, due to which the output image in 4K. The optical drive is the same as in previous models. Here, AMD Radeon 4.2 TFLOPS is used as the graphic type; it provides the ideal frame change on the screen. 8 GB of RAM, the capacity of the hard drive is 1 TB.
The latest developments allow you to feel the beauty of graphics in 4K UHD. All games look more detailed, and this is clearly visible not only on the latest products, but also on such classic versions as “Call of Duty: Black Ops 3”. A fundamentally new approach to virtual reality was not found here, however, in the PS VR helmet (it is not provided in the kit, you will need to buy it separately), the visualization has been made more detailed, and the image resolution has also been increased.
Benefits:
- High performance console;
- Good build quality
- Long term warranty service, which is 2 years;
- Beautiful appearance.
Disadvantages:
- There is no way to use games for consoles of previous versions.
1. Microsoft Xbox One X
This console has taken a leading line in our ranking of the best game consoles this year is far from accidental. Almost all users note that today this product is the most powerful among all the models on the market. The developers have been preparing this model for release for quite some time. It appeared on sale only in November, although it was previously mentioned two years ago. The frequency of the eight-core processor is 2.3 GHz, which is significantly higher compared to all previous models. Video card AMD Radeon GPU RX 480 - in terms of quantity and quality of computing units, it is approximately twice as powerful compared to the previous generation of consoles. If you compare this console with the PlayStation 4 Pro, it turns out that the Japanese model is about 40% weaker than its American counterpart.
Despite the fact that the overall dimensions are not very large, during use the prefix does not make noise even if a rather demanding toy is launched. If necessary, the device can be installed both vertically and horizontally. It is worth noting that on this console you can play those applications that were originally created for earlier versions, as the product has backward compatibility. Hard drive performance is almost 50% higher. The console provides precise texture filtering mechanisms and good smoothing of the edges, which provides excellent graphics.
Benefits:
- High power level;
- Compact device;
- User friendly interface
- High-quality assembly;
- Large selection of games;
- Easy to use and pleasant to the touch joystick.
Disadvantages:
- It may seem to some that the price is too high, but for such characteristics it is quite real.
Finally, a useful video
Our review of the best game consoles is drawing to a close. We hope that the information we collect on the operational characteristics of these products will be enough for you to choose the most suitable console. If you have certain questions about which console is best to buy, then feel free to ask them in the comments. We will try to answer them quickly and dispel your doubts.
(2 ratings, average: 5,00 out of 5)
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