QUESTION

Which gaming system should I buy?

23 upvotes0 downvotes

Asked May 21, 2026Last updated June 11, 2026Answers can change over time.

Answer92% confidence

For most people, buy the PlayStation 5 Slim. It has the strongest all-around case in 2026: it is widely recommended as a top overall console, has strong performance, and gives you access to PlayStation exclusives plus major cross-platform games.

If budget matters most, get the Xbox Series S. If you want the best performance and are willing to pay more, look at the PS5 Pro or Xbox Series X. If you want family-friendly, portable, couch co-op gaming, get a Nintendo Switch OLED instead.

Our pick

Sony PlayStation 5 Slim

Best for most players

Maars picked this for most players who want the safest all-around console: it balances performance, game selection, and long-term appeal well.

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At a glance

Compared picks

Swipe to compare

	PS5 Slim	Xbox Series S	Nintendo Switch OLED	Xbox Series X	PS5 Pro
Best fit	Best all-around choice for most players	Best budget modern console	Best portable and family-friendly pick	Best Xbox for stronger performance	Best premium PlayStation performance
Main strength	Strong game library and performance	Lower-cost entry into current Xbox gaming	Handheld, TV, and local multiplayer flexibility	More capable Xbox option than Series S	Higher-end performance than standard PS5 models
Watch out for	Decide whether you need a disc drive or digital setup	Storage and performance are more limited than higher-end consoles	Less raw power than PlayStation or Xbox consoles	Usually costs more than Series S	Premium pricing may not be worth it for casual players

Also compared

Xbox Series S

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Microsoft Xbox Series S

Best for budget buyers

Maars picked this for budget-focused players who want a modern console without paying for the highest-end hardware.

Search on Amazon

Nintendo Switch OLED

Best for families and handheld players

Maars picked this for families and Nintendo fans who want a system that works on the TV and on the go.

Search on Amazon

Microsoft Xbox Series X

Best for xbox performance buyers

Maars picked this for Xbox fans who want stronger hardware than the budget model and a more premium living-room setup.

Search on Amazon

PS5 Pro

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Sony PlayStation 5 Pro

Best for performance-focused playstation fans

Maars picked this for enthusiasts who want the premium PlayStation option and care more about performance than price.

Search on Amazon

Alternatives

Best if you want the lowest-cost modern console and are comfortable with digital games.
Xbox Series S
It is commonly recommended as the budget Xbox option.
Best if you want handheld play, Nintendo games, or a kid/family-friendly console.
Nintendo Switch OLED
The Switch is especially strong for portable gaming and Nintendo-exclusive titles.
Best if you want higher performance and do not mind spending more.
PS5 Pro
It is positioned as a premium PlayStation option for better performance.

What could change this answer

Console prices, bundles, and game subscriptions can change the best value choice.
Your preferred games or exclusives may make one platform a better fit than the overall recommendation.

Found this helpful?

More buying options

May include affiliate links

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Our pick

Sony PlayStation 5 Slim

Best for most players

Maars picked this for most players who want the safest all-around console: it balances performance, game selection, and long-term appeal well.

Search on Amazon

At a glance

Compared picks

Swipe to compare

	PS5 Slim	Xbox Series S	Nintendo Switch OLED	Xbox Series X	PS5 Pro
Best fit	Best all-around choice for most players	Best budget modern console	Best portable and family-friendly pick	Best Xbox for stronger performance	Best premium PlayStation performance
Main strength	Strong game library and performance	Lower-cost entry into current Xbox gaming	Handheld, TV, and local multiplayer flexibility	More capable Xbox option than Series S	Higher-end performance than standard PS5 models
Watch out for	Decide whether you need a disc drive or digital setup	Storage and performance are more limited than higher-end consoles	Less raw power than PlayStation or Xbox consoles	Usually costs more than Series S	Premium pricing may not be worth it for casual players

Also compared

Xbox Series S

Search on Amazon

Microsoft Xbox Series S

Best for budget buyers

Maars picked this for budget-focused players who want a modern console without paying for the highest-end hardware.

Search on Amazon

Nintendo Switch OLED

Best for families and handheld players

Maars picked this for families and Nintendo fans who want a system that works on the TV and on the go.

Search on Amazon

Microsoft Xbox Series X

Best for xbox performance buyers

Maars picked this for Xbox fans who want stronger hardware than the budget model and a more premium living-room setup.

Search on Amazon

PS5 Pro

Search on Amazon

Sony PlayStation 5 Pro

Best for performance-focused playstation fans

Maars picked this for enthusiasts who want the premium PlayStation option and care more about performance than price.

Search on Amazon

Alternatives

Best if you want the lowest-cost modern console and are comfortable with digital games.
Xbox Series S
It is commonly recommended as the budget Xbox option.
Best if you want handheld play, Nintendo games, or a kid/family-friendly console.
Nintendo Switch OLED
The Switch is especially strong for portable gaming and Nintendo-exclusive titles.
Best if you want higher performance and do not mind spending more.
PS5 Pro
It is positioned as a premium PlayStation option for better performance.

What could change this answer

Console prices, bundles, and game subscriptions can change the best value choice.
Your preferred games or exclusives may make one platform a better fit than the overall recommendation.

Found this helpful?

More buying options

May include affiliate links

Search Amazon Search eBay

Which gaming system should I buy?

Sony PlayStation 5 Slim

Compared picks

Microsoft Xbox Series S

Nintendo Switch OLED

Microsoft Xbox Series X

Sony PlayStation 5 Pro

Alternatives

What could change this answer

Sony PlayStation 5 Slim

Compared picks

Microsoft Xbox Series S

Nintendo Switch OLED

Microsoft Xbox Series X

Sony PlayStation 5 Pro

Alternatives

What could change this answer

Tags

Sony PlayStation 5 Slim

Compared picks

Microsoft Xbox Series S

Nintendo Switch OLED

Microsoft Xbox Series X

Sony PlayStation 5 Pro

Alternatives

What could change this answer

Sony PlayStation 5 Slim

Compared picks

Microsoft Xbox Series S

Nintendo Switch OLED

Microsoft Xbox Series X

Sony PlayStation 5 Pro

Alternatives

What could change this answer

Tags

Sony PlayStation 5 Slim

Compared picks

Microsoft Xbox Series S

Nintendo Switch OLED

Microsoft Xbox Series X

Sony PlayStation 5 Pro

Alternatives

What could change this answer

Sony PlayStation 5 Slim

Compared picks

Microsoft Xbox Series S

Nintendo Switch OLED

Microsoft Xbox Series X

Sony PlayStation 5 Pro

Alternatives

What could change this answer

Sony PlayStation 5 Slim

Compared picks

Microsoft Xbox Series S

Nintendo Switch OLED

Microsoft Xbox Series X

Sony PlayStation 5 Pro

Alternatives

What could change this answer

Sony PlayStation 5 Slim

Compared picks

Microsoft Xbox Series S

Nintendo Switch OLED

Microsoft Xbox Series X

Sony PlayStation 5 Pro

Alternatives

What could change this answer

Ask Maars another question

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