The best gaming consoles of 2021

Portable consoles allow you to immerse yourself in game worlds from anywhere: riding the subway or taxi, waiting in line, and so on. With them, the gamer is not tied to the TV and wires, and the variety of games is not inferior to stationary consoles.

Our rating includes the 10 best portable models from the world's most popular brands and unknown manufacturers, specializing in timeless classics of the gaming industry. When compiling the TOP, the most important aspects were taken into account:

• variety of games offered;
• availability of the set-top box;
• maintainability and durability;
• popularity among users.

In addition to the technical characteristics, player reviews and reviews of professional gamers were also taken into account, so along with modern models of recent years, retro consoles that are still produced either by a manufacturer with a brand or Chinese replicas are also included here. In the second case, there is no need to talk about the brand component, but even such set-top boxes will perfectly brighten up your leisure time, and they will not require a significant investment.

Rating TOP 10 best gaming consoles

Our rating includes the following models:

• Microsoft Xbox One S 1TB S All Digital.
• Sony PlayStation 4 Slim 1 TB.
• Microsoft Xbox One X.
• Sony PlayStation 4 1 TB.
• Nintendo Switch Lite.
• SEGA Genesis Gopher 2.
• Sony PlayStation Portable Slim & Lite (PSP-3000).
• Sony PlayStation 3 Super Slim 500 GB.
• Sony PlayStation 4 Pro 1TB.
• Nintendo Switch.

Let's take a closer look at the range presented.

Microsoft Xbox One S 1TB S All Digital

The Microsoft Xbox ONE S All-Digital Edition White 1Tb console with 3 games included (Fortnite, Minecraft, Sea of ​​Thieves) will be an excellent choice for a gamer. The model is dressed in a spectacular white body. The fully digital console broadcasts images with resolutions up to Full HD and video in 3D.

For convenience, the device is equipped with a wireless gamepad. The performance and limitless capabilities of the Microsoft Xbox ONE S All-Digital Edition White 1 Tb game console are based on the AMD Jaguar x86-64 processor, AMD Radeon GPU graphics core and 8 GB of RAM. The Wi-Fi module is provided for wireless Internet access. For game storage purposes, the device has 1 TB.

Price: from 24,890 to 29,426 rubles.

Microsoft Xbox One S 1TB S All Digital

Advantages

• supports 4K;
• optimal storage capacity (1000 GB);
• equipped with a Wi-Fi module.

Flaws

• not identified.

It's hard to find the best game consoles for your TV, but this model suited me perfectly. I bought it because the price is 12600, for that kind of money you can’t build a computer even without a video card, with a video card config Ryzen 3 1200+8GB RAM+GTX 1050Ti there are already 24 out, this is 2 times the cost of this console, I bought it, connected it, installed it on I download the games I need and play, the graphics in many games are comparable to low-medium settings in FullHD. But again, for 12,000, this device is a great choice for gaming, although I have a powerful PC with an i7 7700 + GTX 1080, I took it as an addition to the TV room, with the goal of coming after work to relax on the couch in front of the TV and play my favorite games. Overall, I am incredibly pleased with this purchased product and I can confidently recommend it to you for purchase!

Sony PlayStation 4 Slim 1 TB

Another version of the PlayStation 4. The main difference compared to other versions is the lighter and thinner body, which gives elegance to this device. Memory capacity 1000 GB. You can find a 500 GB model on the market.

AMD Jaguar processor. Internet access is provided via Ethernet and Wi-Fi. Connection interface – HDMI. The headphone jack is located on the gamepad, which is quite convenient. You can find free games in the manufacturer's online store.

Price: from 24,500 to 27,800 rubles.

Sony PlayStation 4 Slim 1 TB

Advantages

• The headphone jack is located on the gamepad;
• light weight compared to models from the line (2.6 kg);
• 1 TB of memory;
• elegance of design (thinner body).

Flaws

• differs from PS 4 only in the weight and thickness of the case.

Which game console is better than Xbox or PlayStation? The best console turned out to be a device from PlayStation. A good game console for the money. I wanted to purchase the Pro version, but I didn’t have enough budget. Actually, Slim didn’t upset me. I went to the store, downloaded free online games, with a subscription they give you two random toys once a month. The picture quality is excellent. There are no freezes. You can install themes with your own unique voice acting. Sometimes I watch movies using the device. Very convenient model.

Microsoft Xbox One X

The Microsoft Xbox ONE X Black 1 TB gaming console is a powerful device that allows you to plunge into a virtual world that is indistinguishable from reality thanks to 4K resolution. The model has an internal memory of 1 TB, which ensures smooth gameplay.

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The Scorpio Engine processor allows for high-speed calculations, providing realistic graphics and improved artificial intelligence. The kit includes two wireless gamepads, making the game as comfortable as possible, because you can get rid of wires. Microsoft Xbox ONE X Black 1 TB supports Bluetooth technology and built-in Wi-Fi, which actually makes it easier to connect equipment and makes it possible to access the network.

The console supports 12 GB of GDDR5 video memory, which in turn helps create large-scale worlds by reducing loading times. 4K resolution provides realistic graphics, in which all the details will be worked out and the animation will be as smooth as possible.

Price: from 33,990 to 38,990 rubles.

Microsoft Xbox One X

Advantages

• light weight (3.8 kg);
• equipped with a DVD drive;
• liquid cooling;
• Dolby Atmos support.

Flaws

• not identified.

I used ONE S for six months, then the promotion rolled up and I decided to take a risk. I sold Esku for 12 K, added 16,000 and took X with a second gamepad (more profitable and far-sighted than with games). And you know, comrades, I didn’t regret at all that I exchanged it for this beast. The picture quality is many times better, and games run smoother. Actually, the younger models did this for show (consumer goods). The differences between X and S are gigantic. Just watch the videos on YouTube, the difference is especially visible on FULL HD, where you can see the difference between 60 FPS and 30 FPS. I recommend purchasing!

Sony PlayStation 4 1 TB

The PlayStation 4 gaming console will give you hundreds of hours of exciting adventures in virtual worlds. It will reproduce three-dimensional graphics with Full HD resolution, making the image on the screen truly realistic. And HDR support will help you completely immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the game due to the accurate transmission of colorful special effects: laser salvoes, explosions and the shimmer of sunlight in the clouds.

The console will be a multimedia center for the whole family. You can use it as a Blu-Ray player to watch movies and TV series with excellent detail. It will provide convenient access to various services on the Internet - including online cinemas, instant messengers, news services and many others.

Price: from 29,990 to 35,990 rubles.

Sony PlayStation 4 1 TB

Advantages

• equipped with a DVD drive;
• light weight (2.8 kg);
• low power consumption.

Flaws

• not identified.

It's very difficult to buy the best gaming console these days, but I found it. I really like everything. At first I thought of saving up for a PS5 and buying it in the winter. I'll buy it, but everything has its time. I want to see if it will be bad, or if there will be any problems. PS4 is a temporary solution, I'll wait for PS5. And the console itself (PS4) is very good, and most importantly inexpensive. In general, I advise everyone, and I wish you good luck!

Nintendo Switch Lite

The Nintendo Switch Lite portable gaming console is presented in a compact turquoise case. The device fits easily in your hands, this characteristic contributes to a comfortable game. The console is suitable for those people who spend a lot of time on the road: the ability to play in portable mode will help pass the time on the road.

The screen diagonal of the model is 5.5″, it will allow you to get a wide image, on which you will see all the game nuances. The screen uses IPS technology, which in turn allows you to display images in a resolution of 1280x720. The built-in battery of the Nintendo Switch Lite console provides 7 hours of operation before you need to recharge the device.

The model provides a built-in memory of 32 GB, in fact, this will allow you to save many games. The built-in Wi-Fi module will provide a comfortable connection to the network, so you will have access to online games. The console is controlled using the touch screen and buttons located on both sides.

Price: from 14,489 to 19,190 rubles.

Nintendo Switch Lite

Advantages

• equipped with an NFC chip;
• touch screen;
• light weight (0.28 kg).

Flaws

• not identified.

Which game console is best to buy for a child? Definitely this one. Great console for gaming. What I liked most was the portability of the console. Can be easily played anywhere. The weight of the attachment is too light, it is very convenient. I was pleased with the system interface with its minimalism. The console's cooling system is completely silent, you can't hear it at all. The switch does not heat up in games. Most games like Resident Evil, The Witcher, DOOM are slowly starting to be released on consoles. You can play your favorite games on the go. And so let's go back to the beginning. The console fits well in the hands. All buttons press well. The switch is made of high-quality plastic and does not have any looseness. Despite the small screen, everything is clearly visible, and the screen itself is of high quality. I recommend!

SEGA Genesis Gopher 2

A real treasure for hardcore gamers and lovers of classic masterpieces is the GENESIS Gopher 2 game console, made in green. Safety from external influences is ensured thanks to the durable housing.

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The console's compatibility with the Sega Genesis and Nintendo platforms opens up a wide world of video game variety. The creators have improved the previous model, and now the GENESIS Gopher 2 game console has been born.

Its difference is a wider screen diagonal, made using a TFT matrix; it displays the picture much brighter than the previous screen. The set contains 700 video games. The console supports memory cards, so you can download third-party games.

Price: from 3,690 to 4,090 rubles.

SEGA Genesis Gopher 2

Advantages

• has 700 games;
• it is possible to insert a memory card;
• optimal screen diagonal (4.3”).

Flaws

• not identified.

A good game console for the price and quality, I recommend it to everyone. Buy for 700 games, the price is the same, but there are more games. All games are already on the console. When I took out and removed the film with the picture, I saw a badly scratched screen, I was disappointed and the thought “Maybe someone used it…” It turns out that additional film was carefully glued to the entire glossy surface of the console. I've been playing for two weeks until I get tired of it. I recommend!

Sony PlayStation Portable Slim & Lite (PSP-3000)

A real breakthrough in the gaming industry at the time of its release, the Sony PSP-3000 console has not yet lost its competitiveness. Its functions include the ability to play movies, show pictures and play music. In addition, it can be connected to a TV screen and project an image onto the screen.

However, the Sony PSP-3000 is, first and foremost, a gaming console that will paint gray everyday life with bright colors, opening for you the world of knightly deeds and mortal battles without compromising life, health and social status. Moreover, it will appeal not only to fans of modern games, but to those who value beautiful graphics and incredible gameplay. Thanks to the PSP Live application, it will also be highly appreciated by fans of retro console games Dendy and Sega.

Price: from 15,152 to 18,990 rubles.

Sony PlayStation Portable Slim Lite (PSP-3000)

Advantages

• light weight (0.18 kg);
• equipped with a DVD drive;
• has a slot for a memory card.

Flaws

• not identified.

I wanted to buy the best gaming console for a very long time, but I never had the time, and now I found it. I play games on it, watch movies, after buying a component cable I download movies to the PSP, if necessary, I convert it to a readable PSP format and connect it to TV and watch movies. I advise you to immediately buy a large memory card, an original one, which is very important, because the data is from the original. cards are read more actively, and downloading files will be much faster. 16GB (Mark2) is enough for me, the memory card fits almost all Sony products, this makes me incredibly happy. I have been using it since November 23, 2009. I recommend purchasing!

Sony PlayStation 3 Super Slim 500 GB

Sony PlayStation 3 Super Slim brings your family a world of premium gaming and entertainment. New types of interactive games and free voice and video communication with the PlayStation Eye camera.

Your family and loved ones will always be with you, because storing and displaying your photo archive has become much easier. Sony PlayStation 3 Super Slim - the best movies on Blu-ray discs in high definition and easy and quick access to your favorite music, photos, plus the ability to access the Internet.

Price: from 14,850 to 18,990 rubles.

Sony PlayStation 3 Super Slim 500 GB

Advantages

• equipped with a DVD drive;
• small sizes;
• plays discs of modern formats (Blu ray).

Flaws

• not identified.

It’s hard to say which game console is best to buy these days, but here’s one of them. And I won't rant about games. And who doesn’t know, there is enough information on the Internet. The main, simply crazy advantage of this console is its Blu-ray drive. He is beyond competition. I have a disc with a concert, it is scratched and plays in places like a viral video. So, this set-top box reads it without a single brake! I have something to judge by, in my pioneer PC for 3000. And it is not capable of this. The second thing is that it plays the most modern 3D Blu ray disc format. Players supporting this format cost from 7,000 rubles. But they do not have a hard drive, you cannot play on them, or access the Internet. I recommend!

Sony PlayStation 4 Pro 1TB

The PlayStation 4 Pro Black 1TB gaming console is the dream of every gamer and not only that. Everyone will be happy to purchase such a gaming console, since the device has high-tech content, thanks to which it can please with its speed and performance.

Featuring AMD Radeon GPU graphics, an AMD Jaguar x86-64 processor and 8GB of GDDR5 RAM, the model is capable of loading any game with high performance for a comfortable gaming experience. PlayStation 4 Pro Black 1TB has 1 TB of built-in memory and supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules, which provides additional benefits to the user.

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You will also be pleased with the rich equipment: two games, gamepads, an HDMI cable, a USB cable, a headset, and a power cable. The design of the set-top box provides for a proprietary input (AUX), three USB ports, through which additional equipment and accessories can be connected.

Price: from 32,900 to 37,990 rubles.

Sony PlayStation 4 Pro 1TB

Advantages

• equipped with a DVD drive;
• comes with headphones;
• build quality.

Flaws

• not identified.

We initially bought a PS4 slim, but after 3-4 months problems appeared with the gamepad. As a result, both the console and the gamepad were taken for warranty service. After 45 days, the console was not returned, but the money was returned. They just returned the money that we paid, and with this money we cannot buy the same console, since we bought it at a discount. They refused to exchange the model for the same set with other games, so we took a PS4 PRO at an additional cost. I was very pleased. In certain games the FPS is not stable, but this is already poor optimization of the game, since the same picture occurs on Xbox one x. It's a pity that there is no Game Pass like the box. I completed all the exclusives and really liked them. Then we bought PlayStation VR and it’s just awesome. If they bought me an xbox one instead of a PS4, I would be very upset. I recommend!

Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch Solo is a compact console, so you can take it with you on trips. Thanks to it, you will always have access to your favorite games. The built-in battery provides up to 9 hours of operation without recharging. This model is equipped with a 6.2-inch screen with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels. It displays a bright, detailed picture with realistic colors.

The touch display makes operation particularly simple. The device is equipped with removable gamepads. They have all the buttons you need to give commands to your character, collect items, change weapons and perform other similar actions. The device is connected to the TV. It also includes Wi-Fi for wireless Internet access and Bluetooth for use with compatible devices such as speakers or headphones. The best inexpensive gaming console is hard to find these days, but you might like this device because of its portability.

Price: from 21,929 to 26,920 rubles.

Nintendo Switch

Advantages

• device mobility;
• it is possible to work in portable and stationary mode;
• light weight (0.4 kg).

Flaws

• not identified.

“Which game consoles are better and cheaper?” – this question interested me for a long time and now I found it. I definitely play on the way to work or when I go on a business trip. It is quite compact and easily fits into a backpack or suitcase. In order to preserve the appearance of the case, I use a special case. The buttons do not stick, all games are readable the first time. In general, I didn’t notice a single problem with the work. Playing is a pleasure. I recommend!