The 2026 Console Landscape
The current console generation is now well-established. Sony's PS5, Microsoft's Xbox Series X, and Nintendo's Switch 2 (released in 2025) each serve different audiences. There is no single "best" console — the right choice depends on which games you want to play, whether you have friends on a particular platform, and how you prefer to play.
PlayStation 5
The PS5 remains the dominant console in the UK by sales. Its exclusive library — Spider-Man 2, God of War: Ragnarök, Demon's Souls, Horizon Forbidden West — remains unmatched for single-player narrative games. The DualSense controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers are genuinely innovative. The PS5 standard model is available for £479 at most UK retailers; the disc-free Digital Edition for £389. PlayStation Plus Essential costs £8.99/month and is required for online multiplayer.
Xbox Series X
Microsoft's Xbox Series X (£479) is the most powerful console in the current generation in terms of raw hardware. Its key advantage is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (£14.99/month), which gives access to hundreds of games including all first-party Microsoft titles on day one. If you play a wide variety of games and prefer subscription value over specific exclusives, Xbox + Game Pass is the best deal in gaming. Xbox exclusives (Starfield, Forza Motorsport, Halo) are also all available on PC via Game Pass.
Nintendo Switch 2
The Switch 2 (£399) targets a different audience entirely. Its hybrid home/portable design makes it uniquely versatile — the same console connects to your TV or slides into your bag for gaming on the go. Nintendo's first-party games (Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, Metroid) have no equivalent on other platforms. It's less powerful than PS5 or Xbox but delivers genuinely unique experiences. The best choice for families, younger players, and anyone who travels frequently.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose PS5 if: you want the best exclusive single-player games and most of your friends are on PlayStation. Choose Xbox Series X if: you want maximum value via Game Pass, play a wide variety of genres, or already game on PC. Choose Switch 2 if: you want Nintendo exclusives, play portably, or are buying for a child or family.