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Choosing the Right Console: The Key Features for Unblocked Games in 2025
If you are looking to buy the top gaming console in 2025, then you are in the right place. Whether you’re already entrenched in one console ecosystem and are looking for your next step up, or if you’re completely new to the console space and want to experience everything that it has to offer, there are loads of great options to choose from. There are a few great options for kids, too — making it one of the easiest console gifts to find.
You may be asking yourself why picking up a current-generation console like a PlayStation 5 GameStop offers a solid choice over a gaming PC. The price of gaming PCs has slowly declined over previous years, which might make them seem like a better value option. Console gaming is still considerably cheaper on the whole though, as you’re never going to get a PC for console prices.
That process of deciding which exact console to buy, though, is not exactly simple. There are many crucial considerations, whether the price range you’re looking for, the performance you expect, or the types of games you want to play. Fortunately, we test all manner of gaming consoles here at Next Gamer Play, so we’ve compiled this guide to highlight your very best options today. We have tested and reviewed every single item on this list and can safely say that they are well worth your time.
1. PlayStation 5
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✅ You love PlayStation exclusives: The PS5 has some of the best console-exclusive games on the market. There is also backward compatibility with the PS4’s wide library so you will always have a ton to play.
✅ You want to play in 4K: The PS5 is capable of producing a 4K resolution picture at 30 fps, 60 fps, and even 120 fps in supported titles. This can look absolutely stunning with the right TV or monitor setup.
❌ You have limited space: While a more compact model is now available to buy, it’s still pretty large and the original PS5 model is truly massive. If space is a concern then you’ll be better off with a smaller system like the Xbox Series S.
Another noteworthy feature is the included controller, Sony’s DualSense Wireless Controller, which has an incredibly comfortable form factor and excellent haptic feedback. At $499.99/$479.99, you’re getting a lot more for your money than you would with the competition. Buying games on discs can be very cost-effective, but if you want to only increase your game collection through the digital store, there is also a less expensive digital version that eliminates the disc drive for $399.99 or $379.99.
Of course, if you purchase a lot of digital games, the storage capacity of the console can become a problem. Because many of the top PS5 titles have big file sizes, even though the console’s initial usable storage of 667.2GB may seem like a lot, it will quickly fill up. You may greatly reduce this problem by selecting something from our guide to the best SSD for PS5.
The digital and disc version of the base model has been essentially superseded by a new PS5 model that is currently available. This update offers the option to buy a detachable Ultra HD Blu-Ray disc drive, is significantly thinner, and has a marginally more attractive look. Read our comprehensive analysis of the new model’s differences.
2. Xbox Series S
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✅ You want good value for money: The Xbox Series S offers the ability to play all Xbox Series X games in 1440p for a very affordable price.
✅ You want a compact system: The Xbox Series S is a fraction of the size of its larger sibling, making it ideal for those with cramped gaming spaces or playing on the go.
❌ You want to play in 4K: The Xbox Series S can only output at a maximum resolution of 1440p. If you own a 4K monitor or gaming TV, you should look at the Xbox Series X instead.
At just $299.99 / £249.99, the Xbox Series S presents incredible value. That’s before additional discounts, too, where we frequently see that price slashed to as low as $249.99 / £199.99 or the addition of bundled games to bolster the package.
While this low price point makes it an obvious choice for the best affordable gaming console, you should keep in mind that you are making a number of concessions when picking the Xbox Series S over its larger sibling or the PS5. For a start, the machine lacks a physical disc drive and is limited to a 1440p resolution instead of the 4K output of the Xbox Series X. This means that games will not look quite so sharp, especially if you’re using a 4K monitor or expensive gaming TV.
However, the Xbox Series S still allows access to an incredible library of Xbox exclusive games, including titles like Forza Motorsport and Starfield, which make it a fantastic entry point for current-generation gaming. These games take full advantage of the hardware, delivering excellent performance and visuals even at a reduced resolution.
The 512GB SSD may also begin to fill out quicker than expected if you’re downloading many of the larger titles that are available on Xbox Game Pass. This can be solved by the addition of a Seagate Xbox Storage Expansion Card, but this is an expensive solution if you’re after the higher capacity models. Alternatively, a slightly pricier Series S model is now available in Carbon Black, which offers 1TB of storage space for $349.99 / £299.99.
This console still lets you enjoy all the great current-generation Xbox exclusive games for a fraction of the Xbox Series X’s price. It also makes for a perfect media streaming centre, offering native apps for Netflix and Disney Plus where the 1440p resolution of this console helps make images look far crisper than your standard 1080p picture.
3. PlayStation 5 Pro
image credit to arule
Specifications
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✅ You want the best visuals: The PS5 Pro delivers the best visuals on the console market thanks to its hugely powerful hardware. Just beard in mind that this doesn’t come cheap.
✅ You want to game in 8K: A handful of PS5 Pro games offer support for 8K gaming, which could make the console a worthwhile investment if you already own an expensive 8K display.
❌ You could make do with the PS5: For most gamers, the differences in performance won’t be worth the added cost. If you just want a good way to play modern games, stick with the base PS5.
The PlayStation 5 Pro is for you if you enjoy playing PlayStation games and demand the highest visuals possible. With a considerable performance boost over the standard PS5, it is unquestionably the most powerful system currently available for purchase. PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR), a revolutionary technology that enhances the look and performance of games, is another advantage of the PS5 Pro.
“Can I play downloaded PS5 Pro games?” is a question that many gamers frequently ask. Yes, you can utilize the PS5 Pro’s increased hardware and 2TB of internal storage to the fullest extent possible because it enables downloadable games. For gamers who have bigger collections of digital games and desire smooth gameplay, this storage boost is ideal
access to their preferred games.
In addition to the few games that support 8K visuals, the system supports 120Hz gaming, which makes it a great choice if you have a very costly display. With a sleek, streamlined appearance that looks fantastic on a media center, it’s also no slouch in the design department.
The primary issue with the PS5 Pro is, predictably, its exorbitant cost. Many consumers may find it too costly, particularly considering that the PS5 base model still offers an excellent gaming experience. However, you’ll be pleased to hear that the PS5 Pro has complete compatibility with digital games if you’re wondering, “Can I play downloaded PS5 Pro games? making certain that, in spite of the high price, you don’t miss any gaming pleasures.
4. Xbox Series X
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✅ You want the most powerful Xbox: The Xbox Series X is more powerful than not only the Xbox Series S, but also the PS5. If you want a powerful Xbox console, this is the way to go.
✅ You want to play Game Pass games: The Xbox Game Pass subscription service is excellent value for money and offers hundreds of great titles for a low monthly price.
❌ You want to play PS5 exclusives: There are some highlights, but the Xbox Series X’s library of exclusive games is a bit of a let down compared to the many brilliant titles available on PS5.
From a purely technical perspective, the Xbox Series X is without question the most powerful console available in the Xbox ecosystem. Many of the best Xbox Series X games look and sound spectacular, amplified superbly by stellar implementations of Dolby Atmos surround sound and Dolby Vision – compliments the console’s high-end specs beautifully.
Priced at $499 / £479, the raw performance of the Xbox Series X outclasses anything you could obtain for an equivalent investment in the PC or laptop gaming market. Like the PlayStation 5, the Xbox Series X also supports 4K resolutions and cutting-edge graphical elements such as ray tracing. Its utilization of next-generation NVMe solid-state drive technology for storage suggests it won’t struggle to keep pace with data access demands for the foreseeable future.
The lone potential failing of the Xbox Series X may be its library of exclusive software, which lacks the abundance of compelling console-only titles available on the PlayStation 5. Xbox Game Pass does help ameliorate this deficit somewhat, however, providing entry to a broad assortment of games for a low monthly subscription rate. In addition, the backwards compatibility is remarkably comprehensive, extending much further back than what the PlayStation 5 offers – permitting gamers to enjoy titles from the original Xbox era.
That said, the Xbox Series X isn’t completely devoid of quality exclusive franchises of its own, naturally. Forza Horizon 5 stands out as one of the premier racing simulations available, while flight simulator aficionados are surely enthralled by the hardware-intensive marvel that is Microsoft Flight Simulator. A wealth of multi-platform releases should also capture attention, such as the gripping Lords of the Fallen and the beloved Sonic Superstars.
5. Nintendo Switch OLED
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✅ You want the definitive handheld experience: Compared to the original Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch OLED benefits from a stellar display, improved speakers and a much better kickstand.
✅ You want to download games: Among its other upgrades, the Nintendo Switch OLED features double the internal storage of the base model making it ideal for digital titles.
❌ You can find the original model much cheaper: Despite the improvements of the Nintendo Switch OLED, the original Nintendo Switch could still present a fantastic value option if you manage to find it in a steep sale.
Among Nintendo’s current consoles, the Switch OLED is without a doubt the best model. It may have the same internal processing capability as the conventional Nintendo Switch model, but it boasts a much better screen. The top Nintendo Switch titles now appear better than ever when played in portable mode thanks to a larger 7-inch OLED panel.
Although the Nintendo Switch OLED costs $349.99/£299.99 more than the regular Switch model, it is still far less expensive than the PS5 and Xbox Series X, the latest generation consoles from Sony and Microsoft. Naturally, it’s important to note that these competing systems are more powerful than the Nintendo Switch OLED and those who play games that have been ported to the system from other platforms could occasionally find them a little more difficult. A Nintendo Switch case is a fantastic method to preserve your device’s value and portability while yet protecting it.
Aside from the screen enhancements, it’s also important to note that the Nintendo Switch OLED has bigger speakers and a wider kickstand, making tabletop gaming easier and games sounding better when the device isn’t docked. All Nintendo Switch games are compatible with the OLED model, so you don’t have to worry about having a small library.
Even with the Nintendo Switch OLED’s numerous improvements, there are still some situations in which purchasing the older original Nintendo model is still recommended. This includes obtaining any possible limited-edition designs, like the adorable Animal Crossing Switch, or seeing if you can find one of the most affordable Nintendo Switch bundles and offers. No matter the version, a Nintendo Switch case keeps your device safe whether you’re playing at home or on the move.