Shop gaming
Types of games console
PlayStation 5 (PS5)
The PlayStation 5 (or PS5) is Sony’s next-gen console. And there are two types to choose from. The standard PS5 has a 4K Blu-ray disc drive, while the Digital Edition is designed for downloads only.
The PS5’s main features are:
Graphics upgrades - With the right game and display, the PS5 supports 4K resolution at 120fps and up to 8K resolution for video. You’ll see all your game’s tiny details, and get seriously smooth motion too. It also uses ray-tracing tech, which make games look more lifelike.
SSD storage - Thanks to its custom SSD storage, games load fast. That makes for a totally seamless transition between different levels, with nothing to interrupt your flow.
Improved controller - You can actually feel what’s going on in-game with enhanced haptic feedback. Adaptive triggers create a more realistic experience too, since you’ll feel different levels of resistance depending on what you’re pushing, pulling or shooting.
For most of us, a digital only console will do just fine. But if you want to play your old physical games, buy second-hand games, or have the odd Blu-ray knocking about, make sure you get a PS5 with a disc drive.
Chloe, Currys tech expert
Choosing a controller for your console
The PS4 and PS5 each have their own official controllers - the DualShock for PS4 and the DualSense for PS5. Both have an ergonomic design to keep you comfy while playing, but only the DualSense has enhanced haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
Xbox Series X
Microsoft has not one, but two next-gen consoles. The largest and most powerful is the Xbox Series X. If you want a serious gaming machine with access to Xbox exclusives, this may be your best bet.
The Xbox Series X’s main features are:
Sheer processing power - Its GPU (that’s a graphics card to me and you) runs at a massive 12 teraflops with 16GB RAM, letting developers create huge, data-hungry games without any issue. To put it in context, the Series X is twice as powerful as the Xbox One X.
Graphics upgrades - The Series X can run games at up to 4K at 120fps – as long as you’ve got the display to match. And ray-tracing makes games look ultra-real.
Quick resume - Because the Series X is so powerful, you can run multiple games at once. Started playing one thing, then want to play a quick campaign of something else with your mates? Switch between them in seconds, picking up exactly where you left off.
Xbox Series S
The Xbox Series S has a bunch of next-gen hallmarks – like a powerful GPU and fast SSD storage. But, unlike the Series X, it’s digital only (no disc-drive), much smaller and costs a bit less too.
The Series S’s main features are:
Compact design - The Series S is 60% smaller than the Series X – perfect if you plan on putting it away when it’s not in use.
Graphics upgrades - Like the Series X, you’ll get a ton of features to keep your games looking their best, like VRR and ray-tracing. Game in 1440p Quad HD resolution at 60fps – which is great if you’re not ready to invest in a 4K TV or monitor yet.
Quick resume - Although the Series S has less SSD storage (512GB compared to 1TB for the Series X), it has enough that you can still use the handy quick resume feature.
Choosing a controller for your console
If you get an Xbox Series X|S, it’ll come with an Xbox wireless controller already. And your old Xbox One controllers will work with it too. But the newer controller does come with some extra features, like a sharing button, a USB-C charging port and a slightly more comfortable build.
Nintendo Switch
The original hybrid console, Nintendo Switch has a built-in screen and two Joy-Con controllers you can attach or detach from either side. So you can get it out in tabletop mode, play it on the go as a handheld, or hook it up to your TV like a traditional console.
Nintendo Switch OLED
The Nintendo Switch OLED’s biggest draw is (surprise, surprise) its OLED screen. OLED tech makes colours way more vivid, so you get an eye-popping picture when you’re going portable. A new white design and enhanced sound are also pluses.
Nintendo Switch Lite
A grab-and-go handheld, the Switch Lite is a great little travel companion. You can’t hook it up to a TV like the regular Switch or Switch OLED, but its slimmed-down size makes it great for travelling and keeping little hands busy.
All the major consoles have parental controls, making it much easier to set healthy boundaries for your kids. Most are easy to adjust too, with more limits for little ones and more freedom for teens.
Mish, Currys tech expert
Backwards compatibility
Console gaming tech explained
Having a console that supports 4K doesn’t necessarily mean that’s what you’ll see onscreen. Your console and display need to work together to make it happen. If you’re not sure your TV’s up to scratch, check our TV buying guide.
Katrina, Currys tech expert
