Choose the best gaming console

Retro-Bit Super Retro Trio HD Plus Review: a simple 3-in-1 box to plug your old carts into a modern TV

Retro-Bit Super Retro Trio HD Plus 720P 3 in 1 Console System (2019) for Original NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis Games - Red/White

+ Plays original NES, SNES and Genesis/Mega Drive ca...

+ Six controller ports with support for original con...

+ Simple plug-and-play setup with region switches an...

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Review: a premium pad that’s great, but not flawless

Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Black

Xbox

+ Very comfortable with nice weight and wrap‑around...

+ Back paddles and adjustable triggers actually impr...

+ Strong battery life with handy charging dock and g...

SEGA Mega Drive Mini Review: pure nostalgia, with a few 2019‑era annoyances

SEGA

+ Faithful emulation with good sound and stable 720p...

+ Nice physical design and build, very close to the...

+ Strong game selection with many well-known classic...

Current trends

Xbox cuts 3,200 jobs and drops four studios: what the biggest restructure in Xbox history changes for buyers

Xbox’s 2026 reset brings 3,200 job cuts, four studios leaving first party, and a sharper focus on Game Pass tentpoles like Minecraft, Forza, Fallout and The Elder Scrolls. Here’s what that means for console buyers, upcoming games and long-term Xbox Series X|S support.

Couch co-op in 2026: which consoles and games still let you play side by side

Best Gaming Consoles 2024

10/07/2026

Couch co-op in 2026: which consoles and games still let you play side by side

Why your hands hurt after an hour: the ergonomics gap between console controllers

Controllers & Gamepads

Game Pass & Subscription Services

06/07/2026

Why your hands hurt after an hour: the ergonomics gap between console controllers

03/07/2026

Game Pass vs PS Plus Premium in 2026: which subscription actually earns its monthly fee?

How to sell your old console in 2026 without getting lowballed

08/07/2026

How to sell your old console in 2026 without getting lowballed

Our latest product comparisons

See all comparisons →

Our selection of the 9 best home gaming consoles (2026)

PlayStation

Console Sony PlayStation 5 Édition Standard Blanche

+ Very fast loading times thanks to the SSD and 16 GB memory

+ Quiet operation compared to PS4/PS4 Pro, even in long sessions

SEGA

Mega Drive Mini (Electronic Games)

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.3/10

Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition (Renewed)

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.2/10

See full comparison →

The 5 best gaming consoles for living rooms (2026)

Xbox

Xbox Series X Console (Black, EU)

+ Very fast loading times and smooth performance in 4K for most games

+ Game Pass offers a large library of titles for a reasonable monthly cost

Xbox

Xbox Series X + Call of Duty: MW3 (Disc)

Xbox

Series X Digital 1TB

See full comparison →

+ Noticeably improves airflow and keeps the Switch 2 cooler in tighter TV units

Which gaming console cooling accessories to choose? Top 8 (2026)

LED Console Cooling Stand for Nintendo Switch 2

Venom

LED Cooling Stand for Nintendo Switch 2

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 9.0/10

+ Simple plug-and-play setup with USB power and easy front controls

PS5 Cooling & Charging Station with RGB - Dual Controller Charger, Cooling Fan, Headset Holder, 3-Port USB Hub (White/Black)

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.6/10

OIVO

PS5/Slim/Pro Stand and Cooling Station with LED Controller Charging Station for PlayStation 5 Console, Controller Charger, Cooling Stand, PS5/Slim/Pro Accessories Kit with 3 Level Cooler Fan White

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.5/10

See full comparison →

Spotlight

Top Gaming consoles for living rooms

05/07/2026

Top Gaming consoles for living rooms

Editorial guide to the best gaming consoles for living rooms, comparing PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and Steam Deck on image quality, noise, family use, and subscription services with cited market data.

Sega Genesis vs its modern clones: what the original hardware still does better

03/07/2026

Top Gaming console cooling accessories

Discover the best gaming console cooling accessories, from vertical stands and wall mounts to cooling stations and controller chargers, with real test data, noise figures, and buying tips for quieter, safer long gaming sessions.

29/06/2026

Sega Genesis vs its modern clones: what the original hardware still does better

Comparing the Sega Genesis original vs mini? Learn how sound, video, controllers, cartridges, FPGA clones, and living room setups affect which version is best for your retro gaming style.

PlayStation vs. Xbox vs. Switch

30/06/2026

Top Gaming consoles with Wi-Fi

Discover how Wi‑Fi standards, real‑world speeds, and latency shape the best gaming consoles, from Xbox Series X|S and PS5 to Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and retro handhelds, plus buying tips and key industry stats.

When your console is also a PC: how SteamOS handhelds and the Steam Machine blur every buying category

26/06/2026

When your console is also a PC: how SteamOS handhelds and the Steam Machine blur every buying category

Comparing steam machine vs console in 2026: how SteamOS, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series and handheld PCs differ on performance, price, controllers and game libraries for returning players.

26/06/2026

Top Gaming consoles for streaming media

Discover the best gaming consoles for streaming media in 2026. Compare Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Steam Deck for 4K HDR streaming, storage, and everyday entertainment.

Building a retro gaming corner for under $200: hardware, display and setup decisions

24/06/2026

Building a retro gaming corner for under $200: hardware, display and setup decisions

Learn how to build a retro gaming corner on a small budget, from choosing the right display and hardware to sample builds at 100 €, 150 € and 200 €, plus practical tips on controllers, furniture and lighting.

Best gaming console for a small apartment: noise, heat and size compared

24/06/2026

Top Gaming consoles with ray tracing

Compare the best gaming consoles with ray tracing, from Xbox Series X and PS5 to Steam Deck and Switch companions. Learn how ray traced modes affect visuals, frame rates, and which system fits your play style.

Best Gaming Consoles 2024

Top Gaming consoles for beginners

01/07/2026

Best gaming console for a small apartment: noise, heat and size compared

Detailed guide to quiet gaming consoles for small rooms and apartments, with real‑world dB(A) and watt figures, heat and airflow tips, placement advice, and ecosystem recommendations for PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and handheld PCs.

Optimizing Graphics & Performance

20/06/2026

Top Gaming consoles for beginners

Learn how to choose the best first gaming console, from Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series to PlayStation and Steam Deck. Compare beginner friendly systems, understand disc vs digital models, and see key stats on gaming adoption and subscriptions.

The 120 Hz marketing lie: why most console gamers will never notice the difference

The 120 Hz marketing lie: why most console gamers will never notice the difference

Wondering if a 120 Hz gaming console is worth it? Learn when high refresh rates actually matter on PS5 and Xbox Series, how input lag and HDR affect real gameplay, and where to spend your TV budget for the biggest upgrade.

Storage & Memory Expansion

18/06/2026

Top Gaming console charging stations

Learn how to choose gaming console charging stations for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, with tips on cooling stands, safety, cable management, and multi-console setups.

Every PS5 SSD expansion worth buying in 2026: prices have dropped and capacity has doubled

17/06/2026

Every PS5 SSD expansion worth buying in 2026: prices have dropped and capacity has doubled

Practical guide to every PS5 SSD expansion worth buying now, with clear picks, 2 TB vs 4 TB advice, installation tips and real performance insight.

Xbox Series X + Modern Warfare III Review: a fast, no-nonsense jump into current‑gen

Xbox Series X + Modern Warfare III Review: a fast, no-nonsense jump into current‑gen

After using the Xbox Series X + Modern Warfare III bundle for a while, my feeling is simple: as a way to jump from an older Xbox to current-gen, it does the job well. The console is fast, quiet, and handles MW3 and other big games without struggling. Load times are much shorter than on Xbox One, gra...

NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro Review: still the nerd’s favourite streaming box, but with a few catches

The NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV Pro is a strong streaming box for people who like to tinker and actually use advanced features. As a daily driver, it’s fast, stable, and handles 4K HDR content with Dolby Vision and Atmos without breaking a sweat, as long as your TV and HDMI setup are up to it. The AI u...

by Bastien-Charles Noire

Sony PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Review: the 4K console that ditches discs and keeps things simple

Sony PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Review: the 4K console that ditches discs and keeps things simple

Essential Accessories to Buy

The PS5 Digital Edition is a strong console if you’re already living in the digital world. Performance is solid: fast SSD, short loading times, quiet fan, and clean 4K output with 60 fps options on many games. The DualSense controller brings real improvements with better haptics and adaptive trigger...

by Alexa Mendoza

Best Switch 2 accessories in 2026: the cases, grips and screen protectors that actually last

PlayStation vs. Xbox vs. Switch

22/06/2026

Best Switch 2 accessories in 2026: the cases, grips and screen protectors that actually last

A practical family focused guide to the best Switch 2 accessories in 2026, covering durable cases, grips, screen protectors, controllers, docks and storage.

Xbox exclusives on PlayStation: what Microsoft's open-door policy means for your next console

12/06/2026

Xbox exclusives on PlayStation: what Microsoft's open-door policy means for your next console

Xbox is sending more exclusives to PlayStation. Learn how Game Pass, timed releases and shifting exclusivity should shape your next console choice.

Packing a handheld for summer travel: the battery, case and comfort checklist before you board

Handheld Gaming Consoles

Gaming Console for Kids & Families

05/06/2026

Packing a handheld for summer travel: the battery, case and comfort checklist before you board

Learn how to choose the best handheld travel gaming setup, with real world battery life, comfort tips, protection advice and power bank guidance for Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, MSI Claw and Nintendo Switch.

Parental controls on every current console: a plain-language setup guide for non-gamers

20/06/2026

Parental controls on every current console: a plain-language setup guide for non-gamers

Plain-language guide to parental controls on Nintendo, PlayStation and Xbox. Learn to set limits on time, spending and online chat for safer family gaming.

Understanding the x6 Game Console Firmware

How to Turn Off the LED on the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Controller

Controllers & Gamepads

24/08/2025

How to Turn Off the LED on the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Controller

Exploring the Space Marine 2 Cheat Engine Table

Exploring the Space Marine 2 Cheat Engine Table

Exploring the PlayStation PC Software Development Kit

Sony PlayStation

05/05/2025

Exploring the PlayStation PC Software Development Kit

Troubleshooting gpsp Issues on Anbernic Consoles

Optimizing Graphics & Performance

04/07/2025

Troubleshooting gpsp Issues on Anbernic Consoles

Exciting Updates in the Latest Fortnite Season

Exciting Updates in the Latest Fortnite Season

Troubleshooting: 8bitdo Connects My Controller but It Won't Respond

06/10/2025

Troubleshooting: 8bitdo Connects My Controller but It Won't Respond

Understanding switch NSP files: what you need to know for Nintendo gaming

Nintendo Switch

12/12/2025

Understanding switch NSP files: what you need to know for Nintendo gaming

01/02/2026

Top Next-Gen Consoles

Connecting Your Retro Fighters Controller to Your PC: A Step-by-Step Guide

Retro Gaming Brands

Optimizing Graphics & Performance

05/08/2025

Connecting Your Retro Fighters Controller to Your PC: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding the Warframe Tier List: A Guide for Console Gamers

Understanding the Warframe Tier List: A Guide for Console Gamers

Exploring the World of Wii U Online Unauthorized Services

10/03/2025

Exploring the World of Wii U Online Unauthorized Services

How to Fix Your Xbox Controller: A Comprehensive Guide

Best Online Multiplayer Games

08/06/2025

How to Fix Your Xbox Controller: A Comprehensive Guide

Exploring the 30 Team Arenas in NBA 2K25

Exploring the 30 Team Arenas in NBA 2K25

Steam Deck & PC Handhelds

01/02/2026

Top Emulator Consoles

Unlocking the Potential of Rocket League with a Steam Key

02/07/2025

Unlocking the Potential of Rocket League with a Steam Key

Gaming Consoles

How the retrogametalk repository keeps classic consoles alive for modern players

13/07/2026

How the retrogametalk repository keeps classic consoles alive for modern players

Explore how the retrogametalk repository helps retro console fans repair, buy, sell, and preserve classic hardware, with community projects, market data, and practical tips for using the forums effectively.

by Bastien-Charles Noire

How to approach safe and legal SFC MSU1 downloads for enhanced retro gaming

12/07/2026

How to approach safe and legal SFC MSU1 downloads for enhanced retro gaming

Learn what SFC MSU1 downloads are, how MSU-1 patches enhance Super Famicom and SNES games, how to manage files legally and safely, and which hardware and emulators work best for MSU SFC gaming.

Accessories

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Review: a premium pad that’s great, but not flawless

After using the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 daily for a few weeks, my feeling is pretty clear: it’s a very good controller that’s held back a bit by its age and price. The paddles, adjustable triggers, and custom profiles genuinely improve how you play, especially in shooters and fast‑pa...

by Seraphine Thornbloom

TicEaik PS5 Stand Review: a cheap all‑in‑one dock that mostly does what it says

TicEaik PS5 Stand Review: a cheap all‑in‑one dock that mostly does what it says

This TicEaik PS5 stand is basically a budget all‑in‑one organiser that does what it says, without being impressive. The dual controller charging works reliably once you get used to how the controllers sit, the LED indicators are clear, and having both pads always topped up is genuinely useful. The f...

by Camille-Lou Montclair

Buying Guides

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Review: a simple way to make an old TV feel new again

Best Gaming Consoles 2024

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Review: a simple way to make an old TV feel new again

Is the PS5 Pro worth $900? A clear-eyed look at who actually benefits

Summer Game Fest 2026: what to watch and which consoles to buy before the rush

PlayStation vs. Xbox vs. Switch

18/05/2026

Summer Game Fest 2026: what to watch and which consoles to buy before the rush

PS5 or Xbox Series X in 2026: which console fits your life?

Best Online Multiplayer Games

15/05/2026

PS5 or Xbox Series X in 2026: which console fits your life?

Gaming Tips & Setup

Why saw style point and click games still matter for console players

02/07/2026

Why saw style point and click games still matter for console players

Discover how Saw-style point-and-click horror games evolved from browser parodies to modern console adventures, with tense puzzles, accessibility options, and strong replay value.

by Camille-Lou Montclair

STRONG LEAP-NOVAUK Streaming TV Stick Review: a no-nonsense 4K upgrade for old TVs

STRONG LEAP-NOVAUK Streaming TV Stick Review: a no-nonsense 4K upgrade for old TVs