A gaming console is a machine built specifically to play video games on your TV or monitor

Unlike a computer or phone, a gaming console does one thing well: it connects to your television and runs games designed for that hardware. You buy the console itself, then buy or read individual games to play on it. The three major consoles you'll encounter are the PlayStation 5 (made by Sony), the Xbox Series X or Series S (made by Microsoft), and the Nintendo Switch (made by Nintendo). Each plays different games, costs different amounts, and works in different ways—which is why people often own more than one.

A console is not a computer. It has a processor and storage built in, but you can't use it to browse the web, check email, or run software the way you would on a laptop. Some newer consoles have web browsers and streaming apps, but that's secondary to their main purpose. The trade-off is that consoles are usually cheaper than gaming PCs and more straightforward to set up.

Key Takeaways

  • The three major consoles—PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch—each have different games, price points, and features, so the right choice depends on which games you want to play.
  • A console connects to your TV or monitor with an HDMI cable and comes with a controller; you buy games separately as physical discs or digital downloads.
  • Newer consoles (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X) cost $300–$500, while the Nintendo Switch costs $200–$350 depending on the model.
  • Most consoles require an internet connection to read games and receive updates, though you can play many games offline once they're installed.
  • Game prices vary widely—some older titles cost $10–$20, while new releases often cost $60–$70, though subscription services offer hundreds of games for a monthly fee.

How a console connects and what you need to start

A gaming console needs three things to work: the console itself, a controller (which comes in the box), and a display. Most consoles connect to a TV using an HDMI cable, which carries both picture and sound. The Nintendo Switch is different—it has a built-in screen and can also dock to a TV, making it portable in a way the others aren't.

You'll also need power, obviously. Plug the console into an outlet, connect the HDMI cable to your TV, and turn it on. The first time you use it, you'll create an account (or sign in with an existing one) and read any system updates. After that, you're ready to buy or read a game.

An internet connection is strongly recommended. While you can play many games offline once they're installed, most consoles need internet to read games, receive updates, and access online multiplayer features. Some games require internet even for single-player modes. If you have broadband at home, you can connect via WiFi or ethernet cable.

The three major consoles and what makes them different

PlayStation 5 (Sony) is the most powerful console in raw processing speed and has the largest library of exclusive games—titles you can only play on PlayStation. Games like God of War, Spider-Man, and Final Fantasy are PlayStation exclusives. The PS5 costs around $500 for the standard model (which plays games on disc) or $400 for the digital-only version (games read only). It requires a PlayStation Network subscription for online multiplayer, though the subscription is optional for single-player games.

Xbox Series X and Series S (Microsoft) offer similar power to PlayStation, though the Series S is less powerful and costs less ($300 versus $500 for the Series X). Xbox's main advantage is Game Pass, a subscription service that includes hundreds of games for $10–$17 per month—far cheaper than buying games individually. Exclusive Xbox games include Halo, Forza, and Starfield. Like PlayStation, Xbox requires a subscription for online multiplayer.

Nintendo Switch is the outlier. It's less powerful than PlayStation or Xbox, but it's portable—you can play handheld, prop it on a table with a stand, or dock it to a TV. It costs $200–$350 depending on the model (the standard Switch, the Switch Lite for handheld only, or the Switch OLED with a better screen). Nintendo Switch games tend to be different in style: more colorful, more family-friendly, and often more creative. Zelda, Mario, and Animal Crossing are Nintendo exclusives. Online multiplayer on Switch requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, which is cheaper than PlayStation or Xbox ($20 per year for basic service).

Games: how you buy them and what they cost

Games come in two forms: physical discs (which you buy at a store or online and insert into the console) and digital downloads (which you buy online and read directly to the console's storage). The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X come with disc drives; the Xbox Series S and PlayStation 5 Digital Edition do not. The Nintendo Switch uses cartridges instead of discs, which are smaller and more durable but often more expensive per game.

New games typically cost $60–$70. Older games, indie games (made by smaller studios), and games on sale often cost $10–$40. Many games go on sale regularly—checking the store on your console or websites like IsThereAnyDeal can help you find discounts. Some games are free-to-play, meaning you read them for nothing and pay only if you want cosmetic items or battle passes (optional purchases that don't affect gameplay).

Subscription services change the math. PlayStation Plus (Sony's service) costs $10–$18 per month and includes a rotating library of games. Xbox Game Pass costs $10–$17 per month and includes hundreds of games, including new releases on day one. Nintendo Switch Online costs $20 per year for basic service or $50 per year for the expanded tier, which includes a smaller library of classic games. If you play a lot, a subscription can save money compared to buying games individually.

Storage and what happens when your console fills up

Every console has built-in storage—a hard drive or solid-state drive where games are installed. The PlayStation 5 comes with 825 GB of usable storage, the Xbox Series X with 1 TB, and the Nintendo Switch with 32 GB (though the Switch Lite and Switch OLED have different amounts). Modern games are large; a single game can take 50–150 GB of space, which means you can't install many games at once on any console.

When your console runs out of space, you delete games you're not playing and reinstall them later when you want to play again. Reinstalling takes time—anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on your internet speed and the game's size. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X allow you to expand storage with an external solid-state drive (SSD), which costs $100–$200 but gives you much more room. The Nintendo Switch cannot be expanded this way.

Online play, multiplayer, and what subscriptions cover

Playing games online with friends requires a subscription on all three platforms. PlayStation Network (for PlayStation), Xbox Live (for Xbox), and Nintendo Switch Online (for Switch) each charge separately. You cannot play online multiplayer without one, though single-player games work fine without a subscription.

These subscriptions also include other perks. PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass include cloud saves (your game progress backed up online so you don't lose it if your console breaks). Xbox Game Pass includes access to hundreds of games. Nintendo Switch Online includes access to classic NES and SNES games. The subscriptions are not interchangeable—a PlayStation Plus subscription does not work on an Xbox, for example.

Some games, like Fortnite and Call of Duty, are available on multiple platforms and let you play with friends on different consoles (called cross-platform play). Not all games support this, so check before assuming you can play with a friend on a different console.

Choosing a console: what actually matters

The best console is the one with the games you want to play. If your friends all play PlayStation, buying an Xbox means you can't play with them (unless the game supports cross-platform play). If you want to play Zelda or Mario, you need a Nintendo Switch—those games don't exist on other platforms. If you want the most powerful hardware and the largest game library, PlayStation 5 is the standard choice. If you want the best value and a huge game library, Xbox Series S with Game Pass is hard to beat.

Consider also how you play. If you travel or want to play in bed, the Nintendo Switch's portability is a real advantage. If you want to play the latest games at the highest graphics quality, PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X are better choices. If you're on a tight budget, the Xbox Series S ($300) or Nintendo Switch ($200) cost less than PlayStation 5 ($500).

You don't have to choose just one. Many people own multiple consoles to access different games. A common combination is a PlayStation 5 for big exclusive games and an Xbox Series S for Game Pass value, or a Switch for portable play alongside a more powerful console.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy a new TV to use a gaming console?

No. Any TV with an HDMI port (nearly all TVs made in the last 15 years) will work. Newer consoles look better on 4K TVs with high refresh rates, but they work fine on older standard TVs. The Nintendo Switch works on any TV or can be played handheld without a TV at all.

Can I play games from one console on another?

No. Games are designed for specific hardware. A PlayStation game won't run on an Xbox, and vice versa. The only exception is some games available on multiple platforms—like Fortnite or Minecraft—but you buy separate copies for each console.

What's the difference between the Xbox Series X and Series S?

The Series X is more powerful and costs $500; the Series S is less powerful but still modern and costs $300. Both play the same games, but the Series X runs them at higher resolution and frame rates. For most players, the Series S is plenty powerful. The Series X is worth it if you have a high-end TV and want maximum graphics quality.

Can I play console games on my computer?

Not directly—console games are designed for console hardware. However, some games are available on both console and PC (like Call of Duty or Fortnite). PCs can also play games exclusive to PC. If you want to play console exclusives, you need the console.

Do I have to be connected to the internet to play?

Not for single-player games, once they're installed. However, most consoles require internet for the first setup, to read games, and to receive updates. Online multiplayer always requires internet. If you have no internet at home, a console is not practical.