Gaming consoles offer a fun, accessible experience that is perfect for beginners. They’ll be able to explore worlds, go on epic quests, and become master gamers in no time.
Before selecting the best video game console for beginners, consider their budget and what type of games they’ll be playing. You should also consider the game library and features.
PS4 Slim
The PlayStation 4 Slim is the cheapest entry point to this console generation’s most popular gaming platform. Its sleek, quiet design makes it a good choice for beginners. It also comes with a large library of games.
During our tests, this console was whisper quiet (unless the disc drive is having problems). Its controller felt substantial and well-designed. It was comfortable to hold in the hand and had a textured back. Its battery lasted 11 hours on a full charge.
It is a great choice for beginners who don’t have a 4K TV or don’t care about getting super high frame rates or visual quality. It is also significantly cheaper than the Xbox One X.
Nintendo 2DS
Nintendo’s handheld console may not be for hardcore gamers, but it’s a great entry point into the world of video games. It has loads of exclusive franchises and offers easy-to-learn controls. It also has a large library of games.
Essentially, it’s a 3DS without the auto-stereoscopic 3D display, and it plays the same software as its predecessors. It comes with a 4GB SD card, and the internal battery offers around five hours of runtime on a single charge (although this is with 3DS software that uses a lot of power; DS titles place less demand on the system).
Like its predecessors, the new 2DS has a slide that lets you control the intensity of the 3D effect. You can even turn it off entirely. There’s also a built-in microphone and a stylus, which will come in handy when playing games with a friend or with your kids. You can also access the eShop to download 3DS games and Virtual Console retro classics, including Game Boy and NES titles.
Steam Deck
Video game consoles have been around for ages, from the OG Brown Box in ’67 to the fancy PS5. Today, there are multiple choices that make it easy to find the best gaming system for your needs.
The Steam Deck is a powerful portable computer that can play games. It can run PC games that aren’t designed for portable consoles, and it offers a wide selection of software to choose from. It also has a user-friendly interface for beginners.
The Deck runs on Linux, and it uses a compatibility layer called Proton to get Windows games running. It’s not as fast as a gaming PC, but it can still handle a lot of popular titles. It has a 7-inch OLED screen and can be played with a controller or touchscreen. It also has a fan that works overtime when it’s under heavy load. It gets hot and noisy, but it’s a minor inconvenience. The Deck is a thrilling taste of what mobile gaming could be in the future.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is the best video game console for beginners because it’s a home-and-portable system that adapts to your lifestyle. It can be docked for TV gaming, or you can play it on the go by detaching the Joy-Cons for handheld mode. It also has some of the most compelling first-party games on any console, including RPGs like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, platformers such as Super Mario Odyssey, and life sims such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
The best video game console for beginners has a variety of games that are easy to learn. It should also have a simple controller layout that’s comfortable to hold. Finally, it should have a good price point so that you can easily afford to upgrade to more expensive games. The 7 Best Video Game Consoles for Beginners