Tips for Buying Gaming Consoles: What to Choose in 2025?

Buying a gaming console can be an exciting experience, but it’s often overwhelming due to the many available options. With choices like PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and others, making the right decision can feel complicated. In reality, tips for buying gaming consoles aren’t  just technical information, but simple steps that help you choose the device that fits your needs and budget.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first gaming console or a pro wanting to upgrade your experience, choosing the right console can completely change the way you enjoy gaming. In this article, we will guide you through tips for buying gaming consoles, from determining your needs to comparing the best devices available in 2025. You’ll learn how to choose the console that fits your budget, preferred game types, and the playing style you enjoy.

How to choose a gaming device?

When thinking about buying a new gaming console, you might find yourself faced with many options. But by following tips for buying gaming consoles, you can easily determine which device is right for you. Here are some steps to help you choose the perfect console:

1. Identify the Types of Games You Like

• For Action or Fighting Games: Consider powerful consoles like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X for smooth and immersive gameplay.
• For Platformer or Family-Friendly Games: The Nintendo Switch or Sega Genesis Mini might be better suited for their wide range of accessible and fun titles.
• For Strategy or RPG Games: A Steam Deck or PC-based console offers flexibility with extensive libraries and customization options.

2. Set Your Budget

• High-End Budget: Devices like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are great if you’re willing to invest for top-tier graphics and performance.
• Mid-Range Budget: The Xbox Series S or Nintendo Switch OLED offer impressive performance without breaking the bank.
• Budget-Friendly: Consider options like the Nintendo Switch Lite or retro consoles such as the SNES Classic Edition for a more affordable gaming experience.

3. Technical Specifications to Pay Attention to

• CPU: A powerful processor like the AMD Ryzen Zen 2 in Xbox Series X ensures faster performance and better multitasking.
• GPU: If you’re into high-graphic games, look for consoles with GPUs like the RDNA 2 in PlayStation 5 or the NVIDIA Tegra X1 in Nintendo Switch.
• RAM: Consoles like the Xbox Series X with 16GB GDDR6 RAM provide smoother gameplay, while Steam Deck offers a solid 16GB LPDDR5 RAM.

4. Portability and Flexibility

• For On-the-Go Gaming: The Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck are excellent options for portable gaming with strong performance.
• For Home-Based Gaming: PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are ideal for gamers who prefer playing in a fixed location with enhanced graphics and performance.
• Hybrid Option: The Nintendo Switch offers a balance between portability and home-console performance, allowing you to switch between docked and handheld modes.

5. Compatibility with Older Games

• Backward Compatibility: If you own a collection of Xbox One games, the Xbox Series X has extensive backward compatibility.
• Cloud Gaming: Services like GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud Gaming allow you to stream older games on newer devices.
• Classic Consoles: For retro game enthusiasts, devices like the Sega Genesis Mini and NES Classic Edition come preloaded with old-school titles.

6. Accessories

• Controllers: Ensure compatibility with controllers like the Xbox Elite Series 2 or the DualSense Wireless Controller for PlayStation 5.
• Headsets: Look for compatibility with high-quality headsets like the SteelSeries Arctis 7 or Razer Kaira Pro.
• Storage Expansion: Devices like the Xbox Series X offer Seagate Expansion Cards for additional storage, while the Nintendo Switch supports microSD cards.

The Most Popular Gaming Consoles in 2025

We’re still talking about tips for buying gaming consoles. As options continue to grow, a few consoles remain the most popular in 2025. Here are the top choices:

1. PlayStation 5 (PS5)

The PlayStation 5 by Sony is one of the most powerful gaming consoles available today, combining exceptional performance with exclusive titles that elevate the gaming experience.

• Processor (CPU): AMD Zen 2, 8 cores at 3.5 GHz.
• Graphics (GPU): AMD RDNA 2 with up to 10.28 teraflops, supports 4K at 120Hz and 8K capabilities.
• Memory (RAM): 16GB GDDR6.
• Storage: Custom 825GB SSD for ultra-fast load times.
• Exclusive Games: Titles like Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.
• Services: PlayStation Plus offers monthly free games and online multiplayer access.

Pros:

• Superior graphics and smooth gameplay.
• The DualSense controller with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.

Cons:

• Relatively large size may require extra space.

2. Xbox Series X

Microsoft’s Xbox Series X is a powerhouse console with advanced features and attractive subscription services.

• Processor (CPU): AMD Ryzen Zen 2, 8 cores at 3.8 GHz.
• Graphics (GPU): AMD RDNA 2 with up to 12 teraflops, supports 4K at 120Hz and 8K capabilities.
• Memory (RAM): 16GB GDDR6.
• Storage: 1TB custom SSD with expandable storage options.
• Services: Xbox Game Pass offers access to a vast library of games.

Pros:

• Fast loading times and powerful performance.
• Extensive backward compatibility with older Xbox titles.

Cons:

• Limited exclusive games compared to PlayStation 5.

3. Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch is a unique console that blends handheld and home gaming, making it an excellent choice for both casual and dedicated gamers.

• Screen: 7-inch display with 720p resolution in handheld mode.
• Game Modes: Supports both docked mode (up to 1080p) and handheld mode.
• Exclusive Games: Popular titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
• Storage: 32GB internal, expandable via microSD cards.

Pros:

• Highly versatile with the ability to switch between handheld and TV modes.
• Family-friendly game selection.

Cons:

• Lower graphical power compared to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
• Limited battery life in handheld mode.

4. Steam Deck

Developed by Valve, the Steam Deck is a portable gaming console that grants access to the extensive Steam library.

• Screen: 7-inch display with 1280×800 resolution.
• Processor (CPU): AMD APU with Zen 2 architecture, quad-core.
• Graphics (GPU): RDNA 2 GPU with 8 compute units.
• Memory (RAM): 16GB LPDDR5.
• Storage: Options range from 64GB eMMC to 512GB NVMe SSD, expandable via microSD.
• Operating System: SteamOS 3.0 with the option to install other operating systems.

Pros:

• Portable PC gaming with access to thousands of Steam titles.
• Flexibility to install external apps and games.

Cons:

• Relatively heavy for a handheld device.
• Battery life can vary significantly depending on the game.

Best Consoles for Competitive Gaming

When choosing a gaming console for competitive games like eSports or fighting games, you need a device that offers high performance and smooth gameplay. These games require powerful specifications for the best experience. Here are some important specifications to look for when choosing your console:

1. Refresh Rate: A 120Hz refresh rate or higher is ideal for competitive gaming. This ensures smooth gameplay and reduces lag.
2. Latency: Ensure the console has low latency for a more accurate and responsive gaming experience, especially in fighting games.
3. Graphics (GPU): If you play games that require high-quality graphics, like FIFA or Fortnite, choose a console with a powerful GPU like NVIDIA GeForce RTX or AMD Radeon.
4. Processor (CPU): The console should have a strong processor like Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7, ensuring fast data processing and better gaming performance.
5. RAM: It’s ideal to have at least 16GB of RAM for excellent performance, allowing the console to run heavy games smoothly.
6. Cooling: Competitive games often require long gaming sessions, so ensure the console has a good cooling system to maintain performance without overheating.
7. Audio: A 3D surround sound experience is important for competitive games like Call of Duty, helping you detect enemy positions more accurately.

Is Xbox or PlayStation better?

With the vast array of gaming consoles available today, deciding on the right one can be challenging. Here are tips for buying gaming consoles to help clarify the differences between PlayStation and Xbox:

1. Graphical Performance:

• PlayStation 5 offers great graphical performance with 4K resolution and ray-tracing technology, making games look stunning.
• Xbox Series X offers the same 4K resolution and also supports 8K, and is the most powerful in terms of graphical performance with 12 teraflops in its GPU.

2. Exclusive Games:

• PlayStation 5 excels with exclusive games like God of War and Spider-Man: Miles Morales, which are considered some of the best in the market.
• Xbox Series X lacks some exclusive titles but offers Xbox Game Pass, providing access to a massive library of games from day one.

3. Subscription Services:

• PlayStation offers PlayStation Plus for free monthly games, and PlayStation Now for streaming old games.
• Xbox Series X provides Xbox Game Pass, a great service that allows you to play hundreds of games for a low monthly subscription.

4. User Interface & Experience:

• PlayStation 5 has an innovative user interface with the DualSense controller offering haptic feedback and an immersive experience.
• Xbox Series X has a smooth interface and offers the Xbox Adaptive Controller for all player comfort.

In conclusion, choosing the right gaming console is key to an enjoyable experience, whether you’re after the latest PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, or looking to save by buying a high-quality used console. At Soum, we offer a wide selection of thoroughly inspected used consoles at competitive prices, ensuring top performance and value.

Explore Soum now for the best deals on used gaming consoles and enjoy a seamless and reliable shopping experience.