Power Up Your Play - Best Gaming Consoles in 2024
The world of gaming is ever-evolving and bursting with options. From sleek consoles to portable powerhouses, choosing the right console can be a challenge. Fear not, fellow gamers! This guide will break down the top contenders in the 2024 console arena, helping you find the perfect fit for your play style and budget, covering their features, price points, and strengths and weaknesses.
1. PlayStation 5/PS5 (Starts at $450)
The PS5 reigns supreme for many with its innovative DualSense controller featuring haptic feedback and adaptive triggers for immersive gameplay. PS5 gives us a great collection of games while having full backwards compatibility with PS4 games. It boasts a library of captivating exclusives like Horizon Forbidden West and God of War: Ragnarok. The disc drive edition offers the flexibility of buying physical games, while the Digital Edition caters to those who prefer a fully digital library. This is a console that we can depend on for years down the line because games are still being designed specifically with the PS5 in mind.
Cons: While it has a robust library, it might not offer the sheer number of titles available on PC. As for the price, it is a bit expensive ($450 - $499), and finding a PS5 at retail price can be tough due to ongoing stock shortages.
2. Steam Deck OLED (Starts at $529)
The Steam Deck is a powerful portable gaming PC that is a gamer's dream come true in handheld form. Prices start at $529, and it is a well-built piece of hardware offering all of the power of a high-end gaming laptop. It runs a vast library of PC games through SteamOS and offers impressive power for its size, plus the recent OLED upgrade enhances the visual experience. It features a beautiful OLED display, comfortable controls, and the ability to run even the latest PC titles with some adjustments. Extensive customization options and a large game library are a major plus.
Cons: The Steam Deck is bulky compared to dedicated handheld consoles and can be noisy due to its fan. The controls might feel cramped for gamers with larger hands. Battery life can vary depending on the game being played, and some PC titles might require tweaking for optimal performance. The open-source nature of the operating system might require some technical know-how to navigate for less tech-savvy users.
You can find in-depth reviews and user guides on: Steam Deck forums.
3. ROG Ally (Starts at $599)
The ROG Ally is a monster of a handheld PC, equipped with the latest AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and a 1080p 7-inch IPS touchscreen display that delivers sleeker visuals and high frame rates. Boasting top-of-the-line specs that can rival traditional gaming laptops, it delivers better performance than the Steam Deck. It can handle demanding PC titles with ease and offers a premium, customizable experience. The fact that it is a Windows device is both a blessing and a curse. It is arguably the best Windows 11 handheld but still not perfect.
Cons: The ROG Ally's biggest drawback is its hefty price tag. Its bulky design might not be ideal for long gaming sessions on the go. Battery life is likely to be shorter compared to other handheld options.
4. Meta Quest 2 (Starts at $199)
The Meta Quest 2 (formerly Oculus Quest 2) is a gateway to the exciting world of VR gaming. It is a VR headset that offers a truly immersive gaming experience. No wires or external cameras are required, making it a convenient entry point into VR gaming. There's a growing library of VR titles available, from action-adventure games to fitness experiences. With the price and the VR experience, it is a really good deal for anyone who would love to get into VR.
Cons: The processing power is limited compared to high-end VR setups that connect to a PC. Some users might experience motion sickness during gameplay. It requires a Facebook account for setup, which might be a concern for privacy-conscious users.
You can learn more about VR technology and compatible games on the Meta website.
5. Lenovo Legion Go (Starts at $699)
The Legion Go is a bulky handheld gaming PC built with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor with a colorful display and detachable controllers. This console has a gigantic IPS screen of 8.8 inches, up to 144Hz refresh rate, and a 49.2-watt-hour battery. We would definitely expect great performance with its innovative features. One of the most unique features of the Legion Go is its FPS mode that turns the right controller into a mouse that navigates an on-screen cursor or crosshair while sliding the controller around on a surface. Lenovo has based this on Windows 11, and Legion Space software comes installed and can be accessed by the slanting buttons on the screen.
Cons: Yes, it's overkill but luxurious. Even though Legion Go delivers innovative features, they are not always the most practical.
6. Ayaneo 2 (Starts at $999)
The Ayaneo 2 is another powerful handheld PC contender, powered by AMD Ryzen 7 6800U with the Radeon 680M graphics. It is capable of playing games at 1080p in low to medium settings, offering impressive performance and a comfortable design. It also has a higher TDP of up to 25 watts and a 50-watt-hour battery. If you are not working on a budget, this might be the best handheld gaming PC on the market. It boasts a long-lasting battery and a wide variety of configuration options, incredible performance, sleek ergonomics, and a design that lends itself to hours of play.
Cons: The Ayaneo 2's price point is quite high, and it isn’t exactly affordable. Its Windows 11 operating system might require more tinkering for an optimal gaming experience compared to the Steam Deck's SteamOS.
7. Xbox Series (Xbox Series X: Price: $499.99 / Xbox Series S: Price: $299.99)
The Xbox Series X takes the crown for raw power, delivering stunning 4K visuals and silky-smooth frame rates. The Xbox Game Pass subscription service is a game-changer, offering access to a vast library of titles for a monthly fee. It comes in disc drive and digital editions. On the downside, the Xbox Series X might be overkill for some who prioritize a wider range of exclusives or a more budget-friendly option.
The Xbox Series S is the value champion. This more affordable option delivers next-gen performance at a lower price point, albeit with a digital-only format and slightly toned-down graphics compared to its big brother, the Series X. However, it still delivers fantastic experiences and seamless integration with Xbox Game Pass.
Cons: Limited storage space might necessitate frequent game management. No disc drive restricts you to digital purchases.
Finding Your Perfect Match
Consider these factors when choosing your console:
Budget: Prices can vary significantly. Consider how much you're willing to spend upfront and on additional games.
Exclusives: Certain consoles have exclusive game libraries. If there's a specific franchise you love, that might influence your decision.
Features: Do you prioritize cutting-edge graphics, innovative controllers, or a vast library of titles?
Portability: Do you want a console for your living room or one you can take with you on the go?
By reflecting on your preferences and exploring these top contenders, you'll be well on your way to conquering the exciting world of gaming in 2024! This is just a snapshot of the exciting gaming landscape in 2024. Consider your priorities, power, portability, budget, and game library preferences to pick the contender that best suits your gaming needs!
Happy Gaming!