Joybuy Insights

Console Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right One for You

The selection of gaming consoles on the market has never been wider. Between promises of power, multiple models, and closed ecosystems, navigating the options can be a headache. As the tech experts at Joybuy, our mission is to help you see clearly and cut through the marketing hype to make the right investment.

The 3 Pitfalls to Avoid Before Buying a Console

In the heat of the moment, it's easy to overlook a few crucial details. Here are the three main traps to watch out for to avoid buyer's remorse.

  1. The "4K at 120?FPS" Mirage. Manufacturers love to tout impressive-sounding figures. To actually enjoy them, not only does the game need to be optimised, but your TV must also be HDMI 2.1 compatible. In reality, most titles make a compromise: either 4K at 60?FPS or a "performance" mode that sacrifices resolution to hit 120?FPS. Don't be mesmerised by the spec sheet; the gameplay experience is what matters most.
  2. The Hidden Cost of All-Digital Consoles. A console without a disc drive, like the PS5 Slim Digital Edition or the Xbox Series S, is often more affordable upfront. The flip side? You'll be completely tied to online stores (PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store). Say goodbye to in-store bargains, the second-hand market, or reselling your games once you've finished them.
  3. Underestimating the Importance of the Game Library. A console is, first and foremost, a gateway to its game library. Its raw power is worthless if its titles don't appeal to you. Before splashing out on a PS5 console or an Xbox Series X, take the time to study each platform's exclusives and subscription services like Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus. In the long run, this is often the most important deciding factor.

Key Criteria to Check Before You Buy

To make things clearer, let's focus on the three pillars that will define your future gaming experience.

Home, Portable, or Hybrid Console: What's Your Player Profile?

This is the very first question you should ask yourself.

  • Home Console: Designed for the living room and connected to your TV, this is the king of graphical power and immersion. The choice for gamers who prioritise visual performance above all else (e.g., PS5, Xbox Series X).
  • Portable Console: Built for mobility, it's your best ally on commutes or while travelling. The Nintendo Switch Lite or PC-like consoles such as the Lenovo Legion Go are perfect examples.
  • Hybrid Console: The best of both worlds. The Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 let you play on a TV or in handheld mode, offering incredible flexibility that's ideal for families and gamers who like to mix things up.

Storage and Ecosystem: The Long-Term Cost

Internal storage is a crucial battleground. With games easily exceeding 100?GB, a 512?GB SSD fills up in a flash. Aiming for 1?TB isn't a luxury; it's an investment in peace of mind. Also, consider the cost and ease of future storage expansion.

The ecosystem is a long-term commitment. Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass provides access to a colossal catalogue of games for a monthly subscription, an often very cost-effective deal. PlayStation counters with its PlayStation Plus service, which offers several tiers that include classics and new releases.

Standard or Digital Edition: A More Important Choice Than It Seems

As we've seen, this choice is not trivial and will impact your wallet in the long run.

  • The Standard Edition (with a disc drive) gives you the freedom of physical media: in-store purchases, the second-hand market, resale, and the joy of collecting.
  • The Digital Edition locks you into the manufacturer's ecosystem. A convenient option if you hate clutter and hunt for deals on the online stores.

Our Top Console Picks

Rather than an endless catalogue, here are our targeted recommendations for every type of player, based on the criteria we've just broken down.

IDEAL FOR: FAMILIES AND ON-THE-GO GAMERS
Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) with White Dock and Joy-Con Controller - EU Version

Nintendo Switch (OLED Model)

Why we recommend it: Its hybrid concept is brilliant: start a game on the living room TV and finish it on the train. Its game library, filled with iconic exclusives and family-friendly titles, appeals to all generations.

How it avoids the trap

The Switch doesn't play the raw power card. Its strength lies in its versatility and unique gameplay experiences. The 4K/120 FPS debate simply doesn't apply to it.

Its ace in the hole

Its 7-inch OLED screen elevates the handheld experience with vibrant colours and infinite contrast. The immersion is total.

IDEAL FOR: PERFORMANCE ENTHUSIASTS
Sony PlayStation 5 Console Slim Standard with Sony DualSense Wireless Controller, White, EU Version

Sony PlayStation 5 Slim Standard Console

Why we recommend it: For those who demand the very best of the new generation on their TV, without compromise. Cutting-edge graphics, an ultra-fast SSD, and a revolutionary controller: the winning trio for absolute immersion.

How it avoids the trap

By choosing the Standard model with a Blu-ray drive, you escape the all-digital prison. The freedom of the physical and second-hand markets is yours!

Its ace in the hole

The DualSense controller is a technological game-changer. Its haptic feedback and adaptive triggers deliver a gaming sensation that is simply unparalleled.

IDEAL FOR: NEXT-GEN ON A BUDGET
Xbox Series S Console - 1TB - White - Digital Edition - EU Version

Xbox Series S - 1TB

Why we recommend it: It's the most affordable entry ticket into the next-generation Xbox ecosystem. Its low price point, combined with a Game Pass subscription, gives it an unbeatable content-to-price ratio.

How it avoids the trap

True, it's all-digital. But its economic model is built around Xbox Game Pass, which sidesteps the trap of per-game costs by offering unlimited access to a colossal library.

Its ace in the hole

Compact and silent, it blends seamlessly into any living room. The 1 TB version finally provides welcome storage breathing room.

IDEAL FOR: COLLECTORS AND NOSTALGIA FANS
Arcade1Up Star Wars arcade cabinet - official license - 17 in LCD screen - 3 games included

Arcade1Up Star Wars Arcade Cabinet

Why we recommend it: For those who dream of recapturing the magic and raw feeling of old-school arcades. More than a console, it's a true collector's item that will take pride of place in a game room or a living room with a bold style.

How it avoids the trap

This niche product is in a league of its own. Its value isn't in performance, but in authenticity and nostalgia. It is therefore immune to the siren song of modern marketing.

Its ace in the hole

Its design, authentic flight yoke, and retro decals offer a period-accurate immersion that is light-years beyond what a simple controller can provide.

Looking for other options?

Discover our full selection of consoles, all tested and approved by our editors according to strict criteria and current safety regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a 4K TV for a PS5 or Xbox Series X?

No, not at all. These consoles work perfectly on a 1080p (Full HD) television. You will still benefit from near-instant loading times and increased fluidity, but without the ultimate image sharpness of 4K.

What is the lifespan of a modern game console?

A console generation lasts about six to seven years on average. However, your console will remain perfectly functional long after that. Manufacturers continue to release games and updates for several years to ensure a smooth transition.

Will my old console's games (PS4, Xbox One) work on the new ones?

Yes, backward compatibility is now the standard. The PS5 is backward compatible with almost the entire PS4 library. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series X/S is compatible with Xbox One games, as well as a large selection of titles from the Xbox 360 and the original Xbox. Better yet, many older titles get a new lease on life on these new machines, with improved graphics and dramatically increased fluidity.