How to Choose a Console
The best console is the one that plays the games you want, with the people you want to play with. Hardware specs matter less than the library and where your friends already are.
Start by listing the five or so games you most want to play. Exclusives still matter: some series only appear on one platform, and that alone often decides the purchase.
PlayStation
Sony's consoles are known for big-budget single-player exclusives and strong third-party support. The current generation centers on the PlayStation 5 family, which plays most PS4 games.
Xbox
Microsoft's Xbox Series X and Series S are built around Game Pass and cross-device play, with many first-party games also available on PC. Backward compatibility covers many Xbox One games and a selection of older Xbox 360 and original Xbox titles.
Nintendo Switch family
Nintendo's hybrid systems play on a TV or as a handheld, and Nintendo's own series appear only on its hardware. The family includes the original Switch, Switch Lite, Switch OLED and Nintendo Switch 2, which plays most original Switch games.
Subscriptions: PlayStation Plus, Game Pass and Nintendo Switch Online
Each platform has a subscription, and each comes in tiers. Tier names and contents change from time to time, so always check the official page before subscribing.
PlayStation Plus has several tiers. The base tier covers online multiplayer, monthly games and cloud saves, while higher tiers add a rotating catalog of games and, on the top tier, classic games and game trials.
Xbox Game Pass also comes in tiers, ranging from online multiplayer access with a small library up to a large catalog that includes some new games on launch day, PC access and cloud gaming.
Nintendo Switch Online provides online play, cloud saves and classic console libraries, with an Expansion Pack option that adds more classic systems and selected extra content.
- Subscription catalogs rotate, so games can leave the service.
- Monthly games on PlayStation Plus stay available only while you keep subscribing.
- Longer subscription terms often cost less per month, but check before auto-renewal kicks in.
Online Play and What Requires a Subscription
On all three platforms, most paid games require an active subscription for online multiplayer. Many free-to-play games are an exception and can be played online without one, though they may still need a free account.
Single-player games do not need a subscription, even if they connect online for updates. The store page for each game usually lists whether online play needs a subscription.
Backward Compatibility, Storage and Expansion
Backward compatibility means a new console can play games from an older one. It is generous on all three current families, but rarely complete, so check the official compatibility list for any older game you care about.
Storage fills up fast. Large modern games and their updates quickly eat into the built-in drive, so plan for expansion early.
- PlayStation 5: supports adding a compatible M.2 NVMe SSD for playing current games, plus USB drives for storing games and playing PS4 titles.
- Xbox Series X|S: supports official storage expansion cards for current games, plus USB drives for older games and storage.
- Nintendo Switch: uses microSD cards. Nintendo Switch 2 requires microSD Express cards for game storage.
- Digital-only consoles mean every game takes up drive space, so expansion matters even more.
Family Settings and Parental Controls
Every console includes parental controls, and they are worth setting up before handing a system to a child. Most can be managed from a phone app as well as the console itself.
- Age limits: block games and apps above a chosen age rating.
- Spending limits: require approval or set a monthly cap on store purchases.
- Playtime limits: set daily limits or bedtime cutoffs.
- Communication: restrict voice chat, messages and friend requests.
- Web browsing and video apps: limit or block them where available.
Understanding ESRB and PEGI Ratings
Age ratings tell you who a game is designed for. The ESRB rates games in North America, and PEGI covers most of Europe. Other regions have their own boards.
Look beyond the age label. ESRB ratings include content descriptors, such as violence or language, and interactive elements, like in-game purchases or users interacting. PEGI uses content icons in a similar way. Both organizations explain their systems on their websites.
Console Tips From GoldPlayPot.com
A few simple habits make console gaming smoother and cheaper. These are the ones GoldPlayPot.com recommends to anyone setting up a new system.
- Turn on two-factor authentication for your PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo accounts.
- Enable automatic updates and rest mode downloads so games are ready when you are.
- Use a wired connection for online play when possible, or place the router close by.
- Wishlist games to get sale notifications instead of paying full price for older titles.
- Turn on your TV's game mode to reduce input lag.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need PlayStation Plus or Game Pass to play online?
For most paid games, yes, you need a subscription to play online on PlayStation and Xbox. Many free-to-play games can be played online without one.
Can a PS5 play PS4 games?
The PS5 plays the vast majority of PS4 games. Sony keeps a list of the few exceptions on its official site.
Can Nintendo Switch 2 play original Switch games?
Yes, Nintendo Switch 2 plays most original Switch games. Nintendo publishes information about titles with known compatibility issues.
How do I add more storage to my console?
PS5 supports a compatible M.2 SSD, Xbox Series X|S uses official expansion cards, and Switch consoles use microSD cards. USB drives also work for storing games on PlayStation and Xbox.
What does an ESRB rating of T mean?
T stands for Teen, meaning content is generally suitable for ages 13 and up. Always check the content descriptors for specifics.
Should I buy physical or digital console games?
Physical games can be resold, lent to friends and often found on sale at retailers, but they still need updates and drive space. Digital games are convenient and pre-load automatically, but cannot be resold. Digital-only consoles leave you with digital as the only choice, so weigh that before buying the hardware.