Top New Consoles of 2024: Which Should You Play Next?

Choosing a new console in 2024 hinges on cutting-edge features, game exclusivity, and value for money. This article lays out a clear comparison between the immersive PlayStation 5, high-powered Xbox Series X, and versatile Nintendo Switch OLED to guide your decision without the fluff. Discover which new consoles tick all the right boxes for you as we chart out the specifics needed to make an informed choice.

Key Takeaways

• 2024’s gaming scene is dominated by hi-tech consoles like PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch OLED—but there’s also something for budget gamers with the Xbox Series S and Switch Lite.
• Xbox Series X is getting a design refresh and the PS5 continues to boast a strong lineup of exclusives, while the Nintendo Switch OLED excels in versatility and portability.
• The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate provides a wealth of games and perks, the Steam Deck is a boon for PC gamers with its customizable controls, and the Super Pocket console revives retro gaming with a modern twist.

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The Latest and Greatest Gaming Consoles

Welcome to the future of gaming, where the best gaming console is not just about playing games, but about immersive experiences that push the boundaries of technology. In 2024, the gaming landscape is dominated by three heavyweights – the PlayStation 5, the Xbox Series X, and the Nintendo Switch OLED. Each of these consoles is a marvel in its own right, boasting impressive features such as:

• PlayStation 5: Powerful graphics, lightning-fast load times, and a revolutionary DualSense controller that offers haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
• Xbox Series X: Stunning visuals with ray tracing, quick resume feature that allows you to switch between games seamlessly, and access to Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service with a vast library of games.
• Nintendo Switch OLED: A vibrant OLED screen, enhanced audio, and the ability to play games on the go or connect to your TV for a console-like experience.

Time to explore the unique aspects of these Nintendo consoles!

PlayStation 5: The King of Exclusives

When it comes to exclusivity, the PlayStation 5 reigns supreme. This gaming console is a treasure trove of exclusive games that you won’t find anywhere else. A shining example is the game Horizon Forbidden West, which beautifully showcases the console’s strong offerings of exclusives. The strong library of exclusives makes a lot of gamers consider the PS5 one of the best gaming consoles.

Exclusivity, however, is not the only strong suit of the PlayStation 5. It’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the gaming world, delivering:

• Advanced gaming performance with 4K and HDR visuals
• Innovative haptic feedback from the DualSense controller
• Rapid loading enabled by its high-speed SSD

Yet, what truly sets the PlayStation 5 apart is the combination of these technological features with a stellar catalog of both exclusive and third-party titles. This fusion of technology and content cements the PlayStation 5’s position as a premier choice for gaming enthusiasts. Whether you’re a fan of action, adventure, or suspense, the PlayStation 5 has you covered.

Get the Latest PS5 News for 2023: Games, Rumors, Reviews & More: Read the Latest PS5 News for 2023

Xbox Series X: Raw Power Unleashed

For those who crave raw power, the Xbox Series X is your beast of choice for an Xbox console. This game console leads the market in performance with high-end specs, including:

• 4K support
• Ray tracing
• Gen 4.0 NVMe SSD technology
• 2TB of storage
• Wi-Fi 6E for maximum efficiency

Imagine diving into games like Diablo IV and experiencing enhanced visuals and performance like never before. And with the Xbox Series X, you won’t just be experiencing lightning-fast load times but also immersive 4K gaming, thanks to the Xbox Velocity Architecture and the Sebile controller’s precision haptic feedback.

Yet, the allure of Xbox Series X extends beyond what’s tucked inside the console. In November 2024, we’ll see a refreshed design that maintains its dominance in the console landscape. Sporting an innovative cylindrical design without a disc drive, this new Xbox Series X is set to become a game-changer in the field of gaming.

Explore the Latest Xbox Series X|S Games, News, and Reviews: Discover the Latest Xbox Series X|S Games, News, and Reviews

Nintendo Switch OLED: A Vibrant Handheld Experience

Moving on, we have another game-changer in the handheld gaming scene - the Nintendo Switch OLED. This console offers a stellar display with improved speakers and a better kickstand, leading to a truly immersive handheld experience. It’s a small console with a big punch – the bright and punchy screen is perfect for arcade games, and the audiovisual experience is simply top-notch.

However, the Nintendo Switch OLED offers more than just a feast for your eyes and ears. It’s about versatility. With more internal storage compared to the original Nintendo Switch, you can download more games and media content than ever before. Whether you’re playing in docked mode at home or in handheld mode on the go, the Nintendo Switch OLED delivers consistent performance, making it a highly versatile gaming console.

Nintendo Switch - News, Updates, and Information: Explore Nintendo Switch News, Updates, and Information

Affordable Options for Every Gamer

As much as we love the high-end gaming consoles, we understand that not everyone has the budget for them. Fear not – there are equally impressive, yet affordable gaming options available. The Xbox Series S provides a cost-effective way to access next-generation gaming, while the Nintendo Switch Lite is perfect for gamers on the go. We shall now examine these budget-friendly champions.

Xbox Series S: Next-Gen Performance on a Budget

The Xbox Series S, launching in September 2024, is a budget-friendly console that doesn’t compromise on performance. Priced at only $349.99, this console offers:

• Same processor as the Xbox Series X
• Operates solely as a digital console without a disc drive
• Reduced memory and storage capacities
• Supports gaming at up to 1440p resolution with the ability for 4K upscaling

This perfect balance of cost and visual quality makes it a favorite among budget-conscious gamers.

The Xbox Series S offers:

• Rapid loading times courtesy of the Xbox Velocity Architecture
• Seamless gaming with up to 120 FPS
• Quick Resume feature
• Compact design

It’s a dream come true for gamers with limited living space, as they can now enjoy their favorite digital games without any hassle.

Nintendo Switch Lite: Perfect for Kids and Families

If your search is for a console that’s child and family-friendly, the Nintendo Switch Lite is a perfect match. This console offers a more cost-effective gaming experience, capable of playing all Nintendo Switch titles that support handheld mode. Its compact size, durable build quality, and lower price point make it ideal for smaller hands and those prone to accidental drops (we’re looking at you, kids!).

Designed for on-the-go play, the Nintendo Switch Lite features a 5.5” touch screen and a battery life of 3 to 7 hours. Plus, with built-in controllers, you can start playing right out of the box. However, it’s worth noting that the Nintendo Switch Lite cannot dock to the TV, differentiating it from the original Nintendo Switch.

Game Pass Ultimate: Unlimited Gaming Potential

For those who desire a vast gaming palette without heavy investment, the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the answer. This service is a treasure trove of first-party Xbox Game Studios games, third-party titles, indie games, and even backward compatible titles from Xbox 360 and the original Xbox. And it’s not just about access to a vast game library – subscribers also enjoy extra benefits like an EA Play membership and Riot Games perks!

It’s time to explore the boundless gaming possibilities offered by the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Cloud Gaming: Play Anywhere, Anytime

One of the standout features of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is cloud gaming. With this feature, members can:

• Stream a large selection of high-quality games
• Play anywhere, anytime
• Transition their gaming experience from one device to another seamlessly
• Play on Android phones and tablets, Windows PCs, Xbox consoles, or select Samsung smart TVs

The appeal isn’t just in playing anywhere – it extends to playing with anyone. Cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is enhanced by its integration with social features, allowing for multiplayer gaming with friends and sharing in-game content. And for an even more accessible gaming experience, Xbox Cloud Gaming provides touch controls for certain games, eliminating the need for a traditional controller when playing on mobile devices.

The Best Cloud Gaming Services: A Comprehensive Guide: Explore our Comprehensive Guide to the Best Cloud Gaming Services

New Games Added Monthly

The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate isn’t a static game archive – it’s an ever-expanding assortment. Every month, new games are added to its library, catering to various player preferences and interests across different genres. For instance, in April 2023, recent additions included ‘Minecraft Legends’ and ‘Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly’, with ‘Homestead Arcana’ and others announced for the monthly lineup, along with ‘Redfall’ available from day one on May 2, 2023.

The benefits, however, don’t end here. Subscribers also receive regular perks updates, such as ‘The Elder Scrolls Online: Dragon Slayer Bundle’ and ‘MLB The Show 23: 10 The Show Packs’. And if you happen to fall in love with a game that’s leaving the service, don’t worry – Xbox Game Pass Ultimate provides subscribers with advance notice and options to purchase these games at a discounted rate.

PC Gamers' Delight: The Steam Deck

Next, we shine the spotlight on a handheld console that’s a PC gamer’s paradise – the Steam Deck. This console supports a vast range of games, from indie titles to AAA games, making it compatible with the extensive Steam catalog. Whether the game is Verified, Playable, Unsupported, or Unknown, the Steam Deck ensures a seamless experience for all PC-like gaming experiences.

What attributes make the Steam Deck a PC gaming haven? Let’s explore.

Download Games from Your Steam Library

One of the key features of the Steam Deck is its compatibility with your existing Steam library. Right after logging into your Steam account on the device, you can access your entire library of games. And managing game downloads is a breeze, thanks to the Quick Access menu that offers a user-friendly interface for navigating other Steam functionalities.

However, the Steam Deck offers more than just downloading games. The Steam Deck’s interface offers options to sort and filter games, making it easy to identify and manage games that are optimized for the console’s handheld format. So whether you’re a fan of strategy games, RPGs, or indie gems, the Steam Deck makes it easy to find and play your favorites.

Customizable Controls and Settings

Not only does it offer a plethora of games, but it also enhances how you play them. The Steam Deck offers customizable controls, allowing users to manually select controller configurations, including community-created layouts for optimal gameplay. And to enhance your gaming experience further, you can adjust the Steam Deck’s performance settings, such as frame rate limits and graphics quality, to optimize battery life and gaming experience per game.

The customization options on the Steam Deck include:

• Customizing or disabling haptic feedback according to your preference
• Adjusting the console’s power profile to balance performance with battery life
• Using various button shortcuts, such as initiating a forced game shutdown or adjusting screen brightness

These options allow you to enhance your gaming experience on the Steam Deck.

Plus, the Steam Deck offers a touchscreen interface in addition to its physical controls, providing alternative methods for game interaction.

Retro Gaming Revival: Super Pocket Console

Retro gaming enthusiasts can celebrate! The Super Pocket console is here to rekindle your fondness for classic games and is arguably the best handheld gaming console for retro lovers. With a design reminiscent of a Game Boy and a well-positioned control layout suitable for larger hands, this handheld gaming console brings back the good old days of gaming.

Despite its nostalgic design, don’t underestimate the Super Pocket console – it’s brimming with features that make it a competitive player in today’s gaming world.

Play Your Favorite Retro Games

The Super Pocket console offers more than just a retro aesthetic – it brings a plethora of classic games. This console brings together an extensive collection of classic games, delivering a nostalgic gaming journey. Included in the Capcom Super Pocket version are timeless classics such as Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting, Mega Man, and Ghouls ‘n Ghosts, along with 1942 and Final Fight. And if you’re a fan of Taito games, the Taito Super Pocket version offers a selection of 17 iconic games like Bubble Bobble, Puzzle Bobble, Space Invaders 91, and Operation Wolf.

However, the Super Pocket console offers more than just a retro gaming experience. It’s about providing a straightforward and familiar gaming experience reminiscent of past eras. With controls that are neither fiddly nor cumbersome, the Super Pocket console ensures a comfortable gaming experience for players of all hand sizes.

Portable and Easy to Use

Aside from the games, the Super Pocket console offers:

• Dimensions of 78mm x 125mm x 25mm
• The ability to charge via USB-C
• Highly portable, perfect for gaming on the go
• Design focused on ease of use
• A pick-up-and-play experience apt for retro gaming aficionados.

The accessible design and nostalgic button layout of the Super Pocket console make it enjoyable and user-friendly for those who experienced these games in their earlier years. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer longing for the good ol’ days or a new gamer curious about the classics, the Super Pocket console is a great addition to your gaming repertoire.

Summary

In the dynamic world of gaming, 2024 has proven to be a year full of exciting innovations, from high-end powerhouses to budget-friendly alternatives, versatile handhelds to nostalgic retro revivals. Whether you’re a PlayStation enthusiast, an Xbox aficionado, a Nintendo devotee, a PC gamer, or a lover of retro classics, there’s a gaming console out there that perfectly suits your needs and preferences. So why wait? Dive into the thrilling world of gaming and let your adventures begin!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the newest console 2023?

The newest console in 2023 is the Microsoft Xbox Series X, which comes with a 1TB SSD, a disc drive, and a bundle with Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and an HDMI cable.

What new consoles are coming out in 2024?

In 2024, new consoles including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch OLED, and Steam Deck are set to release. These consoles offer a variety of gaming experiences.

What is the best console to get in 2023?

The best console to get in 2023 is the Xbox Series X, which is considered one of the most powerful options available and comes in multiple bundles, including games like Diablo 4.

Which console has the best exclusive games in 2024?

The PlayStation 5 has the best exclusive games in 2024, with titles like Horizon Forbidden West.

Are there any affordable gaming consoles with next-gen performance?

Yes, the Xbox Series S is an affordable option for accessing next-generation gaming at Full HD or 2K resolution. You can enjoy next-gen performance without breaking the bank!

What are the key differences between the high-end gaming consoles and the budget-friendly options in 2024?

In 2024, the key differences between high-end gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch OLED and budget-friendly options such as the Xbox Series S and Nintendo Switch Lite primarily lie in performance capabilities, feature sets, and price points. High-end consoles offer advanced features like 4K support, ray tracing, and exclusive game titles, catering to hardcore gamers seeking top-notch gaming experiences. In contrast, budget-friendly options provide a more affordable entry into gaming, with slightly reduced performance and features but still delivering a solid gaming experience. For example, the Xbox Series S offers the same processor as its high-end counterpart but with reduced memory and storage capacities and supports gaming up to 1440p resolution. The Nintendo Switch Lite, ideal for handheld gaming, lacks TV docking capabilities. These differences allow gamers to choose consoles that best fit their needs and budget.

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