Consoles

The home console is the easiest way to play on a big TV – you plug it in and play, without dealing with drivers and settings. Here you will find PlayStation and Xbox consoles in versions with optical drives and digital ones, with different built-in memory and power.

How to choose

• The platform. PlayStation and Xbox have different exclusive games and subscriptions. Consider which games interest you and who you will play online with, as your friends are likely already on one of the two platforms.
• With a disc or digital. The version with a disc drive plays physical games and Blu-ray movies. The digital version is only for games from the online store and is often more compact.
• The power. More powerful consoles support 4K resolution and high frame rates. Compact versions are aimed at Full HD and 1440p and are suitable for smaller TVs.
• The memory. Games take up a lot of space and are updated frequently. Larger built-in memory allows you to keep more games installed at once.
• Kits. Some consoles are sold in a bundle with a game or an additional controller, which is convenient for a gift.
• Connectivity. All modern consoles have Wi-Fi and a network port for cable. With large game sizes and updates, a fast internet connection saves a lot of waiting time.

What to watch out for

• For 4K and 120 frames per second, the TV must support HDMI 2.1.
• The digital version has no disc slot – your old disc games will not work on it.
• Online multiplayer requires a subscription to the platform's service.
• Leave space around the console for ventilation.
• New consoles quietly download updates in standby mode – enable this feature if you want to play immediately.

Accessories

With the new console, you often need a second controller for playing with a friend, a charging station, or headphones with a microphone. Check out the accessories for consoles, the gamepads and wheels, and the gaming headsets that work with consoles. A good TV or monitor with low latency also makes a big difference in gaming. A second controller is the most common first purchase after the console.