Gaming consoles: what to check before you buy
The right choice depends on which games you want, who you play with and what you already own. VEYDICT checks the exact console you're considering against those things and tells you GO, WAIT or SKIP.
What we cover
What we check
Games you actually want
The right console is the one that plays the games you care about. We check the library first.Running costs
Online subscriptions and game prices add up. We include them.Where you are in the cycle
A console late in its life may be cheap but close to a successor.How a gaming consoles verdict is scored
Besides price and value, the product is rated on what matters in this category:
You choose up to three of these as your priorities, and they carry the most weight in your personal fit score.
What we ask you
Before we judge it, we ask what you'll mainly use it for, your budget, what matters most and how long you'll keep it. Typical uses for consoles:
- Exclusive games
- Playing with friends
- Kids and family
- Portable play
- Best graphics
- Budget
When to buy
Bundles and discounts appear at Black Friday and when a revised model launches.
Red flags we look for
- Successor announced
- Limited storage out of the box
- Online play behind a subscription
Products we've checked
Build note: product figures on this page come from VEYDICT's seed data and are illustrative. They are replaced by live research before launch.
PlayStation 5 Slim (disc)
$499 · general verdictNintendo Switch 2
$449 · general verdictThinking of buying a gaming console?
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Check one for $0.99Questions
How does VEYDICT check consoles?
We compare the specific model with performance, game library, online and friends, storage and its price, then weigh that against your budget and priorities.
When is the best time to buy consoles?
Bundles and discounts appear at Black Friday and when a revised model launches.
What are the red flags when buying consoles?
Successor announced. Limited storage out of the box. Online play behind a subscription.