Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Series S are both great entry points into the Xbox Game Pass ecosystem and console market in general. The good news is that the best consoles are available to buy right now after years of shortages. But the types of games you play and who you play them with makes a big difference when you’re shopping. It’s easier than ever to find a great gaming system. Are you invested in the Mario, Pokémon, or Zelda franchises? Do you need hardware that can play UHD Blu-rays or stream 4K video? Are you just looking for an all-in-one entertainment system without any bells or whistles, or a portable gaming PC? What about online games? And don't forget to consider the price tag. When shopping for a new game console, the first question to ask yourself is what games you want to play on it. Joanna Nelius, senior editor and e-ink enthusiast with 5+ years experience testing PC hardware and laptops.
Alex Kane, senior editor, games journalist, and storyteller with 12 years’ experience.