How to Choose the Right Video Game Console for Your Family

We updated this article in March 2023 to ensure all products tested and vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute Media and Tech Lab were in stock, available and reflected accurate pricing.

Gaming has revolutionized the way people relax. No matter your age or where you are from, all you need is a console, and you can play entertaining video games in a matter of seconds. Some are meant to be played together, and some are meant to be played alone. And depending on the gaming console, some games can be played online so you can play with anyone, anywhere in the world. Since each console has its unique qualities, depending on the type of gamer you are, we've lined up great picks to suit everyone, from beginners, to casual gamers, to more serious gamers. The major distinctions between consoles are their performance capabilities, the games available and the controllers, so we dove deep into those features.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Media and Tech Lab tests all the best consumer gadgets, ranging from e-bikes to smart doorbell cameras. When we test video game consoles, we assess not just how they perform, but how easily they can be enjoyed by gamers of every level. We tested these consoles in our Lab and had families test them in their homes to see how they would hold up to real-life use. When testing in the Lab, we assessed controller comfort, portability, ease of use, how immersive the console can be and which consoles had the best variety of enjoyable games.

Our top picks:

Ahead, you'll find our favorite video game consoles for gifting to the gamer in your life or enjoying yourself no matter your age or experience level. Keep reading to learn more about the most important features to look for when shopping for the perfect console.