The unique TV-or-mobile gaming proposition of the Nintendo Switch is now matched by a stellar library of games, including instant-classics like new Zelda and Mario titles.
While the PS4 remains our overall preferred choice in the game console race, the Xbox One's significant course corrections and solid exclusives make it a compelling alternative.
The PS4 Slim is a deja vu game console: great for gamers on a budget, not quite as good as the PS4 Pro and skippable for any existing PlayStation 4 owner.
The lower-cost Switch Lite is a great handheld game system, but it lacks some extras you may miss from the Switch.
The Xbox 360 remains a great video and gaming console, but fans will be better served by older 360 bundles -- or waiting for the Xbox One.
The Xbox One S is the console Microsoft should have delivered three years ago, but there's little reason to upgrade if you already own the original box.
Xbox One X lays a credible claim to the title of most powerful game console ever, but it has an uphill battle for your gaming dollar, especially if you already own an original Xbox One.
The elder statesman of next generation consoles, the PlayStation 2 has the luxury of a year's head start and many solid games.
Three years in, the Nintendo 3DS handheld has become a seriously good game device -- especially for fans of Nintendo's classic gaming franchises -- and the XL is the one you should buy.
The NES Classic is a great self-contained mini console that plays 30 of the best NES games ever made -- but Switch owners will be able to play many of the same titles later this year.
The Sony PSP elevates portable gaming to the next level, but its multimedia functionality falls short of its full potential.
The bare-bones Wii Mini gets rid of many Wii features to just focus on playing disc games, but the stripped-down experience isn't worth the savings.
The 3DS XL's improved 3D head-tracking is a big step up and its performance boost more makes a noticeable difference. A few head-scratching design choices prevent us from falling for the New 3DS XL, but this is still the best Nintendo portable to get.
Overall, the PlayStation Vita is the most advanced portable gaming system ever made. While the price is deceiving because of a hidden cost, gamers are getting an impressively complete package. Now priced at $200, the Vita makes a compelling case as the ultimate indie portable console.
The Wii U is good for Nintendo lovers and great for families, but hold out for the Switch, the Wii U's imminent successor.
The OnLive service streams games to your computer, TV or tablet. It's a really cool concept that we'd recommend checking out, although the games selection isn't amazing, and occasional lag may spoil your fun.
Even though PS2 backward compatibility has been dropped from this version, the 80GB PS3 is still a superb Blu-ray player and high-definition game console.
The Xbox is the most versatile console and perfectly complements a home-theater system.