Nintendo Switch OLED and Xbox Series S are great for easy gameplay and travel-friendly use.
PS5 Slim and Steam Deck suit players looking for high-end visuals and advanced games.
Choice depends on game type, travel needs, and if TV or handheld gaming is preferred.
Getting into gaming can feel confusing at first. There are numerous consoles, varying price tags, and a vast selection of games to choose from. However, for beginners, a good console is easy to use, offers a variety of fun games, and doesn’t require extensive setup. Here’s a simple breakdown of the best gaming consoles in 2025 that are great for anyone just starting out.
Nintendo Switch OLED is a good console for someone new to gaming. It can be used like a handheld device or connected to a TV to play on a large screen. The display is bright and clear, which makes the games look nice. Titles like Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, and The Legend of Zelda are easy to play and fun for beginners.
The buttons and controls are simple, so there's nothing too confusing. It doesn’t feel heavy and fits easily into a bag, making it easy to take along while traveling. During online sales, the cost typically ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹27,000.
Also Read: Best Gaming Consoles Under Rs 10,000
The Xbox Series S is small, quiet, and made for digital gaming. There is no disc slot, so all the games have to be downloaded. This makes it easy to use, especially for newcomers to the gaming world.
One feature that sets this console apart is Xbox Game Pass. It’s a monthly plan that provides access to hundreds of games, including FIFA, Forza Horizon, and Minecraft. New players can try many games without spending extra money on each one. In India, the console usually costs around ₹26,000.
The PS5 Slim Digital Edition is ideal for those who want better graphics and enjoy playing big games. It plays smoothly and works well with titles like Spider-Man 2, God of War Ragnarok, and Horizon Forbidden West.
This version does not have a disc slot, so games have to be downloaded. It costs more than the Xbox Series S, around ₹55,000 in India, but it suits regular gamers who want a long-term option.
Switch 2 was released in mid-2025 and builds on everything that made the original Switch popular. It features a slightly larger screen, a better battery, and enhanced visuals. It also introduces new features, such as built-in video chat for multiplayer games.
The console supports both handheld and TV play, just like the older Switch models, but with faster performance and smoother controls. It works with most games from the original Switch. The price starts around ₹45,000.
The Steam Deck is like a handheld gaming PC. It’s primarily for those who want to play PC games on the go. It runs Steam games, which means titles like Counter-Strike 2, Stardew Valley, and Apex Legends can be played on the go.
While the layout may feel unfamiliar at first, the touchscreen and built-in buttons make it easier to use than most PCs. It’s a bit heavier than a Switch and not meant for TV gaming, but it’s a strong option for anyone leaning toward PC titles. Prices range from ₹50,000 to ₹60,000.
The Switch Lite is a smaller and more affordable version of the regular Nintendo Switch. It is made just for handheld gaming and doesn’t work with a TV. Even so, it can run almost all the same games.
It is lightweight, strong, and easy to carry, making it an excellent option for younger players or anyone seeking a portable console. The price is under ₹18,000, so it’s one of the best beginner-friendly options.
For someone just starting, easy controls and a simple setup matter more than powerful features. The Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series S are good choices because they are easy to use and offer a wide range of beginner-friendly games. The PS5 Slim and Steam Deck are better for those who want to try more advanced or detailed games later on.
Choosing the right console depends on the type of games someone likes, how often they plan to play, and whether they want to game on a TV or while traveling. All these consoles give a fun and smooth way to begin gaming.