Top 5 Best Budget Gaming Consoles Worth Buying in 2025: Complete Buyer's Guide

Top 5 Best Budget Gaming Consoles Worth Buying in 2025

Looking for the best budget gaming console in 2025? With rising hardware costs and new console releases, finding an affordable gaming system that delivers great performance can be challenging. After extensive research and testing, we've identified the top 5 budget-friendly gaming consoles that offer the best value for money in 2025.

5. Nintendo Switch 2 - Latest and Greatest ($449)

The Nintendo Switch 2 is a hybrid video game console developed by Nintendo, released on June 5, 2025, priced at $449.99 in the United States. As the newest console on our list, it represents the cutting edge of portable gaming.

Key Specifications:

• Display: 7.9" 1080p LCD, 120Hz refresh rate

• Resolution: 1080p handheld, 4K docked

• Storage: More internal storage than original Switch

• Controllers: Magnetic Joy-Con 2 with mouse functionality

• Backward Compatibility: Plays original Switch games

• What Makes It Special:

• Nintendo Switch 2 sold over 3.5 million units worldwide in the four days following its release, making it the highest global sales level for any Nintendo hardware within the first four days.

Pros:

• Latest Technology: Most advanced Nintendo hardware

• 4K Gaming: When docked to TV

• Backward Compatible: Play existing Switch games

• Innovative Controls: Joy-Con 2 with mouse features

• Enhanced Performance: Faster loading, better graphics

Cons:

• Highest Price: Most expensive on our budget list

• Limited Launch Library: Fewer exclusive games initially

• Availability: High demand, potential stock shortages

Best For: Nintendo fans who want the latest technology and can stretch their budget.

4. Steam Deck OLED - Best for PC Gamers ($549)

The Steam Deck OLED remains the best balance of price, performance and usability in the gaming handheld market, featuring a 7.4-inch OLED display that's brighter, faster, slightly bigger and more vivid.

Key Specifications:

• Display: 7.4" HDR OLED, 90Hz refresh rate

• Processor: Custom AMD APU (6nm)

• RAM: 16GB LPDDR5

• Storage: 512GB or 1TB NVMe SSD

• OS: SteamOS (Linux-based)

• Battery: 3-12 hours depending on game

• Why It's Worth the Investment:

• The Steam Deck can still play tons of games that just aren't possible on the original Nintendo Switch or other handhelds in this price range, from Elden Ring to Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.

Pros:

• PC Game Library: Access to thousands of Steam games

• OLED Display: Superior visual quality

• Customizable: Install other game stores and emulators

• Regular Updates: Valve continuously improves software

• Great Value: Cheaper than most gaming laptops

Cons:

• Learning Curve: Linux-based OS can be challenging

• Size and Weight: Bulkier than other handhelds

• Game Compatibility: Not all Steam games work perfectly

• Battery Life: Varies significantly by game

Best For: PC gamers with existing Steam libraries and tech-savvy users who enjoy customization.

3. Nintendo Switch OLED - Best Portable Experience ($349.99)

The Nintendo Switch OLED is the best model in the company's current console line-up, boasting the same internal specification as the stock Nintendo Switch, but the screen has received a substantial upgrade.

Key Specifications:

• Display: 7" OLED screen with vivid colors

• Resolution: 1080p docked, 720p handheld

• Storage: 64GB internal (expandable with microSD)

• Battery: 4.5-9 hours depending on games

• Design: Hybrid (handheld/docked)

• Why It Excels as a Budget Option:

• As handheld consoles with OLED displays go, the Nintendo Switch OLED is on the cheaper end of the spectrum making it great if your main concern is having an OLED screen for less.

Pros:

• Stunning OLED Display: Vibrant colors and deep blacks

• Exclusive Games: Mario, Zelda, Pokémon franchises

• Versatility: Play docked or handheld

• Local Multiplayer: Great for family gaming

• Proven Library: Thousands of games available

Cons:

• Aging Hardware: Less powerful than other consoles

• Limited Storage: Only 64GB internal

• Expensive Games: Nintendo games rarely go on sale

• Switch 2 Coming: Newer model already available

Best For: Families, portable gaming enthusiasts, and Nintendo game fans.

2. PlayStation Portal - Best Value for PS5 Owners ($199.99)

The PlayStation Portal costs $199.99 and is a fantastic remote-play device, allowing you to play your PS5 library on the go easily. While it requires a PlayStation 5 console, it offers incredible value for existing PS5 owners.

Key Specifications:

• Display: 8" LCD 1080p screen

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi streaming from PS5

• Controls: Full DualSense controller features

• Battery: Up to 7-9 hours of play

• Weight: 529g (lightweight)

Why It's Perfect for PS5 Owners:

• This is the most comfortable way to play PS5 games remotely. The lack of any real internals paired with having actual controllers on the sides makes this both a light and ergonomically comfortable experience.

Pros:

• Affordable Entry: Lowest price point on our list

• DualSense Features: Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers

• Large Display: 8" screen larger than most smartphones

• Comfortable Ergonomics: Lightweight with excellent grip

• Long Battery Life: Extended gaming sessions

Cons:

• Requires PS5: Must own a PlayStation 5 console

• Internet Dependent: Needs stable Wi-Fi connection (15Mbps+ recommended)

• Limited Functionality: Only streams PS5 games

• No Bluetooth: Limited to Sony's PlayStation Link audio devices

Best For: PS5 owners who want to play games away from their TV or share the living room with family.

1. Xbox Series S - Best Overall Budget Console ($379.99)

The Xbox Series S remains a solid entry point into Microsoft's gaming ecosystem, now priced at $379.99 for the 512GB model (up from the original $299.99). Despite the price increase, it still offers excellent value for next-generation gaming.

Key Specifications:

• CPU: 8-core AMD Zen 2 CPU @ 3.6GHz

• GPU: AMD RDNA 2 GPU with 4 TFLOPS

• RAM: 10GB GDDR6

• Storage: 512GB or 1TB NVMe SSD

• Resolution: Up to 1440p (with 4K upscaling)

• Features: Digital-only, Xbox Game Pass compatible

Why It's Great for Budget Gaming:

• The Xbox Series S may well be the most attractive console Microsoft has ever made. Its small form factor and unfussy, sleek design means it will easily slot into your entertainment center. As a streaming device, the Xbox Series S carries most major services including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, and others.

Pros:

• Compact Design: Takes up minimal space

• Next-Gen Performance: Ray tracing, 120fps support

• Xbox Game Pass: Access to hundreds of games

• Backward Compatibility: Play Xbox One, 360, and original Xbox games

• Quick Resume: Switch between multiple games instantly

Cons:

• Limited Storage: Only 512GB usable space

• No Disc Drive: Digital-only gaming

• 1440p Limitation: Not native 4K like Series X

Best For: Casual gamers, families, and those primarily using digital games and Game Pass.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Budget Gaming Console

• Consider Your Gaming Preferences:

  • Exclusive Games: Nintendo for Mario/Zelda, Xbox for Halo/Forza

  • Portability: Switch models and Steam Deck for on-the-go gaming

  • Performance: Xbox Series S for best budget performance

  • Existing Setup: PlayStation Portal if you own a PS5

• Storage Considerations:

  • Modern games are large, so consider:

  • Expandable Storage: microSD cards for Nintendo consoles

  • Digital vs. Physical: Xbox Series S is digital-only

  • Cloud Gaming: Xbox Game Pass reduces storage needs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which console offers the best value for money in 2025?

The Xbox Series S provides the best overall value at $379.99, offering next-generation gaming performance, extensive backward compatibility, and access to Xbox Game Pass.

Is the Nintendo Switch still worth buying with Switch 2 available?

The original Switch and Switch OLED remain excellent choices for budget gaming, especially with potential price drops and a massive game library.

Can I play the latest games on these budget consoles?

Yes, all consoles on our list can play current-generation games, though some may have reduced graphics settings or resolution compared to premium consoles.