Video game console and game streaming buying guide

Choosing the right video game console and or game streaming service can be a difficult choice. And, with the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Nintendo Switch OLED now on the market it can make a difficult choice that is much harder.

Each console and game streaming service has their own unique strengths, which could make anyone of them best suited for your needs. With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of the key features and benefits of each to help make your decision easier.

Table of contents

1. PlayStation video game consoles
2. Xbox video game consoles
3. Nintendo video game consoles
4. Game streaming services

Console gaming

When it comes to video game consoles, there are three major home console makers—PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo. Furthermore, each console maker has their own family of consoles. First, PlayStation has PlayStation 5. Next, Xbox has Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. Finally, Nintendo has Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch OLED.

To top it all off, each console maker takes their own approach to gaming. You probably have several questions running through your mind at this point. What’s the difference between all of these consoles? Which one is right for me? To help answer those questions, we’ll look at PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo to see what each console maker has to offer and see how they are different and in some cases similar.

PlayStation 5

In November 2020, Sony released their next generation PlayStation 5 console. The PlayStation 5 is much more powerful than any previous PlayStation console. The PS5 can play games at 4K 60 frames-per-second all the way up to 120 frames-per-second and is 8K capable.

Sony’s PlayStation 5 lineup now includes three distinct models, PlayStation 5 Slim, PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition and PlayStation 5 Pro. Each model offer unique features and performance. Let’s take a look at each option:

PlayStation 5 Slim Console

This is a more compact version of the original PlayStation 5, featuring a similar hardware setup but in a slimmer, lighter design. It includes an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive, supporting physical discs for games and movies. With its reduced size, the PS5 Slim delivers powerful performance, with support for 4K gaming, smooth frame rates, and fast load times.

PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition Console

Similar to the PlayStation 5 Slim Console, the Digital Edition comes without a physical disc drive, meaning it supports only digital downloads of games and media. It’s ideal if you prefer a fully digital library and want a sleeker design that eliminates the need for discs. The Digital Edition maintains the same internal hardware and performance specs, supporting 4K gaming and impressive load speeds.

PlayStation 5 Pro Console

The PS5 Pro takes performance a step further, designed for more intensive gaming experiences. It offers enhanced graphics capabilities and faster processing power compared to the Slim models, supporting higher frame rates and improved resolution options, potentially up to 8K. This model is geared toward hardcore gamers who want top-tier visual fidelity and smoother gameplay in highly detailed environments.

Differences and considerations

While all three models provide access to the same PS5 game library, your choice will depend on your preferences. The PlayStation 5 Slim Console is best if you like physical media, while the PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition Console is for those who prefer digital-only gaming. Finally, the PS5 Pro is for hardcore gamers. It’s premium price is for those that want the best graphics and performance for all of their games.

PlayStation 5 games

Sony has many first party studios that include: Naughty Dog, Santa Monica Studios, Bend Studios and more. The PlayStation 5 is home to a variety of games including Alan Wake 2 Deluxe Edition, Astro Bot, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Until Dawn, Final Fantasy XVI, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and more.

Other games fans can look forward to on PlayStation 5 include: Ghost of Yotei, Wolverine, and Death Stranding 2—to name a few.

Click here to see the full line up of PlayStation 5 games available at Bestbuy.ca

PlayStation 5 backwards compatibility

The PlayStation 5 is backwards compatible with over 4000 PlayStation 4 games. As a result, you can play some of the top games from PlayStation 4 such as God of War and The Last of Us Part II. PlayStation 4 games will run at a more stable frame rate and some games will even have higher resolutions. Unfortunately, just like the PlayStation 4, the PlayStation 5 is not directly backwards compatible with older PlayStation games before PS4.

PlayStation online multiplayer and digital delivery

First and foremost, PlayStation 5 offers online multiplayer and digital media delivery service in the form of PlayStation Plus. PlayStation Plus allows PlayStation owners to play online with friends, get free games every month and get exclusive discounts on games. All PlayStation Plus monthly games are playable on PS5 and yours to keep as long as you’re a subscriber.

As a PlayStation Plus member, you also get exclusive game content like members-only skins, cosmetics, weapons and more for free-to-play games. And, you get 100GB cloud storage to save your game progress. Furthermore, you can pick up your adventures on any other console with that game installed. Finally, as a PS Plus subscriber, you’ll be able to hand control of single-player adventures over to them. Even if they don’t own the game with Share Play.

PlayStation Plus consists of three different tiers that you can choose from to subscribe to—Essential, Extra, and Premium. Furthermore, Essential and Premium subscribers will also have access to hundreds of high-quality games to play.

Each of the three tiers comes with their own perks and benefits. I’ve broken it all down in the chart below for you.

Cloud Streaming

As part of the PlayStation Plus Premium tier, you get access to stream hundreds of PS5, PS4, PS3 and PS2 games from a wide variety of publishers. Some games are available for download, while others are available only to stream over the internet. Games are added and removed on a regular basis to give you a variety of games to choose from.

PlayStation Plus Premium cloud streaming supports resolutions of up to 4K HDR at 60Hz and includes the entire suite of PlayStation 5 audio outputs included Tempest 3D.

The Classics Catalog

PlayStation 5 PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers have access to something that is called the classics catalog. This is a curated library of generation defining games to download and play from previous PlayStation platforms including PSP, PS2, PS3 and PlayStation.

Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S

In November 2020, Microsoft released two next generation consoles Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S—often referred to as Xbox Series X|S. You are probably wondering what the difference is between the two consoles, right? Let me break it down for you.

First and foremost, both the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S share the same core next-generation features and play the same games. Whereas the Xbox Series X can play games at 4K 120 frames-per-second all the way up to 8K 30 frames-per-second, the Xbox Series S can play games at 1440p 60 frames-per-second up to 120 frames-per-second and games can be upscaled to 4K.

Microsoft’s Xbox lineup includes several models, Xbox Series X 1TB Console, Xbox Series X 1TB Digital Console – Robot White, Xbox Series X 2TB Console – Galaxy Black – Exclusive Retail Partner, Xbox Series S 512GB Console and Xbox Series S 1TB Console. Each model caters to different gaming needs and preferences. Let’s take a look at each option:

Xbox Series X 1TB Console

This is the standard powerhouse of the Xbox Series lineup, featuring a 1TB internal SSD for ultra-fast loading times and high-performance gaming. It supports 4K gaming and is designed to handle the most demanding titles with consistent frame rates and impressive visuals.

Xbox Series X 1TB Digital Console – Robot White

Functionally similar to the standard Series X but in a sleek Robot White design, this console brings a fresh look to the Series X lineup. It provides the same high-performance specs, including 4K gaming and fast load times, while standing out visually.

Xbox Series X 2TB Console – Galaxy Black – Exclusive Retail Partner

This special edition Series X features a 2TB SSD for expanded storage and is exclusive to Best Buy Canada. It’s designed for gamers who want maximum space for their games and media, while still providing top-tier performance for 4K gaming and seamless gameplay.

Xbox Series S 512GB Console

The more compact and budget-friendly model, the Xbox Series S offers 512GB of storage and a streamlined, all-digital experience. It doesn’t support physical discs, making it ideal if you plan on digital-only gaming. While it’s a bit less powerful than the Series X, it still delivers fast load times, smooth gameplay, and up to 1440p resolution, which upscales well to 4K on supported displays.

Xbox Series S 1TB Console

The Xbox Series S 1TB Console offers all the benefits of the original Series S but with an upgraded 1TB storage capacity. It’s an excellent choice for digital-only players who want extra storage without upgrading to the more expensive Series X. It provides the same 1440p gaming experience, smooth frame rates, and quick load times.

Differences and considerations

While each model gives you access to the same Xbox game library, choosing the right console depends on your preferences. The Xbox Series X 1TB Console is ideal if you want top-tier performance and 4K graphics, along with disc compatibility. The Xbox Series S models offer a digital-only, streamlined experience. For budget-conscious players, the Series S 512GB provides core features at a lower price, while the Series S 1TB adds extra storage for larger digital collections. Finally, if you want premium storage and exclusive style, the Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black delivers the highest capacity with the same powerful performance.

Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S games

The main reason for owning a home console is to play games. Xbox has over 20 first party studios including Activision, Rare, Halo Studios, Bethesda Game Studios, Obsidian, Playground Games and more.

The Xbox Series X|S has hundreds of games, which are fully optimized for the new hardware including Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Edition, Sonic X Shadow Generations, NHL 25 and many more. Games that are optimized for Xbox Series X|S feature super-fast load-times, heightened visuals, and steadier framerates at up to 120FPS.

These include new titles built natively using the Xbox Series X|S development environment as well as previously released titles that have been rebuilt specifically for Xbox Series X|S. And, many upcoming games on Xbox are smart delivery compatible. What this means is, you only have to buy these games once to play the best version for your console. Other games you can look forward to on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S include: Avowed, Perfect Dark, Doom: The Dark Ages, Gears of War: E-Day—to name a few.

Click here to see the full line up of Xbox Series X and Series S games available at Bestbuy.ca

Xbox backwards compatibility

When it comes to backwards compatibility, Xbox is king. Keeping in tradition with previous generations, the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S both can play thousands of backwards compatible games from Xbox One S, Xbox 360 and Xbox. Compatible games run natively on the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S with no additional work from developers. This means, higher and more steady frame rates, reductions in in-game load times, increased visual quality and resolution.

And, a new, innovative HDR reconstruction technique can be used to add HDR support to games that existed before HDR. That means Xbox 360 and Xbox games can support HDR with no impact at all to the game’s performance.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Game Pass Core

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the Netflix of video games for Xbox gamers. You pay a nominal monthly fee to get access to download hundreds of games. Additionally, gamers have access to more than 100 games from the cloud to play on their Android device. And you can play brand new games on day one from Xbox Game Studios and Bethesda Softworks! Plus, you’ll also be able to play select indies and blockbusters.

This means you’ll be able to play the latest Halo, Gears and Forza games for free on the day of release as part of your subscription and more! Furthermore, EA Play is part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and allows you to play more than 60 of EA’s biggest and best console games.

In addition to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, there are three additional Xbox Game Pass tiers: Core, Console and PC. I’ve broken down the key benefits that each tier offers in a chart below to allow you to choose the Xbox Game Pass plan that is right for you.

Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch OLED

When it comes to options for taking your gaming console with you on the go, Nintendo has all the bases covered. The Nintendo Switch lineup offers premium gaming experiences on the go. The Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED connect to your primary TV through its “docked” mode, and converts to a portable simply by lifting the console out of the dock. In its undocked “handheld mode” the Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED can be played wherever your travels may take you.

The biggest difference between the Switch and Switch OLED is in the screen. The OLED was introduced in Fall 2021 as a step up for people who primarily use the Switch for portable gaming. As our Gaming Editor Jon Scarr mentions in his unboxing and review article, if you mostly connect to a television, the the Switch OLED is likely not a necessary upgrade for you. However, he also states that if you enjoy portable gaming, then the Nintendo Switch OLED provides a much better gaming experience.

On the other hand, the Nintendo Switch Lite is specifically made for gamers on the go. It is lighter and more portable than ever. The Nintendo Switch Lite is a dedicated handheld device so you won’t be able to play games on your TV. Furthermore, it sells at a lower price point than the Nintendo Switch and the controller is now integrated into the Lite’s body—so you won’t be able to detach them.

Nintendo Switch games

The Nintendo Switch consoles don’t always get the biggest multi-console blockbusters. It might not be the optimal choice for those who want to play all the latest cross-platform first-person shooters but it boasts a very strong catalogue of its own exclusive titles. These are beloved franchises that have endured the test of time.

Additionally, Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED feature some of the most highly rated games such as Super Mario Bros Wonder, Super Mario RPG, Pikmin 4, Sonic Superstars, Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and more. Not to mention other Nintendo franchise favourites such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Odyssey, Splatoon 3, and Mario Party Superstars.

Click here to see the full line up of Nintendo Switch games available at Bestbuy.ca

Nintendo Switch backwards compatibility

The Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite and Nintendo Switch OLED are not backwards compatible with previous generations of Nintendo consoles. However, with a Nintendo Switch online subscription you have access to play some of Nintendo’s best retro games with over 100 NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games.

Nintendo Switch online, local multiplayer and family gaming

Nintendo Switch Online is a paid subscription that allows players to play select Nintendo Switch online. The service also features some of Nintendo’s retro gaming content in curated NES, SNES, N64 and Sega Genesis games. In addition to extra content you also get access to exclusive offers, and cloud saves.

While the Nintendo Switch may not offer as robust online service as PlayStation and Xbox, it has a much stronger collection of unique local multiplayer selections. The Nintendo Switch is designed to be played together. Detachable joy-cons and great titles like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and WarioWare: Get It Together! make it easy to play side-by-side with your family and friends.

Nintendo’s history of developing family-friendly software also makes the Nintendo Switch a strong candidate if you are looking for a console for the whole family to enjoy. It’s true that the Xbox and PlayStation have a number of E-rated family titles as well. In comparison however they are arguably outdone by Nintendo’s deep line-up of AAA titles that play well for all ages.

Game streaming services

Game streaming gives you the ability to play video games via the internet from a remote server onto a variety of personal devices. Because games are run on remote servers, you do not need to have expensive dedicated hardware to play. In fact, game streaming services allow you to play AAA games on your mobile phones, tablets, TV or in a web browser on your computer.

In the last few years game streaming services have started to gain popularity with services from NVIDIA, GeForce Now, Xbox, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Amazon Luna and PlayStation.

Game streaming isn’t a new concept. G-Cluster, Gaikai, and OnLive were among some of the first game streaming services that offered gamers the ability to play games on demand over the internet in the past 20 years. However, these pioneers were well before their time and a sufficient internet infrastructure was not in place.

Take the next step

By now you probably have a very good idea of which console or cloud game streaming services best suit your personal preference. Each one has both positive and negative aspects, but you’ve got to decide what suits you the best. Regardless of what you choose, you can’t go wrong. Find your next gaming adventure on .ca.