Upgrade from old consoles and take up next-generation gaming, on spectacular machines by Sony and Microsoft. Imagine playing your favourite titles on PC-like consoles that render games in 4K display and buttery smooth 120 frames per second. Both next-gen units can be bought with or without the disc drive, depending on how you usually procure new games. The digital version is, of course, priced lower than disc consoles, which offer you the option of running both physical copies and digital downloads.
No matter your choice of Xbox or PlayStation unit, one aspect to keep in mind is that these consoles are fixed. If you're travelling this winter break or just want to game on the go, investing in a handheld video game console would be more worth your while. The colourful Nintendo Switch is ever-popular with kids and doesn't limit entertainment to the single-player mode, either - the entire family can join in on the TV.
If you missed out on these fantastic releases, pick up the console you’ve been looking for, from our list below. Want to play right out of the box? Bundle your purchase with this list of the best video games of 2022. Whether you are a hard-core gamer, someone who wants to see what all the fuss is about, or are getting a gift for a gamer in your life, you’ll find something for everyone here. Get your device as early as tomorrow with Amazon Prime.
1. Best PlayStation Console: PlayStation 5 Disc Console (UAE Version)
Pros
- Beautiful 4K visuals with 120fps
- Games load rapidly with no lags
- Plays Blu-ray discs and digital downloads
- DualSense controller has excellent haptics and built-in mics
- Ray tracing for realistic light and shadow simulation
Cons
- Big, bulky console
- Only 825GB of space
This is the one you can’t possibly miss. The latest PS5 console has lightning-fast loading, ultra-high speed solid-state drive (SSD), stunning 4k graphics and an all-new generation of PlayStation games. Its controllers have adaptive triggers, mimicking the tension you experience in the game, while haptic feedback creates responsive vibrations to create the ultimate immersive gameplay. They even come with built-in microphones to let you chat with players easily. This standard console allows you to play PS5 and PS4 games on Blu-ray discs, but it also allows you to curate a digital library of your own. Our pick comes with an extra DualSense wireless controller, so that you can play one-on-one with friends and family.
Bonus: Buy with 0% instalments and pay Dh224.42 for 12 months with select banks.
2. Best Xbox Console: Microsoft Xbox Series X Gaming Console, 1TB, Black (UAE Version)
Pros
- Supports up to 8k resolution
- Fast 'Quick Resume' feature
- Plays backward-compatible games
- Adds high dynamic range (HDR) to older games
- 1TB of storage
Cons
- Non-removable stand
- User interface is a little cluttered
With true 4K gaming and high-dynamic range, the Series X is the fastest, most powerful Xbox ever. Play games that have significantly reduced load times and stunning visuals, thanks to DirectX ray tracing technology that delivers true-to-life lighting, shadows and reflections to draw you into the game’s universe. And if you are already an Xbox user, the Series X and S’s Backward Compatibility allows you to play your old games on the latest consoles – and enjoy the upgraded features, as well. Compared to PS5, you're getting a whopping 1TB storage on the internal SSD, which is expandable to another 1TB. Plus, reviewers are ecstatic about the large library of games you can access in an instant, with a Game Pass subscription. It comes with one controller and a Blu-ray disc drive.
Bonus: Buy with 0% instalments and pay Dh151.67 for 12 months with select banks.
3. Best Bundle: Microsoft Xbox Series S Fortnite and Rocket League Bundle
Pros
- Compact design
- Excellent gaming performance
- Includes Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
- Next-generation solid-state drive (SSD) reduces loading times significantly
- Quiet device
Cons
- Low storage capacity and expensive expandable storage
- Doesn't support native 4K gaming
- No support for Wi-Fi 6
Even more popular than Series X, the Series S is usually out of stock, no matter where you look. But Amazon has you covered. This bundle comes with some of the most-played video games in the UAE – Fortnite and Rocket League. As the smallest Xbox ever, this sleek console still has all the frills – incredibly fast load times, dynamic worlds and access to a huge digital library. Use the console’s Backward Compatibility feature to play all your old favourites, even as you pre-order and pre-install upcoming games. Since it's a digital-only console, reviewers love the affordable rates, and many see it as a great entry-level option for PC gamers.
Bonus: Buy with 0% instalments and pay Dh90.83 for 12 months with select banks.
4. Best Handheld: Nintendo Switch OLED Model Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Edition (UAE Version)
Pros
- Easily switch between TV and portable set-up
- Joy-Cons are comfortable to use
- 7-inch OLED screen
- Pokemon Scarlet and Violet version
- 64GB storage
Cons
- Few game options available
- Flimsy kickstand
If you’ve dreamt of taking your video game console with you to your dentist’s appointment or on the aeroplane, then make that dream a reality with Nintendo Switch. With a battery life between 4.5 to 9 hours, the device will keep you hooked for hours. The OLED version brings you seven inches of crisp colours and contrast, for an enhanced handheld experience. Its HD Rumble feature puts you in the middle of the action thanks to physical feedback, and its IR Motion Camera can be attached to Nintendo’s cardboard Labo kit to expand the scope of your Joycon controllers. Speaking of Joycon, just detach both controllers and turn the Switch into multiplayer mode! You can even connect the Switch to the television and turn it into a grander gaming experience. This version comes branded in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet colours, so surprise a fan by gifting them a limited edition.
Bonus: Buy with 0% instalments and pay Dh127.42 for 12 months with select banks.
5. Best Value: Nintendo Switch Lite Dialga & Palkia Edition
Pros
- Comparable to regular Switch in power and performance
- Wirelessly connects to other Lite and Switch consoles for multiplayer mode
- Compact and easy to carry
- Great colour options, besides our pick, in turquoise, blue, yellow and coral
Cons
- Doesn't connect to TV
- Only 32GB of storage
- D-pad feels a mushy
Here’s another gaming device that isn’t trying to take over your television set-up. The Switch Lite’s smaller size is ideal for smaller hands, so it makes for a great gift for children. With a 5.5-inch screen, non-detachable controls, and no TV output, get this device if you don’t care about connecting to a TV and want something simple to beat boredom when you’re on the go. This special edition is a rare onyx-coloured Lite console, inspired by Pokemon Dialga and Palkia.
Bonus: Buy with 0% instalments and pay Dh107.92 for 12 months with select banks.
Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
