Best game consoles to buy on a budget
Now that we’ve discussed the best gaming consoles on the market and looked at the price tags, you may be wondering how you can afford to get into gaming. Keeping in mind that you’ll still have to spend money on all your favorite games and perhaps some extra accessories, it’s not unreasonable to worry about breaking the bank with this hobby.
Luckily, several options can save you money without compromising on the quality of your entertainment. One of the best ways is to look at refurbished video game consoles. These units are professionally restored to work like new, so a refurbished Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 can still deliver your dream gaming experience at a portion of the retail price. Besides refurbished units, you might consider buying a previous-generation console that supports long-time favorite games.
Xbox One
The Xbox One, even years after its initial release in 2013, continues to be an ideal choice for gamers on a budget. With its extensive library of games that includes both new and classic titles, you won’t soon get bored playing this fantastically popular console. It even serves as an all-in-one entertainment system, supporting various streaming services and media apps.
The Xbox One’s pricing is significantly lower than its next-gen counterparts, and you can further reduce your costs by purchasing a refurbished Xbox One from a certified seller. You may even consider refurbished accessories and used Xbox games to fully maximize your gaming budget.
PlayStation 4
As the 2013 predecessor to the illustrious PS5, the PlayStation 4 remains an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers. The system offers an extensive and varied game library featuring many of the past decade’s most acclaimed titles. Its robust hardware still offers a high-quality gaming experience, making it a great entry point to the gaming hobby. Like the Xbox One, the PS4 can double as an entertainment hub with streaming services and a web browser.
As an older console, prices for PS4s have come down considerably, but you might find the best savings on a reliable console by looking at certified refurbished PS4s. These restored units offer the full PlayStation experience at a reduced price, without the guessing game that can happen when purchasing a regular used device.
Nintendo Switch
The standard Nintendo Switch remains a fantastic budget-friendly alternative to more expensive consoles, especially if you love Nintendo’s famous games or if you value the portability of the Switch handheld. Though the OLED Model offers a noticeably enhanced display, all the same games and the same versatile play modes are available on the original Switch. As with other consoles, you can save even more by buying a refurbished Nintendo Switch at a lower price point.