What is a games console?
A games console is a small computer made for playing video games. You plug most consoles into a TV, pick up a controller, and play. You do not need to know anything about computers to use one.
What is in the box
A console usually comes with:
- The console itself, a box about the size of a small book or a thin tablet.
- One controller, the hand-held device with buttons and sticks that you use to play.
- A power cable and a cable to connect to your TV (called an HDMI cable).
Some consoles, such as the Nintendo Switch 2, also work as a handheld. A handheld is a console you hold in your hands, with its own built-in screen. The Switch 2 also has a dock. A dock is a small stand that connects the console to your TV.
How you get games
Games come in two ways:
- Discs or cartridges. You buy a physical game in a shop and put it in the console.
- Downloads. You buy the game from the console’s online shop and it saves onto the console. This needs an internet connection.
Some console models have no disc slot, so they only play downloaded games. Check this before you buy.
The main consoles
| Console | Made by | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Switch 2 | Nintendo | TV and handheld in one |
| PlayStation 5 (PS5) | Sony | Strong for big story games |
| Xbox Series S and X | Microsoft | Works with a monthly game subscription |
For a full comparison, see Console vs phone vs PC. Each console has its own guide: Switch 2, PS5 and Xbox.
Do you need an internet connection?
Not to play most games on your own. You need one to download games, install updates, and play online with other people. A console without internet still plays discs and games already saved on it.
Do you need an account?
Yes, usually. A console asks you to create a free account the first time you set it up. This stores your games and lets you buy things. You do not have to play with strangers online. Online play is optional.
What it costs
The console is the biggest cost. In the US, October 2026 prices start at $499.99 for a Switch 2, and go up to $649.99 for a standard PS5. Games cost extra and their prices vary. Some online features need a paid subscription. Read Game subscriptions explained for details. These are US prices, October 2026.
Is a console the only way to play?
No. You can also play on a phone, a tablet or a computer. A console suits you if you want to play on a big TV screen, with a controller, without the extra jobs that come with a computer. If you are not sure, take the console chooser quiz. It may also tell you that you do not need a console yet, which is a fair answer.
Is it easy to set up?
Most consoles take about 15 to 30 minutes. You connect it to the TV and power, switch it on, and follow the on-screen steps. The steps are in words and pictures, and you can go at your own pace.
Next steps
- Learn the buttons: How to use a controller
- See what to check before paying: Buying a first console checklist
- Find a game: Game finder