PS5 vs Xbox Series X vs Nintendo Switch 2: which console should you buy in Australia?
PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and Nintendo Switch 2 compared on games, price, subscriptions and who each is for, with today's lowest prices at Australian stores.
In this guide
Choosing a console is really choosing a library of games, and a subscription you'll probably pay for. The hardware differences matter less than you'd think. Here's how the three compare, with today's prices.
Today's prices
- 1
Nintendo Switch Lite Console2 stores · cheapest at JB Hi-Fifrom$329 - 2
Nintendo Switch Console Neon2 stores · cheapest at JB Hi-Fifrom$469 - 3
Nintendo Switch Console OLED Model (Neon)1 stores · cheapest at The Good Guysfrom$534 - 4
Nintendo Switch Console OLED Model2 stores · cheapest at Harvey Normanfrom$538 - 5
Microsoft XBOX Series S Console3 stores · cheapest at digiDirectfrom$699 - 6
Nintendo Switch 2 Console5 stores · cheapest at digiDirectfrom$725.22 - 7
Nintendo Switch 2 + Nintendo Switch Sports Resort Bundle1 stores · cheapest at Harvey Normanfrom$814 - 8
Nintendo Switch 2 Console Mario Kart World Bundle2 stores · cheapest at Mwavefrom$832 - 9
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle2 stores · cheapest at Harvey Normanfrom$838 - 10
Microsoft Xbox Series S Digital Edition Console1 stores · cheapest at Harvey Normanfrom$849 - 11
Sony PlayStation 5 Digital Edition Console –1 stores · cheapest at Harvey Normanfrom$918 - 12
Sony PS5 PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Console ()1 stores · cheapest at JB Hi-Fifrom$919
The short answer
- Nintendo Switch 2: for Nintendo's own games (Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Mario Kart), playing on the couch and on the go, and families. Plays most original Switch games.
- PlayStation 5: for Sony's big exclusives and the widest range of blockbuster third-party games.
- Xbox Series X and S: for Game Pass, Microsoft's subscription with a large library of games to download, including Microsoft's own games on release day. The Series S is the cheapest way into current-generation gaming.
Which PlayStation 5?
- PS5 with disc drive: play physical games (and resell them).
- PS5 Digital Edition: cheaper, downloads only. You can add a disc drive later.
- PS5 Pro: better graphics and frame rates in supported games on a 4K TV. Worth it for enthusiasts with a good TV; for most people, the standard PS5 is the value choice. The Pro doesn't include a disc drive.
Xbox Series X or S?
The Series X plays games at higher resolution and has a disc drive (except the Digital Edition). The Series S is smaller and cheaper, with less storage and lower resolution; it's great on a 1080p or 1440p screen.
Subscriptions
All three charge for online multiplayer:
- PlayStation Plus (Essential, Extra, Premium tiers): online play plus monthly games, and a game catalogue on higher tiers.
- Xbox Game Pass: the biggest catalogue, with new Microsoft games included.
- Nintendo Switch Online: online play and classic Nintendo games, with an Expansion Pack tier.
Over a console's life, the subscription costs as much as the console, so factor it in.
What about handheld PCs?
Handheld gaming PCs like the ROG Xbox Ally, Lenovo Legion Go and MSI Claw play PC games (Steam, Xbox PC Game Pass) on the go. They cost more than a Switch 2 and suit people with an existing PC game library.
TV tips
For PS5 and Xbox Series X, a TV with HDMI 2.1 (4K at 120Hz, VRR) gets the most out of them. See how to choose a TV.
Where to buy
Console discounts are small and come and go. Bundles with a game are often the best value. Every console is on the consoles page, with each store's price, and check the best time to buy before Black Friday.
