There’s a fierce debate in the gaming world over which console reigns supreme. The consoles currently battling for dominance are the Nintendo Switch 2, the PlayStation 5, and the Xbox Series X. But while a host of gamers continue to battle over which single console is the best, some are just quietly collecting all the consoles they like and enjoying a variety of games. If you can’t choose a favorite console, that’s okay. Here’s why platform loyalty isn’t really important.
You’ll miss out on exclusive titles
Locking yourself into a single platform means missing out on iconic stories, game styles, and artistic visions found on other consoles. For example, Nintendo offers imaginative worlds with Zelda, Animal Crossing, and Mario. These games are whimsy and fun. They’re cultural icons. And they’re only available on Nintendo.
When you want whimsical nostalgia, Nintendo is the only option. Thankfully, they’ve kept the nostalgia alive by reintroducing classics over and over again. The best part is that Nintendo made the new Switch 2 backwards compatible with original Switch games. It was a genius move. With a good Switch 2 case, and your favorite games, you can spend the entire weekend steeped in nostalgia.
When it comes to PlayStation, there are some cinematic gems. The PS5 has always been the best console for narrative experiences like God of War and The Last of Us. These award-winning titles push technical and emotional boundaries, and aren’t found anywhere else.
Then there’s the Xbox and it’s unique ecosystem. Xbox Game Studios titles and first-party exclusives like Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon are central to the Xbox Game Pass – a rotating library of games that makes owning an Xbox non-negotiable.
Although it’s technically not a “console,” PC gaming is worth mentioning. There are so many good PC games, many of which are indie titles, and you could get lost in this culture forever. There are deep simulations, active modding communities, and masterpieces that never would have made it past a board room meeting (in a good way).
Owning a single console and refusing to use anything else is like refusing to taste all the wine at a wine tasting. You’re going to miss out on a lot of fun.
Each console has its strengths and weaknesses
For many gamers, owning multiple consoles picks up the slack where their preferred consoles fall short. For instance, no console beats the PS5 for cinematic visuals and immersion. It’s perfect for gamers who love story-rich adventures.
Some of Nintendo’s weaknesses have been cleverly turned into strengths. For instance, Nintendo fans have picked up on the fact that they use cheaper hardware because it becomes outdated quickly. Maybe that’s why download speeds tend to be slow. To make up for this, the company creates cartoonish visuals so nobody can tell when the system is outdated. Games are cheaper and easier to make, and the focus remains on gameplay. Still, it’s not enough for gamers who want to feel immersed in cinematic worlds on PS5.
For gamers who love variety, Xbox’s subscription model is essential. The Game Pass provides instant access to hundreds of games, including new releases on day one. However, one thing Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo lack is modding capabilities, and that’s why a lot of gamers choose the Steam Deck and PC games. The Steam Deck isn’t the most powerful console, but it’s a dream for anyone who wants to run emulators, customize games, and connect a mouse and keyboard. And if you know what you’re doing, you can even install Linux.
Different consoles come with different features
Although gamers share a love for games, they have diverse preferences that are met through different systems. For instance:
- Solo cinematic experiences are best on PS5, with titles like Horizon Forbidden West
- The Nintendo Switch 2 is great for playing on the couch and using social features like screen sharing and GameChat
- For competitive online games, Xbox is the winner, especially for multiplayer experiences
Owning multiple consoles covers every niche and type of story imaginable. Owning a handful of consoles doesn’t represent indecision. It’s a commitment to variety.
Console wars are pointless
Although console wars can make great content for getting YouTube views and likes on social media, they don’t actually serve anyone. If you truly only enjoy PlayStation, that’s great, but there’s nothing wrong with people who want more.
Choose what makes you happy. Get the Switch 2 for mobile game play, and get a PlayStation to experience epic storytelling. If you want to play with your friends, get an Xbox. Nobody gets points for loyalty. You can be a die-hard fan of one platform and still own several other options.
