Top 5 Gaming Consoles on a Budget (2025 Edition)

Gaming doesn’t have to drain your bank account. With the ever-expanding world of affordable gaming, there are plenty of consoles that offer incredible value without compromising too much on performance, graphics, or the overall gaming experience. Whether you’re a casual player, buying for your children, or just looking to explore gaming without going all-in on a pricey next-gen console, there’s something out there for you.

Here’s a rundown of the top 5 gaming consoles on a budget in 2025, striking the right balance between performance, affordability, and fun.

1. Xbox Series S

Price Range: £199 – £249

Best For: Game Pass users, casual to mid-core gamers

Microsoft’s Xbox Series S continues to be a favourite among budget-conscious gamers. It’s a digital-only console, meaning there’s no disc drive, but for most players who are used to digital downloads and subscriptions, that’s hardly a drawback.

What makes the Series S a great budget console is its ability to run the latest titles, including next-gen games, at decent resolutions and frame rates. Paired with Xbox Game Pass (which offers access to hundreds of games for a monthly fee), it’s arguably the best value-for-money console on the market.

Pros:

• Compact and sleek design
• Access to Xbox Game Pass
• Great performance for the price

Cons:

• No physical disc drive
• Lower storage (512GB, though expandable)

2. Nintendo Switch (Standard & Lite)

Price Range:

• Switch Lite: £179 – £199
• Standard Switch (OLED model): Around £289 (but older models may be cheaper)

Best For: Family gaming, portability, and unique Nintendo titles

If you’re more into fun, colourful, and quirky games, or you’re buying for a younger audience, the Nintendo Switch is a no-brainer. The standard model doubles as both a home console and a portable device, while the Switch Lite is handheld-only and more budget-friendly.

Titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are reasons alone to invest in the Switch. While not as powerful as Xbox or PlayStation consoles, the gameplay experience is unique and consistently high quality.

Pros:

• Portable and versatile
• Huge selection of exclusive games
• Great for all age groups

Cons:

• Less powerful graphics and performance
• Online services are not as robust

3. PlayStation 4 Slim

Price Range: £180 – £230 (used or refurbished)

Best For: PlayStation exclusives on a budget

Yes, the PS4 is technically a last-gen console, but it still holds up extremely well in 2025, especially the PS4 Slim. Many titles are still being released with PS4 support, and there’s a massive library of amazing games already available, including The Last of Us Part II, God of War, Spider-Man, and Uncharted 4.

If you’re not too fussed about ray tracing or lightning-fast loading times, the PS4 Slim gives you access to an incredible back catalogue of titles at a very reasonable price, particularly second-hand.

Pros:

• Amazing library of games
• Strong performance for the price
• Well-supported even years after launch

Cons:

• Not future-proof
• Slower load times compared to newer consoles

4. Steam Deck (Base Model)

Price Range: Around £349 (Base Model)

Best For: PC gamers on the go

Valve’s Steam Deck has made waves as a portable gaming PC, and while the price tag for the higher-end models creeps well beyond “budget” territory, the base model sits at a still-affordable £349. It’s not a traditional console, but for PC gamers who want portability, it’s one of the best options available.

With the ability to run AAA PC titles and access your Steam library, it’s a powerful device that punches well above its price point. Plus, it can be docked to play on a TV, much like the Switch.

Pros:

• Full PC gaming in handheld form
• Access to the massive Steam library
• Customisable and mod-friendly

Cons:

• Bulkier than the Switch
• Battery life can be inconsistent

5. Retro Consoles (Mini Editions)

Price Range: £50 – £100

Best For: Nostalgic gaming and casual players

If your idea of gaming includes titles like Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Mario Bros., or Street Fighter II, retro consoles are the way to go. Devices like the SNES Classic Mini, SEGA Mega Drive Mini, or PlayStation Classic come pre-loaded with a selection of classic games and are plug-and-play out of the box.

They’re also great for younger children who are just being introduced to gaming. With no downloads or internet connection required, it’s as simple as plugging in and playing.

Pros:

• Extremely affordable
• Great for retro gaming fans
• Simple to use, no extra purchases required

Cons:

• Limited to built-in games
• No modern game support or updates

Honourable Mention: Cloud Gaming Options

While not a console per se, cloud gaming platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and PlayStation Plus Premium allow you to stream games to your phone, tablet, or smart TV with a good internet connection. If you already own a controller and a compatible device, it’s a great way to game on a budget, sometimes without owning any physical hardware at all.

Gaming on a budget in 2025 is more accessible than ever. From compact consoles to cloud-based solutions and retro revivals, there’s no need to splash out on a £500+ system to enjoy great games. Whether you’re after portability, power, or just a bit of nostalgic fun, one of the consoles listed above will fit your needs—and your wallet.

Before you buy, consider what kind of games you enjoy most, how important portability is, and whether you’re more interested in digital access or physical collections. From there, you’ll be ready to make the best budget-friendly gaming decision.

So, whether you're saving for a rainy day or just want to be savvy with your spending, rest assured: quality gaming doesn’t have to cost a fortune.