Best Video Game Consoles and Controllers for Beginners (Renewed)

This is a controller, not a console, so it only makes sense if you have a PlayStation 5. Its haptic feedback and adaptive triggers are designed to make in-game actions feel physical, and the built-in microphone and headset jack make chatting easy. Reviewers are split, though. Some say it feels excellent, while others report broken left sticks, failing touch pads, buttons pressing themselves, and batteries that won't hold a charge.

The Switch can run on a TV, sit on a tabletop or be played handheld, so it adapts to how you want to play. The Joy-Con controllers detach, which makes local two-player games simple. Buyers say it keeps kids entertained, and many feel its quality exceeds what they expected.

The listing says this unit was professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers, with no visible cosmetic imperfections at arm's length, and it is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days. Some buyers still report controllers that don't work, charge that doesn't last as long, and a dock that won't connect to the TV, so check everything during that window.

Buyers consistently like the Starlight Blue finish and say it matches the PlayStation 5 well. It connects wirelessly over Bluetooth to a PS5 or PC and offers 17 buttons, adaptive triggers and haptic feedback.

This is the riskiest pick in the group for a newcomer. Reviewers report significant stick drift, units that won't turn on or stop working correctly, and some that arrive broken. Several also feel it isn't worth the price, so if you're unsure, look at the White DualSense listing or another option first.

This is a virtual reality headset rather than a traditional console, which makes it a different kind of purchase. Reviewers say it is easy to set up and that they can start exploring games and apps within minutes. Because it is untethered, you aren't limited by cords, and the color passthrough cameras let you see your room while you play.

The listing includes a 3-month trial of the games catalog. Be aware that battery life draws strong criticism, comfort varies from person to person, and image sharpness gets mixed reviews, with one buyer also noting connectivity issues over 5G service.

The Wii uses motion controls, so you wave and swing rather than press buttons, which many newcomers find easy to pick up. The bundle includes a Wii Remote Plus, a Nunchuk and a sensor bar, and up to four Wii Remote Plus controllers can connect at once. Exercise, dance and meditation games are a good fit for families.

It is also the most mixed pick here on reliability. Some buyers say everything works great, while others say it won't turn on, controllers and remotes fail to connect, and power supplies and batteries misbehave. One buyer reports the console broke down twice. Downloadable content may not be included or work.

The Switch Lite is designed for handheld play, with a small, light unibody design and controls built in. It is compatible with all physical and digital Switch games that support handheld mode. Buyers say both children and adults enjoy the gameplay, and many feel the console looks brand new.

The main caution is charging. Multiple buyers report that it doesn't stay charged, and some units arrive with wear or screen damage. Because the battery is the weak point, keep it topped up as the guidance below suggests.