It’s about time to finish your holiday shopping. Some friends and family members are hoping for a new game console, but sticker prices can be steep and out of reach. Fortunately, we’re familiar with the gaming landscape and can suggest a few wallet-friendly options.
While the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S dominate headlines this season, there are several other ways to bring gaming fun into the home. We even explain how to play high-quality Xbox titles without purchasing an Xbox system.
Below are our top picks for affordable substitutes to an expensive gaming console that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Xbox Cloud Gaming With Game Pass
Cloud gaming is one of the most remarkable innovations in the gaming world. Instead of buying a physical console, imagine streaming games through the cloud the same way you stream TV shows on Netflix or Hulu.
With Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you get Xbox Cloud Gaming, which lets you play games on many devices, wherever you have a reliable internet connection.
Sign up for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and use a compatible device—like an Android phone, a Windows 10 PC, an iPhone or an iPad—to stream games. After signing in, you’ll be able to access almost the entire Xbox Game Pass catalog.
You’ll also want a compatible controller, such as an Xbox Wireless Controller, though third-party controllers from brands like 8BitDo, Logitech, PowerA, Razer, SteelSeries and Turtle Beach also work well.
If buying a $500 Xbox or PS5 isn’t feasible, consider gifting a subscription that costs $14.99 per month (the first month is often just $1). It’s a tiny fraction of a console’s cost and includes access to over 100 premium games at no extra charge.
Other cloud-gaming services include Sony PlayStation Plus Premium, Amazon Luna and Shadow. In our experience, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate delivers the strongest overall value and includes many of the year’s most popular titles.
Apple TV and Other Streaming Devices
Apple’s streaming box, the Apple TV, is another great way to access a decent selection of games. The Apple TV 4K is much less expensive than mainstream consoles, starting at $129.
You can buy games directly from the App Store on Apple TV, but we recommend subscribing to Apple Arcade. For just $4.99 a month, Apple Arcade provides access to hundreds of titles without ads or in-app purchases.
Many Apple TV games can be played with the included remote, but for a more authentic experience you should get a dedicated controller. Compatible options include Microsoft’s Xbox Wireless and Sony’s DualShock 4.
If you own an iPhone or iPad, you can take many of the games you purchased on Apple TV or access them via Apple Arcade while on the go. Although Apple TV doesn’t host as many blockbuster titles as consoles, it still offers plenty of entertaining choices.
Other streaming devices such as Amazon Fire TV and Roku also offer games, but in our testing Apple TV had the best game library. With Apple Arcade, new titles are added weekly.
Buy a Previous-Generation Console
We understand many on your list want the newest consoles, but there’s never been a better time to consider a previous-generation system. You can get a similar gaming experience for far less money.
For instance, Microsoft’s prior-generation console, the Xbox One, is available used for roughly $100 to $150—cheaper than even the least expensive current-generation machines.
Compared to the Xbox Series X/S, the Xbox One can still run most of the same games. The visuals may not be as polished, but the Xbox One can still deliver an engaging experience.
On Sony’s side, the company continues to sell the PlayStation 4, so it remains an option. While a few games are exclusive to the PlayStation 5, the PS4 still offers a strong lineup of titles.
If you opt for a PlayStation 4, the used market is worth checking. Although Sony still lists PS4s for sale, used consoles are typically cheaper and easier to find.
In the past, older consoles were often abandoned quickly, but this generation the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 still provide plenty of power and a growing library of games.
Nintendo Switch Lite
The Nintendo Switch Lite is technically a mainstream console, so you may wonder why it’s included here.
The Switch Lite is Nintendo’s budget-friendly variant of the Switch. The standard Nintendo Switch is $299, and the Switch OLED with an enhanced screen is $349. The Switch Lite, however, is priced under $200.
If someone on your list wants a Nintendo Switch but the full-price models are too expensive, the Switch Lite is a terrific alternative. It plays nearly all the same games as the other models while costing less.
What makes the Switch Lite cheaper? Unlike the pricier versions, the Switch Lite cannot be docked to play on a television—you must use its built-in display.
Nintendo positioned the Switch Lite as an affordable, travel-friendly option. It features a compact 5.5-inch touchscreen, a smaller form factor and battery life that can last up to seven hours.
Go Retro With Retro Gaming
Retro gaming is back in vogue, and finding local retro game shops is fairly easy. One store we spoke with mentioned that consoles like Nintendo’s GameCube have grown more sought-after thanks to exposure on YouTube.
Retro gaming won’t appeal to everyone—some younger players may see it as old-fashioned—but for those happy to explore gaming history, it can be a satisfying choice. Keep in mind that while consoles can be inexpensive, certain classic games still command high prices.
Popular retro systems include the Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo 64, SNES and the Sega Genesis. The original PlayStation and Xbox are also popular among retro fans.
Besides physical stores, you can find retro consoles on online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace and eBay.
Alex Rivera is a senior writer focusing on technology for Savinly.
