The Best Xbox Console - 2021

When it comes to gaming consoles, each release seems to bring more features, including enhanced video resolution and access to better games and apps. But you’ll pay for those features, often with an increase in price of $100 or more. For that reason, it can help to look at what you really need in a gaming console to avoid overspending on benefits you won’t even use.

Newer Xbox consoles pack in great resolution to make your games jump off the screen. With true 4K Ultra High Definition capabilities, you can take advantage of the games that render at that resolution. Unfortunately, not all games do, and even if they do, it will only work if you have a 4K UHD TV. Before you start shopping, make sure you know what resolution your TV offers to avoid wasting money on a feature that won’t even benefit you.

Many gaming consoles double as Blu-Ray players, which is worth considering as you shop. If you make regular stops at the nearest Redbox or you collect DVDs, look for a gaming console that supports 4K UHD discs, assuming your TV supports it. Some Xboxes can’t offer a gaming experience in 4K UHD, but they can display movies in that format. If you prefer streaming your entertainment, look for a console that can provide high-resolution video when services offer it.

Speaking of streaming, if that’s important to you, be sure to look for a gaming console that connects up to the apps you use. Many of the newer ones provide access to popular streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. If you want to play with others, you’ll also need to ensure the console you buy has Xbox Live capabilities. Some older consoles had versions of Xbox Live that are no longer available. But if you just want to play games and don’t care about online team-based gaming, it may be worth the savings on an older model.

• Gamers are excited about the newer Xboxes for good reason: 4K UHD support brings a more immersive gaming experience. If you have a 4K UHD TV, you’ll need to seriously consider the Microsoft Xbox One X 1TB Console, which renders games in 4K UHD resolution. The issue, though, is that not all games support this feature. So, you’ll have to look specifically for those that do if you want to take advantage of 3840 x 2160-pixel resolution.
• You may not care as much about 4K UHD gaming as you do watching DVDs. The Microsoft Xbox One S 500GB Console delivers games in High Definition Resolution, which is great but not as good as 4K UHD. But when you pop a DVD into the Blu-Ray player, you’ll get 4K resolution, as long as you have a 4K TV.
• With older versions like the Microsoft Xbox One 500GB Console, you’re looking for support for 1080p, which was once the top of the line when it came to gaming. The Microsoft Xbox One 500GB Console offers 1080p with those games that support it.
• Graphics and speed rely heavily on what’s inside the box. With the Microsoft Xbox One X 1TB Console, you get an AMD Polaris 6-teraflop GPU and 40% more gaming power than competitors. This power will make a big difference, especially when playing graphics-intensive games in 4K UHD resolution. It also means your games will power up quickly, eliminating that annoying lag.
• If you still watch DVDs, the built-in Blu-Ray player is going to be a draw. The Microsoft Xbox One X 1TB Console, Microsoft Xbox One S 500GB Console and Microsoft Xbox One 500GB Console all feature 4K UHD compatible Blu-Ray players.
• You don’t have to buy or rent DVDs when you can access plenty of online streaming services for a monthly subscription price. The Microsoft Xbox One X 1TB Console and Microsoft Xbox One S 500GB Console feature 4K video streaming from all the major services, although you’ll only be able to access 4K UHD resolution if the services provide it. With the Microsoft Xbox One 500GB Console, you’ll get access to top streaming services but only in 1080p.
• In order to link up with others online for remote gameplay, you’ll need Xbox Live, which most of the consoles have. However, Microsoft Xbox Console’s version of Xbox Live has been discontinued, unfortunately. So if this feature is important to you, you may not be willing to give it up.
• Another limitation you may find with older Xbox consoles is that your selection of game titles is limited. If you want the most possible, you’ll need to stick with the Microsoft Xbox One X 1TB Console. The Microsoft Xbox One S 500GB Console is great because it can play Xbox 360 and original Xbox titles. With the Microsoft XBOX Console and Microsoft Xbox One 500GB Console, you may be disappointed at the limited exclusive titles available.
• One of the biggest reasons to go with an older model is cost. You’ll often find the newest consoles retail for at least $300, going as high as $500. On the other hand, you can find the Microsoft Xbox One S 500GB Console in the $200-$300 range and the Microsoft XBOX Console for less than $150. If you can find a console used, you may be able to get a good deal on a slightly newer console version, although the latest and greatest can be tough to find at resale.
• Storage space is limited on all the Xbox consoles, although you may be dazzled by the promised 1TB hard drive on the Microsoft Xbox One X 1TB Console. Consider, though, that 4K games take up more space, often totaling more than 100 GB once downloaded. That means if you want to store multiple games, you’ll probably need to invest in an external hard drive. The Microsoft XBOX Console builds in only an 8 GB hard drive.