7 Best Gaming Consoles in the Philippines | Best of Tech 2023

There has been an uptick in video game activity during the lockdown. While new gamers can easily access games on mobile or PC, older gamers are progressively rekindling their passion for huge franchise games as well as nostalgic favorites from their childhood. As such, this is a fantastic opportunity to get a new video game console or upgrade to new gear. With an extensive brand of gaming consoles in the market, which then is the best in the Philippines? In our Best of Tech series, we introduce the 7 Best Gaming Consoles in the Philippines, providing quality recommendations based on your budget and gaming needs. 

This article was last updated on 11 January 2023.

7 Best Gaming Consoles in the Philippines

1. Sony PlayStation 5 Gaming Console

Best overall

There’s a reason the Sony PS5 is constantly sold out: demand is great, thanks in part to the fact that this is the first new PlayStation since the PS4 was released years ago. Fortunately, we’ve discovered a shop on Lazada that can assist you in getting one! The PS5 boasts an 8K output and delivers 4K visuals at a refresh rate of 120Hz, which means it gives realistic effects in games. The audio is improved, too. It supports 3D audio, and Sony has developed the Pulse 3D wireless headset (which is constantly sold out as well). With such qualities, we feel the PS5 genuinely deserves the worldwide hype.

Latest DualSense controller for improving game immersion

As bizarre as it seems, the most exciting thing about the PS5 isn’t actually the console itself, but its new DualSense controller. Sony’s latest DualSense controllers go beyond rumble, with trigger buttons that have varying degrees of resistance dependent on in-game aspects like the weapon you’re using. You can feel it while using a trigger handgun or racing on a sandy beach with this. It works great and substantially improves feedback and immersion!

Altogether, we feel this is the smoothest, most convenient console Sony has ever produced; a finely crafted update that takes the best of the PS4 and improves on it. It also appears to be well-prepared for the future, without losing sight of what PlayStation fans love about it in the first place.

Why buy this:

• Impressive 4K resolution at 60fps
• Has a revolutionary DualSense controller
• Stunningly fast load times

2. Xbox Series X Gaming Console

Same powerful specs housed in a smaller box form

The PS5 and Xbox Series X compete on pricing, specs, and features, but the good news is that either gaming console is a no-brainer. Both are incredibly powerful and operate quietly, but the PS5 is quite large. So, if you want virtually comparable specs as the PS5, but in a smaller box form, go with the Xbox Series X. The next-generation console is capable of 4k gaming at up to 120 frames per second, is powerful, and has a super-fast load time. In terms of specs, the PS5 looks to fall short of the Xbox Series X; both feature 8-core AMD CPUs, but the Xbox’s is clocked at 3.8GHz, while the PS5’s is capped at 3.5GHz.

To top it all off, Microsoft’s Xbox features a Quick Resume option that allows you to pause numerous games at once. With this, you may switch to another game and then return to where you left off in a matter of seconds. This is another factor to consider if you want to justify choosing the Xbox over the PS5. After all, the PS5 and Xbox Series X are each groundbreaking in their own sense.

Why buy this:

• The game loads very fast
• Clean and cool box design
• Backward compatibility with lots of games

3. Nintendo Switch Console

Perfect for at-home or on-the-go gaming

Nintendo bypassed the current console war by altering not where you use your system rather how you use it. The Switch is a hybrid device that, like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, connects to a TV but also functions as a handheld. While it lacks the power to play the newest 4K, 120 fps releases anticipated for next-generation consoles, the Switch can play games at a smooth 30 FPS anywhere you wish. We also enjoy how it serves as an excellent companion system for anyone who already owns a PlayStation or Xbox. It can accomplish things that none of them can and provides a slew of amazing titles that will almost certainly never exist on a Sony or Microsoft system!

Why buy this:

• Attractive and innovative design
• Great game library
• Portable

4. Oculus Quest 2 All in One VR Headset

The best all-in-one VR system set

If you want to experience futuristic vibes, consider donning a virtual reality headset. While not as popular as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox consoles, the Oculus VR gaming headgear is gaining traction. This gaming gadget puts you into 3D virtual worlds where you can play games that feel and look immersive. We also like that it has a competitive advantage over PlayStation VR because it is an all-in-one product that does not require an additional PC or console. So, in terms of gaming, we believe this gadget provides the most bang for your buck!

Why buy this:

• Great value for money
• Access to hundreds of PC VR games
• Features redesigned touch controllers for improved ergonomics

5. Nintendo Switch Lite

We all know the Nintendo Switch is incredible since it can function as both a handheld and a home console, but if you prefer one for yourself just and one that is portable, consider switching to Switch Lite. The Switch Lite is exclusively a handheld device that provides the same portable gaming experience as the Switch but in a somewhat smaller form factor. Although it offers less, the Nintendo Switch Lite is a better system than the original Nintendo Switch in certain aspects. It focuses on the portability that users appreciated in the earliest version while making it even easier to carry on the go! Overall, if all you want is a dedicated handheld that can play amazing games while you’re on the road, the Switch Lite is one of the best handheld gaming consoles available.

Why buy this:

• Compact and portable size
• More affordable than a classic Switch

6. Sega Genesis Mini Gaming Console

Retro game console for the young and young-at-heart

The Sega Genesis Mini gaming console, a more compact copy of the classic original, is for the young at heart forever. It features classic titles such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Earthworm Jim, and Streets of Rage, to mention a few. In short, the Genesis Mini will surely gratify Sega aficionados from the 1990s who wish to revisit those days now and again. It costs just less than P4,000 at certain outlets, making it ideal for splurging on a game console without breaking the budget! Overall, we’re smitten with the Sega Genesis Mini, from its vast game library to its hardware and controllers.

Why buy this:

• Affordable
• Features classic games for the young at heart

7. Sony PS4 Pro Gaming Console

While it is no longer the most recent Sony system, the PS4 Pro still has the potential to provide an excellent gaming experience. The PS4 Pro is still a mighty gaming console in the Philippines, even though it is now overshadowed by the PS5. It’s only tough to find one, but thankfully, there are still a few retailers who carry this model. What we like best about the PS4 Pro is that it arguably provides a superior value proposition because its library is nearly equal to that of the PS5 while still supporting 4K resolution. So if you’re looking for a new console but don’t want to go next-gen just yet, this is a great alternative.

Why buy this:

• Supports 4K gaming and streaming
• HDR and PSVR compatible

We hope that our guide on the 7 Best Gaming Consoles in the Philippines has helped you pick the best console for gaming needs at home. Please share this with your family and friends if you have found it useful!

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