Switch 2, PS5 or Steam Machine: which console to buy for the holidays 2026?

Key figures

2026: the year consoles got more expensive

Buying a console this Christmas costs more than a year ago. Rising memory and storage prices, driven by AI data centres, pushed every manufacturer to raise prices in 2026:

• Sony raised all PS5 prices on April 2, 2026: the PS5 went to $649.99, the PS5 Digital to $599.99 and the PS5 Pro to $899.99.
• Nintendo raised the Switch 2 from $449.99 to $499.99 in the US and to €499.99 in Europe on September 1, 2026.
• Valve launched the new Steam Machine in June at $1,049 (512 GB) and $1,349 (2 TB), and said the prices "reflect the state of the world for manufacturing".
• Microsoft also raised Xbox prices in August: the Series X now costs $799.99 and the Series S $499.99.

The three consoles compared

Prices from VGC, TweakTown, GeekWire and Tom's Guide.

Nintendo Switch 2: the family and portable choice

The Switch 2 is the only one you can take on a train or play in bed, then connect to the TV. Its games suit all ages: Mario Kart World, its launch game, passed 15 million copies by June 2026, and Pokémon Pokopia sold 5 million in four months. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is one of the year's family hits in the US.

Its limits: less power than the PS5, and no GTA 6. The 007 First Light Switch 2 version is only planned for March 2027.

PlayStation 5: the safe choice, and the GTA 6 console

For most players, the PS5 remains the best all-round console. Above all, it is one of only two platforms for Grand Theft Auto VI, released on November 19, 2026, the most anticipated game in years. It also has Sony's exclusives and all the big annual sports and shooting games.

Which model? The standard PS5 ($649.99) has a disc drive for physical games; the Digital ($599.99) saves $50; the PS5 Pro ($899.99) offers better 4K image quality and frame rates for owners of a large 4K TV. Read our GTA 6 console guide for details.

Steam Machine: a PC for the living room

Valve's Steam Machine is a small cube running SteamOS, the same system as the Steam Deck. It plays your existing Steam games on the TV, with no Windows and no extra subscription for online play.

Reviews were mixed, and price is the main issue, according to Tom's Guide's roundup. Digital Foundry places its performance between an RX 6600 and an RX 7600 graphics card: good at 1080p and 1440p, limited at 4K with ray tracing because of its 8 GB of video memory. IGN calls it the best living-room PC its reviewer has used, while Linus Tech Tips says even Valve finds the price higher than hoped. Stock has been limited since its launch, which used a reservation lottery, so check availability before planning it as a gift. See our Steam Machine review analysis.

The hidden costs

• Games: new releases often cost $70 to $80; GTA 6 costs $79.99 in its Standard Edition.
• Second controller: essential for family play.
• Online subscriptions: PlayStation Plus and Nintendo Switch Online are needed for most online multiplayer; compare them in our subscription guide.
• Storage: big games fill consoles quickly; read our gaming storage guide.

Which one should you buy?

• For children and family evenings: the Nintendo Switch 2.
• For a teenager or adult who wants GTA 6: the PlayStation 5.
• For a big 4K TV and the best image quality: the PS5 Pro.
• For a PC gamer with a large Steam library: the Steam Machine, if you find one in stock and accept the price.
• For travel and play anywhere: the Switch 2.
• For the tightest budget: the PS5 Digital or the Switch 2, both under $600.

Frequently asked questions

Will GTA 6 come to Switch 2 or PC? Rockstar has only announced PS5 and Xbox Series X|S for November 19, 2026.

Will console prices fall for Black Friday? Bundles and gift cards are more likely than big price cuts in 2026, given the recent increases. Compare offers with our Black Friday 2026 guide.

Is the Steam Machine better than a PS5? It is more flexible, since it is a PC, but reviewers say it is slightly weaker than the base consoles in some games and costs much more.

Can the Switch 2 play Switch 1 games? Yes, most original Switch games are compatible.

Verdict

For most families, the Nintendo Switch 2 is the best Christmas console in 2026: portable, fun for all ages and full of hits. For players who want GTA 6 and the biggest games, the PlayStation 5 is the obvious choice, with the Pro model for large 4K TVs. The Steam Machine is an elegant living-room PC, but at $1,049 with limited stock, it is mainly for PC gamers who already own a big Steam library. If you prefer a portable PC, read ROG Xbox Ally X20 vs MSI Claw 8 EX AI+.

This guide is based on official price announcements and reviews published by the outlets listed in our sources. Prices are those announced at the time of writing and may vary by retailer.