What is the newest console ever?

The newest gaming consoles as of 2025 come from the major players in the gaming industry: Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. Here's a look at the most recent releases from each of these companies:

1. PlayStation 5 (PS5)

• Release Date: November 12, 2020 (Global release on November 19, 2020)

• Manufacturer: Sony

• Key Features:

  • Ultra-High-Speed SSD: Dramatically reduces load times and allows for more immersive worlds.
  • Ray Tracing: Enhanced lighting and visual effects for a more realistic gaming experience.
  • DualSense Controller: Offers adaptive triggers and haptic feedback for more immersive tactile sensations.
  • Exclusive Titles: Games like Demon's Souls, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, and Spider-Man: Miles Morales have helped push the PS5's appeal.
  • Backward Compatibility: Supports most PS4 games, offering an upgrade for current PlayStation owners.

• PS5 Versions: There are two versions of the PS5:

  • PS5 Disc Edition: Standard model with a disc drive for physical media.
  • PS5 Digital Edition: A disc-less version that is cheaper and fully digital.

2. Xbox Series X / Series S

• Release Date: November 10, 2020
• Manufacturer: Microsoft
• Key Features:
  • Xbox Series X: The more powerful model with 4K gaming, 120 FPS support, and ray tracing. It's designed to be the most powerful console on the market, capable of running games at native 4K and handling future upgrades.
  • Xbox Series S: A more affordable and compact version of the Series X, with less storage and lower resolution (1440p), but still supporting up to 120 FPS.
  • Backward Compatibility: Supports Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Original Xbox titles, making it a great choice for legacy games.
  • Game Pass: Xbox’s Game Pass subscription service gives players access to hundreds of games, including day-one releases, with both cloud gaming and console gaming.

3. Nintendo Switch OLED Model

• Release Date: October 8, 2021

• Manufacturer: Nintendo

• Key Features:

  • 7-inch OLED Screen: Provides a more vibrant and clearer display when in handheld mode.
  • Improved Audio: Enhanced sound when in handheld or tabletop mode.
  • 64GB Internal Storage: More storage for games and content.
  • Dock with LAN Port: A more stable connection when docked for online gaming.
  • Hybrid Design: Continues to be the most unique gaming system on the market, functioning both as a home console and a handheld device.

• Nintendo Switch Versions: The OLED model is an upgrade over the standard Switch, offering a better screen and some small design tweaks. The Switch Lite is another variant, designed as a portable-only console without the docking feature.

4. Steam Deck

• Release Date: February 25, 2022
• Manufacturer: Valve
• Key Features:
  • A portable handheld PC that can play most PC games from Steam on the go.
  • Features a custom AMD APU, designed to run AAA games at reasonable settings and resolutions.
  • The 7-inch touchscreen and ergonomic controls make it an interesting hybrid between a portable console and a gaming PC.
  • It also runs a version of Linux called SteamOS, with the option to install Windows for full PC functionality.
  • Price: The Steam Deck is available in multiple models based on storage, ranging from 64GB to 512GB SSD.

5. PlayStation VR2

• Release Date: February 22, 2023
• Manufacturer: Sony
• Key Features:
  • The latest iteration of PlayStation's VR system, designed to be used exclusively with the PS5.
  • 4K HDR support with eye-tracking, offering a more immersive VR experience.
  • Includes the new Sense controllers, which feature adaptive triggers and haptic feedback for more tactile immersion.
  • Backward compatibility with PS VR1 titles, though most games will need to be optimized for PS VR2’s enhanced hardware.

6. Upcoming Consoles

• There are rumors and speculations around the next-generation consoles, especially from Nintendo. While Nintendo hasn’t confirmed the release of a new console yet, many expect a Switch 2 or some form of an upgrade in the coming years (possibly as soon as 2025).
• Xbox and PlayStation might also release mid-generation updates or even completely new consoles around 2025, though nothing is confirmed yet.

Key Takeaways on the Newest Consoles:

• PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S are still the most powerful consoles available today, offering exceptional graphics, speed, and performance, especially for next-gen games.
• Nintendo Switch OLED remains the best option for hybrid gaming and portability, with the new OLED screen providing a significant upgrade for handheld use.
• Steam Deck is an exciting entry, offering the flexibility of a portable gaming PC, though it may not fully replace consoles for those focused on traditional console experiences.
• PlayStation VR2 brings high-end VR gaming to the PS5 and represents the cutting edge of virtual reality.

Which Console is the Newest?

The Steam Deck (2022) and the PlayStation VR2 (2023) are the newest entries in the console/console accessories space, while PS5 and Xbox Series X are still leading the market for traditional home consoles.

However, Nintendo’s Switch OLED model remains the most recent major update in Nintendo’s console lineup, even though the Switch itself has been out since 2017.

So, if you’re looking for a newer console, the PlayStation VR2 or Steam Deck would be the most recent additions, with Nintendo likely to announce something new in the next couple of years.