What is the best gaming device of all time?

The world of gaming has evolved tremendously over the decades, from simple pixelated screens to immersive virtual worlds. Gamers often debate: What is the best gaming device of all time? Is it a console, a handheld, or even a PC? Let’s explore the contenders, their legacies, and why one stands out.

🕹️ The Contenders: Legendary Gaming Devices

1. Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) – 1983

Often credited with saving the video game industry after the 1983 crash, the NES introduced classics like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. It set the foundation for modern console gaming.

2. Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) – 2000

The best-selling console of all time with over 155 million units sold. It offered a massive library, DVD playback, and solid 3D graphics, shaping gaming for a generation.

3. Nintendo Switch – 2017

Revolutionized gaming with its hybrid design, blending handheld and home console. Its exclusive games and portability make it a modern icon.

4. PC Gaming

The ever-evolving PC platform provides unmatched versatility, upgradability, and a vast library from indie to AAA games, alongside mods and competitive esports.

5. Sony PlayStation 4 (PS4) – 2013

Praised for its powerful hardware and exclusive titles like The Last of Us Part II, God of War, and Spider-Man, PS4 pushed gaming graphics and storytelling to new heights.

6. Game Boy – 1989

The pioneer handheld that brought gaming anywhere. Its longevity and library, including Pokémon, made handheld gaming mainstream.

🏆 What Makes a Gaming Device “The Best”?

  • Game Library: A rich, diverse, and high-quality game selection.

  • Innovation: How it changed or pushed the boundaries of gaming.

  • Legacy: Its influence on future devices and the gaming culture.

  • Accessibility: How many people could enjoy it worldwide.

  • Technical Prowess: Hardware power and user experience.

🎯 The Best Gaming Device of All Time: The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

While opinions vary, many experts and fans argue the NES holds the crown for:

  • Reviving the industry: It came at a time when gaming was struggling.

  • Iconic games: Introduced franchises still beloved today.

  • Cultural impact: Established Nintendo as a gaming giant and brought gaming into mainstream households.

  • Accessibility: Affordable and approachable for new gamers.

Its legacy still echoes in every console and handheld today.

Honorable Mentions

  • PlayStation 2: Best-selling and a multimedia pioneer.

  • Nintendo Switch: Modern innovation with incredible exclusives.

  • PC: Ultimate flexibility and power for serious gamers.

Final Thoughts

The “best gaming device” can differ based on what you value — nostalgia, innovation, game library, or raw power. The NES’s role in shaping the modern gaming landscape is monumental, but today’s devices like the Nintendo Switch and powerful gaming PCs continue to push the boundaries of what gaming can be.

Best Gaming Devices for Specific Gaming Styles in 2025

Gaming comes in many forms—whether you love fast-paced shooters, sprawling RPGs, competitive esports, or casual party games. The best device for you depends on your gaming style and preferences. Let’s break down top devices matched to popular gaming styles.

1. For RPG and Open-World Explorers

  • Best Device: PC & Nintendo Switch

  • Why:

    • PC offers unmatched graphics, mods, and huge RPG libraries (e.g., The Witcher 3, Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077).

    • Nintendo Switch shines with beloved exclusives like Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Xenoblade Chronicles.

  • Recommended: Steam Deck for portable PC RPGs; Switch OLED for hybrid play.

2. For Competitive FPS and Esports

  • Best Device: PC & ASUS ROG Ally

  • Why:

    • PC lets you use high-refresh monitors, customizable controls, and fast response times.

    • ASUS ROG Ally’s 120Hz display and Windows OS support esports titles like CS:GO, Valorant, and Fortnite on the go.

  • Recommended: Gaming PCs with mechanical keyboards; ROG Ally handheld for portable esports.

3. For Casual and Family-Friendly Gaming

  • Best Device: Nintendo Switch & Xbox Series S

  • Why:

    • Switch offers tons of multiplayer, party, and kid-friendly games (Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, Splatoon).

    • Xbox Series S provides affordable access to Xbox Game Pass with many casual games.

  • Recommended: Switch Lite for kids; Xbox Game Pass subscription on any Xbox or PC.

4. For Indie Game Enthusiasts

  • Best Device: PC & Steam Deck

  • Why:

    • Steam’s library has thousands of indie gems, often exclusive or debuting on PC.

    • Steam Deck lets you play these handheld, with easy access to indie titles and mods.

  • Recommended: Steam Deck for portability; custom PC for best performance.

5. For Racing and Simulation Fans

  • Best Device: PC & Lenovo Legion Go

  • Why:

    • PCs support realistic sim setups and vast game libraries (Forza Horizon, Microsoft Flight Simulator).

    • Lenovo Legion Go’s big, sharp screen and Windows OS make it ideal for immersive racing and sim games on the go.

  • Recommended: PC with racing wheel setup; Legion Go handheld for portable sims.

6. For Retro and Classic Game Lovers

  • Best Device: Evercade, Retro Freak, & Steam Deck

  • Why:

    • Evercade and Retro Freak focus on retro cartridges and classic game collections.

    • Steam Deck supports emulators and digital classic collections from Steam.

  • Recommended: Retro handhelds for authentic cartridge feel; Steam Deck for versatile emulation.

Final Tips for Choosing Your Device

  • Consider your favorite game genres and exclusives.

  • Think about where and how you like to game (portable vs. home).

  • Factor in budget and desired performance.

  • Look at ecosystem perks like subscriptions (Game Pass, Nintendo Online, Steam).