Time for an obvious statement: video games are all well and good, but they mean nothing without a console. But you’ve got to get the console that’s right for you.

Gaming content has reached a level of visual and narrative development that results in beautiful, cinematic experiences. This is piled on top of the self-evident fact that games are filthily addictive and fun. But consoles offer more than just access to incredible gaming content. They are now entertainment centres, hosting streaming apps like Amazon Prime, Netflix, Now TV, Spotify, YouTube and BBC iPlayer.

In terms of specifications, Xbox and PlayStation are the closest matched and therefore they tend to have the biggest rivalry. Nintendo is off doing its own, very unique, thing and does more than fine. And even though it’s not a console, PC gamers occupy an exciting area of the market – once the remit of hardcore tech and game heads, PC gaming is seeing a real growth in no small part due to YouTube and Twitch gamers popularising the medium.

The game industry is awash with fantastic cross-platform content, like Rage 2 or GTA: IV, but there’s still a large volume of console exclusive games that may also sway your opinion one way of the other.

There’s a lot of choice out there and some tough decisions to be made, all consoles offer something new unique – it’s up to you to assess your needs and choose which works best. A quick spoiler alert though, which ever way you lean, you’re in for a good time.

So, without further ado and in no particular order, here’s a brief run-down of the home consoles. So, in no particular order, here’s a brief run-down of the top consoles out there.