17 Most Expensive Gaming Consoles in the World

Data from Statista suggests that revenue from gaming consoles is expected to reach 23.13 billion by 2028. The role of gaming in our lives will continue to gain prominence as gaming companies come up with new consoles and improve the gaming experience. There’s nothing quite like sitting down after a long day and playing your favorite game to decompress and explore stories and worlds that add excitement and intrigue to your life.

With so many games to play, it’s tempting to collect them all, but the last thing you want is to invest money into a product that doesn’t give you what you want. Enthusiastic gamers may find it hard to determine what the right console for them is, but by looking at the price and features all compiled in one place, it’s a lot easier to discover which consoles are the most cost-effective.

If you’re wondering, “What are the most expensive gaming consoles in the world?” you may be in for a shock when you discover which console comes out on top. Read on to discover the most expensive gaming consoles in the world and whether they live up to the hype and the price tag.

How We Compiled the List

The goal was to create the most accurate list of gaming consoles available so that consumers could weigh the price and function of different consoles to determine what gaming consoles suit them and whether certain consoles are worth the price.

There are many ways we could have defined the most expensive gaming consoles in the world. For example, the most we could have created a list of individual consoles that have sold for tons of money, but the focus of this list is on consoles that consumers can currently buy and does not focus on rare consoles that are worth a lot but are no longer on the market.

The main rules that shaped the creation of the list are:

• The list does not include rare consoles or special editions that may be more expensive on the second-hand market. Instead, it focuses on currently available consoles on the market.
• The price of the consoles was factored based on retail prices; however, some consoles may be available at lower costs from other sources.
• For consoles that have different storage options, the base console was chosen. Different models were only considered separately if they had functional differences (appearance alone was not enough to distinguish a model as a unique console).
• We have not included gaming consoles that have been customized or modded by independent sources.

With the parameters we have defined, it was crucial to use a research process that was clear, consistent and ensured the most exact results. We used the following steps to discover our results.

• We began by creating our guidelines and rules for the list so that we could clarify our research scope and ensure that all guidelines were utilized equally.
• Once we knew what we were looking for, we began doing research. We collected data about popular gaming consoles using the websites of the top gaming console companies as well as new console releases that have generated internet buzz.
• Using market research, we then created a list of all the gaming consoles we could find and were able to narrow the list down to 17 by looking up the retail price of each console.
• We then dove into further researching each console to give a useful glance and overview of the different features of each console.
• Throughout the process, we relied on a range of sources, including well-established gaming magazines and websites, internet forums, market research, and gaming data. Sources like internet forums only shaped our perceptions and helped us understand where to look, ensuring that more reliable sources were the heart of our research.

By having a clear methodology, we were able to create this list and guarantee that the information is as accurate and useful as possible. Now that you understand how our research team went about the process, you can now discover the most expensive gaming systems in the world.

Here are the 17 Most Expensive Gaming Consoles

Gaming is a part of modern life, and it’s a hobby that can add so much joy and richness to any person’s life. However, it seems that new gaming consoles are always being released, and it can be overwhelming to decide what gaming systems are worth your money. 

Many consoles cost hundreds of dollars, so you never want to just buy a system on a whim, even if it’s got a lot of hype. If you’re thinking about purchasing one of these expensive gaming consoles, this guide will help you put the price into perspective and determine if what the system offers compares to its big price tag.

17. Atari 2600+

• Price: $129.99
• Release date: November 2023
• Features: CX40+ joystick, 10-in-1 game cartridge, light-up Atari logo, shared specifications to the original
• Manufacturer: Atari
• What makes it special: For lovers of classic Atari games, the 2600+ can use both 2600 and 7800 game cartridges.

The Atari 2600+ is an 80% scale replica of a model from the 1980s, so people can play all their favorite Atari 2600 or 7800 games. Few gaming systems can evoke a retro feel as well as the Atari 2600+, which maintains the soul of classic gaming. Plus, you can easily connect this system to your modern TV with an HDMI and widescreen mode. The system comes with a 10-game cartridge with some Atari classics.

16. Anbernic RG405V

• Price: $137.99
• Release date: September 2023
• Features: TF card expansion up to 2TB, Hi-fi speaker, Android 12, Bluetooth 5,0
• Manufacturer: Anbernic
• What makes it special: The Anbernic RG205V is a classic-styled handheld device. It is a simple but effective device.

If you love the nostalgic feel of a GameBoy, you may be attracted to the RG405V because it shares the same basic aesthetic of the Gameboy while adding modern features. This device only has a 4-inch screen, but if you love vertical handhelds, reviewers suggest that the RG405 is comfortable to use. However, it’s a little too big to put in your pocket and has sensitive shoulder buttons.

15. Nintendo Switch Lite

• Price: $199.99
• Release date: September 2019
• Features: Compatible with Switch games, built-in controllers, parental controls available
• Manufacturer: Nintendo
• What makes it special: The Nintendo Switch Lite takes all the games you love from the Nintendo Switch and puts them in a more portable package.

Gamers on the move like the Switch Lite because this system is more compact and lighter than the traditional Switch. It also comes in a range of bright and playful colors that make it especially eye-catching. It works with Nintendo Switch games, but the controllers are built into the system, so it is not as versatile as the original Switch.

14. Atari VCS

• Price: $199.99
• Release date: December 2020
• Features: A range of old and modern games, apps and streaming entertainment, TV connectivity, 8Gb upgradable ram
• Manufacturer: Atari
• What makes it special: The Atari VCS is built to please a new generation of gamers while still showcasing the classic Atari game consoles.

The Atari VCS looks a lot like the original gaming system, but it doesn’t use cartridges as has upgraded some of the clunkier features. Rather than cartridges, it uses cloud gaming. Some reviewers have been disappointed by this system because of its limited apps and lack of value. Though, Atari fans love the nostalgic feel.

13. PlayStation 4 $299.99

• Price: $299.99
• Release date: November 2013
• Features: 3D technology, Remote play, PlayStation app connectivity
• Manufacturer: Sony
• What makes it special: The PS4 is a well-known and reliable device that years later still offers good quality gameplay.

Although this console is not the newest PlayStation on the market, the PS4 is still available for purchase, and for those looking for a fun gaming experience but not ready to commit to a big price tag, the PS4 may still be a reasonable purchase. It’s held up well over time, and even those who have the newer version still love their PS4 consoles.

12. Xbox Series S

• Price: $299.99
• Release date: November 2020
• Features: 2 HDMI ports, up to 120 FPS, HDR, Quick Resume gameplay, digital library of games
• Manufacturer: Microsoft
• What makes it special: Gamers can experience quality gaming at an affordable price with the Xbox Series S.

Released in the same generation of the Xbox X, the Xbox Series S shares many of the same features of the Xbox X, but it comes at a less expensive price. However, the S has less powerful graphics that is not suited for 4K games.

11. Nintendo Switch

• Price: $299.99
• Release date: March 2017
• Features: Gameplay options, such as TV mode, handheld mode, or tabletop mode; Joy-Con controllers, Switch Dock, Wired Lan Port
• Manufacturer: Nintendo
• What makes it special: The Nintendo Switch is known for offering versatile gameplay so that whether users want a handheld or more traditional gaming experience, they can have what they want.

The Nintendo Switch offers hundreds of games and offers frequent new releases. No matter where you are, you can easily bring a Nintendo Switch along and play games anywhere. The Nintendo Switch is also known for its multiplayer capabilities.

10. Anbernic WIN600

• Price: $299.99
• Release date: September 2022
• Features: Supports more than 20 gaming platforms, has multiple USB ports, includes HDMI display output, and runs on a Windows operating system
• Manufacturer: Anbernic
• What makes it special: This is a Windows handheld console that comes a lot cheaper than many of the other similar consoles on the market, making is a viable choice for those who are watching their budgets.

If you’re looking for a Windows console, the Anbernic is about as inexpensive as you’re going to get, but you have to be aware of its limitations. It can struggle to handle blockbuster games, but it has great apps like Steam, Namely, or itch.io. Thus, depending on the type of functions you want, this may be a good price compromise.

9. Logitech G-Cloud $349.99

• Price: $349.99
• Release date: October 2022
• Features: Octa-core CPU up to 2.3GHz, 64 GB internal memory, Full HD display, 7” screen, multi-touch touch enabled
• Manufacturer: Logitech
• What makes it special: The Logitech G-Cloud is a handheld gaming system that gives users access to libraries of well-known games.

The Logitech G-Cloud offers users the chance to play tons of games from different platforms in one spot. Users will need a subscription service to access games. For example, they may need an Xbox Game Pass or NVIDIA GeForce. Users love that they can access AAA titles and play them with 1080P/60FPS graphics.

8. Nintendo Switch OLED $349.99

• Price: $349.99
• Release date: October 2021
• Features: OLED 7” touch screen, wide adjustable stand, 64GB internal storage, LAN port built-in, enhanced audio
• Manufacturer: Nintendo
• What makes it special: The Nintendo Switch OLED system enhances the original Switch’s display so that colors are more vivid.

The Nintendo Switch OLED costs $50 more than the original Switch, which may be worth the cost for those who want an extra vibrant screen and crisp contrast. The OLED Switch maintains the flexible gameplay options that the Switch is known for.

7. Steam Deck

• Price: $399.00
• Release date: February 2022
• Features: Custom APU, Zen 2, RDNA 2, ergonomic controls,
• Manufacturer: Valve
• What makes it special: The Steam Deck is a handheld gaming computer that uses the Linux distribution SteamOS that Valve designed and allows players to play Windows games and apps. The Steam Deck is powerful console, so games run smoothly and seamlessly.

The Steam Deck allows players to play their Steam Library wherever they go and enables portable play of AAA games.

6. PlayStation 5

• Price: $499.99
• Release date: Nov 2020
• Features: DualSense wireless controller, adaptive triggers, built-in microphone, ultra-high speed SSD
• Manufacturer: Sony
• What makes it special: the PlayStation 5 has taken all the features gamers love and added modern upgrades to this classic system.

More than 40 million units have been sold of the PS5, so it has clearly had a huge impact on the gaming industry. The PS5 allows games to be more realistic than ever and has support for 120Hz output on 4K displays. You can become immersed in games and embrace the stories games have to tell more fully with the PS5 and its crisp graphics.

5. Xbox Series X

• Price: $499.99
• Release date: November 2020
• Features: faster loading, Auto HDR, quick resume, 4K gaming, 12 Teraflops of power, spatial sound
• Manufacturer: Microsoft
• What makes it special: With the Xbox Series X, users get immense power so they can play games without any performance issues.

The Xbox Series X has made waves in the gaming world for a reason. It makes users feel like they are immersed in gaming experiences through powerful play, clear visuals, and spatial sound. It allows users to choose from old favorites as well as new releases.

4. Ayaneo Air Plus

• Price: $599.00
• Release date: February 2023
• Features: 6” screen, master controller, 28W cooling, 46.2W battery
• Manufacturer: Ayaneo
• What makes it special: The Ayaneo Air Plus is a light and thin handheld Windows gaming console that makes it easier than ever to play games on the go.

The Ayaneo Air Plus has all the features of the Ayaneo Air, but it has a longer battery life, improved sound, better cooling system, and a bigger screen. With a Core i3 1215U, gamers can play streaming or cloud games easily.

3. Asus Rog Ally RC71L

• Price: $599.99
• Release date: June 2023
• Features: Ergonomic button design, Full HD 120Hz refresh rate, Windows 11, AMD Ryzen. Xbox Game Pass connectivity
• Manufacturer: Asus
• What makes it special: The Asus Rog Ally is a Windows handheld gaming device that has a Full HD display so that games can be experienced to the fullest even on a small device.

Designed as a revival for Valve’s Steam Deck, the Asus Rog Ally uses its AMD Zen 4 processor to give gamers more power. While it has many impressive features, it is significantly more expensive than competitors like the Steam Deck. Some users have also complained about the battery life, while also acknowledging its remarkable performance and fantastic screen.

2. Ayaneo Geek

• Price: $949
• Release date: December 2022
• Features: Customized cooling system, no visible screws, precision joystick, Zen 3+ structure, RDNA 2 Graphic card
• Manufacturer: Ayaneo
• What makes it special: The Ayaneo Geek offers a handheld computing experience. Users can easily manage and play their games on the go.

The Ayaneo Geek is Ayaneo’s cheaper console, but it is still valued at nearly $1000. The Geek is exciting because it is one of the prominent handheld gaming PCs on the market and is often compared to other consoles like the Steam Deck or the Asus Rog Ally. The Geek is designed with gamers in mind with ergonomic joysticks so that no matter how long you play, your hands experience less damage. While the price tag may seem exorbitant, many reviewers love how powerful it is and think the price is worth it.

1. Ayaneo 2 – $1099.00

• Price: $1099.00
• Release date: December 2022
• Features: 7-inch IPS touchscreen, 2.7GHz CPU speed, 1900X1200 resolution, Zen 3 processor
• Manufacturer: Ayaneo
• What makes it special: The Ayaneo 2 was released in 2022 as a handheld gaming computer.

The goal of Ayaneo 2 was to create a dull-display Windows handheld gaming console that allows games to come to life on the screen so that players can embark on all kinds of journeys, no matter where they are. This product shares many of the features of the Geek, but the Ayaneo 2 does not have a bezel, while the Geek has a thin bezel. Although the console offers a lot of promise, some reviewers wonder if it is worth the price while others rave about all this powerful game console can do.