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Equipment system · North America

Consoles: choose, compare, and play

Console selection criteria, generation comparisons, storage and account explainers, living-room play workflows, then setup and care for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo systems.

8published guides
35source records
17official visuals
Oct 21, 2026latest review

Start with the job

Choose, compare, understand, then use.

Buying GuidesWhat fits the need?4 guides in this systemComparisonsHow do the options differ?1 guide in this system

Choose & understand

Make the decision, then put the gear to work.

Start here when you are choosing, comparing, learning how a feature works, or building a repeatable workflow. Every guide states its device scope, sources, and limits.

03

Buying Guides

What fits the need?

4 guides
Consoles

PS5 USB extended storage: requirements and game limits

Check Sony’s USB speed and 250 GB–8 TB rules before buying a drive. PS4 games play from USB, while PS5 games must move back before play.

8 min 1 source1 visual
Consoles

Choose PS5 Pro or a current PS5 console

Pick PS5 Pro for PSSR, advanced ray tracing, 2TB storage, and Wi-Fi 7, or a current 1TB disc or 825GB Digital PS5 for standard play.

10 min 5 sources2 visuals
Consoles

Choose PS5 disc or Digital by Blu-ray needs

Pick a disc-capable PS5 when Ultra HD Blu-ray games must work day one. Choose Digital Edition for downloads, with a slim Disc Drive option later.

9 min 8 sources2 visuals
Consoles

Choose a PS5 M.2 SSD that fits Sony’s full requirements

Match interface, capacity, form factor, heatsink size, recommended read speed, and installation safety before formatting the drive.

9 min 3 sources5 visuals
More Buying GuidesExplore this format across every equipment topic
04

Comparisons

How do the options differ?

1 guide
Consoles

Switch 2 vs Switch OLED: is the upgrade worth it?

Compare the screen, battery, storage, and full upgrade cost before replacing a working Switch OLED or LCD model.

9 min 5 sources1 visual
More ComparisonsExplore this format across every equipment topic

Set up & care

Connect it cleanly, then keep it working.

When the decision is settled, use these guides to connect the system, isolate faults, and care for the equipment safely.

07

Setup & Compatibility

How should it start and connect?

2 guides
Consoles

Fix Switch 2 internet connection problems

Stay within 10 feet of the router or use dock Ethernet, run the Internet Settings connection test, then keep the exact error code.

8 min 3 sources3 visuals
Consoles

What can you keep when moving from Switch to Switch 2?

Check controllers, charging, dock, HDMI, and storage before upgrading so a working Switch setup does not turn into surprise replacements.

8 min 3 sources1 visual
More Setup & CompatibilityExplore this format across every equipment topic
08

Troubleshooting & Care

Why is it failing, and how does it last?

1 guide
Consoles

Can’t connect to PlayStation Network? Start with the failed test

Run the PS5 or PS4 network test, then use its first failed line to separate Wi-Fi, local-address, internet, and PlayStation Network problems.

9 min 7 sources2 visuals
More Troubleshooting & CareExplore this format across every equipment topic

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Handheld selection criteria, dock and display comparisons, battery and performance explainers, portable play workflows, then setup and care for portable consoles and handheld PCs.

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Gamepad and headset selection criteria, platform comparisons, wireless and chat explainers, play-session workflows, then setup and care for controllers and gaming audio.