Console vs phone vs PC for gaming
A console is the simplest way to play on a TV. A phone or tablet is the cheapest way to start, because you probably own one. A PC is the most flexible, but it takes the most setting up. Pick the one that matches where and how you want to play.
Quick comparison
| Console | Phone or tablet | PC or Steam Deck | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost to start | $499.99 and up | $0 if you own one | Steam Deck OLED $789; PC prices vary |
| Setup | Easy | None | Medium |
| Screen | TV or handheld | Small or medium | Monitor or handheld |
| Controls | Controller | Touch screen | Keyboard, mouse or controller |
| Best for | Big games, family play | Puzzles, word and cosy games | Wide choice, older games |
| Game prices | Mostly $20 to $70 | Often free or low cost | Often cheaper in sales |
Game prices vary, so treat the last row as a rough guide. These are US prices, October 2026.
Console
A console is a box made for gaming. You plug it into a TV and play with a controller. Everything is designed to work together, so there is little to fix. The Switch 2 is also a handheld, which means you can hold it and play without a TV.
Suits you if you want a big screen, family games and a simple setup. See What is a games console?
Phone or tablet
You already know how to use the screen. Games are often free to download. Many have in-app purchases, which are payments for extras inside the game. You can set a limit or turn these off in your device settings.
Suits you if you want to try games first, play in short bursts, or enjoy puzzles and word games. Good starting points are Monument Valley, Wordscapes and Cozy Grove. Read the phone and tablet guide.
PC and Steam Deck
A PC is a computer. Many games are sold through an online shop called Steam. The Steam Deck is a handheld PC made by Valve. PCs offer the widest choice of games. They also ask more of you, such as updates, settings and choosing between versions.
Suits you if you already use a computer happily or like to tinker. Read the PC and Steam Deck guide.
Which to choose
- I want to try games without spending much: start on your phone or tablet.
- I want to play with the grandchildren on the TV: a console, most often a Switch 2.
- I want big story games: a PS5 or Xbox.
- I already have a good computer: try PC first.
- I am not sure: take the console chooser quiz. It can tell you that you do not need a console yet.
Can you use more than one?
Yes. Many people play puzzle games on a phone and bigger games on a console. You do not have to choose forever.
Is one easier to learn?
A phone usually has the shortest learning curve, since touch is familiar. A console controller takes a few sessions to learn. Read How to use a controller.
Next steps
- Take the console chooser quiz.
- Open a game on your phone you have not tried yet.