Consoles in 2026: Why Now Is the Best Time to Buy. How to Choose a Platform and Not Regret It

While PC component prices are skyrocketing, console prices have temporarily frozen - but for how long? The strengthening ruble, parallel imports, and the extended life cycle of PS5 and Xbox Series have created a rare window of opportunity for the Russian gamer. We'll explore whether it's worth buying a console right now, which platform to choose, and how not to lose money on accounts and warranties in 2026.

Market Situation

Winter and spring of 2026 will arguably be the perfect time to buy game consoles.

The PC component market has been hit by a "perfect storm": practically everything has become more expensive. And what has remained at the same price is likely to become more expensive in the very near future. It's not just the rising cost of video cards and DDR5 RAM. Data centers (DCs) are buying up components in huge volumes, which suppliers are taking advantage of. As a result, assembling a gaming PC now requires exorbitant investments.

Sooner or later, the rise in hardware prices will affect consoles as well. However, existing warehouse stocks of devices and components, as well as existing long-term contracts, still allow Sony and Microsoft to keep prices at the same level.

For Russian players, an additional bonus has been the strengthening of the ruble. Over the past year, the dollar exchange rate has decreased by more than 15%: from 90 to 76 rubles per dollar. And although consoles are not officially supplied to Russia, they are available in both offline stores and on marketplaces thanks to parallel imports.

Purchasing a console right now may be a beneficial decision for a number of reasons. The fact that console prices have not yet risen following components does not guarantee stability in the future. Sony has stated that the company only has enough RAM to produce consoles until the end of the year. And what will happen next?

In addition, changes are possible in the Russian market. The government is discussing the introduction of additional tax fees for sellers on marketplaces. The legislative regulation process is not fast, but by the end of the year, the relevant norms may be adopted. Whether this will affect offline retail is still unclear. And, of course, it is difficult to predict the exchange rate of the national currency. In 2025, the ruble strengthened, but it is doubtful that this trend will continue in 2026.

It turns out that the market situation is such that delaying the purchase makes no sense. A rare moment of equilibrium has now developed: devices are available at reasonable prices, and the risks of future price increases are higher than ever before.

But is it worth buying a console right now? The devices are, to put it bluntly, not exactly new. The official start of sales of the current generation took place in 2020. In a normal situation, we would already be looking forward to the upcoming announcement of new consoles — more powerful, modern, with games demonstrating the notorious "next-gen". But is it worth buying a console right now? The devices are, to put it bluntly, not exactly new. The official start of sales of the current generation took place in 2020. In a normal situation, we would already be looking forward to the upcoming announcement of new consoles — more powerful, modern, with games demonstrating the notorious "next-gen".

But these are different times now. If earlier the life cycle of consoles was really about 5 years, then with each new generation it gets longer. For example, 7 years passed between the launch of PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. Between Xbox One and Xbox Series — also 7 years. Between Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 — 8 years. At the same time, the start of the current generation was complicated by an acute shortage of devices due to the "semiconductor crisis" of the early 2020s. Does anything ring a bell?

The actual interval between generations, taking into account the real availability of devices, will be longer than stated today. The current PS5 and Xbox Series models still have several years of relevance in reserve. Therefore, if you are choosing between waiting for a hypothetical new generation and buying proven technology now, it is wiser to choose the latter.

There is no guarantee that you will see a new generation of consoles in two years. And if you do see them, will you like their price? And the notorious "next-gen" is an open question. 4K and 60 frames per second have already become the standard. Graphics in games seem to have frozen in development. Do many modern projects demonstrate a qualitative leap compared to games from the early 2020s or even the mid-2010s?

So the answer is obvious: now is a good time to buy a console if you have really been thinking about it. Moreover, in some cases, it is worth considering a console even for "PC boyars" who are faced with the need to upgrade, but cannot afford it in the current conditions. In such a situation, the console becomes the most rational choice.

Features of the console market in Russia

However, before buying a console in Russia, it is worth considering a number of nuances: both common to all console owners and specific to our region.

The first feature is paid online multiplayer.

For many players accustomed to PCs, this may be a revelation: on consoles, online play in most projects requires a subscription. Not always and not for everyone, but nevertheless. What does this mean? To play online in paid projects, you need to subscribe: Xbox Game Pass Core (or Ultimate) for Xbox, PS Plus for PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch Online for Nintendo.

A basic tariff is enough. Usually, such subscriptions give additional advantages, such as free games every month. But if you want to play online with friends, for example in EA Sports FC, you will have to subscribe for at least a month or for a year at once. An important exception is free-to-play games: a subscription is not required for them.

The second feature is the need for a foreign account.

Due to sanctions restrictions, Russian payment systems do not work directly in console stores. Therefore, to purchase digital versions of games and replenish your subscription, you will have to register an account in another country (Turkey, Kazakhstan, USA, etc.) and look for ways to pay through intermediaries or keys. This adds extra steps when using the device, but it is an inevitable reality for the Russian gamer in 2026.

Each platform has its own account registration features — we will discuss them in more detail below. But there is one common point that is worth keeping in mind right away: do not buy accounts of other users with already purchased games, especially if the price seems suspiciously attractive. You should not do this neither from unfamiliar sellers, nor, by and large, even from acquaintances.

Reason?

• Violation of the license agreement. The sale and transfer of accounts is prohibited by the user agreements of Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo. If the platform detects suspicious activity (change of region, IP address, owner data), the account may be blocked without the right of recovery. You will lose both money and access to games.
• Risk of account recovery by the seller. The original account owner can contact support at any time, restore access by mail or security question and change the password. You will be left with nothing, and it will be almost impossible to prove anything.
• Lack of guarantees. Such transactions are not protected by either the law on consumer protection or marketplace policies. This is a "gray" market where the buyer acts at his own risk.
• Possibility of console ban. In the worst case, if the account was involved in fraudulent schemes (payment with stolen cards, etc.), the console itself may also be blocked by hardware identifier.

What to do instead?

Register your personal foreign account yourself, use official activation keys from trusted sellers or replenish your balance through reliable intermediary services. Yes, it's a little more difficult and sometimes more expensive, but your games and subscription will stay with you for a long time.

If you already have an account with PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, there should be no problems with transferring it to a new device.

The third feature is parallel imports and guarantees.

The devices are not officially supplied to Russia, therefore, warranty service from manufacturers (Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo) is not provided. Technical support is also unavailable. At the same time, consoles are freely sold on all platforms.

In regular retail, prices are generally higher than on marketplaces. But you come to the store, pay for the goods, and immediately receive the console with a warranty from the seller — usually 12 months. Important: the warranty only applies to the hardware. The seller is not responsible for account activation, digital code operation, or regional compatibility.

Buying on marketplaces is usually cheaper, but there are pitfalls:

• Customs duty. Be sure to check if it is included in the price. If the goods are delivered from abroad (most often from the UAE, China, or Kazakhstan), the duty is charged separately.

• Delivery times. If you do not live in Moscow or St. Petersburg, the wait can last for several weeks.

• Warranty service. Large marketplaces formally provide a warranty on parallel import goods — usually 1 year. However, in practice, repairs are often carried out through third-party service centers. The repair time may be longer, and the quality of service may vary. In addition, there are specific features for returning devices. According to the Law "On Protection of Consumer Rights", you have the right to return goods of good quality within a few days if they do not fit in terms of configuration or dimensions. But with technically complex goods (which include consoles), the procedure is more complicated: a return is possible only if there are significant defects or a violation of repair deadlines.

What is important to know before buying on a marketplace:

• Save all receipts, order screenshots, and correspondence with the seller — this is your main evidence in a dispute.
• Specify who exactly is the seller: the marketplace itself or a third-party partner. This determines who to contact in case of problems.
• Check the configuration: devices from the UAE or the UK often do not have the usual plug — an adapter may be included, but it is better to make sure of this in advance and, if necessary, order one.
• Upon receipt, immediately check the console for external damage and turn it on: if the device does not start, draw up a defect report at the time of delivery.

Even minor defects — for example, stick drift or a noisy drive — can spoil the impression of the purchase. In offline retail, such issues are usually resolved faster. On marketplaces, the procedure can take weeks, especially if an expert examination is required.

So, if a warranty is critical for you, and your experience in independently resolving technical issues is limited — it makes sense to overpay for a purchase in a trusted offline store. If you are ready for possible difficulties for the sake of saving money — marketplaces remain a viable option, but only with a careful approach to choosing a seller and delivery conditions.

In addition to the general features of the market, each platform has its own specifics. Let's start with the leader.

PlayStation 5

Before the events of 2022, Sony actively developed its business in Russia, and this was not in vain. The console was the market leader and remains so to this day. PlayStation is loved in Russia, although it is still inferior to PCs in terms of mass appeal. Nevertheless, even avid "PC-boyars" sometimes take a closer look at Sony devices.

Why PlayStation 5?

At the moment, this is the best device for multiplatform games. Microsoft has de facto abandoned strict exclusivity within its ecosystem, releasing many hits on third-party platforms. Therefore, on PlayStation you will get not only multiplatform projects and Sony exclusives, but also even former Microsoft exclusives. Although with a delay.

Physical media and economics

Thanks to the widespread distribution of PlayStation, the secondary market for both consoles and games is well developed in Russia. On classifieds platforms, it is easy to find a disc version of a game you like at a discount relative to the official price, and after completing it, sell it. The trade-in service also works: you hand in the disc and get a new game with a surcharge.

Thus, fears about the high cost of owning a console due to game prices are somewhat exaggerated. However, selling and exchanging discs require certain actions, and the disc itself must first be purchased. Prices for physical copies of new PlayStation games in Russia are still high and often bite.

Digital Edition or version with a drive?

The choice between PlayStation 5 with a Blu-ray drive and the digital version (Digital Edition) is not so simple. Digital Edition is cheaper, but you will have to forget about physical media. And here an important feature of the PlayStation ecosystem manifests itself.

Which modification to choose: Slim or Pro?

At the moment, there are two relevant modifications of PlayStation 5: Slim and Pro. The Pro version is significantly more expensive, but more productive. Owners can count on improved graphics modes in games. However, developers are reluctant to introduce special optimizations for PS5 Pro. Due to the smaller distribution of this version, there is no mass support. So, you will usually get a more stable frame rate and, possibly, a slightly higher native resolution. Is the overpayment worth it? It's up to you, of course. But most players tend to think not. PS5 Slim sells more actively.

Regional account binding

It is impossible to change the country of binding of a PS Network account after creation. What does this mean in practice?

If you have created a Turkish account, you will forever remain in the Turkish region of the PS Store. All prices will be in lira, all digital copies of games and achievements will be tied to this account. It will not be possible to transfer the library to a Russian account (if it ever appears).

Choosing a country for binding is not a trivial task. Turkey, Poland, and India are usually chosen. Poland and India are relatively "safe" countries for account binding. At the same time, the games available in Poland, as a rule, have Russian localization, which may not be available in other regions. In Turkey and India, games also usually have Russian localization, and regional prices for games are usually lower.

Blocking risks

Registering a new account is easy. It is enough to have a valid email address (preferably from a neutral provider in the .com zone) and specify an address in the selected country. However, it is important to remember the security rules. If Sony decides that you are violating the terms of the user agreement, the account may be blocked, and you will lose access to all digital purchases.

There can be many reasons for a ban: buying keys from dubious sellers, using someone else's credit cards, frequent chargebacks, or transferring account data to third parties. However, if you don't abuse gray schemes, buy games officially, and don't violate community rules, the risk of being blocked is minimal.

Summary for PS5

If you value reliability, plan to sell discs after completing the game, or want access to physical collector's editions, take the version with a drive. If you are completely switching to "digital" and are ready to carefully monitor account security, the Digital Edition will save you money. As for the version, the PS5 Slim remains the best choice for most players, as the overpayment for the Pro version is not always justified in the current environment.

Xbox Series S|X

The Xbox 360 was very popular in Russia at one time, but in the Xbox One and Xbox Series generations, there was no trace of its former glory. And not only in Russia — globally, the console is inferior to PlayStation. Even dedicated Xbox fans don't always give a clear answer as to why you should choose this platform. Although there is an answer.

Why Xbox?

The main reason is Xbox Game Pass. The Xbox console is now unthinkable apart from this service. Game Pass is often called the "gaming Netflix": hundreds of games by subscription, including top projects from Microsoft itself on the day of release.

PlayStation does not have a completely similar service. Yes, expensive PS Plus plans offer many games, but there are practically no fresh new releases there. Game Pass has them, plus an extensive library of hits from previous years. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 was recently added, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which won all the awards last year, was available from release.

However, Xbox has one unpleasant feature. Due to the fact that the console is inferior to PlayStation in popularity, especially in Asian markets, some multiplatform games may not be released on Xbox. Most often this applies to projects from Japanese and Chinese developers. Western studios release games for Xbox consistently.

Series S or Series X?

The choice between the two versions of the console is more difficult than it seems. Series S is not an analogue of PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, and Series X is not a complete analogue of PlayStation 5 Slim or Pro.

Xbox Series S is the weakest device in the current generation. The model has a small amount of SSD, only 8 GB of RAM for games, and not the most powerful graphics chip. The basic version does not have a disc drive. But it is the lowest price in the generation.

Xbox Series X — before the release of PS5 Pro, it was the most productive device. Built-in disc drive, good amount of storage. But the price may seem prohibitive compared to the PS5 Slim or unjustified compared to the PS5 Pro. Later, the Series X Digital Edition was released without a Blue-Ray drive. It is slightly cheaper than the standard Series X, but its price is usually still higher than the PlayStation 5 Slim with a drive.

Microsoft says that all current generation games will be available on Series S. However, many developers complain that the limitations of Series S are becoming an obstacle to optimizing and releasing projects.

Nevertheless, Series S is an ideal budget device for Game Pass. A cheap console that allows you to run hundreds of games by subscription, including online multiplayer, which is also included in the Core/Ultimate subscription. The only downside is that the image resolution, graphics quality and frame rate will be worse than on the older brother.

Xbox Series X provides better graphics quality, but you will probably use the drive not so much for new releases as for backward compatible games. Is it worth taking Series X for Game Pass to play in the best quality? It's up to you, but most players in Russia who chose Xbox vote for Series S.

So the choice is not so much between Series S and Series X, but between the Series S + Game Pass bundle and the PlayStation 5 Slim with a drive.

Regional account binding

Microsoft's Xbox account is both more complex and simpler compared to PlayStation.

It's easier primarily because an Xbox account is a single Microsoft account for the entire ecosystem (Windows, Office, Skype). If you have ever registered an Outlook email or used Windows, you already have an Xbox account.

Unlike Sony, Microsoft allows you to change the region of your account in your profile settings. You are not tied to one country forever. So you can use one account, changing the region depending on where you buy games (for example, switch to Turkey for favorable prices). The main thing is not to abuse this opportunity too often in order not to arouse the suspicion of the security system.

However, there is a nuance: to pay in a new region, you often need payment methods issued in that country. Therefore, the scheme with buying keys or replenishment codes through intermediaries remains relevant for Xbox as well.

Phone number binding: pitfalls

There are other difficulties. New Microsoft accounts often require linking to a phone number for two-factor authentication or access recovery.

Russian numbers (+7) in practice are often not accepted for verification when registering or changing a region due to operator restrictions or Microsoft policies. You may encounter an error when sending an SMS.

There are workarounds. If the number does not work, you can try:

• Use a backup email for confirmation instead of a phone;
• Use the services of intermediaries (with reservations about security, which we mentioned earlier);
• Use virtual numbers. There are temporary number services for receiving SMS, but Microsoft is actively fighting such methods — an account registered with a "disposable" number may be blocked at the first suspicious activity.

The most reliable option when you need to get a working MS account is to "revive" an existing old account (for example, created several years ago) and transfer it to another region. The security system is usually more loyal to such profiles.

Important: if you still managed to link a number, be sure to add a backup email and set up recovery codes. Losing access to your phone without backup options means losing your account with all your games.

Blocking risks

Although Microsoft's policy seems softer than Sony's, the risks of blocking still exist. A ban can be either temporary or permanent, with complete loss of access to the library. The grounds for blocking are basically the same as in the PlayStation service.

The most common cause of bans is chargeback (refund). If you bought a key or top-up code from an unverified seller, and it turned out to be paid for with a stolen card, the card owner will request a refund. Microsoft automatically blocks the account until the debt is repaid.

Abuse of region change can also be grounds for blocking. If you change the country too often (for example, once a week) to buy games in different regions, the system may consider this abuse and temporarily block the ability to make purchases.

In addition, the use of other people's accounts is subject to blocking. Buying accounts with games ("shared account") violates the license agreement. If the account owner restores access or it is blocked for non-payment, you will lose the games. In the worst case, your console may also be banned.

Summary for Xbox Series S|X

Xbox is a choice in favor of economy and subscription. If your priority is access to a huge library of games here and now with minimal investment, the Xbox Series S + Game Pass bundle has no competitors in terms of price and value. This is an ideal option for those who are not chasing native 4K and are ready to play digitally.

It only makes sense to take the Xbox Series X if you need maximum graphics, a drive, or you collect discs. Moreover, some physical releases become even cheaper than on PS5 after a while.

The main rule for an Xbox owner in Russia is to be careful with the account. Use old profiles, do not abuse region changes, and buy keys only from trusted sellers. If Sony exclusives are not a priority for you, and you are ready to pay for a subscription, then the Microsoft ecosystem will offer more favorable entry conditions into gaming in 2026.

Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

Nintendo consoles occupy a very specific niche in the market. The recently introduced Switch 2 is fighting for the place of a gaming platform that will run modern top games in the form that PlayStation and Xbox offer them. But you still need to understand that this is a hybrid solution - both portable and stationary in one package.

The original Switch, a console of the past generation, does not support many multi-platform projects of the current generation. So maybe the console should not be considered as a candidate for purchase at all? Still worth it.

Why Switch 2?

Before answering the question "why Switch 2", it is worth answering the question "why not Switch?". The answer is simple: outdated hardware. The original console is based on the Nvidia chip of 2014. It was not productive even at the time of the device's release, and now even a budget smartphone will bypass it. Yes, the library of games for Switch is rich, there are its hits, and the price for the first Switch looks extremely attractive (and for Switch Lite - even lower). Still, you need to be aware that the life cycle of the first Switch has come to an end.

However, if buying the original Switch is your conscious decision, then everything said about Switch 2, which will be discussed later, also applies to it. They have one ecosystem, games for Switch are compatible with Switch 2 (most of them), so buying the original model now only makes sense with a very limited budget or as a second console for children.

Unique offer: family gaming and form factor

Nintendo offers family entertainment that neither PlayStation nor Xbox offer. Yes, there are individual games for family leisure on other platforms - remember Astro Bot or cooperative projects like Split Fiction. But only Nintendo has a systematic approach to this issue.

Franchises like Mario Party, Mario Kart and many local multiplayer hits are created specifically for playing in the same room on one screen. If your goal is to gather family or a group of friends in front of the TV, Nintendo has practically no alternatives.

In addition, the key advantage remains the form factor. Switch is a hybrid console. You can play at home on a large TV, and then take the device with you on the road and continue on the built-in screen. Neither PlayStation nor Xbox can offer a full-fledged portable experience without loss of quality or dependence on cloud streaming. For those who travel a lot or do not want to be tied to the TV, this is a decisive argument.

Regional features

In terms of accounts, Nintendo is close to PlayStation. The eShop store is tied to the region of the account, and you cannot change it "on the fly". Therefore, the recommendations are the same: create an account in a safe region (Poland, USA), use keys or top-up cards for payment, since Russian cards do not work.

Digital or cartridges?

A feature of the Nintendo ecosystem is a conservative pricing policy. The Japanese corporation does not like to make discounts on games, especially on top projects (Mario, Zelda, Pokémon). Prices may unpleasantly surprise an unprepared player: there are practically no regional prices. As a rule, the cost in the US region is slightly lower than in Europe, but there are no "cheap" regions like Turkey in principle. We are talking about a difference of several dollars, not several times. Except that in Poland games sometimes cost much more.

At the same time, there is no fundamental difference in price between cartridges and digital copies. Cartridges do not have regional binding, so you can safely buy physical copies in the characteristic red packaging in any country in the world - they will work on your console.

On the other hand, a cartridge is a physical medium. It can be lost, broken, contacts can oxidize or fail over time. This is not an eternal device. Digital versions are more reliable in this regard: the library is stored in the cloud and linked to the account. However, the same risks apply here as on other platforms: losing access to the account means losing all games.

Summary for Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch 2 is not a competitor to PS5 or Xbox Series X in terms of power, it is a competitor in terms of impressions. If you are a "hardcore" gamer who wants to see maximum graphics and performance, you don't need a Nintendo Switch. But if you appreciate unique game design, Nintendo exclusives, plan family leisure, or it is critical for you to be able to play anywhere, this is the best choice on the market among consoles. Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Xbox Ally are not consoles, but PCs in the guise of portable consoles, no matter what marketers tell you.

In the conditions of 2026, buying the original Switch only makes sense with a very limited budget or as a second console for children. For primary use, you should focus on Switch 2. In Russian realities, the console will become an ideal addition to a powerful PC or the main console, and for families with children it is practically the only option. Remember the high cost of games, plan your budget and look for discounts in the eShop or on marketplaces: saving on software here is a little more difficult than on other platforms.

Verdict

2026 is a really good time to buy a console in Russia, but with reservations. The market is in a fragile balance: console prices have not yet caught up with the soaring cost of PC components, the ruble is relatively strong, and the current generation is still relevant.

However, uncertainty with exchange rates, possible changes in the taxation of marketplaces, and component shortages in the future could quickly change the situation. If you have been looking at a console for a long time, now is the best time to buy, but you should act consciously.

The choice of platform depends on your priorities:

• PlayStation 5 — for exclusives, reliability and a developed secondary market;
• Xbox Series S|X + Game Pass — for maximum savings and access to a huge library of games;
• Nintendo Switch 2 — for family leisure, unique franchises and portability.

Regardless of the choice, remember the Russian realities: register accounts in "safe" regions, buy keys only from trusted sellers, save receipts and carefully study the warranty conditions.