The Best Gaming Consoles For Your Theater Room Setup

---

Wait… home theater.. and video games… what?

Yep that’s correct.

You see, many may not take into account the fact that a decent portion of the home theater sphere does actually include the topic of video games believe it or not.

I mean think about it, let’s say you finally set up that entertainment room or man cave you’ve been clamoring for and manage to get everything set up just the way you want.

Sure you’ll test it with some movies, maybe even watch a few shows.

But chances are you’ll eventually be at least slightly curious how video games look and sound on it at some point or another; even if you aren’t massively into them.

Not to mention the fact that there’s people who build entire game rooms with surround sound.

But now more than ever exists an impressive amount of variety offered when it comes to gaming.

That’s both a good and a bad thing since on one hand, it gives you a lot of options.

Though on the other it can make it tough to pick.

So today I wanted to cover just a few of the best gaming consoles I think would work well in a dedicated theater room or media room setup.

Since I’m a huge gamer as well, I’ll give some of the nuances for each home entertainment console talked about, and why someone might be happy with a specific one.

Also keep in mind that since a lot of these consoles support a lot of the advanced display technologies we often see in the home theater realm, you’ll want to make sure the TV is also capable.

Here’s a few I think are good.

https://easyhometheater.net/the-best-tvs

 

 

The PlayStation 5 Slim

---

First up, the PlayStation 5 slim.

I remember playing the first iteration back in the year 2000 and being floored how amazing it was.

The original PlayStation 5 (obviously being the 5^th version) released on November 12, 2020 is a culmination of sorts on what Sony has learned over the years.

In November 2023 came the slim version that was smaller and became the standard base model.

So just as a quick overview, there’s 2 versions of the PS5 slim; the physical and the digital version.

The physical variant features a 4k Blu-ray player, so it’ll let you play 4K Blu-rays standard ones, and even your favorite DVDs.

While the digital opts for handling everything digitally without that player.

Both have the same entertainment marketplace called the PlayStation store.

This store features thousands of movies and games. Some are free but most are not.

The console supports up to 8K, 4K, HDR, and even something called remote play.

Remote play is pretty cool because you can stream your gameplay to friends so they can watch.

The controller is called the dualsense and has what’s called haptic feedback which is basically a vibration within it that reacts differently to what’s happening on screen.

While that’s a quick synopsis, what would make the PS5 a solid fit for an entertainment room?

Well there’s a lot of reasons in my opinion.

 

Reason #1 First Party Games!

---

Holy moley guacamole are there a lot of good games on it, especially first party.

Think of a first party game as one that’s unique to that brand and isn’t available on any other console.

From Horizon Zero Dawn to Ratchet And Clank, it’s clear to see how good its personal lineup is.

With so many games, there’s a number of different genres to choose from as well.

I noticed that there tends to be a lot of Action RPGs on it (role playing games)

If that’s a genre that interests you, then you’d definitely be right at home.

Games on it look absolutely beautiful too because of how many visual features it supports, and the improved speed from the SSD makes a difference when it comes to loading them from my experience.

So it’d be great as part of a home system due to how great the games can look and play on a 4k screen.

 

Reason #2 PlayStation VR

---

For a theater room, VR can be a fun addition and the PSVR2 is an exceptional headset to do so.

If you haven’t tried virtual reality, then I don’t know how else to put it other than you’re in the game.

No like seriously, when you put this thing on, you’re inside the game world. Have you ever seen Tron or Sword Art Online? I feel like It’s that level of immersive.

I wish I could describe how amazing it is over text, but you’d need to try it yourself to understand. It really feels like the future. There’s also a growing list of other content on it as well.

YouTube even supports VR too.

Even with non VR games, you can still use the headset to play them too.

Best way to describe how that is, is that it’s like your sitting in a movie theater in front of a giant screen.

While there’s a number of virtual reality headsets on PC, as of right now, the PS5 is the only home console with a VR device currently.

 

Reason #3 Shareplay

---

If you’re a really social gamer, then this ones for you. If you have a game on PS5 that you’re playing online, then your can invite a friend to your game to either play with you or control it for a brief period of time.

What’s special about that is the other person doesn’t even need to own the game to play along, it just requires both to have Playstation plus service to use.

I think this is really cool because if you were telling your friend how great a game was, not only could you show them, but you could let them remotely play it themselves for a short time so they understand.

 

Reason #4 Backwards Compatibility

---

Being that this is the 5’th PlayStation, it only makes sense that there’s a large catalogue of games existing from previous generations.

Sony was aware of that and so allowed the PS4 to be backwards compatible with them; with a few limitations of course.

While it can support most of the past games from the PS4 generation, for older gens like the PS3, that number is limited, and is only offered online via a service called PlayStation Now.

There’s certainly a larger amount that’s supported than there use to be, but just be aware that it isn’t all of them.

I would also go with the PlayStation if you’re someone who values socializing since a large part of the experience is playing and interacting with other players online.

 

 

Reason #5 The DualSense Controller Itself Adds To In Game Immersion

---

The PlayStation 5’s dualsense controller is really unique in that it can often simulate effects of things that are happening in game.

Like for example with a game like astrobot, when walking on metal surfaces, I felt like it did a convincing job of matching what was actually happening on screen.

Or if it’s raining in a game, you might feel each individual raindrop due to the haptic feedback.

Then there’s also the controller’s haptic triggers that have varying resistance when pressed which also is dependent on the action on screen.

I really feel like the dualsense as a whole adds a lot of immersion to the experience because of how tactile and involved it makes things feel.

From the home theater enthusiast perspective, the dualsense coupled with a great surround sound system really creates that feeling of being involved in the gameplay in a unique way.

 

 

A Quick Note: Keep The Console In A Ventilated Area With Sufficient Space

---

I will say that like most electronics, you’ll want to place the PS5 in a well ventilated part of your theater room with open space so it functions properly.

This is also important due to it’s size, with the physical version of the slim being 7 pounds, 14.1 inches tall, 3.8 inches in width, and 8.5 in depth.

The digital is slightly smaller at 5.7 pounds and a width of 3.1 inches with other measurements remaining the same.

But regardless, if considering the PS5 for a theater room, ensure that it’ll be placed in an area where there’s lots of open room

The good thing is it can be placed horizontally or horizontally for more variability in how it’s placed.

As a whole though, as someone who owns both a PS5 and surround system, it’s an amazing complement to a theater room in my opinion.

 

Check PlayStation 5 Slim Availability

 

 

 

The PlayStation 5 Pro

---

 

Back in 2016, I remember being excited for the PS4 Pro which came out 3 years after the base PS4 and felt it visually benefited my games massively.

That was when I got my first 4K TV, and just seeing some games running higher than 1080p was so impressive to me.

So following a similar tradition, the PS5 Pro, released in November 2024, is what you can think of as a supercharged PlayStation 5.

It’s a mid generation upgrade where the internals have been ramped up to support a bigger range of features.

While it’s still technically still a PS5 and can play the same games, it has a few really big draws over its base counterpart — especially from a home theater standpoint.

 

Reason #1 4K & 8K HDR Gaming Support

---

Simply put, 4k is a resolution that’s 4 times that of 1080P otherwise known as full HD.

8K resolution is 4 times the resolution in pixels from even that when considered horizontally and vertically.

That bump in resolution provides a huge visual difference where games look crystal clear — especially if paired with a quality screen that supports HDR.

Although the PS5 can also do this, the Pro is capable of doing so at a higher degree of fidelity.

However this takes a lot of power to do, and so that brings me to my next reason you may want one.

 

Reason #2 More Powerful Meaning Games Can Also Run Better

---

Another reason you might be interested in this one is if you care about how your games actually run too.

With so much power, the pro is not only capable of pumping out some truly impressive looking games, but running them at higher frame rates too.

When I say impressive looking, I mean some of its games have graphics where it’s almost hard to distinguish from real life.

Things can really look that good on it, though it depends on if the game has a Pro mode and the degree to which the developer put the effort in.

For example the racing game Gran Turismo on the PS5 Pro has a mode that runs at 8K 60fps.

Even if you didn’t have an 8K TV, there’s other modes where it’s running at 4K 120fps, or 4K 60fps with raytracing.

Adding to that, there’s a proprietary AI upscaler called PSSR that can allow lower resolution games to run at higher resolutions.

That’s not even to mention that it also supports all of the latest Dolby Digital Formats including Atmos.

So if you have a good sound system in your theater room, wow are you in for a treat.

One thing to keep in mind though is that it doesn’t play 4k Blu-rays natively, so you’d need an additional disc drive attachment if you prioritized physical media.

Also remember that it needs sufficient space just like the base console so it functions properly.

But for a media room as part of an entertainment center with sufficient space, it really is an awesome console.

 

Check PlayStation 5 Pro Availability

 

 

 

The Xbox Series S

---

The Xbox Series S, released on November 10, 2020 has some compelling differences should you decide you want to get into the Xbox ecosystem.

 

Reason #1 Xbox Gamepass

---

One of the most compelling things about the Xbox Series consoles besides the games themselves, is their support of a service called Xbox Gamepass.

Xbox Gamepass is a monthly service that provides access to hundreds of rotating games from first and third party developers.

Their ultimate version even has cross platform support for PC, cloud gaming, and access to their first party titles on day 1 which is pretty incredible.

As subscriber currently, there’s so many to choose from across so many genres that it’s hard to not find something worth playing.

What’s also cool as a somewhat related note is the fact Xbox Gamepass has an app that’s even available on some Samsung & LG TVs now.

That means with a controller and that TV, you could still access those same games.

So if you have a newer TV in your current media room, that service could be there too.

 

Reason #2 The Games

---

Microsoft’s Xbox Series consoles also have a spectacular assortment of games as well.

From Forza to Starfield, let’s just say it’d be really hard to be bored due to how many games they have across various genres.

The games offered here at top notch in my opinion, and look beautiful on a competent display.

Backwards compatibility with a large portion of the games from prior Xbox console generations enhances that, with features a visual enthusiast would appreciate like auto hdr, frame rate boost, & resolution boost to older supported games.

 

 

Reason #3 4K Digital Movies Support

---

While the Series S supports up to 1440p depending on the game, and although it doesn’t have a disc drive so it can’t play physical 4K movies, it can still play and stream 4K movies & shows digitally.

There’s also 4K support in media apps like YouTube so things still look crisp.

 

Reason #4 HDR Support

---

Besides being able to display 4k digital content, it also can display HDR content as well.

HDR again stands for High Dynamic Range.

Think of it as an exponentially increased contrast ratio that mimics how the human eye see things.

It allows you to see more details in those light & dark areas, and whether it’s games or movies, it can make a pretty big difference if done right.

It’s something you would need to see in person to appreciate, but as long as you have a TV that’s properly capable, you can take advantage of this new technology.

 

 

Reason #5 It’s Small

---

The Series S is also really small compared to other consoles, at 10.83 x 5.94 x 2.56 inches and 4.25 pounds.

So if your theater room doesn’t have a lot of room, the Series S can work well in that aspect.

As a whole, the Xbox Series S is a spectacular gaming console with features like 4k digital media capabilities & HDR making it an attractive option from a home theater perspective.

As far as the social aspect goes, that’s present here as well with a booming online multiplayer network.

Overall, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

 

Check Xbox Series S Availability

 

 

 

The Xbox Series X

---

The Xbox Series X, given it’s in the same console line as the Series S, has a lot of the same positives talked about previously like great first party games, backwards compatibility for many older Xbox titles, and access to Xbox Gamepass.

There’s even visual benefits for many older games with features like auto hdr, frame rate boost, and resolution boost helping them look better.

It even allows you to have dynamic backgrounds on your dashboard that move which I think is really cool.

However the is Series X is also a big step up in terms of power and gaming capabilities.

Here’s a few ways the console differentiates itself & why it’s a worthy inclusion in a home theater setup.

 

 

Reason #1 Physical 4k Blu-Ray Player

---

Being the next step up, it makes sense that it would sport this feature.

Though it supports 4K digital media like its smaller sibling, the Series X also has 4K Blu-ray player meaning it can play your physical UHD discs too.

This can be great if your theater room has a large physical collection or if you just prefer it since there’s reasons for both types of formats.

 

 

Reason #2 8K Resolution Media Playback Capable

---

Where it further differentiates itself though is its support for 8K resolution playback in media.

While there’s not much 8K native content currently, that feature could be useful later if you’re building a more future resistant media room.

 

 

Reason #3 Dolby Vision Media & Gaming

---

What I personally really like about the Xbox Series X, especially looking at it from the home theater lens, is that it supports Dolby Vision both in media & gaming.

Dolby Vision is an advanced type of HDR that basically allows for an increased level of vibrancy and colors, and can really benefit the image when implemented correctly (depends on that game or movie)

So the fact that it supports this not only in movies, but in some games as well really lends itself well to being used in a media room.

 

 

Reason #4 The Power Allows Games To Look & Run Great

---

I’ve mentioned how incredibly strong it is right?

Though it depends on the game, the Xbox Series X is capable of up to 4K resolution and up to 120fps in gaming.

Not to mention all the other bells and whistles like HDR10, VRR, and Atmos support.

This means that if you’re concerned with in game graphics or audio, it’ll look, run, & sound great with a solid display and surround system/soundbar.

While the Series X supports the same games that the S does, it does so at a much higher fidelity.

From the clarity of games, to how smooth they look, it feels like a step up.

If you’re one for eye candy and a smoother gaming experience overall, it’s an awesome option.

 

 

Reason #5 It Can Be Placed Horizontally Or Vertically For More Placement Choice

---

Believe it or not, the console isn’t terribly large either at 9.8 pounds and 12.2 x 6.3 x 6.3 inches.

This is due to much more efficient internals.

You would think something this powerful would be lumbering, but fortunately it’s not.

What’s also great is it can be positioned horizontally or vertically in your entertainment room for more placement choice.

To put it bluntly, it’s a beast.

 

Check Xbox Series X Availability

 

 

 

The Nintendo Switch

---

The Nintendo switch certainly is unique in that it is technically both a home and portable console. When at home, the console rests on a dock, and the sides of the switch come off.

These are called Joy Cons. When you decide to go out, you can attach the joy cons to the console and use it like you would say a 3DS. Why would someone want this one?

 

Reason #1 The Games

---

Jeez Nintendo is on fire with games lately. They started off 2017 by releasing the switch and the groundbreaking The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

The game was so good that not only was it one of the highest scoring games in history, but everyone collectively lost their minds over it (me included).

Then with the holiday season approaching, they decided to go with a 1, 2 punch and release Super Mario Odyssey, one that scored just as high. I’m not one to buy into the hype; in fact I’m usually a huge critic.

 

But oh my..  Zelda and Mario, I can comfortably say, are 2 of some the best games I’ve ever played.

I wish I could convey to you the joy you experience playing them, but it’s something that’s simply experienced.

Reason #2 Convenience

---

I don’t think there’s anything more convenient then being able to pocket a console. Being able to take it with you anywhere you go, and use headphones with it is awesome enough.

But being able to prop it up via the kickstand on the back, slide the joycons off, then play 2 players with someone else on it seems like such a novel idea that I wish it existed sooner. It makes a portable console a social event which is so cool.

 

 

My Personal Favorite

---

So here’s what you’re really curious about…(probably not but I digress)

Which one do I personally like the best?

Plot twist…..all of them.

What??

Yep.

It seems like every major console maker came out swinging, and in the end it’s really us that wins. I wish I could pick a favorite, but each console brings with it something so unique that I couldn’t honestly choose.

I eventually had to get all of them because they each had exclusive games that I knew I had to have. It’s not even just that they have fantastic games either; but it’s the sheer amount of fantastic games offered from each system.

You really would be hard pressed to go wrong with any of them though. And forget about it when it comes to playing them on your speakers.

You think it’s intense playing it on the television, but you hook it up to a good surround system and say goodbye to anything you planned to get done that day. They’re such an entertaining addition to a home theater.

So to answer the original question about what is the best gaming console to buy, ideally I’d say all of them. But realistically, it’s really going to boil down to what features you prefer.

Other than that, they’re great systems.

But that’s about wraps it up for this one.

Until next time make it easy, keep it simple!