So you’re new to cozy gaming, or perhaps you want to venture beyond the console that you already have- but where do you start? What do you choose?
With a variety of different consoles on the market, all boasting plenty of pros and cons, it might be difficult to choose which one is right for you as a cozy gamer. Having been a gamer, pretty much my whole life, I’ve been fortunate enough to have played a variety of games on a range of different consoles, so I feel like I can give my honest opinion here
Obviously this list isn’t to be taken as gospel, as I know we all have different preferences, wants and needs, but I hope that this list can help you determine which console is right for you.
Best Consoles for Cozy Gaming
Nintendo Switch
Somewhat the poster child for cozy gaming, the Nintendo Switch is a perfect all rounder for cozy gamers. Probably one of the best budget friendly options out there compared to other modern day consoles on the market, the Nintendo Switch offers a lot of flexibility to coincide with most play styles. Whether you want to snuggle up on the sofa and play handheld or connect to the dock and play on your TV screen- the Nintendo Switch offers plenty of flexibility.
Not only is its functionality and flexibility a great option, but it also offers a wide selection of exclusive cozy gaming franchises to enjoy such as Animal Crossing, Legend of Zelda, and the Pokemon series to name a few. There is also the option to enjoy plenty of indie cozy games too that aren’t readily available on other consoles such as the Xbox. It’s no wonder why this is a popular choice for cozy gamers.
Pros:
Budget friendly.
Exclusive cozy games.
Option to play handheld or docked (version dependent).
Cons:
Outdated hardware compared to other modern consoles.
Exclusive titles are always expensive.
Handhelds might not be great for those with poor eyesight.
Battery can drain fast depending on the game.
Internal storage fills up too quickly.
Xbox Series X/S
Although I started to shift towards more cozier content in 2020, it was until I got my Series S in 2022 that I fully embraced cozy gaming. Although it’s becoming a popular option amongst cozy gamers, at the time it was somewhat of an unsung hero- in my opinion! What makes the Xbox Series S/X a great console for cozy gamers? One phrase- Xbox Game Pass!
For less than £10 a month, you can get to enjoy a wide range of cozy games (as well as a collection of new, indie and old school games too), making it perfect for those who can’t really afford to fork out money every month on the latest cosy games! And unlike the Playstation 5 which is quite costly, the Xbox is rather budget friendly, with the Series S being as much as a Nintendo Switch.
Pros:
Series S is budget friendly.
A good mix of indie and modern cozy games.
Xbox Game pass is a fantastic price for the number of games you can access.
Cloud gaming which saves on internal storage.
Cons:
Internal storage fills up too quickly
Obviously it’s not portable like the Nintendo Switch or Steam deck.
Some Series models do have issues with overheating.
Xbox Game Pass does refresh and cycle out games regularly.
Playstation 5
The Playstation 5. Also known as the rival to the Xbox and one half of the modern-day Team Nintendo vs Team Sega, is a powerhouse for cozy gamers. With impressive hardware and a range of exclusive games that cozy gamers will LOVE, the Playstation 5 is perfect if you have the money to splurge!
Although it doesn’t boast the exclusivity of the Nintendo Switch, or the expansive library of Xbox Game Pass, it does have PlayStation Plus, which allows you to download up to three games a month- depending on if you like their offering that is. Unlike Game Pass, once the game is no longer available on Plus, you can still play the game, as long as you have a membership.
Pros:
Playstation Plus.
Good hardware, allowing for more demanding games to run more smoothly.
Cons:
Not many (if any cozy game exclusives).
Playstation Plus doesn’t have a big library.
Really expensive.
Internal storage fills up too quickly.
Mobile Devices & Tablets
Who said you need a console to enjoy cozy games?! I’m here to tell you that you don’t! As long as you have an android or iphone or some sort of tablet, you can still play a wide selection of cozy games. Better yet, you can enjoy them on the go too! Obviously, they won’t be to the graphical calibre as the ones you’d find on console but there are plenty of amazing alternatives to play. If you want some suggestions on the Best Cozy Games for Mobile, check out my blog post.
Although cozy mobile games are amazing, there are many downsides to it too. For example, ads! Most free cozy games flood you with ads every five minutes which can be off putting, also there isn’t always much love or ongoing support for mobile games like there are for consoles. We all heard about Nintendo bringing a close to our beloved Pocket Camp in 2024, so it’s something to be aware of.
Pros:
Plenty of varied cozy games available.
Play while on the go.
Plenty of cozy games are free.
Don’t need to buy an expensive console in order to enjoy cozy games.
Cons:
Too many Ads.
A lot of rip off games that aren’t good.
Many games end up dying out due to lack of updates and support.
Some malicious companies put malware or spyware into their apps/games on the store- so be aware.
PC/ Gaming Laptop
Although it’s not necessarily required in order to play cozy games, there’s something so personal about having your own cozy space to play them! Having a PC, whether it’s a standard gaming PC, or one you built yourself, opens up a variety of cozy gaming options, including exclusives that you can’t get on any other console.
Obviously, Steam is the perfect place to play some of your favourite games as well as lesser-known titles that you can’t find anywhere else. But there are other sites to enjoy cozy games too, such as Itcho. The only downside is, having a gaming PC comes at a hefty price tag, especially if you’re looking to play highly demanding games.
Pros:
Access to plenty of exclusive cozy games.
Can incorporate this into your own space.
Cons:
Quite expensive upfront cost.
Can be a lot of maintenance replacing parts.
Nintendo 3DS
A little bit of an older console, but I feel like plenty of cozy gamers really do appreciate the Nintendo 3DS. Even after ten years, many of us are snuggling up with our handhelds and playing our favourite cozy 3DS games! Unlike many older and retro consoles on the market, there is still time to invest in a Nintendo 3DS, and with plenty of variants out there, you’re sure to find one that suits you! (I still have my original red 3DS that I’ve tarted up in decoded whip and diamantes. It looks tacky, and it hurts my eyes, but nonetheless, I love it!)
The 3DS takes us back to a time when gaming was simpler but a little more advanced and gave us a glimpse into what cozy gaming is today! It was perfect. Even though many of the games are over a decade old, many of them still hold up to this day, even surpassing newly released games, with a prime example being many preferring the longevity New Leaf had over New Horizons. It’s worth investing if you’re looking for more cozy Nintendo games, and you’ve played through your whole Switch library.
Pros:
Budget friendly- can pick up a Nintendo 3DS for less than £100.
Plenty of amazing cozy titles to play.
Travel friendly.
Really long battery life.
Cons:
No more new games.
Since 2024, online support has stopped meaning features in certain games are no more. Some games might be as pricey as current games.
Getting accessories such as a charger might be hard to get too.
Steam Deck
Who said that you need to be chained to your desk in order to play your PC? Thankfully the Steam Deck allows you to play your beloved cozy steam games from the comforts of a portable device. Once quoted as being the rival to the Nintendo Switch, this allows cozy gamers to access their steam library from the comforts of their sofa or bedroom.
Pros:
Portable- a game changer in PC gaming.
Access to your steam library. Perfect if you’re on the go.
Cons:
Very expensive, with the cheapest being 350!
Poor battery life (model & game dependant).
Small screen.
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