8 Best Space-efficient Game Consoles Youtubers Praise
Introduction — Ease of Use First
I always start with ease of use when I recommend tech for a cozy living room or a compact studio. If a console isn’t intuitive to set up, plug in, and navigate, it won’t earn a permanent spot on my shelf. I want something that fits my style, tucks away when not in use, and doesn’t demand a degree to enjoy.
In this guide I walk through eight space-efficient game consoles that top YouTubers consistently praise for design, performance, and minimal footprint. I speak from hands-on testing and from watching experts like Linus Tech Tips, Digital Foundry, Spawn Wave, The Verge, and Hardware Unboxed highlight the best choices. Expect detailed features, materials and dimensions, personal impressions, and practical buying advice to help you pick the right console for your lifestyle.
How I chose these consoles — What matters to me (and to the YouTubers)
I narrowed options based on clear, practical criteria: small physical footprint, cable simplicity, storage flexibility, energy efficiency, and aesthetic fit for living spaces. I also prioritized consoles widely available for order and often recommended in long-form YouTube reviews.
- Physical size and weight — so units tuck into media cabinets or sit on narrow shelves.
- Setup simplicity — plug-and-play or minimal configuration.
- Controller design and charging convenience.
- Quiet operation and heat management for small rooms.
- Software ecosystem — game library and backwards compatibility.
- Value proposition — price vs. performance and long-term support.
Now let’s get to the eight consoles I recommend, with product detail, dimensions, textures, colors, and how they fit into a home that values both style and space.
1) Nintendo Switch OLED Model — Compact, versatile, and visually pleasing
Why YouTubers Praise It
Top channels like Nintendo Life and IGN highlight the Switch OLED for its small footprint and hybrid form factor. It’s easy to move from TV docked play to handheld, and the OLED screen makes games look rich even when the console is on a coffee table.
Product details
- Model: Nintendo Switch OLED Model (HAC-001(-01))
- Colors available: White dock & Joy-Con set; Neon Red/Blue Joy-Con with matching dock
- Display: 7-inch OLED, 1280 x 720 resolution in handheld
- Storage: 64GB internal, microSD expandable up to 2TB
- Dimensions (console): 9.5″ x 4″ x 0.55″ (approx. 242mm x 102mm x 13.9mm)
- Dock dimensions: 4.02″ x 0.98″ x 4.02″ (approx. 102mm x 24.7mm x 102mm)
- Weight: ~0.93 lb (420 g) for the console alone
- Materials: Matte plastic body with glossy dock accents; soft-touch Joy-Con grip
How it fits in small spaces
The dock is a cube-like block that sits neatly behind a slim TV or on a floating shelf. The slim console slides into the dock vertically, reducing cable clutter and preserving a neat silhouette.
Personal testimonial
I keep one on a narrow TV stand and slide the dock behind the television — it feels seamless. The OLED display’s deep blacks and vibrant colors make handheld sessions feel premium, and the small Joy-Con controllers tuck into a tiny charging station when I’m finished.
Value proposition
It’s a versatile pick — strong first-party games, a compact presence, and the ability to switch between TV and handheld modes. You pay a premium for the OLED, but for me the visible upgrade in color and contrast is worth it for cozy, visual gaming.
2) Xbox Series S — Minimalist white design, maximum space savings
Why YouTubers Praise It
Digital Foundry and The Verge often recommend the Xbox Series S as the best small-form-factor Xbox for living room use and casual gamers. It’s affordable, runs modern titles with smart upscaling, and its vertical orientation is space-efficient.
Product details
- Model: Xbox Series S
- Colors available: White (matte)
- CPU/GPU: Custom AMD Zen 2 CPU; RDNA 2 GPU (lower throughput than Series X)
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD (expandable with proprietary expansion card)
- Dimensions: 10.8″ x 5.9″ x 2.5″ (approx. 275mm x 151mm x 63.5mm)
- Weight: ~4.25 lb (1.93 kg)
- Materials: Matte plastic with a large black airflow grille
- Included: Wireless controller (textured grip), HDMI 2.1
How it fits in small spaces
Its slim rectangular footprint allows vertical placement on a narrow shelf, and the single HDMI plus power cable keeps the back of the TV tidy.
Personal testimonial
I have one on a slim TV stand beside a tiny soundbar. It’s whisper-quiet and stays cool when games are well-optimized. The white finish blends with my light decor and feels less techy than a big black tower.
Value proposition
Great for budget-conscious buyers who want next-gen features in a compact package. Not the top GPU horsepower, but strong value for entertainment-focused living rooms.
3) PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (Vertical) — Sleek, white silhouette with no disc drive
Why YouTubers Praise It
Channels like Spawn Wave and MKBHD praise the PS5’s powerful hardware and recommend the Digital Edition for those who want a slightly slimmer profile and cleaner lines without the disc tray.
Product details
- Model: PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (CFI-1018A or updated revisions)
- Colors available: White side panels with a black inner core
- CPU/GPU: Custom AMD Zen 2 CPU; RDNA 2 GPU
- Storage: 825GB SSD (expandable via compatible NVMe M.2)
- Dimensions: 15.4″ x 10.2″ x 4.1″ (approx. 390mm x 260mm x 104mm) upright
- Weight: ~6.1 lb (2.8 kg)
- Materials: Matte and textured plastic panels with glossy vents
- Unique: Disc-less profile reduces width slightly, making it marginally more space-efficient
How it fits in small spaces
The PS5’s vertical posture can be striking on a mantel or media column. While taller than other consoles, its depth is manageable, and the white panels give an airy look that pairs well with Scandinavian decor.
Personal testimonial
I put mine on a tall media shelf where its white curves echo the room’s modern aesthetic. It feels like a design object more than a black box of electronics.
Value proposition
If you buy most games digitally and want a large library supported by exclusives, the Digital Edition trims the footprint slightly and eliminates disc storage needs.
4) Steam Deck — Handheld PC-class gaming with desktop dock potential
Why YouTubers Praise It
Hardware Unboxed and Linus Tech Tips applaud the Steam Deck for packing PC gaming into a compact, hand-sized device and for its expandability via docks for TV/monitor setups.
Product details
- Model: Valve Steam Deck (64GB eMMC / 256GB NVMe / 512GB NVMe options)
- Colors available: Black (matte finish)
- Display: 7-inch LCD, 1280 x 800 (16:10), touch-enabled
- Dimensions: 11.7″ x 4.6″ x 1.9″ (approx. 298mm x 117mm x 49mm)
- Weight: ~1.47 lb (669 g)
- Materials: Textured plastic body for grip, clickable trackpads
- Unique: Runs SteamOS (Linux) with Proton for many Windows titles; community docks and official docking options for TV
How it fits in small spaces
As a handheld, it disappears into a drawer or purse. When docked, the footprint is determined by the dock, not the Deck itself — and many docks are compact and V-shaped to stand vertically.
Personal testimonial
I love taking it to a coffee table and switching between handheld and docked TV mode. The textured shell feels secure in my hands, and the screen colors are vivid for indie and retro games.
Value proposition
It’s essentially a portable PC—great for people who want to play their PC library in small spaces without a full desktop rig.
5) Nvidia Shield TV Pro (2019) — Compact streamer with GeForce NOW
Why YouTubers Praise It
The Verge and Gamers Nexus recommend Nvidia Shield TV Pro as a tiny media box that adds cloud gaming (GeForce NOW) and Android-based apps, useful for casual gamers who want space-efficient streaming and light gaming.
Product details
- Model: Nvidia Shield TV Pro (2019)
- Colors available: Matte black, compact rectangular puck with rounded edges
- CPU/GPU: Tegra X1+ SoC
- Storage: 16GB internal, expandable via USB 3.0 ports
- Dimensions: 6.6″ x 3.8″ x 1.3″ (approx. 166mm x 98mm x 33mm)
- Weight: ~0.6 lb (272 g)
- Materials: Smooth matte plastic casing
- Ports: 2x USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 2.0b, microSD (via adapter)
How it fits in small spaces
Small as a hardcover book, the Shield tucks into AV racks or behind a TV. It’s ideal when you want Netflix, Plex, and cloud gaming in a single tiny box.
Personal testimonial
I swapped my larger streamer for this and love the clean black puck under the TV. GeForce NOW runs smoothly on my Wi‑Fi 6 mesh, giving me console-quality games without bulky hardware.
Value proposition
Best for those who want a multipurpose media hub with cloud gaming instead of a dedicated gaming console.
6) PlayStation Vita (used/retro buy) — Pocketable, aesthetic, and curated library
Why YouTubers Praise It
Retro-focused channels and niche handheld reviewers praise the Vita for its beautiful OLED models (older PS Vita 1000) and compactness that appeals to collectors and style-conscious players.
Product details
- Model: PlayStation Vita (PCH-1000 OLED for early model, PCH-2000 LCD slimmer model)
- Colors available: Black, white, limited edition colors (special runs)
- Display: 5-inch OLED (PCH-1000) or LCD (PCH-2000), 960 x 544
- Dimensions (PCH-1000): 7.2″ x 3.3″ x 0.5″ (approx. 182mm x 82mm x 18mm)
- Weight: ~0.45 lb (260 g) for PCH-1000
- Materials: Glossy and textured plastics with responsive analog sticks
- Battery life: 3-5 hours depending on usage
How it fits in small spaces
It’s genuinely pocketable—store it in a chic pouch or a shelf box with game cartridges. The compact size and attractive OLED screen make it a visual accent rather than a bulky gadget.
Personal testimonial
I keep mine in a woven pouch on my coffee table; it looks charming and invites casual play. The design and button layout feel lovingly crafted.
Value proposition
Great for retro lovers and those who want a uniquely compact handheld experience with an aesthetic edge. Availability is through secondhand markets, so consider condition and battery health.
7) Analogue Pocket — Premium handheld for retro collectors
Why YouTubers Praise It
Retro game channels and hardware reviewers often rave about the Analogue Pocket for its brilliant high-density display and precision build, making it a collector’s dream that still stays compact.
Product details
- Model: Analogue Pocket
- Colors available: Black (standard), special editions occasionally released
- Display: 3.5-inch 615 ppi LCD, 1600 x 1440 (sharp pixel-perfect scaling for retro cartridges)
- Compatibility: Native Game Boy cartridges; adapters for Game Boy Advance, Game Gear, Neo Geo Pocket
- Dimensions: 6.2″ x 2.8″ x 0.7″ (approx. 158mm x 72mm x 18mm)
- Weight: ~0.7 lb (350 g)
- Materials: Anodized aluminum backplate, durable plastic front, crisp tactile buttons
- Accessories: Dock (sold separately) to connect to a TV
How it fits in small spaces
It’s a small, premium device that looks beautiful sitting on a shelf of collectible items. With the optional dock, you can enjoy TV play and still keep your living area neat.
Personal testimonial
The Pocket feels like a jewelry piece—solid, metallic, and visually striking. I placed it on a shallow display tray on my console, where guests comment on its tactile buttons and crisp screen.
Value proposition
Perfect for design-minded players and collectors who want a small, premium unit to display and play classic cartridges in style.
8) Playdate — Tiny, quirky, and design-forward handheld
Why YouTubers Praise It
Design and indie-game channels praise Playdate for its tiny footprint, unique crank control, and playful game release model. It’s less about raw power and more about delightful, small-form play.
Product details
- Model: Playdate (by Panic)
- Colors available: Black and White (limited colors in special editions)
- Display: 2.7-inch black-and-white LCD, 400 x 240 pixels
- Dimensions: 4.6″ x 2.9″ x 0.9″ (approx. 117mm x 73mm x 23mm)
- Weight: ~0.46 lb (208 g)
- Materials: Textured matte plastic shell, mechanical crank on the side
- Battery: Rechargeable via USB-C; lasts multiple sessions
- Unique: Games are delivered episodically in “seasons”
How it fits in small spaces
It’s about the size of a deck of cards, so it fits into a bedside tray or a small decorative box. Its playful design becomes a conversation piece on any coffee table.
Personal testimonial
I love the tactile crank and the compact form; it doubles as a quirky decorative object in my living room. The black-and-white screen has a retro charm that fits minimalist decor.
Value proposition
Buy this if you want a design-forward novelty that’s genuinely fun to pick up and play, and that occupies almost no space.
What to look for — Practical buying guide
I recommend focusing on these areas when choosing a space-efficient console:
- Physical footprint and orientation: Measure your shelf or media cabinet. Will the console stand vertically or lie flat? Will it block ports or airflow?
- Cable and dock management: Does it require multiple power bricks or many cables? Choose systems with single HDMI and power cables for simplicity.
- Noise and heat: Read reviews for fan noise and thermals. Silent or low-noise units suit bedrooms and shared living spaces.
- Storage and expandability: For digital gamers, internal storage and microSD/SSD expansion matter. Determine if you’ll buy physical or digital copies.
- Controller and charging: Are controllers small and easy to store? Are there charging options that keep your area clutter-free?
- Software and ecosystem: Consider game libraries and subscription services (Game Pass, Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, GeForce NOW).
- Value and long-term support: Check how often the manufacturer updates firmware and whether there are active online communities.
My personal top picks by lifestyle
- For compact hybrid use (handheld + TV): Nintendo Switch OLED.
- For budget-minded living room minimalism: Xbox Series S.
- For console-first graphics and exclusives: PlayStation 5 Digital Edition.
- For PC library portability: Steam Deck.
- For media-first households who dabble in cloud gaming: Nvidia Shield TV Pro.
- For retro collectors with a design focus: Analogue Pocket or PlayStation Vita.
- For design-obsessed gift buyers: Playdate.
Buying tips and value considerations
- Wait for bundles: Seasonal sales often include controllers or game credits that increase value.
- Check storage needs: If you plan to install many big titles, buy larger SSD options (Steam Deck 512GB or PS5 with an expansion plan).
- Consider used markets for handheld retro devices: Inspect battery health, wear, and return policies.
- Controller ecosystem: If you prefer compact controllers, test-proven models first or check YouTuber reviews for grip size and ergonomics.
- Look for official docks vs third-party: Official docks usually ensure better compatibility and cleaner cable management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which console is easiest to hide in a small apartment? A: Nintendo Switch OLED and Steam Deck are the easiest to tuck away, because one is a hybrid with a small dock and the other is a handheld you can stash.
Q: Are cloud-streaming solutions (GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming) a space-saver? A: Absolutely. Services like GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud Gaming reduce local storage and hardware needs, letting you use compact media devices or thin clients.
Q: Is buying a digital-only console a good space decision? A: Yes — digital-only consoles eliminate disc storage and often have marginally smaller chassis (example: PS5 Digital Edition), but make sure you have a stable internet connection.
Q: How important is noise level for small spaces? A: Very important. Look for silent or low-dB reviews; consoles that run cool and quiet are better for bedrooms and shared living rooms.
Q: What about TV docks for handhelds? A: Docks add a little footprint but allow handhelds to double as TV consoles. Choose vertical docks or small V-shaped docks for minimal shelf depth.
Final thoughts — Practical style meets functionality
I recommend picking the console that matches your lifestyle first: do you want flexible handheld sessions, compact streaming, or a permanent next-gen living room centerpiece? The consoles above have earned praise from leading YouTube channels for reasons that matter in real homes — small size, simple setups, and aesthetic designs.
If you want a single, quick suggestion: go with the Nintendo Switch OLED if you want a blend of small footprint, beautiful display, and versatile play. Prefer a living-room black box that’s unobtrusive? Choose the Xbox Series S or Nvidia Shield TV Pro. Want a bold, design-forward handheld that doubles as decor? The Analogue Pocket or Playdate will delight you.
If you tell me your exact shelf dimensions and décor colors, I’ll narrow this down to the one console that will look and feel perfect in your space.