What's the best video games console for Christmas 2018?

For harassed loved ones everywhere, we compare the Sony PlayStation 4, Microsoft Xbox One and Nintendo Switch

A games console is the perfect Christmas present - it's exciting, it's cool and everyone can join in on the day (as long as you've had the foresight to sneak it out of its packaging on Christmas Eve to download the inevitable six hours of system updates). But selecting which machine to opt for is complicated and confusing, and if you get it wrong you may end up with yet another unloved gadget crammed in the cupboard where you keep the air fryer and mini candyfloss machine.

Here are some tips for harassed parents or partners who have found the words "games console" on a loved one's Christmas list and are experiencing technophobic panic.