Lifestyle tech

If you think computer games are just for mopey teens and dads who should know better, you’ll be happily surprised to discover how inclusive they can be. With games now available for all interests, the whole family can enjoy some rainy-day fun together

5 best games consoles

1 the Best seller

It’s the world’s most popular console and with good reason – not only is it a powerful computer with a state-of-the-art graphics processor, but it has a lightning-quick 8GB memory and fully-featured controller, too, as well as more than 1,600 dedicated games to choose from. PLAYSTATION 4 PRO, 1TB, £350; GAMES FROM £15, PLAYSTATION.COM

2 the home entertainment HUB

The Xbox One S will not only keep gamers happy, but box-set bingers and movie addicts will love it, too. As well as the huge catalogue of games on offer, it can play 4K Ultra HD Blu-rays and stream shows from Netflix and Amazon. The wireless controller can also be used to play the same games on any Windows 10 PC. XBOX ONE S 1TB, £249; GAMES FROM £11.99, XBOX.COM

3 the VIRTUAL Reality fave

Drizzly outside? Pop on the Oculus Rift headset and slip off to another world. Choose between sci-fi and action games or explore the globe in a documentary. You’ll need a PC computer, with at least an Intel i5 CPU processor and 8GB of RAM. OCULUS RIFT, £399; GAMES FROM £3.50, OCULUS.COM

4 the Versatile ONE

Plug into a TV for big-screen action, use as a compact tabletop or on-the-go console, or pair it with a Labo cardboard construction kit for even more fun. The Joy Con controllers can be used for serious single-player gaming, as multiplayer joypads or as motion-sensitive wands. NINTENDO SWITCH, £279; GAMES FROM £30; LABO KITS FROM £59.99, NINTENDO.CO.UK

5 the RETRO classic Next time the kids roll their eyes at you for talking about the good old days, show them this updated palm-sized version of the Nineties classic SNES. This great-value console comes with two wired control pads and is pre-loaded with 21 well-known games, including Super Mario World. NINTENDO CLASSIC MINI SNES, £79.95, JOHN LEWIS