The 5 Best Console-Style PC Cases in 2023
We've reviewed the options available in this unique style
We updated this article in May to cover 2023 releases. After reviewing the new cases on the market, our top choices remain the same. We’ve mentioned a couple of decent new alternatives to certain choices where relevant.
Is anybody else looking for a build that looks a little more…console-y?
In the world of chassis, there’s an overwhelming amount of good-looking cases out there.
But I often find myself being surprised at how large and imposing many designs are. What about those after a more classic gaming aesthetic akin to a PlayStation/Xbox?
In today’s feature, we’ve found the appropriate options and reviewed them to guide you through the best console-sized PC cases for your next gaming build.
1
Overall Best Console-Style PC Case
Fractal Design Node 202
Our Rating: 9.5/10
Overall Best Console-Style PC Case: Fractal Design Node 202
What a fantastic chassis this is.
If your budget doesn’t stretch to our top premium pick further below, the Node 202 is the perfect choice for creating a console-style aesthetic.
We rank it at the top because of the impressive balance between its tight, slim, Mini-ITX form factor and an intelligent, internal design that allows you to install a powerful mainstream GPU within its size limitations.
Its steel/plastic hybrid design looks very slick, boasting a high-quality finish and sturdiness, giving the chassis a nice premium aesthetic.
Source: System48
Inside, there is room for:
- A separate GPU chamber that can accommodate a video card up to 310 x 147 mm
- 2 x 2.5″ drive bays
- Room in the GPU chamber for 2 x 120mm fans (impressive for the shape/size, but bear in mind these will have to compete with the GPU dimensions)
The hardware you can install within the Node 202 is really impressive considering its unique, slim form factor.
It doesn’t just look the part, you have room in here for a powerful console-style gaming PC build; with a majority of mainstream graphics cards being installable (please check your dimensions before installing!).
While you’re (of course) not going to get the same airflow as a more extensive “traditional” case (ATX, etc.), the ventilation design in the Node 202 is fantastic. With its separate GPU chamber that segregates cooling, not to mention the optional fan mounts if your build demands them.
Overall, while we love the premium NZXT H1 pick below (and think anyone reading should also consider that chassis), I chose the Node 202 overall as it represents an incredible balance in design, quality, specification, and price. Whether for gaming or other PC builds, this is a fantastic choice.
2023 Update: The Node 202 remains my top Console-Style pick for 2 years running; nothing else better balances price, quality, and inner space while retaining a nice, slim aesthetic.
Runner-Up Best Console-Style PC Case: SilverStone ML08
Coming in very closely behind the Node 202 is a worthy alternative in the ML08.
Its steel body and reinforced plastic shell look as high quality as they feel. Like the 202, the ML08 easily doubles as a great portable PC case option with its decent durability.
With room inside for:
- An independent graphics card chamber for a dual-expansion slot card up to 330 x 121mm
- Oversized vents designed to provide a fanless cooling setup for the tight layout
- 2 x 2.5″ drive bays
- Some convenient install features, such as its tool-less drive bays/dual chamber design
Source: phdpepper
The internal dimensions here are still very impressive for the case’s external size, with the GPU slot still being large enough for most popular choices (remember to check!).
Fractal Node 202 vs Silverstone ML08
We rank the ML08 a tad below the Node 202 as its GPU width allowances are slightly less, and there are no optional case fans (though the ML08 performs surprisingly well with its oversized vents).
The GPU length allowance is notably longer, but we expect the width to be the main consideration point for your installation as very few cards are over 310mm (having extended width is also nicer for airflow on most cards).
But all things considered, this is still an excellent option and easily one of the best console-sized cases available. Don’t hesitate if you prefer it over the Node 202.
Best Budget Console-Style PC Case: Thermaltake Core V1
This pick is a bit of a side-track from the main aesthetic we’ve featured in the rest of the list.
But we thought this pick still deserved a place if your idea of a console PC case is closer to a GameCube (or you’re simply flexible if the budget is right).
The Core V1 is a really impressive case for the price and has been featured many times previously on What in Tech.
The build quality is really quite impressive considering its low cost; with an SPCC steel/tempered glass design, covered with extended ventilation (important in a small case).
Source: Seiren2112
Largely considered as one of the best Mini-ITX cases for budget gaming builds, you have great room in here for:
- 2 expansion slots/GPU lengths up to 285mm
- 2 x 2.5″ & 2 x 3.5″ hidden drive bays
- 1 included 200mm fan + space for 2 x 80mm fans
As you can see, the length allowance on the GPU space is a tad lower than the other cases featured (but still good enough for many popular cards if you check pre-purchase).
The Core V1 makes up for this with its additional storage compartments and excellent cooling capability.
While we think the above picks better capture the essence of a console-style computer case, there is no chassis of those styles in the V1’s price range. It really is an excellent budget alternative.
Best Console-Style PC Case for Cooling (Premium Pick): NZXT H1
If we had to pick just one case to crown as the best console-style tower available today, this would be it.
Due to its price tag, we’ve given the H1 the “premium choice” label.
But before you cry at the price, know you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck beyond just the case itself.
On top of its incredible design/build quality, the case is worth its price tag due to the included fully modular 650W PSU and AIO water-cooler.
The NZXT H1 is special as it has been designed with this PSU and water cooler in mind.
This has been done to remove any unnecessary size gaps that the other cases demand to be compatible with a wider range of SFX PSUs/cooling.
Source: THLNG
Everything inside the unit is carefully designed and has its place (no waste) with room for:
- A beautiful SGCC steel/tinted tempered glass design. This is easily the highest quality and best-looking console tower on the list and the closest thing you’ll see to an Xbox Series X PC case
- A dual-chamber layout that gives fantastic ventilation to the allotted GPU space (up to 305mm x 128mm for your card).
- 2 x 2.5″ drive bays
It cannot be overstated how impressive the H1 is from both a design and performance perspective. I was particularly impressed by how it looks in person, photos don’t do it justice!
As good-looking as the unit is turned off, seeign a complete build light up through the tinted window (much more classily than a completely transparent panel in my experience) is a level of elegance you can’t really find in the other console-like PC cases we’ve reviewed.
And the fact that the ventilation/integrated water-cooler work so well to provide decent thermals is something extra special in this form factor, which can be plagued with cases that have serious heat issues.
This isn’t just the best console-shaped PC case, but one of the best Mini-ITX cases available today in any category
2023 update: A second version of the case has been released which, versus v1, includes an additional 92mm fan, an extra USB 3.1 C input, slightly larger GPU dimensions, and a more powerful PSU.
Current stock listings show the v1 to run a little cheaper than the v2. While v2 is an all-around improvement, I’d only recommend paying more for it if you are looking to build one of the higher-end GPUs (XX70/80), otherwise, the v1 should be fine for mid-range builds.
If you like the style but want something a little cheaper, the closest alternative to the H1 is the SilverStone LD03B which is an excellent console-like alternative.
Our Rating: 9.5/10