Best Gaming Consoles and Handhelds of 2025: PS5 Pro, Switch 2, Steam Deck & More

Top Gaming Hardware of 2025

• 🚀 The year 2025 has been a significant one for gaming hardware, with new console launches and the rise of powerful handhelds.
• 💡 This breakdown covers the best consoles and gaming handhelds available, from the most portable to the most powerful.

PlayStation 5 Pro: The Performance King

• 🎯 The PS5 Pro remains a top performer, delivering gorgeous visuals in games like Ghost of Yote and Death Stranding 2.
• ⚡ It achieves a full 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, with some games reaching up to 120 FPS.
• 📈 The console also excels in ray tracing compared to competitors, offering dense environments and incredible graphics with smooth gameplay.
• 💰 However, its power comes at a cost, with the price now at $750, and an additional $80 for a disc drive attachment, pushing the total over $800.

Gaming PC: An Open and Expansive Platform

• 💻 A gaming PC offers an open platform with access to numerous digital storefronts, including Steam's vast library and frequent discounts.
• 🎮 Many console games, like Microsoft's first-party titles, are now released simultaneously on PC, expanding the available selection.
• ⚠️ While PCs provide the largest game selection, the initial investment can be high, comparable to a PS5 Pro, and the interface is less straightforward than dedicated consoles.
• 💡 Valve's upcoming Steam Machine aims to address the complexity barrier for PC gaming.

ROG Xbox Ally X: The Premium Handheld Choice

• ✈️ The ROG Xbox Ally X is highlighted as a favorite handheld for travelers due to its extensive game library and portability.
• 🌟 It offers more power and access to Xbox Game Pass compared to the Steam Deck, making it a go-to for on-the-go gaming.
• 💸 The device retails for $1,000, making it one of the most expensive systems, and can still experience occasional bugs.

Nintendo Switch 2: The Fastest-Selling Console

• 📈 The Nintendo Switch 2 has become the fastest-selling console in history, with millions of units sold since its summer release.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 It's an excellent handheld for all ages and experience levels, particularly for travel due to its size and form factor.
• ✨ New titles and updates for older games like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom benefit from hardware upgrades, offering higher resolutions and improved performance.
• 🎮 The Switch 2 is essential for playing Nintendo's exclusive game collection.

Steam Deck: The Best Value Handheld

• 💲 For budget-conscious gamers, the Steam Deck offers the best value, with the 256 GB LCD model at $400 and the 1 TB OLED model at $650.
• 🕹️ It provides a streamlined way to play Steam-purchased games, though it has lower frame rates than newer handhelds.
• 🎒 A bundled carrying case is included, a feature not offered by the Switch 2 or Xbox Ally.

Smartphones: Gaming in Your Pocket

• 📱 Smartphones are increasingly viable gaming platforms, with top-tier titles like Death Stranding and Assassin's Creed Mirage being ported to iOS and Android.
• 💬 Mobile gaming sees massive engagement with titles like Fortnite and Genshin Impact, and a new Horizon universe game is expected.
• 🎮 Controller accessories like the Backbone 1 enhance the mobile gaming experience, making phones a serious contender for portable gaming.