The Best Gaming Hardware of 2025
The Best Gaming Hardware of 2025: A Roller Coaster Year for Gamers
The gaming landscape has dramatically evolved in 2025, with Nintendo launching the highly anticipated Switch 2, Xbox entering the handheld arena, and rising console prices shaking up the market. This year, performance is dominated by the PS5 Pro, offering stunning graphics and seamless gameplay for titles like Ghost of Yote and Death Stranding 2, though the price has climbed to $750, which can exceed $800 with the disc drive attachment.
For PC gaming enthusiasts, a gaming rig remains a viable option, boasting access to a vast library of titles, particularly through Steam. However, the high cost and complexity of setup contrast with the simplicity of dedicated consoles. Valve’s upcoming Steam Machine aims to remedy this.
On the portable front, the ROG Xbox Ally X has taken the spotlight with its game library and power, albeit at a premium price of $1,000. Meanwhile, the Switch 2 continues to delight gamers of all ages, revitalizing classic titles with upgraded performance.
For budget-conscious players, the Steam Deck still offers a fantastic option for portable gaming. As mobile gaming grows, top-tier titles increasingly make their way to smartphones, further expanding access to quality gaming experiences.
From powerful consoles to versatile handhelds, 2025 offers something for every type of gamer. What hardware has changed your gaming experience this year? Share your thoughts below!
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Video “The Best Gaming Hardware of 2025” was uploaded on 12/03/2025 to Youtube Channel CNET































Clicks on Exteam, Morrowind Mario Kart RPG by SquareEnixKonamiNintendoAmstradParody hmm.
I play my Switch 2 mostly docked as a home console. The PC handhelds do not boost their power when docked and do not feel like consoles.
Basically I feel the Switch 2 should have extra points for also being a great home console despite not being the most powerful. It's a 2 in 1 hybrid, not just a handheld
Dude is packing 8+
all these price increases are insane and trying to take the joy out of gaming. i did get a switch 2 this year on launch which i love, and i never had the switch so i'm enjoying those games for the first time. i still game on my series x. even with game pass going up but i use bing rewards for that. it's still making it more difficult to enjoy more games and systems.
i'd love to get a full blown gaming pc. even though i could afford one at 1500-2000 i'm not very pc savvy to build it myself or if i have crashes or errors. i know you can buy prebuilt pcs though.
Ps5 or pro with an psvr2 then switch 2
Xbox ROG Ally. It runs every game, Playstation 5 and Switch 2 cannot do that.
is bro using steroids ?? traps seem quite large
Nintendo Switch 2 by a country mile. I laugh when I see all those other ugly as sin bulky handheld PCs 😂
PlayStation needs to get into the handheld market. Having my library locked away is making me debate jumping to steam.
I recently bought some games on my Intel MacBook Pro with BootCamp… which is nice to be able to don’t have a secondary gaming PC. James like Halo have brought back nostalgia.
At $450 MSRP (before discounts and promotions) I would say it's the better value pick than paying $400 for the 2022 steam deck with the same storage.
Can't complain too much about the switch 2 coverage since it was so positive, but sandwiched between price-focused rundowns it was strangely fluffy without a single figure.
The bundled case as a selling point is an odd choice, as with switch 2 you can have your pick of a more personal one, including the licensed PowerA case from as little as $15 in the verge's recent coverage.
Given that this combination is still less than half the price of the preceding xbox handheld mentioned I think that's saying something, but for people on even more of a budget, the switch 1 is still a fun pick and can be picked up cheap now people in their millions are looking to upgrade (and the switch 2 is backwards compatible)
Switch 2 is really a Switch 1 Pro 🤑
I haven't seen many first party games from ps5 this year
AI Luke Lafrienne
PS5 Pro has proved to be excellent value for money and the best console this gen
First baby
No physical games… No exclusives?? What’s the point??
Steam Deck Console 😂
Steam Deck 😂