TechRadar’s Top Gaming Gear of 2025: Our Personal Picks
▼ Summary
– 2025 was a significant year for gaming hardware, featuring major new releases like the Nintendo Switch 2 and Asus ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, alongside highly refined products from established brands.
– The Nintendo Switch 2 is highlighted as a dramatic refinement of Nintendo’s hybrid console vision, offering modern features like 4K support and improved performance for both third-party and first-party games.
– The PlayStation Portal, through a transformative firmware update enabling cloud streaming, has become a versatile and comfortable handheld option that revitalized its utility.
– The Corsair Platform:4 is praised as a premium, compact gaming desk with high-quality materials and a modular design suitable for smaller spaces.
– The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is celebrated as a top-tier gaming headset, setting a new standard with audiophile-grade audio quality and premium construction.
The year 2025 has delivered an exceptional lineup of gaming hardware, from powerful new consoles to refined accessories that elevate every play session. While major launches like the Nintendo Switch 2 captured headlines, transformative updates and premium peripherals have also defined the landscape, offering gamers more choice and quality than ever before.
For the TechRadar Gaming team, a few standout products have become personal essentials. These are the pieces of gear we’ve relied on throughout the year and will continue to recommend.
Nintendo Switch 2 The latest console from Nintendo represents a significant leap forward rather than a complete reinvention. It directly addresses the technical limitations of its beloved predecessor, bringing features like 4K resolution support, 120Hz refresh rates, and HDR to a Nintendo platform. This power boost transforms the experience, making third-party ports like Star Wars Outlaws shine and enhancing first-party classics. With a strong launch lineup and improved hardware performance, it solidly secures its place as a must-have system.
PlayStation Portal Though not a new release this year, a major firmware update has fundamentally changed this device. The addition of cloud streaming directly from the PlayStation Plus catalog means you no longer need your PS5 powered on. This unlocks instant access to a vast library, turning the Portal into a genuinely standalone handheld. Its unique design, which mimics the feel of a DualSense controller split around a screen, offers unparalleled comfort for portable play. For those invested in the PlayStation ecosystem, it has become an indispensable and surprisingly affordable way to game on the go.
Corsair Platform:4 This gaming desk solves a common problem for enthusiasts with limited space. The Platform:4 combines a compact footprint with premium, modular functionality. It features a robust T-channel rail system for secure monitor mounting, integrated storage, and USB ports, all crafted from high-quality materials. The design acknowledges that not every gamer has a sprawling room, offering a sophisticated and highly customizable centerpiece for a smaller setup without compromising on build quality or features.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite In the realm of audio, one headset has set a new benchmark. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is engineered for the discerning listener, incorporating high-fidelity components like carbon fiber drivers to deliver certified Hi-Res audio. The build quality is exceptional, from its premium materials to its intuitive controls, and it is backed by reliable wireless connectivity and long battery life. It transcends the typical “gaming headset” category, offering an audiophile-grade experience that enhances every game, movie, or song.
(Source: TechRadar)
