It’s been a year of tough choices for gamers on a budget. Nintendo launched the Switch 2 for $500 and it became the fastest-selling console in history. Xbox teamed up with Asus to launch my new favorite handheld, but its higher-tier version — the Xbox ROG Ally X — costs more than any traditional console, with an eye-watering $1,000 price tag. Even older consoles saw price hikes, as the popular PlayStation 5 Pro went up by $50.
Between upgrades in technology, more titles on new platforms and new pricing structures, 2025 is seeing a new normal emerge for the gaming industry.
In the video embedded above, I look back on some of the most popular gaming handhelds and consoles from this year. Be sure to watch if you’re a gaming fan trying to track the winners and losers this year, or if you’re just looking for guidance on smart ways to spend your money.
The excitement won’t slow down in 2026. Game-maker Valve is coming out with new ways to play PC games and VR headsets — and we may finally get to play GTA 6.