Game consoles 2025

Nintendo Switch 2 is the successor to one of the most successful gaming systems in history, inheriting the idea of a hybrid format and its own closed ecosystem. The console does not aim to compete with solutions from Valve or MSI, steering clear of the hardware race, and offering a unique experience focused on Nintendo games and third-party exclusives. The device features a 7.9-inch touchscreen with Full HD resolution and a refresh rate of 120 Hz, providing crisp and smooth visuals in portable mode. The 256 GB memory can be expanded with microSD Express cards, thus unlocking additional possibilities for storing a larger game library. Network connection is implemented via Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetoot more→h, and when using the dock, LAN and HDMI output to a TV or monitor are available. The proprietary controllers with magnetic mounts can be used separately or as a single gamepad. In some games, they function like a mouse, expanding potential control scenarios. Among the new capabilities is the GameChat feature, including voice and video chat, as well as screen sharing with quick launch via a dedicated button. Weighing only 540 grams and with a body thickness of 14 mm, the Switch 2 is one of the lightest portable consoles on the market, and the ability to connect to a dock transforms it into an equivalent of popular stationary consoles. The Nintendo Switch 2 offers a standout experience with its hybrid format, exclusive Nintendo and third-party games, and innovative control options, while being lightweight and easily portable.

Flagship version of Asus's handheld console, created in partnership with Microsoft as part of the "Everything Is Xbox" initiative. The ROG Xbox Ally X model has inherited all the strengths of the original version but is designed for more demanding players who want a more robust power reserve and slightly more battery life. Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is positioned as a universal solution for those who want to get the power of a gaming PC in a portable console body—without compromises on image quality and performance. The console is built on the latest AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor, complemented by 24 GB RAM and a larger battery, allowing the device to confidently handle AAA games at 1080p resol more→ution and stable framerate. The screen remains the same as the base version: a 7-inch IPS display with 1080p resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, and VRR support ensures clear and smooth images without frame tearing. Ergonomics have also been perfected: updated sticks and bumpers have become more precise and responsive, and the chassis has improved weight distribution, slightly enhancing the convenience of using the console during long sessions. For connectivity, there are USB4, USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), a 3.5 mm jack, as well as modern Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4 modules. All of this runs on a version of Windows 11 optimized for a compact touchscreen. Essentially, it's not a portable Xbox, but an adapted version of Windows 11 with access to Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and other gaming services, but without the ability to run games from Xbox Series X/S. However, the use of a custom Xbox Interface shell is intended to bring the user experience closer to that of a console. The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X stands out by offering gaming PC power in a portable form, allowing for seamless AAA gaming with a 1080p resolution and stable framerate, supported by its top-tier processor and larger battery.

The Lenovo Legion Go 2 is an updated version of the portable gaming console featuring a new OLED display and refined TrueStrike modular controllers. Like the original model, the Legion Go 2 is positioned as a competitor to the Valve Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, MSI Claw, and other portable consoles capable of running demanding Windows-based games such as Cyberpunk 2077, CO: Expedition 33, Black Myth: Wukong. To tackle this challenging task, the Legion Go 2 is equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor with integrated Radeon 890M graphics, paired with 32 GB of LPDDR5X-8000 RAM and an SSD with up to 2 TB of storage. The Legion Go 2 maintains its large screen size (8.8 inches), but replace more→s the IPS display with a visually more appealing OLED screen offering a resolution of 1920x1200 pixels, a 144 Hz refresh rate, VRR support, and VESA TrueBlack 1000 certification. The screen brightness reaches up to 500 nits, and its color gamut covers 97% of the DCI-P3 triangle, resulting in high contrast and rich color display. The controllers have been redesigned with improved ergonomics and Hall-effect joysticks to eliminate drift. Three programmable keys have been added, the D-Pad has been reworked, and the mouse mode is retained. The controllers are backward compatible with the previous model. Compared to the first generation, the battery capacity has been increased to 74 Wh, now supporting fast charging (65 W), providing a significantly longer battery life than the first generation. For connectivity, there are two USB-C ports (USB4, DisplayPort 2.0, Power Delivery 3.0), a microSD slot, a 3.5 mm audio jack, and a fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button. Like the original model, the Legion Go 2 is quite large and hefty: 920 g with controllers and 710 g without them.

The fresh modification of the portable console from Asus, released in 2025 as part of a collaboration with Microsoft on the "Everything Is Xbox" initiative. It is important to note that despite having Xbox in the name, this is not so much a portable version of Xbox as it is a rebranding of the original ROG Ally portable console. It runs on a customized version of Windows 11 with the Xbox Interface, supports all popular PC game stores (Steam, Epic, GOG, etc.), but it cannot run original Xbox games. This means it's not a direct replacement for Xbox but rather a new competitor for the Steam Deck, MSI Claw, and Lenovo Legion Go. Unlike the original Asus ROG Ally, the modified Asus ROG Xbox Ally more→is equipped with a new, more powerful AMD Ryzen Z2A processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD. The processor's performance is just slightly behind the previous flagship Z1 Extreme, allowing the console to run most modern games with demanding graphics at 1080p resolution with a frame rate of over 30 frames per second. A memory card slot will help offload memory if you have a rather large game library. As with its predecessors, most of the central panel is occupied by a high-quality 7-inch screen with a resolution of 1080p, a refresh rate of 120 Hz, and VRR support. The controls are also implemented through a pair of joysticks, four bumpers, and four main buttons ABXY. For external connections, there are USB4 and USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2) ports, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, as well as a wireless controller with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4. To avoid overwhelming the user with a complicated interface, designers have adapted the Windows 11 interface for a small touchscreen and simplified system management. Additionally, to boost performance, unnecessary system processes, web search, and the Copilot AI platform have been halted and hidden under the hood.

Platform: Windows 11; Screen ("): 8; Touch screen; Bluetooth; mini-Jack (3.5 mm); USB-C; Storage (GB): 1024; Memory card slot; Dimensions (mm): 126x300x24; Weight (kg): 0.77;

Platform: Windows 11; Screen ("): 8; Touch screen; Bluetooth; mini-Jack (3.5 mm); USB-C; Storage (GB): 512; Memory card slot; Dimensions (mm): 128x299x23; Weight (kg): 0.74;

Platform: SteamOS 3; Screen ("): 8; Touch screen; Bluetooth; mini-Jack (3.5 mm); USB-C; Storage (GB): 512; Memory card slot; Dimensions (mm): 128x299x23; Weight (kg): 0.74;

MSI Claw 8 AI+ is the flagship model of the line, designed for users who prioritize maximum performance and comfort in a portable format. The console features an 8-inch IPS display (1920x1200) with a 120Hz refresh rate, 500-nit brightness, and VRR support. The screen images appear sharp and smooth, with high contrast even in dynamic scenes. The device is based on the updated Intel Lunar Lake platform with a new processor and Intel Arc 140V graphics, capable of running Cyberpunk 2077, Doom: The Dark Ages, Expedition 33, and other demanding Windows-based games in 1080p resolution with medium graphics settings and a playable frame rate. However, it's important not to have excessively high expec more→tations, as it uses integrated graphics, requiring an upscaler and frame generation in many games. Along with the processor upgrade, MSI significantly increased the RAM from 16GB to 32GB and raised the maximum built-in storage capacity to 1024GB. If space runs out, users can still expand the available capacity with a memory card. The Windows 11 operating system with an adapted MSI Center M interface simplifies navigation and allows for instant switching between gaming and desktop modes. All key gaming services like Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store are supported, and when connected to a monitor, the Claw 8 AI+ turns into a full-fledged PC, maintaining the mobility and versatility of a portable console. The 80Wh battery ensures long-lasting autonomy, and the Cooler Boost HyperFlow cooling system keeps stable temperatures and reduces noise levels — the console remains cool and quiet even under maximum load. The MSI Claw 8 AI+ stands out with its sharp 8-inch display, enhanced RAM capacity, versatile storage options, and the ability to transition smoothly between gaming and PC modes, offering unparalleled performance and portability for demanding gamers.

The MSI Claw 7 AI+ is an updated version of the MSI Claw portable console, with a more powerful and modern setup on the Intel Lunar Lake platform, which stands out due to its high energy efficiency and the use of more powerful discrete GPUs from the Arc series. It is a direct competitor to other rising stars in the portable console market like the Valve Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go. At its core, the MSI Claw 7 AI+ sports an Intel processor with integrated Intel Arc graphics, supporting modern APIs and hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Together with a substantial 32 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a spacious 1024 GB SSD, the console ensures fast game launches and instant level loadin more→g. Power is supplied by a 53 Wh battery, allowing the Claw 7 AI+ to maintain moderate size and weight. Display output is handled by a classic IPS screen with a 7-inch diagonal, 1920x1080 resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, and substantial brightness, making it equally suitable for gaming on the go or lounging on the couch. Cooling is managed by the proprietary Cooler Boost HyperFlow system with dual fans and heat pipes, which keeps temperatures stable even during extended gaming sessions. Using the proprietary MSI Center M enhancement facilitates easy performance tuning and power management. The Windows 11 interface is adapted to the small touchscreen, and the console supports game installation from all popular stores, including Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG. When connected to a monitor or TV via USB4, the console transforms into a full-fledged mini-PC, suitable for gaming and multimedia. With an outstanding balance of portability, strength, and impressive hardware, the MSI Claw 7 AI+ becomes a go-to choice for gamers. Its energy efficiency, powerful integrated graphics, and high refresh rate screen significantly elevate the handheld gaming experience. The capability to double as a mini-PC via USB4 connection adds valuable versatility, enhancing its appeal to tech-savvy consumers.