The Stuff Gadget Awards 2025: our gaming hardware of the year

2025 proved to be a landmark year for games consoles and other gaming hardware, packed with genuine innovations rather than incremental upgrades.

Handheld gaming exploded with new possibilities as SteamOS opened up to third-party manufacturers, resulting in seriously capable portable PCs that gave the original Steam Deck some proper competition. Meanwhile, Sony doubled down on power with the PS5 Pro, delivering AI-enhanced upscaling and significantly improved visual fidelity.

Fight sticks and lever-free controllers reached new heights too, with major manufacturers validating the all-button designs that competitive players have been championing for years. Genuine Sanwa Denshi components became more accessible, bringing authentic arcade experiences into living rooms. PC gaming accessories evolved alongside the games themselves, with OLED monitors hitting 4K at 240Hz and gaming mice shaving precious milliseconds off response times through improved wireless tech.

The retro scene flourished as well, with devices like the Evercade Alpha proving there’s still massive appetite for classic gaming experiences.

Ready to see which consoles, accessories and peripherals rose to the top? Here are the gaming hardware champions of 2025.

Check out all this year’s Stuff Gadget Awards winners

Gaming hardware of the year: Nintendo Switch 2

The original Switch revolutionised portable gaming in 2017, and whilst the sequel feels more evolutionary, for us its cumulative improvements make it the company’s best bit of hardware yet. The expanded 7.9in screen delivers 1080p handheld gaming for the first time, complemented by 120Hz refresh support for slick high-framerate experiences. There’s HDR capability and vastly improved speakers too.

The return to LCD for the Switch 2 will disappoint some Switch OLED devotees, but its superior brightness proves more valuable for outdoor play, whilst Nvidia’s DLSS upscaling finally brings 4K output when the console is docked. Redesigned magnetic Joy-Cons attach more securely and backwards compatibility (for both physical cartridges and digital purchases) protects your existing library. Built-in microphone support enables GameChat functionality without a headset, too.

It’s Nintendo’s most expensive console launch ever, yet the beefy power increase means ports of Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077 can run convincingly. The formula hasn’t really changed, but refinements across the board add up to Nintendo’s most capable handheld experience to date.

Highly commended

Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS

The Steam Deck was a game-changer, but time hasn’t been kind to its hardware. Instead of making its own sequel, the company has handed SteamOS to partners, with the Lenovo Legion Go S being one of the first resulting consoles.

This machine delivers the modern boost the ecosystem required, packing newer processors and up to 32GB of RAM. The performance uplift means compatible titles run with newfound confidence, and you’ll have a better time getting them to fire up smoothly. Its larger 8in 16:10 display and standard gamepad layout make for a far more intuitive experience than the Deck’s awkward button placements, too.

The screen is LCD rather than OLED, and the device is a little heavier due to the display’s size, but compensation comes via higher resolution and a slick 120Hz refresh rate. The Go S is the perfect evolution of the handheld PC, blending the best OS with the best available performance.

MSI Claw 8 AI+

What a difference a year makes. MSI’s first foray into handheld gaming was plagued with performance issues and dismal battery life, but the Claw 8 AI+ addresses almost every problem while adding worthwhile upgrades.

The expanded 8in screen provides more display real estate, while Intel’s XeSS upscaling technology gives Nvidia’s DLSS and AMD’s FSR real competition in supported games. An AI engine automatically optimises system requirements in real-time, eliminating tinkering so that you can focus on fragging.

Endurance mode extends battery life by switching to absurdly low wattages – making most games into slideshows, admittedly, but it’s an interesting option. Despite weighing just under 800g (making this one of the heaviest handhelds available), the comfortable grips and programmable back buttons ensure solid ergonomics, while two fans keep the system cool and quiet even at full power.

After a rough start, MSI has clawed (pun intended) its way back into handheld contention.

Also shortlisted

PS5 Pro, Evercade Alpha

Console gaming accessory of the year: Victrix Pro FS

Recreating authentic arcade experiences at home requires tournament-grade hardware, and nothing currently available surpasses this premium fight stick. The aluminium construction feels appropriately cold and professional, housing genuine Sanwa Denshi components identical to those in Japanese arcade cabinets. These industry-standard levers and buttons deliver close-to-zero input latency whilst withstanding hundreds of hours’ punishment. The 3m braided USB-C cable sidesteps wireless lag concerns, whilst customisable LED lighting provides personalisation without gaudy excess. Prongs on the rear facilitate cable management, usefully doubling as carrying handles for what is a very weighty peripheral.

All this comes at considerable cost, but we think dedicated players in search of uncompromising performance can probably justify the outlay. Where cheaper alternatives cut corners, the Victrix Pro FS maintains relentless focus on competitive excellence. For fighting game enthusiasts prepared to make a serious financial commitment, it’s the ultimate arcade stick, worthy of championship-level play.

Highly commended

Belkin Gaming Nintendo Switch 2 Charger Case

Much as we love the Switch 2, its battery endurance remains disappointingly modest; for marathon sessions, you’re going to need a little help. Belkin’s charging case fits the bill perfectly. Its integrated 10,000mAh power bank provides around 1.5 full charges for the console, with an LCD screen displaying its own remaining capacity. Crucially, the flexible cable plugs into the console’s USB-C port whilst the case remains closed, enabling charge-and-play convenience in a standard travel case form factor.

Hard-shell construction protects the Switch 2 during transport, complemented by mesh pouches for cable storage, a hidden AirTag pocket and stitched game card slots. Thoughtfully, Belkin includes foam inserts accommodating original Switch and Switch OLED models, extending utility to existing owners.

At £50 it represents sensible investment, especially given the Switch 2’s pricey nature. For travellers demanding both protection and extended playtime, this dual-purpose accessory solves two problems simultaneously, all without excessive bulk or complexity.

Razer Kitsune

While traditional arcade sticks dominate fighting game peripherals, some players are instead moving to stick-free, all-button controllers. Razer’s Kitsune represents major manufacturer validation of this emerging format, replacing conventional joysticks with directional buttons that use lightning-fast optical switches. Its oversized jump button mimics keyboard spacebar placement, whilst attack inputs maintain familiar arcade spacing. Competitive players claim this configuration enables greater consistency in their movement inputs, which is particularly valuable for technically demanding special moves and combos.

The controller’s trim profile keeps transport and storage simple, while customisable RGB lighting adds some tasteful, understated visual flair. For us, the considerable asking price is the main drawback, particularly given limited button expansion compared to specialist alternatives offering additional customisation.

Still, for serious fighting game enthusiasts seeking an off-the-shelf leverless solution from a big-name gaming gear maker, the Kitsune delivers professional-grade performance in a remarkably easy-to-carry package.

Also shortlisted

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, Samsung microSD Express Card 256GB

PC gaming accessory of the year: Razer Deathadder V4 Pro

Finding the perfect gaming mouse feels impossible – then when one finally fits, you’ll stick with it until it falls aparts from overuse. The Deathadder has earned legendary status because its ergonomic shape feels moulded to your hand, and this fourth Pro iteration represents its ultimate evolution. Razer’s accomplished something remarkable: making an already brilliant mouse even better without touching that sacred form factor.

The improvements astound. New Hyperspeed Wireless Gen-2 technology delivers 0.291ms average latency at 8000Hz polling – 60% faster than previous versions, and demolishing competition. Its weight drops to just 56g despite sturdier recycled plastic construction, whilst larger feet create effortless glide. Battery endurance extends dramatically, and redesigned side buttons practically eliminate accidental misclicks.

It’s far from cheap, yet we think the enhancements justify every penny. When a gaming peripheral achieves this refinement – faster, lighter, longer-lasting whilst maintaining the comfort that made it iconic – you’re witnessing genuine excellence.

Highly commended

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF

Samsung’s 27in gaming monitor is compact enough to sit on smaller desks, but offers a native resolution (4K) and maximum refresh rate (240Hz) that’ll keep the most demanding of esports gamers content. Not that the design goes heavy on “gamer-coded” neon RGB or bold styling flourishes. The monitor’s shapes and colours tasteful and remarkably understated, although a glance is enough to tell you that this is a premium piece of hardware.

That’s not to say it comes equipped with every bell and whistle going. There are no speakers, for instance. There is room for one intriguing and potentially cost-saving feature: a heat pipe cooling system that Samsung says will reduce screen burn.

The OLED image quality is stunning, not just thanks to the aforementioned pixel count and motion speed but the vibrant colours and glare-free coating. You’ll need a powerful PC to make the most of it, of course.