Gaming
Handhelds, VR and controllers that gaming YouTube and TikTok can’t stop talking about, with what each one actually needs to work.
Photo: Kamil Switalski on Unsplash
Filter by age or price, or search for a console.
Gaming · Nintendo
Nintendo's hybrid console: play on the TV or take it with you, with a bigger screen than the original Switch.
Launched June 2025 and still one of the most-wanted gifts. Bundles and new games keep it trending.
Heads-up: Most original Switch games work on it, but check individual titles. Some physical games are "key cards" that download the game.
Illustrative photo: Kamil Switalski on Unsplash
Gaming · Valve
A handheld gaming PC that plays your Steam library on the go.
Still the benchmark every new PC handheld is compared to on YouTube.
Heads-up: Not every PC game runs well: check Valve's "Steam Deck Verified" rating for the games you care about.
Illustrative photo: Branden Skeli on Unsplash
Gaming · Meta
A standalone VR and mixed-reality headset: no PC or console needed.
The most affordable way into VR fitness, games and "VR fails" content.
Heads-up: Needs a Meta account; younger users need a parent-managed account. Clear a safe play space first.
Illustrative photo: Remy Gieling on Unsplash
Gaming · Sony
A handheld screen with built-in DualSense controls that streams games from your PS5 or the cloud.
Lets PS5 owners play while someone else uses the TV.
Heads-up: It isn't a standalone console: you need a PS5 (or PlayStation Plus cloud streaming where offered) and strong Wi-Fi.
Illustrative photo: Adrià García Sarceda on Unsplash
Gaming · Backbone
A controller that clips around your phone and turns it into a handheld console.
A popular way to play mobile, cloud and console-streamed games with proper buttons.
Heads-up: Buy the version that matches your phone's port (USB-C or Lightning) and check it fits with your case.
Illustrative photo: Eugene Chystiakov on Unsplash
Gaming · Anbernic, Miyoo and others
Pocket-sized handhelds styled like classic Game Boys, for older games.
Retro handheld reviews are a booming YouTube niche, and nostalgia sells.
Heads-up: Only play games you own the rights to: downloading copyrighted ROMs you don't own isn't legal in most countries.
Illustrative photo: Jesper Brouwers on Unsplash
Gaming · ASUS × Xbox
A Windows gaming handheld with an Xbox-style full-screen interface, launched in October 2025.
Xbox’s first big step into handhelds made it one of the most-watched hardware launches for gamers.
Heads-up: There are two models at very different prices. Battery life in demanding games is short, as with most PC handhelds.
Illustrative photo: Javier Martínez on Unsplash
Gaming · Sony
The more powerful PS5 for sharper graphics and smoother frame rates in supported games.
A favourite comparison topic on gaming YouTube: is the Pro worth it over a standard PS5?
Heads-up: The disc drive is sold separately. Most of the benefit shows on a 4K TV; on a 1080p screen the standard PS5 is better value.
Illustrative photo: Nik on Unsplash
Gaming · SteelSeries, Razer, HyperX and others
Comfortable headsets with a mic for chatting with friends while gaming.
A perennial best-seller and one of the safest gifts for any gamer.
Heads-up: Check it supports your console (PlayStation, Xbox and Switch differ). For kids, look for volume limits.
Illustrative photo: Fredrick Tendong on Unsplash
Gaming · Bandai
The pocket virtual pet is back, with new models and collector editions.
90s and Y2K nostalgia plus keyring culture made Tamagotchis a TikTok favourite again.
Heads-up: There are many versions with different features; check which one you’re buying, and beware of fakes on marketplaces.
Illustrative photo: Jenny Dabon on Unsplash
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Prices change constantly, so we never list them here: “Check today's price” opens a live retailer search. Photos are illustrative and may not show the exact model. We may earn a commission from some links, at no extra cost to you. How we make money.
| Device | What it plays | What it needs |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Nintendo games, most original Switch games | Nothing else: plays on the go or on the TV |
| Steam Deck OLED | Your Steam (PC) library | A Steam account; check “Deck Verified” games |
| PlayStation Portal | Streams games from a PS5 (and cloud streaming where offered) | A PS5 and strong Wi-Fi |
| Meta Quest 3S | VR and mixed-reality games and apps | A Meta account and a clear play space |
| Phone controllers | Mobile, cloud and remote-play games | The right connector for your phone |
Last updated: 14 October 2026
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