Switch 2 and Switches
2025 saw a new but familiar console hit the market with the Switch 2, a bigger, stronger successor to the Switch. Switch 2 can play any game you could play on the original Switch, but offers improved graphics and performance, as well as select new games that can only be played on Switch 2. It has already burst onto the scene with a new exclusive Mario Kart and Donkey Kong, which are must-haves for many Switch 2 owners. The only major drawback to the Switch 2 right now is the price. Not only is the console more expensive than last generation, most new games are as well. If you are picking up the new Switch 2, keep reading to find our list of the top 15 Switch games to grab this Christmas! Although the Switch 2 is the new big thing, this might be the perfect time to consider an original Switch or Switch Lite. They are both considerably cheaper than a Switch 2, especially if you are okay with buying a used console.
The Switch is still being supported by many new games that can run on the older hardware. For example, the new Pokémon game that launched late this year was released for both Switch and Switch 2, with the big difference being a graphical upgrade for Switch 2 users. Thanks to the tight integration between Switch and Switch 2, if you have friends on Switch 2, you can still play together online without any issues. And if you eventually decide to upgrade to Switch 2, your existing Switch library will still be available on your new console.
So if you are not quite sold yet on Switch 2, or you are just not a big fan of Mario Kart or Donkey Kong, maybe this is the season to go bargain hunting on a used Switch.
Ps5 and Xbox
It is a weird time for PlayStation and Xbox, because both consoles are relatively old but still feel brand new for a lot of families. There are also rumors that the consoles may get major hardware upgrades in the next few years. PS5 and Xbox Series S and X still offer a lot of value to gamers, but the competition between the two is not what it used to be.
Most major multiplayer games now offer “cross-play,” which means you can play alongside your friends regardless of what console they are on. That means there is less pressure to get the same console as your friend group. There are also far fewer games released exclusively on one console (except for Switch), so there is less pressure to buy the system that has your one favorite game.
The biggest remaining differences between Xbox and PlayStation are these:
- Xbox offers Game Pass, a subscription service that lets you play hundreds of games for a monthly fee instead of buying each one individually.
- PlayStation still has some major exclusives, such as Spider-Man and Astro Bot.
Steamdeck and other Handheld PCs
A newer addition to the video game ecosystem is the Steam Deck and other handheld PCs. Although they look kind of like a Switch, these devices are actually small handheld computers that can fit in your bag (or in your pocket, if you have like giant cargo pant pockets).
The Steam Deck popularized this form factor and, for many, is the best value because it lets you play your existing Steam library on the go. These consoles are
great for anyone who wants to play on the go but wants something a little more heavy-duty than a Switch and is not concerned about the Nintendo exclusives that live only on Switch.
They are probably best for people who are already used to gaming on their PC and are looking for a way to take that existing library of games on the road. (Side note: I have heard really positive reviews from new parents who want to fit some gaming in around their crazy schedules.)
VR
Another major newer form of gaming has been virtual-reality headsets, promising a very immersive experience while playing games. VR still does not seem positioned to overtake traditional gaming, but it has definitely found its footing as a niche yet popular part of the video game landscape.
VR offers a lot of incredibly cool and immersive gaming experiences you really cannot find anywhere else. Some popular VR genres include party games, horror games, and rhythm games. A lot of people also use VR for fitness, gamifying their workout and giving in-game rewards for working up a sweat.
The option that is probably right for most families this holiday season is the Meta Quest 3 or 3S, which offer the core VR experiences in a relatively straightforward package. There are countless other VR options on the market, including super high-end enthusiast products that can easily get into the thousands. But if you are curious about VR, consider starting with the Meta Quest line.
Alternatively, for those who are already invested in the PlayStation ecosystem, PlayStation VR may be the right call thanks to its integration with existing PlayStation systems.
