CES 2025: Handheld Gaming Takes Center Stage
CES 2025 saw a flurry of exciting announcements, particularly in the handheld gaming arena. New consoles and accessories dominated the headlines, with a notable focus on expanding access to Steam's vast library.
Sony's Midnight Black PS5 Accessory Lineup
Sony expanded its popular Midnight Black PS5 collection with a stylish range of new accessories. These complement the existing DualSense controller and console covers, boasting a sophisticated black finish and subtle design accents.
The new additions include:
- DualSense Edge wireless controller - $199.99 USD
- PlayStation Elite wireless headset - $149.99 USD
- PlayStation Explore wireless earbuds - $199.99 USD
- PlayStation Portal remote player - $199.99 USD
Pre-orders begin January 16th, 2025, at 10 am local time, with general availability set for February 20th, 2025. Regional availability may vary; check with your local retailer.
Lenovo Legion Go S: SteamOS on the Go
Lenovo unveiled the Legion Go S, the world's first officially licensed SteamOS handheld. This exciting device, announced January 7th, 2025, boasts an 8-inch screen with VRR1 support, enhanced controllers, and hall-effect joysticks. Key features include cloud saves and remote play functionality for seamless PC integration.
Full access to the Steam ecosystem – your library, cloud, chat, and more – is built-in. System updates are handled directly through SteamOS. The SteamOS version launches in May 2025 at $499.99 USD, while a Windows version will arrive earlier in January, starting at $729.99 USD.
Valve also confirmed its work on expanding SteamOS compatibility to other handhelds, releasing a beta for broader testing.
Beyond the Handheld Hype
Other significant product launches at CES 2025 included Nvidia's RTX 50-series graphics cards and Acer's eco-friendly Aspire Vero 16 laptop. While rumors of a Nintendo Switch 2 appearance circulated, Nintendo itself remained silent, leaving the veracity of these reports uncertain. The show highlighted a clear trend towards innovative handheld gaming experiences, building upon the success of the Nintendo Switch.