Game of the Year Selection - CNET's top games of 2025 include Clare Obscure Expedition 33 and Donkey Kong Bonanza [1][2] - Clare Obscure Expedition 33 is a JRPG with innovative combat and a compelling story [1] - Donkey Kong Bonanza is a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive with broad appeal [2] Game Features - Clare Obscure Expedition 33 features faster, more fluid combat and a heartbreaking story with great act breaks [1] - Donkey Kong Bonanza involves partnering with Pauline on a musical adventure with unique problem-solving elements [3]

Game Industry Highlights of 2025 - Multiple platforms featured great titles, appealing to various gaming styles [1] - Editors from CNET, ZDNet, PC Meg, Lifehacker, and Mashable voted for the best games [2] - Donkey Kong Bonanza was awarded game of the year for its whimsical adventure and broad appeal [17][18] Game Reviews and Features - Hades 2 expands on the original's combat and roguelike structure with new additions like spellcrafting and deck building [3][4] - Split Fiction is a cooperative platformer requiring synchronized jumps and attacks [4] - Ghost of Yotay offers a gripping samurai ninja revenge tale with stunning visuals [6][7] - Silkong improves upon Hollow Knight with harder bosses and deadlier environments [8] - Death Stranding 2 features a strange story made believable by Hollywood actors, focusing on connecting America with Mexico and Australia [9][10] - Dispatch is a superhero adventure game with voice acting from Aaron Paul, Jeffrey Wright, and Laura Bailey [11][12] - Monster Hunter Wilds introduces weather as a major factor in hunting colossal giants [12][13] - Clare Obscure Expedition 33 is a turn-based RPG with a heartbreaking story and performances from Charlie Cox, Andy Circus, and Jennifer English [16] Honorable Mention - Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, launched in December, is considered a game of the year contender with its masterful maze-like planet and new psychic powers [19][20]

Console Performance & Pricing - PS5 Pro delivers 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, with some games reaching up to 120 frames per second [2] - The price of PS5 Pro is $750, plus an additional $80 for the disc drive attachment, totaling over $800 [3] PC Gaming & Alternatives - PC gaming offers access to a larger selection of games, often cheaper than on consoles, but requires a higher initial investment [5][6] - Valve's Steam Machine, launching next year, aims to simplify PC gaming [6] Handheld Gaming - ROG Xbox Ally X is favored for its extensive game library, but retails for $1,000 and can be buggy [7][8] - Switch 2 is the fastest-selling console, with over 350 万 (3.5 million) units sold worldwide since its summer release [9] - Steam Deck offers a cost-effective portable gaming solution, with the 256 GB LCD model at $400 and the 1 TB OLED model at $650 [12][13] Mobile Gaming - Mobile gaming is gaining traction with ports of top-tier titles like Death Stranding and Assassin's Creed Mirage [14] - Mobile platforms like Fortnite and Call of Duty: War Zone have millions of users [15]

Core Insights - Nintendo has increased its sales forecast for the Switch 2 gaming device to 19 million units for the financial year ending March 2026, up from a previous estimate of 15 million units [1] - The company also raised its full-year operating profit forecast by 16% to 370 billion yen ($2.45 billion) [1] - As of September-end, Nintendo has sold 10.3 million Switch 2 units, supported by popular game titles [2] Sales and Profitability - The operating profit ratio for the first half of the year was 13.2%, a decline from 23.2% in the same period the previous year [2] - The upcoming holiday shopping season is expected to be crucial for sales momentum, with key titles like "Pokemon Legends: Z-A" and "Kirby Air Riders" set to drive demand [3] Market Performance - Nintendo's shares closed down 0.8% ahead of the earnings release but have gained approximately 40% year-to-date [3]

Gaming Console Comparison: Key Considerations - The gaming industry focuses on game library as a crucial factor when comparing handheld consoles [2] - Industry analysis reveals the Switch 2 offers access to Nintendo's exclusive titles, while the Steam Deck provides a larger, more diverse gaming library [2][4][6] - The Steam Deck supports cloud-based gaming platforms and remote play, expanding its gaming options [6] Hardware and Design - The Switch 2 features a 79% in LCD display with 1080p resolution at 120 Hz, while the Steam Deck OLED has a 74% in OLED screen with 1280x800 resolution at 60 or 90 Hz [9] - The Switch 2 is lighter (534 g) and more compact than the Steam Deck OLED (640 g), enhancing portability [11] - The Steam Deck's ergonomic design and built-in back buttons offer a more comfortable gaming experience [13] Pricing and Storage - The Steam Deck offers multiple configurations, starting with a $400 LCD model (256 GB), and OLED models at $550 (512 GB) and $650 (1 TB) [15] - The Switch 2 has a single option: 256 GB internal storage with an LCD screen for $450 [15] - Both consoles support micro SD card expansion, but the Switch 2 requires pricier Micro SD Express cards [16] Battery Life and Accessories - The Switch 2 has a 5,220 mAh battery, offering 2 to 65 hours of gaming, while the Steam Deck OLED has a larger 6,470 mAh battery, lasting 3 to 12 hours [14] - The Switch 2 includes a dock for TV connectivity, while the Steam Deck requires separate purchase of cables or accessories [10] - The Steam Deck includes a carrying case, whereas the Switch 2 does not [13][14]