Highlights and Lowlights from CES 2025: Gaming Innovations
While CES is not traditionally known for its major gaming announcements—typically reserved for summer and winter showcases—it feels like a pivotal moment for the gaming industry after a recent week spent in Las Vegas. A refreshing wave of innovation is emerging, particularly from smaller creators aiming to enhance our gaming experiences. However, there’s also a creeping trend of unnecessary AI integrations that could distract from genuine enjoyment. Here’s a rundown of four standout gaming products and three that left much to be desired from CES 2025.
Favorite: MCON MagSafe Phone Controller
Mobile gaming has endless potential, and we’ve moved far beyond simplistic titles like Candy Crush. Modern smartphones are powerful enough to support console-level games, yet many mobile releases still suffer due to a lack of physical controls, leading developers to make compromises.
Enter Josh King, a 20-year-old innovator who gained attention last year with his video unveiling the MCON controller. This device, which utilizes MagSafe technology, transforms your phone into a gaming machine reminiscent of a Nintendo DS. Unlike other mobile controllers that force you to remove your phone case, the MCON connects effortlessly, similar to attaching a MagSafe charger.
The design truly impresses with a complete control layout, robust magnetic connection, and a straightforward setup—simply snap it onto the device and unfold the hidden controls. Notably, the MCON is versatile enough to work with MagSafe adapters for non-iPhone devices.
Currently being refined in collaboration with the accessory brand Ohsnap, eager gamers can already secure their MCON through a Kickstarter campaign, with pre-orders starting at $99. This gadget unquestionably elevates the gaming capability of smartphones.
Least Favorite: Razer Project Ava AI Esports Coach
This year, Razer introduced two innovative concepts, one of which is Project Ava. Unfortunately, this AI-driven esports coach is more annoying than helpful.
For those unfamiliar, “backseating” is a common occurrence in streaming where viewers offer unsolicited advice to players in real-time. While many streamers actively discourage this, Ava aims to be a backseat gamer for everyone.
Ava observes gameplay and provides suggestions, often interrupting with advice that overlays the game’s audio. Although touted as a helpful assistant, it raises questions about the source of Ava’s tips and the overall distraction it could cause.
For instance, in challenging games like Dark Souls, subtle cues from developers guide players through the experience. If one becomes reliant on a voice AI like Ava, it undermines those intuitions and could improve skills less effectively.
In multiplayer settings, the thrill of exploration and discovery might fade when an AI fills the role of advisor. If Ava takes away the sense of agency, are players merely inputs in a guided process? While there’s room for guides and writing help, the in-game intrusion of advice could interfere with genuine enjoyment.
Favorite: Lenovo Legion Go S Introduces SteamOS to New Handhelds
Valve’s Steam Deck marked a revolutionary step in portable gaming, allowing greater flexibility compared to other consoles. A significant aspect of its appeal lies in SteamOS, which affords seamless access to games and settings.
Attempts by other brands to replicate this experience, such as the Asus ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion Go, reliant on Windows, didn’t quite deliver the same fluidity, making gaming less enjoyable despite their technical advancements.
Thus, the Lenovo Legion Go S announcement is exhilarating. This device will be the first handheld to run SteamOS that isn’t made by Valve. Initially slated for a Windows version, it will also offer the beloved SteamOS option as of May. Early indications suggest that it provides specs that slightly outstrip those of the Steam Deck, with a starting price of $500—lower than that of the Steam Deck OLED—making it an enticing prospect for gamers.
Least Favorite: The PUBG Ally Introduces Bots in Multiplayer
Nvidia has plans to enhance gaming experiences with the introduction of AI in PUBG, collaborating with Krafton to develop “co-playable characters.” In essence, players will have support from bots during gameplay, but this raises significant concerns.
While having a bot could function well in single-player gaming, and might evolve gameplay similarly to previous titles like Star Wars: Republic Commando, its integration into multiplayer settings feels problematic.
One might wonder about the proficiency of these bots: will they have an unfair advantage? And how will player satisfaction be affected when victories are partly orchestrated by artificial intelligence? If robotic allies dominate gameplay, the thrill of competition could fade rapidly.
Ultimately, finding equilibrium in these AI interactions remains a challenge. Winning against a fellow human often brings satisfaction; if bots dilute this challenge, what’s the incentive to engage in multiplayer battles?
Favorite: The Razer Project Arielle Revolutionizes Gaming Chairs
Razer’s Project Arielle showcases the firm’s innovative approach to gaming chairs. By combining their existing Fujin Pro gaming chair with integrated temperature control, this design provides both heating and cooling functionalities.
This initially seemed like a gimmick, yet during CES, it proved to be a refreshing respite, especially transitioning between the icy media room and the busy show floor.
While traditional heaters or fans can offer some comfort, having adjustable climate control embedded within the chair delivers a more targeted and effective experience. After spending hours in the fluctuating temperatures of Las Vegas, the desire to bring this chair back home becomes increasingly tempting. It’s hoped that Razer will develop this concept into a market-ready product as they did with their haptic cushion from last year.
Least Favorite: Nvidia RTX Neural Faces as an AI Yassification Filter
The Last of Us Part II and Horizon Zero Dawn fans, among others, may find themselves inundated with photoshopped images of characters from these beloved games, portraying them as though they’ve just walked out of a beauty tutorial. This trend, dubbed “yassification,” seems to have caught the attention of Nvidia, who has unveiled the RTX Neural Faces feature, resembling an AI filter.
This feature aims to enhance the realism of NPCs by utilizing AI to improve their appearances through better lighting, skin textures, and hairstyles—particularly noticeable from unconventional angles. However, it often overrides the artistic choices of developers with a mismatch of what constitutes “natural”.
A demonstration showed an NPC transformed to the point of altered bone structure and enhanced cosmetics. While this may appeal to certain gamers, it fundamentally disregards the creators’ original vision and would likely seem out of place for numerous iconic characters.
Favorite: Acer Nitro Blaze 11 Stands Out in the Handheld Market
Distinct from its competitors, the Acer Nitro Blaze 11 is notably hefty, making it one of the most substantial gaming handhelds available. This design might not be the most portable, but it certainly offers a delightfully expansive gaming experience.
This device boasts remarkable specifications and features a brilliant 11-inch display with a resolution of 2560 by 1600. It’s bright, equipped with a robust kickstand, and easily supports up to 120 frames per second, all while maintaining a weight of just 2.3 pounds—only slightly heavier than the Steam Deck while still comparable to a laptop.
Additionally, the Nitro Blaze 11 has detachable controllers akin to those of the Nintendo Switch, but its sizeable screen enhances its use in kickstand mode. While this device may not fit a more convenient lifestyle, it encapsulates the essence of gaming for those with a passion for immersive experiences.
