Top Gaming Gear You Can’t Miss in 2024!

This has been a stellar year for gaming hardware, with an abundance of remarkable and innovative technology debuting in 2024. For fortunate Australians, it was finally the moment to engage with the Steam Deck, and there were additionally a myriad of new gaming handhelds to delve into, possibly capturing hearts along the way.

In addition to these, we had a selection of robust laptops and desktops to evaluate, alongside a collection of clever controllers, headsets, earbuds, and more. Among the crowd, there were some significant highlights – and thus, for the first time, GamesHub is wrapping up the year with a tribute to gaming hardware.

Here is a compilation of the finest gaming technology we assessed this year, and the reasons behind our admiration.

Steam Deck OLED

The Steam Deck OLED has dramatically altered my gaming habits this year – and I could not be more satisfied. While I’ve experimented with numerous handheld gaming devices, this one has emerged as the definitive favorite in my perspective, due to a variety of reasons. To start with, there’s the battery. When playing a smaller game like Dave the Diver or several indie games, you can generally expect about 4-5 hours of battery life, which is significantly superior to most other portable devices. Moreover, the OLED display contributes to its appeal. It’s sharp, luminous, sizable, and delightful.

Read: Steam Deck OLED review – An Australian viewpoint

Possibly my most cherished aspect is the quick resume feature. If you’re okay with the device consuming a bit of energy in standby mode, it’s ready and awaiting your command whenever you want to play. I absolutely appreciate that I can keep the console plugged in, spontaneously decide to indulge in gaming, and moments later, I’m initiating a new (or revisiting) quest. It’s incredibly good equipment. – Leah J. Williams

Macbook Pro (2024)

This MacBook has been my central device for the majority of the year, and I must express how immensely satisfied I am with its performance. Whether tackling a more demanding game like Death Stranding, or leisurely enjoying a visual novel or two, it performed outstandingly with these titles.

My primary approach to testing has been unorthodox, yet I can happily confirm that not only does the “Game Mode” enhance the experience, this remarkable machine is adept at running The Sims 4 with every single expansion, stuff pack, game pack, and kit available – and does so exceptionally well. Given that most devices turn into a roaring space station under similar conditions, I have been thoroughly astounded. – Steph Panecasio

Backbone One Controller

After some time, 2024 became the year I immersed myself in mobile gaming. A mix of Apple Arcade titles such as Hello Kitty Island Adventure, Sonic Dream Team, and What the Car?, along with free games like Twisted-Wonderland and Pokemon TCG Pocket, officially transformed me into a Regular Mobile Gamer. The Backbone One Controller was crucial to my experience.

Read: Backbone One (2nd Gen) review – A genuine game changer

It’s an incredibly handy device. You simply connect it to your phone’s charging port, and voila – a controller for all your portable gaming desires. Its design is satisfying, thoughtfully arranged, and ergonomic, making it easy to game while on the move. After using Xbox and PlayStation controllers for mobile games, I found the Backbone One to be the most practical solution. – Leah J. Williams

SteelSeries GameBuds

The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are impressive, gaming-oriented earbuds that fulfill nearly all of my expectations. Firstly, they are exceptionally lightweight and cozy, neatly fitting into a stylish case that meets the “aesthetics” requirement. Moreover, the GameBuds deliver outstanding audio quality, producing a clear and multi-layered 3D sound environment while gaming, offering a clearer perspective of your position in the gaming realm.

Read: SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds review – Remarkable achievement

When it comes to high-quality gaming earbuds and headsets, the focus is on crafting a sense of place through sound, necessitating equipment that can isolate distinct sounds, contributing to an overall realistic experience. Naturally, for a horror title like Alan Wake 2, these earbuds amplify the terrifying atmosphere – but that’s the objective. – Leah J. Williams

PlayStation Portal

Whether you’re sharing a television, going away for a weekend, or simply wish to make gaming in bed more convenient, the PlayStation Portal proves to be an extremely useful enhancement to your gaming setup. Featuring a stylish aesthetic, sharp display, and impressive battery longevity, this gadget was a game changer when I sought to play during the evenings while my former partner occupied the television, particularly when I had a review deadline to meet.

Read: One month with the PlayStation Portal

Despite my initial concerns regarding the angle of the display, I have increasingly found it to be one of my go-to gadgets since my review earlier this year. Remote Play can be hit or miss, but in terms of performance, I’ve discovered the Portal to be remarkably dependable. – Steph Panecasio

LG UltraGear Monitor

If you’ve ever wished to experience the sensation of commanding a battleship, I highly suggest utilizing the LG UltraGear 45-inch OLED Curved Gaming Monitor for your gaming sessions. This display is simply remarkable – I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with it in 2024. While playing The Sims 4, I managed to observe every intricate detail of my mansion. The Plucky Squire appeared stunning and lively on the expansive screen. While I anticipated some initial challenges, I found the UltraGear to be exceptionally user-friendly, and the curve never posed a significant obstacle.

Read: LG UltraGear 45″ OLED Curved Gaming Monitor – Review

Instead, it enabled me to engage more closely with the gaming experience while allowing for a comprehensive view of my workday, with numerous tabs and windows open simultaneously. It felt as if I were the sovereign of my tasks, orchestrating articles on a magnificent screen that exuded majesty and significance effortlessly. In all honesty, I lack the room for a monitor of this quality, yet it was undeniably impressive during its time in my setup and has left a memorable impact. – Leah J. Williams

ASUS ROG G22CH

Experiencing the Asus ROG G22CH Gaming Desktop this year was a true pleasure. It’s been quite some time since I owned a gaming desktop, and back then, they definitely weren’t as compact or powerful as this particular model. Accepting the opportunity to review the device was enlightening; upon unboxing, I discovered a petite, streamlined chassis filled with robust capabilities. While I typically don’t miss review units once they’ve left, this desktop’s compactness and explosive performance made me feel a little enamored.

Read: Asus ROG G22CH Gaming Desktop – Review

I believe the G22CH is somewhat overpriced at approximately AUD $4,599; however, it frequently goes on sale for a more affordable price. Moreover, in the realm of PCs, paying a premium often equates to higher quality. This specific desktop made its case in my opinion and established a high standard for other desktops that came my way. – Leah J. Williams