Handheld gaming has always been around, but lately it's been on a sharp upswing. With so many available handhelds these days, it can be difficult to pick just the right one, so we've compiled this quick list to help you select precisely what is right for you.
Table of contents
The best handheld gaming devices
Most capable - ROG Ally X
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Pros:
- Good performance in a small package.
- Lots of storage.
- Tons of versatility.
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Cons:
- Quite expensive.
- No OLED screen.
- Poor availability.
To kick things off, here we have perhaps the most powerful handheld gaming console available on the market. ASUS's longstanding ROG lineup of devices rarely disappoints, and the Ally X is one of their best offerings to date. This little beast packs a significant punch and proves, quite literally, that size really does not matter.
It is more or less a little PC running whatever version of Windows you wish to install on it. It's capable of running many games at a satisfying framerate, especially with upscalers like FSR 3.0, which enable it to play a wide array of titles. The device can also be used for emulation, making it a multipurpose handheld that allows you to enjoy both PC and console experiences.
The ROG Xbox Ally X is also on the way, the result of an Xbox-ASUS partnership. This new variant will significantly boost the Ally as a proper console and make it stand out among other handheld devices.
Best overall - Steam Deck OLED
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Pros:
- Exceptional Steam integration and OS.
- Fantastic OLED screen.
- Valve's verification system and optimization allow for smoother gameplay.
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Cons:
- Availability is sometimes questionable.
- Low resolution screen.
Valve has made many great things over the years, from Steam itself to its numerous industry-defining games. However, the Steam Deck is perhaps one of their best innovations to date, which has done so much to uplift Linux gaming and prove that games can and will run on just about anything if enough effort is made.
The Steam Deck, with Valve's active participation, runs on the exceptionally optimized, Linux-based Steam OS, which makes the device's battery unparalleled. Its resource utilization is almost exclusively meant for games, with little to no background processes running on the custom operating system. This means that games, those that Valve itself certifies, will run smoothly and without significant issues.
However, the drawback is that the device's hardware is starting to show its age. Upscaling technologies should ensure most games remain playable for the foreseeable future, but Valve should consider a proper Steam Deck 2 or other hardware upgrade to ensure longevity.
It can also emulate, just like the ROG Ally, and be repaired, tweaked, or otherwise customized to your heart's content.
Best console - Nintendo Switch 2
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Pros:
- Wide array of Nintendo games.
- Incredibly capable hardware.
- Fantastic design.
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Cons:
- Expensive.
- Nintendo's questionable pricing scheme makes it a massive investment for any owner, including those who already own Nintendo Switch games.
Whereas the top two devices are more or less smaller PCs, the second Nintendo Switch is anything but. The Japanese developer's latest console is also its greatest, running on customized Nvidia hardware and sporting a beautiful OLED display, which has proven more than capable of running even the most notoriously demanding titles, including Cyberpunk 2077.
Nintendo's extensive library of video games is also accessible without the need for any emulation, making the Switch 2 the ultimate Nintendo gaming device. However, this comes at a massive cost as the Nintendo Switch 2 has questionable pricing that demands payment even for the most mundane things, from online multiplayer to game upgrades to the new $80 price tag on upcoming releases.
However, for fans of Nintendo, this is the ultimate handheld that can and will provide endless use and fun via the massive Nintendo game library. FromSoftware is making a Switch 2-exclusive game as well, directed by Miyazaki himself, so fans of the company should keep that in mind.
Best for retro gaming - Analogue Pocket
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Pros:
- Fantastic retro feel.
- New tech that retains classic designs.
- Wide cartridge compatibility.
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Cons:
- Requires game cartridges to function, which can be difficult to obtain.
- Certain cartridges cannot be used without adapters.
While emulation is one of the easiest ways to experience classic games in 2025, playing stuff directly from a cartridge is simply better. The Analogue Pocket can do precisely that, with the downside of your having to actually obtain original game cartridges of whatever it is you wish to play.
Thankfully, the Analogue Pocket itself is quite cheap compared to the average handheld these days, meaning that a lot is left in your budget to go out and scout for cartridges. Keep in mind, though, that cartridges from certain manufacturers (Neo Geo, Sega Game Clear, etc.) require special adapters, though there are more than enough games you can play without them.
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