Technology

Handheld gaming systems are having a significant moment, with the best gaming handhelds offering a range of options for every type of gamer. While gaming on the go has been popular since the days of the Game Boy, the success of the Nintendo Switch and the rapid advancement of processors have sparked a boom in portable gaming devices. Now, you can find handhelds that let you play all kinds of games wherever you are. But with new models popping up seemingly every week, it can be tricky to figure out which one is best for you. You already know the Switch is a solid choice, but depending on what you’re looking to play, the perfect handheld for you could range from a budget-friendly $100 emulator to a high-end $700 portable PC.

The options can be overwhelming, but don’t worry. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top handheld gaming devices to help you navigate the crowded market and find the best fit for your gaming needs.

What are Handheld Gaming Consoles?

Handheld gaming consoles are portable devices designed specifically for playing games on the go. They typically feature a built-in screen, controls, and a processor, allowing users to play a wide range of games without the need for a separate console or PC. Handheld gaming consoles have become increasingly popular, with many gamers opting for these devices as a convenient and affordable way to play games.

Best Handheld Gaming PC for Most: Steam Deck

Steam Deck OLED Specifications

Display: 7.4-inch HDR OLED, 1,280 x 800 resolution, 1,000 nits peak HDR brightness, 600 nits SDR brightness, up to 90Hz

Processor: Custom 6nm AMD APU

RAM: 16GB LPDDR5 (6400 MT/s)

Storage: 512GB, 1TB SSD

Battery: 50Whr

Dimensions: 11.73 x 4.6 x 1.93 inches

Weight: 1.41 pounds

Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3

OS: SteamOS

Steam Deck LCD Specifications

Display: 7-inch IPS, 1,280 x 800 resolution, 400 nits brightness, 60Hz

Processor: Custom 7nm AMD APU

RAM: 16GB LPDDR5 (5500 MT/s)

Storage: 256GB SSD

Battery: 40Whr

Dimensions: 11.73 x 4.6 x 1.93 inches

Weight: 1.48 pounds

Wireless: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0

OS: SteamOS

Why is the Steam Deck the Best for Most Gamers?

Improved Display with the OLED Model

The Steam Deck OLED is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering a larger, more vibrant 7.4-inch OLED display with HDR support and enhanced brightness (up to 1,000 nits). The screen also has a 90Hz refresh rate, which improves the smoothness of gameplay. These display features make a noticeable difference, especially when compared to the 7-inch IPS panel of the LCD model, giving you more profound contrast, more vivid colors, and faster response times.

Battery Life and Performance Enhancements

The OLED model also brings improved battery life thanks to a more efficient AMD APU, a larger 50Whr battery, and a less power-hungry OLED screen. Valve claims the OLED Deck can last between 3 to 12 hours, depending on the game, which is an improvement over the 2 to 8 hours of the LCD model. A larger fan keeps the device cooler and quieter, contributing to a more comfortable gaming experience during long sessions.

Price and Value Comparison

While the OLED model offers many upgrades, its price starts at $549, which may be a significant investment for some, but it remains one of the best handheld gaming console options available. However, the Steam Deck LCD remains an excellent budget option at $399, with 256GB of storage and the same impressive performance. Both versions allow you to play demanding PC games that are beyond the reach of other handhelds, like Elden Ring, Final Fantasy VII Remake, and the Resident Evil 4 remake.

Gaming Performance and SteamOS Flexibility

Wide Range of Supported Games

The Steam Deck is a powerhouse in terms of game support. It can run many impossible AAA titles on consoles like the Nintendo Switch. While official game support is focused on a portion of the Steam library, Valve constantly updates the list of verified and playable titles, so it’s continually expanding.

User-Friendly Interface with SteamOS

SteamOS is a flexible and user-friendly platform, with frequent updates improving performance and functionality. It may occasionally require minor tweaks to optimize specific games, but the process is straightforward. Moreover, with third-party tools like EmuDeck, the Deck excels at emulation, allowing you to play everything from retro games to more modern titles like PS2 and GameCube games.

Cloud Gaming and Other Platforms

In addition to Steam games, with a bit of setup, you can use the Steam Deck to stream games from Xbox cloud gaming and even access games from other PC platforms. This flexibility makes it one of the most versatile gaming handhelds on the market.

Ergonomics, Design, and Downsides

Bulk and Size Considerations

The Steam Deck’s size is its most significant downside. It’s nearly a foot long and two inches thick, which stretches the definition of a “handheld” gaming device. Although the OLED version is slightly lighter, both versions are still bulky, and the LCD model can get warm and noisy during extended gameplay.

Comfortable Design and Responsive Controls

Despite its size, the contoured grips and thoughtful button layout make it comfortable to hold. The device feels sturdy and well-built, with responsive face buttons, triggers, and smooth joysticks. The inclusion of dual touchpads adds another layer of control, enhancing precision in certain games.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Powerful enough to play modern PC games

User-friendly interface with frequent updates

Vivid OLED display (in the OLED model)

LCD model offers excellent value for budget-conscious gamers

Superb emulation performance for retro games

Cloud streaming and compatibility with other gaming platforms

Cons

Bulky design can be unwieldy for some users

Limited support for certain Steam games and other PC game clients

LCD models can get warm and noisy during long sessions

Best Windows Alternative: ASUS ROG Ally X

Specifications

Display: 7-inch IPS, 1080p resolution, 500 nits brightness, 120Hz, VRR

Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme

RAM: 24GB LPDDR5 (7500 MT/s)

Storage: 1TB SSD

Battery: 80Whr

Dimensions: 11.02 x 4.37 x 0.97-1.45 inches

Weight: 1.49 pounds

Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2

OS: Windows 11

A High-Powered Steam Deck Alternative

If you’re looking for more performance and flexibility in Windows, the ASUS ROG Ally X is currently one of the best handheld gaming PCs on the market. This upgraded version of the ROG Ally offers significant improvements to Valve’s Steam Deck but at a higher cost, starting at $699. It packs more RAM, double the storage, a larger battery, improved ergonomics, and an additional USB-C port, making it a more robust device for serious gamers.

Performance and Power: Better for AAA Games

The ROG Ally X stands out for its AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, which, combined with 24GB of RAM, gives it more consistent performance when playing graphically intense, modern AAA games. The Turbo mode boosts power to 25W or 30W when plugged in (compared to the Steam Deck’s 15W max). Depending on the game, this results in 5-10% better performance, giving you smoother frame rates and a bit more future-proofing.

Display: Sharper and Faster with VRR

The 7-inch 1080p display on the Ally X is sharper and faster than the Steam Deck’s, with a 120Hz refresh rate and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support. This ensures smoother gameplay, even when frame rates dip, which is a significant advantage over the Steam Deck’s 60Hz screen. While the OLED display on the Steam Deck is more vivid, the Ally X’s 1080p resolution offers better clarity, especially for fast-paced games.

Windows Flexibility: Access All Your Game Libraries

One of the ROG Ally X’s most significant selling points is its Windows 11 operating system, which allows you to play games from any PC gaming client. Whether you have games on Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Game Pass, GOG, or others, Ally X lets you access them without needing workarounds. This flexibility is ideal for players who don’t want to be restricted to a single game store, especially if you have a large library across multiple platforms.

Downsides: Windows Isn’t Perfect for Handhelds

However, Windows is also the Ally X’s Achilles’ heel. While ASUS’s Armoury Crate app is a game launcher and settings hub, it’s still a workaround for an OS not designed for handheld gaming. Navigating Windows with a controller can be frustrating, sleep mode can be unreliable, and you might find yourself fiddling with settings more often than you’d like.

Additionally, the device comes pre-installed with Windows bloat, such as printer drivers and ads for Office 365, which are unnecessary on a gaming handheld. In contrast, SteamOS on the Steam Deck offers a much more seamless, user-friendly experience.

Battery Life and Ergonomics

The Ally X’s battery life is better than that of the first ROG Ally, but it’s still a notch below the Steam Deck. Expect about 2-2.5 hours when playing demanding games, though less intensive titles can stretch that further. The larger 80Whr battery and improved ergonomics, including more pronounced grips and better joystick and trigger feel, make the device more comfortable for longer gaming sessions. While heavy at 1.49 pounds, the thinner build means it fits better in larger hands than the bulky Steam Deck.

Pros and Cons

Pros

More powerful than the Steam Deck, especially for AAA games

1080p 120Hz display with VRR ensures smooth gameplay

Works with any Windows gaming client, including Epic, Xbox, and GOG

Improved ergonomics and build quality

Cons

Windows 11 isn’t optimized for handheld gaming

Pricier than the Steam Deck

No included case

Lacks Hall effect joysticks, which would prevent stick drift

Best Gaming Handheld Under $200: Retroid Pocket 4 Pro

Specifications

Display: 4.7-inch IPS, 750 x 1,334 resolution, 500 nits brightness, 60Hz

Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 1100

RAM: 8GB LPDDR4x

Storage: 128GB UFS 3.1

Battery: 5,000mAh

Dimensions: 7.27 x 3.25 x 0.62 inches

Weight: 0.58 pounds

Wireless: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2

OS: Android 11

An Affordable Handheld for Retro Gamers

Priced at $199, the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is a fantastic budget option for gamers who primarily want to emulate older consoles. While it’s not powerful enough to natively run modern PC or console games, it excels at handling retro systems like the PS2, GameCube, PSP, Dreamcast, and older. It can also stream PC, PS5, and Xbox games, providing additional flexibility. If you’re into retro gaming and don’t mind doing setup work, the Pocket 4 Pro is the best handheld for under $200, and it also offers access to a wide range of mobile games.

Performance: Great for Emulating Older Consoles

Running on a MediaTek Dimensity 1100 chip and 8GB of RAM, the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro delivers enough power to emulate most retro consoles, including the PS2 and Nintendo GameCube—something most budget handhelds struggle with. It can handle more demanding titles like Gran Turismo 4 at lower settings, which is impressive at this price point. However, some particularly resource-heavy games, such as Star Wars Rogue Squadron II and ESPN NFL 2K5, may experience performance issues.

For systems like the PSP, PS1, Dreamcast, N64, and others, the Pocket 4 Pro runs games flawlessly, often at higher resolutions. Though performance can vary, it even supports games from later systems like the Nintendo 3DS and Wii. When it comes to streaming modern games via services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, the experience is solid, though not as smooth as on more powerful devices.

Build Quality: Compact and Comfortable

The Pocket 4 Pro has a design reminiscent of a shorter Nintendo Switch Lite. It lacks ergonomic grips but is still comfortable to hold due to its lightweight and compact build. The plastic frame doesn’t feel cheap, and its textured coating adds a pleasant tactile experience. All of the buttons feel satisfying to use: the face buttons have a good amount of travel, the analog triggers are wide and comfortable, and the d-pad is firm and responsive.

The device’s joysticks are small and positioned a bit low, which might make playing modern games less comfortable, but they use magnetic Hall effect sensors, which prevent joystick drift—a common issue with budget handhelds.

For those who need more comfort, Retroid offers an ergonomic grip attachment for an additional $15, which could make longer gaming sessions more pleasant.

Display and Battery Life: Decent but Not Perfect

The 4.7-inch IPS display is bright and sharp, though not the most color-accurate we’ve seen. The 16:9 aspect ratio works well for modern games but results in black borders when playing older titles, which can be a bit distracting. However, the screen’s 500 nits brightness makes it easy to play games in most lighting conditions.

Battery life is acceptable given the performance: you can expect about 3-4 hours when playing PS2 and GameCube games and 8-9 hours with less demanding consoles. The device features an active cooling system, which helps keep it from overheating but can get loud at higher performance settings.

Ease of Use: Android Simplicity with Lots of Tinkering

Since the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro runs on Android 11, the user interface is simple and intuitive, making it easy to navigate. However, getting emulators set up and optimized requires a lot of tinkering, especially if you want to get the best performance from more demanding games. This isn’t a plug-and-play device like the Steam Deck, but for those willing to put in the work, it offers great performance rewards.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Excellent emulation performance for the price, especially for PS2 and GameCube

Highly portable and lightweight

Comfortable controls, with responsive buttons and Hall effect joysticks

Android 11 is easy to navigate

Cons

Requires significant tinkering to optimize emulators

Screen size and controls aren’t ideal for streaming modern games

Battery life could be longer with demanding tasks

Best Mobile Gaming Handheld: AYN Odin 2

Specifications

Display: 6-inch IPS, 1080p resolution

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

RAM: 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB LPDDR5x

Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB UFS 4.0

Battery: 8,000mAh

Dimensions: 8.86 x 3.86 x 0.67 inches

Weight: 0.93 pounds

Wireless: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3

OS: Android 13

Overview: AYN Odin 2 – The Best for Mobile and Retro Gaming

If you’re seeking the ultimate handheld for mobile and retro gaming, the AYN Odin 2 is your top choice. Built around the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (also found in high-end smartphones), the Odin 2 excels in emulation, streaming, and native Android gaming, making it a versatile option for those who want to play PC games on the go. Priced from $299, it’s more expensive than other handhelds like the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro, but it justifies the cost with enhanced performance, smoother gameplay, and a more refined build.

Performance: Stellar Emulation and Smooth Streaming

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip sets the Odin 2 apart in terms of performance. This processor allows it to emulate a wide range of consoles with minimal lag or frame drops. PS2 and GameCube games run smoothly at 2-3x their native resolution, while PS1, N64, and Dreamcast titles often scale up to 3-4x without a hitch. Even more demanding systems like the 3DS and Wii generally perform well with little to no slowdowns.

Odin 2 handles Sega Saturn emulation better than most Android handhelds. While it can emulate a decent selection of Nintendo Switch games, it’s best to stick with a Switch if that’s a priority. For those who want to stream modern games, Odin 2 supports services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, and native Android titles like Genshin Impact and Diablo Immortal run smoothly.

What sets Odin 2 apart is its reliability in running games across various systems without requiring excessive settings adjustments. Unlike budget devices, you’ll spend far less time tweaking performance and more time playing.

Build Quality and Comfort: Sleek and Refined

The AYN Odin 2 balances between being compact enough for portability and comfortable enough for extended play sessions. Though larger than the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro, it’s still lighter and sleeker than most portable gaming PCs like the Steam Deck. The curved grips on the back of the device make it easy to hold for long periods, and the controls are a joy to use.

The D-pad, face buttons, Hall effect joysticks, and analog triggers all feel great, offering the precision and responsiveness needed for both retro and modern games. Other features like a fingerprint scanner, a dedicated return button, two customizable back buttons, and a micro-HDMI out port for external displays enhance the overall experience.

Display and Battery Life: A Solid Screen and Long-lasting Power

The 6-inch, 1080p display offers a clear, crisp picture that’s great for gaming. However, it can feel a bit too bright in low-light settings. Still, its size makes it ideal for both retro and modern games, providing more screen real estate than smaller handhelds.

Battery life is a standout feature: the 8,000mAh battery can last over eight hours when emulating more power-intensive consoles like the PS2. For lighter tasks, battery life stretches to 20+ hours, making it one of the longest-lasting gaming handhelds on the market. Additionally, the device supports 65W fast charging, allowing for quick top-ups during breaks.

User Experience: Familiar and Easy to Use

The Odin 2 runs a lightly modified version of Android 13, so its interface will feel familiar to most users. Navigating the OS, installing games, and launching emulators is intuitive. Although setting up emulators can still take time and effort, it’s much easier than on-budget options like the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro. Once everything is set up, the device provides smooth gameplay with minimal hassle.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Fantastic emulation performance, even for demanding systems like the PS2 and GameCube

Comfortable and lightweight design with well-crafted controls

Excellent battery life with 65W fast charging

Android 13 interface is simple to navigate and familiar

Cons

Steam Deck offers more features for only $100 more

Emulator setup can still take time

The docked experience isn’t as seamless as competing devices

Stock issues may make it challenging to purchase

Premium Device for Vintage Portable Games: Analogue Pocket

Specifications

Display: 3.5-inch LCD, 1,600 x 1,440 resolution, 615 ppi, VRR 30Hz-62Hz

Chipset: Altera Cyclone V FPGA, Altera Cyclone 10 FPGA

RAM: 3.4MB BRAM, 64MB SDRAM, 2x 16MB 16-bit cellular RAM, 256KB asynchronous SRAM

Battery: 4,300mAh (6 to 10 hours of playtime)

Dimensions: 5.86 x 3.46 x 0.86 inches

Weight: 0.61 pounds

OS: Analogue OS

Overview: The Best Device for Playing Vintage Portable Games

If you’re a retro gaming enthusiast who owns original cartridges, the Analogue Pocket is the best way to experience vintage portable games with modern enhancements. Unlike most retro handhelds that rely on software emulation, the Pocket uses FPGA hardware, making its emulation of old systems near perfect. This means the games you play feel as close to their original hardware counterparts as possible. While primarily designed for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges, optional adapters let it run games from other systems like the Sega Game Gear and Neo Geo Pocket, making it a great choice for those who want to play Nintendo games on a modern device.

Performance: Near-Perfect Emulation of Physical Cartridges

The Analogue Pocket’s FPGA-based system doesn’t just emulate vintage consoles; it essentially replicates their hardware, resulting in highly accurate gameplay with minimal input lag. Unlike software-based emulators, the Pocket allows you to play original cartridges of systems like the Game Boy and GBA, giving a near-authentic experience. This is ideal for those with a library of physical cartridges who want a high-quality way to play them in the modern day.

Additionally, a microSD slot allows you to expand its capabilities beyond physical cartridges. Through community-driven updates and custom firmware, the Pocket can now run ROMs from other systems, including the SNES and Sega Genesis. This makes it more versatile than just a vintage cartridge player.

Display: Stunning 3.5-Inch, 615 PPI Screen

The 3.5-inch LCD screen is the centerpiece of the Analogue Pocket, offering an exceptionally sharp 1,600 x 1,440 resolution at 615 ppi. This display is not only backlit but also capable of variable refresh rates between 30Hz and 62Hz, which adds to the smoothness of gameplay. You can switch between modern, vibrant visuals or opt for a nostalgic look with built-in filters that mimic the look of older handheld screens like the original Game Boy.

Compared to the small, dim screens of the past, this upgrade significantly improves the gaming experience, making retro games look vivid and crisp while staying true to the original design.

Design and Build: A Premium Modernization of Classic Handhelds

The Analogue Pocket is built to feel like a premium version of the original Game Boy, with high-quality materials and a sleek, vertical design. While staying true to the retro handheld aesthetic, it adds modern touches like two extra face buttons, rear triggers, USB-C charging, and rechargeable battery support. The device feels solid in the hand, with a responsive d-pad and face buttons that feel great for classic games. However, the shoulder buttons are a bit spongy and less satisfying to press than the rest of the controls.

Additionally, the Pocket has micro-HDMI, allowing you to connect it to a TV via a separately sold dock, turning it into a home console for your retro cartridges. This versatility makes it appealing for those who want to enjoy their games on a larger screen.

Battery Life and Portability

With a 4,300mAh battery, the Analogue Pocket can last between 6 and 10 hours, depending on usage, which is excellent for a handheld with such a high-resolution display. It’s portable enough to carry around comfortably, and the USB-C charging port ensures you can easily recharge it.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Plays physical cartridges from Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and GBA with near-perfect accuracy

FPGA hardware provides a superior retro gaming experience with minimal input lag

Gorgeous display with 1,600 x 1,440 resolution and adjustable filters

Expandable via adapters for Sega Game Gear, Neo Geo Pocket, and other retro systems

MicroSD support enables ROM playback for systems like SNES and Genesis

Impressive build quality with a modernized, premium feel

Cons

Stock issues and shipping delays are common

Shoulder buttons could be more responsive

Tiny volume buttons can be fiddly to use

The$220 price tag is steep, especially considering it’s mainly for retro gaming

Choosing the Right Gaming Handheld

With so many handheld gaming consoles available on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. In this section, we’ll outline the key factors to consider when selecting a handheld gaming console, helping you make an informed decision.

Factors to Consider

When choosing a handheld gaming console, there are several factors to consider. These include:

Gaming library: What types of games do you want to play? Look for a console with a library that caters to your gaming preferences.

Performance: Consider the console’s processing power, graphics capabilities, and RAM to ensure smooth gameplay.

Display: A good display is essential for an immersive gaming experience. Look for a console with a high-resolution screen and good color accuracy.

Battery life: If you plan to play games on the go, consider a console with a long battery life.

Price: Handheld gaming consoles vary in price, so set a budget and look for consoles that meet your needs within that range.

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