Many gamers want the freedom to play anywhere without sacrificing performance or quality. Until recently, portable gaming often meant dealing with lag, low frame rates, and subpar visuals compared to traditional consoles or PCs. However, advancements in handheld gaming technology are changing that, making high-performance gaming on the go a reality.
The global portable gaming console market, valued at $11.55 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $12.87 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 11.45% through 2034. This rise is fueled by strong consumer demand for versatile devices that can transition between handheld and docked modes, preferred by over 65% of gamers. The adoption of high-resolution OLED displays has also increased by more than 40% in the past year, emphasizing the importance of superior visuals.
Modern handheld gaming devices now combine powerful hardware, stunning displays, and comfortable designs to deliver a true console-level experience anywhere. Whether you’re a casual gamer or an enthusiast, today’s portable consoles offer the performance and flexibility to suit every style of play.
Best Popular Handheld Gaming Devices for Ultimate On-the-Go Play
| Device Name | Key Features | Starting Price | Use Cases |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | 7.9-inch 1080p HDR display, Nvidia Tegra T239 processor, Joy-Con 2 controllers | $450 | Hybrid console, modern games, local multiplayer |
| Steam Deck OLED | 7.4-inch HDR OLED display, custom 6nm AMD APU, Wi-Fi 6E | $549 | PC gaming, emulation, media consumption |
| Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS | 8-inch WUXGA display, AMD Ryzen Z2 GO APU, detachable controllers | $599.99 | High-performance PC gaming, media, emulation |
| ASUS ROG Ally X | 7-inch FHD 120Hz display, AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, Windows 11 | Rs. 1,14,990 | High-performance PC gaming, cloud gaming |
| MSI Claw 8 AI+ | 8-inch 120Hz IPS display, Intel Core Ultra 7, Wi-Fi 7 | $729.99 | PC gaming, productivity, content creation |
| PlayStation Portal | 8-inch 1080p LCD screen, DualSense controller features, Wi-Fi streaming | $199.99 | Remote play for PS5, PS4 games |
| Retroid Pocket 5 | 5.5-inch 1080p OLED screen, Snapdragon 865 chipset, MicroSD slot | $219 | Retro gaming, emulation, Android games, cloud streaming |
| Nintendo Switch Lite | 5.5-inch 720p LCD screen, integrated controls, lightweight design | $199.99 | Dedicated handheld gaming, portability |
| Analogue Pocket | 3.5-inch 1600×1440 LTPS LCD, FPGA-based hardware, cartridge slots | Varies (check Analogue website for current stock) | Retro gaming, hardware preservation |
| Miyoo Mini Plus | 3.5-inch IPS display, RetroArch platform, compact design | $69.00 – $99.00 | Retro gaming, extreme portability |
Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2, launched globally by Nintendo, is a significant evolution of the company’s popular hybrid console. It builds on the success of its predecessor with several key upgrades.
The new device features a 7.9-inch 1080p HDR display that can reach a 120fps refresh rate, providing a visually stunning experience in both handheld and TV modes. The console is powered by an Nvidia Tegra T239 processor, offering improved performance for modern games.
The Joy-Con 2 controllers have been redesigned for enhanced functionality, and the system introduces new features like GameChat and local GameShare for select titles. It also maintains backward compatibility with most original Switch games. The Switch 2 aims to provide a high-fidelity gaming experience while retaining the flexibility that made the original so popular.
Features:
- 7.9-inch 1080p HDR display with up to 120fps
- Powered by Nvidia Tegra T239 processor
- Redesigned Joy-Con 2 controllers and GameChat feature
- Local GameShare for up to three other consoles
- 256GB internal storage
Starting Price: $450
Steam Deck OLED
Valve’s Steam Deck OLED is a refined version of the original Steam Deck, designed to enhance the portable PC gaming experience. The main highlight is its new 7.4-inch HDR OLED screen, which offers more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and a higher refresh rate of 90Hz.
The device also features a more efficient 6nm AMD APU and a larger 50Whr battery, resulting in a 30-50% improvement in battery life.
With support for Wi-Fi 6E, it enables faster downloads and more stable online play. The Steam Deck OLED is perfect for gamers who want access to their entire Steam library on the go, with a user-friendly interface optimized for handheld use. Its trackpads and gyro controls provide precise input for a wide range of PC games.
Features:
- 7.4-inch HDR OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate
- More efficient 6nm AMD APU and larger 50Whr battery
- Wi-Fi 6E for faster downloads and better connectivity
- Lighter design and improved cooling system
- Supports PC gaming and emulation
Starting Price: $549
Lenovo Legion Go S SteamOS
The Lenovo Legion Go S is a powerful handheld gaming PC that stands out with its large 8-inch WUXGA display. This screen offers a 1920 x 1200 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for high-fidelity gaming.
It runs on a beefier AMD Ryzen Z2 Go APU and comes with up to 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. The device is the first third-party handheld to natively run SteamOS, providing a familiar and user-friendly experience for PC gamers.
The Legion Go S is also designed for comfort, with a streamlined unibody and Hall effect joysticks to prevent drift. Its flexible design and powerful specs make it a strong alternative for those seeking a premium gaming experience.
Features:
- 8-inch WUXGA 1920 x 1200 resolution display
- 120Hz refresh rate with VRR support
- Powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go APU
- Up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB PCIe SSD
- Runs natively on SteamOS
Starting Price: $599.99
ASUS ROG Ally X
The ASUS ROG Ally X is an upgraded handheld gaming PC designed in collaboration with Microsoft. It is a Windows-based device, giving users full access to various gaming clients like Steam, Epic Games, and Xbox Game Pass.
The Ally X is powered by an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme SoC, a significant performance boost over the original model. It features a 7-inch Full HD LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium technology to prevent screen tearing.
The device comes with an 80Wh battery, a considerable increase from the standard ROG Ally, and is equipped with 24GB of LPDDR5x RAM and a 1TB SSD.
Features:
- Powered by an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme SoC
- 7-inch Full HD screen with 120Hz refresh rate
- 80Wh battery capacity
- Runs Windows 11 with an enhanced Xbox full-screen interface
- Upgraded with impulse triggers and contoured grips
Starting Price: Rs. 1,14,990 (approx. $1,375)
MSI Claw 8 AI+
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is a high-end handheld gaming system that prioritizes performance and versatility. It is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V Series 2 processor, featuring Intel Arc 140V Graphics for rich visuals and ray-tracing support.
The device boasts a large 8-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making it suitable for both gaming and productivity. It includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, offering extensive connectivity options for external displays or eGPUs.
The Claw 8 AI+ also has a robust 80Wh battery and an efficient HyperFlow cooling system, ensuring prolonged gaming sessions without overheating. It runs on Windows 11, providing a familiar user interface.
Features:
- Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor with Intel Arc Graphics
- 8-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS display with 120Hz refresh rate
- 80Wh battery and HyperFlow cooling technology
- Two Thunderbolt 4 ports for expanded connectivity
- Built-in Hall effect analog sticks and triggers
Starting Price: $729.99
PlayStation Portal
The PlayStation Portal is a unique handheld device from Sony, designed specifically for Remote Play. It is not a standalone console, but rather a companion device that allows you to stream games from your PlayStation 5 over your home Wi-Fi network.
It features an 8-inch 1080p LCD screen and incorporates the core features of the DualSense controller, including haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. The Portal is perfect for gamers who want the flexibility to play their PS5 games in a different room or without using a TV.
It provides a seamless, high-quality streaming experience with minimal latency, making it a convenient way to access your game library.
Features:
- 8-inch LCD screen with 1080p resolution and 60fps support
- DualSense controller features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers
- Streams games from your PS5 over Wi-Fi
- 3.5mm audio jack for wired headphones
- Purpose-built for Remote Play
Starting Price: $199.99
Retroid Pocket 5
The Retroid Pocket 5 is a versatile handheld device geared towards retro gaming and emulation. It is powered by a Snapdragon 865 chipset and 8GB of RAM, allowing it to emulate a wide range of classic systems, including Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, and GameCube.
The device features a vibrant 5.5-inch OLED screen with a 1080p resolution. In addition to emulation, the Pocket 5 can also run challenging Android games and stream modern console and PC titles, thanks to its streaming capabilities.
Its compact design, long-lasting 5000mAh battery, and Hall effect joysticks make it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who want a powerful, portable retro gaming machine.
Features:
- 5.5-inch 1080p OLED screen
- Snapdragon 865 chipset with 8GB RAM
- Supports emulation and Android games
- Hall effect joysticks and triggers
- 5000mAh battery for extended play
Starting Price: $219
Nintendo Switch Lite
The Nintendo Switch Lite is a compact, lightweight, and more affordable alternative to the standard Nintendo Switch. It is a dedicated handheld-only device, which means it cannot be connected to a TV. The Lite features a 5.5-inch 720p LCD screen and has its controls built into the system, making it feel more solid and durable.
It is compatible with most games from the Switch library, although some titles that require detached Joy-Cons or TV mode may not be fully supported.
With its smaller size and comfortable grip, the Switch Lite is a great option for younger players, frequent travelers, or anyone looking for a more portable gaming experience at a lower price point.
Features:
- 5.5-inch 720p LCD display
- Dedicated handheld-only design
- Integrated controls for a solid feel
- Lighter weight for enhanced portability
- More affordable price point
Starting Price: $199.99
Analogue Pocket
The Analogue Pocket is a premium handheld device created as a tribute to classic portable gaming. Instead of using software emulation, it is built around an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) chip, which can be reprogrammed to perfectly mimic the original hardware of various consoles.
Out of the box, it plays Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges. With additional adapters, it can also play games from systems like the Game Gear, Neo Geo Pocket, and Atari Lynx.
The Pocket features a stunning 3.5-inch LTPS LCD with a 1600×1440 resolution, offering a pixel-perfect recreation of classic games. It also includes a dock that allows you to connect to an HDTV and use wireless controllers.
Features:
- FPGA-based hardware for accurate emulation
- 3.5-inch 1600×1440 LTPS LCD display
- Compatible with Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and GBA cartridges
- Optional dock for TV play
- Built-in digital audio workstation for music creation
Starting Price: Varies (check the official website for pricing and availability)
Miyoo Mini Plus
The Miyoo Mini Plus is a highly portable and budget-friendly handheld for retro gaming. It is known for its small size, weighing only 162 grams, and its vibrant 3.5-inch IPS display with a 640×480 resolution.
The device runs on a versatile RetroArch platform, providing a clean and customizable interface for playing thousands of retro games. It is compatible with emulators for numerous classic systems, from Game Boy to PlayStation.
The Miyoo Mini Plus is perfect for a quick burst of nostalgic gaming, fitting comfortably in a pocket or small bag. It provides an excellent value proposition, combining a sturdy build with a rich library of games.
Features:
- Extremely compact and lightweight design
- 3.5-inch IPS screen with 640×480 resolution
- Powered by the RetroArch platform
- Equipped with a 3000mAh battery for up to 5 hours of play
- Supports a large library of emulated games
Starting Price: $69.00 – $99.00
FAQs
What is the best handheld gaming device for modern PC games?
The Steam Deck OLED, Lenovo Legion Go S, and ASUS ROG Ally X are top choices for playing modern PC games on the go. These devices are designed to handle demanding titles with powerful hardware.
Which handheld is best for retro gaming?
The Analogue Pocket, Retroid Pocket 5, and Miyoo Mini Plus are excellent devices built specifically for retro gaming and emulation, offering a wide library of classic titles.
Do handheld gaming devices support cloud gaming?
Yes, many handhelds with Wi-Fi connectivity, such as the ASUS ROG Ally X and Retroid Pocket 5, can stream games via cloud services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or NVIDIA GeForce NOW.
Can the PlayStation Portal be used without a PS5?
No, the PlayStation Portal is a remote play device that requires a PlayStation 5 console and a home Wi-Fi network to stream games. It is not a standalone console.
What is the main difference between the Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite?
The Switch Lite is a dedicated handheld-only device with built-in controls, while the standard Switch can be docked to a TV and has detachable Joy-Con controllers, allowing for multiple play modes.
Are handheld consoles good for travel?
Yes, handheld consoles are specifically designed for portability, making them ideal for gaming during commutes, flights, or other travel. Their compact size and long battery life are key advantages.
Do these handhelds have expandable storage?
Most of the devices mentioned support storage expansion. PC-based handhelds like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally use M.2 SSD slots, while others like the Nintendo Switch and Miyoo Mini Plus use microSD cards.
What is the battery life of the Steam Deck OLED?
The Steam Deck OLED offers a battery life of 3 to 12 hours, depending on the game’s intensity. Its larger battery and more efficient processor provide a significant improvement over the original model.
Why are some handhelds more expensive than others?
Higher-end devices with more powerful processors, larger or higher-resolution screens, and more storage are typically more expensive. The price difference often reflects performance and feature sets.
What is an FPGA handheld?
An FPGA handheld, like the Analogue Pocket, uses a Field-Programmable Gate Array chip to perfectly replicate the original console hardware, providing a highly accurate and authentic retro gaming experience.
Conclusion
The portable gaming market is thriving, with a new wave of handheld devices offering unprecedented power and flexibility. From the hybrid versatility of the Nintendo Switch 2 and the PC gaming power of the Steam Deck OLED and ASUS ROG Ally X, to the dedicated retro experience of the Analogue Pocket and Miyoo Mini Plus, there is a device for every type of gamer.
The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, whether you prioritize playing the latest triple-A titles, streaming from a home console, or revisiting classic games with perfect authenticity. With a market projected to grow significantly, these devices are a clear sign that on-the-go gaming is no longer a compromise but a high-quality, immersive experience.
