Stuck on a long commute or waiting for an appointment, wishing you could be exploring your favorite open world instead of just scrolling through your phone? For years, serious gaming meant being tied to a TV or a desk. The dream was always to take those big-screen adventures with you, without sacrificing the quality of the game itself.
Well, that dream is now a reality. Today’s handheld consoles are absolute powerhouses, packing stunning graphics and huge game libraries into a device that fits in your backpack. The shift has been massive—a 2025 Global Gamer Study found that nearly 70% of dedicated gamers now use a portable device for a significant portion of their playtime. But with so many new options from companies like Valve, ASUS, and Nintendo all claiming to be the best, it’s easy to get lost in specs and technical jargon. How do you know which one is actually worth your money?
That’s where we come in. Forget the confusion. We’ve tested the top contenders, compared the features that truly matter, and laid it all out in a simple guide. Whether you’re a hardcore PC gamer, a Nintendo fan for life, or just looking for a fun way to pass the time, we’ll help you find the perfect handheld gaming console to match your play style and budget. Let’s find your next favorite gadget.
How to choose the Best Handheld Gaming Consoles
Here is how to choose the best handheld gaming console:
Decide Your Games:
- PC Games (Steam, etc.): Choose a PC handheld like a Steam Deck or ROG Ally.
- Nintendo Exclusives (Mario, Zelda): Choose a Nintendo Switch.
- Retro Classics: Choose a dedicated retro handheld like one from Anbernic or Retroid.
Consider Your Performance Needs:
- High-end AAA Titles: Get a powerful PC handheld.
- Balanced Experience: Opt for a Steam Deck OLED or Nintendo Switch 2.
- Indie/Casual Games: A Nintendo Switch Lite is sufficient.
Set Your Budget:
- Premium ($700+): Top-tier PC handhelds.
- Mid-Range ($400-$600): Steam Deck OLED or Nintendo Switch 2.
- Budget (Under $200): Nintendo Switch Lite or a retro handheld.
Think About Portability and Comfort:
- Maximum Portability: Choose a smaller, lighter device like the Switch Lite.
- Long-Session Comfort: Prioritize ergonomics, like on the Steam Deck.
- Large, Immersive Screen: Accept a larger, heavier device.
Check Key Features:
- Do you need TV connectivity?
- How important is battery life for your play style?
- Do you prefer a simple, game-focused interface or a full operating system?
Best Popular Handheld Gaming Consoles for 2025
| Console Name | Key Features | Starting Price | Release Date/Founder | Use Cases |
| Steam Deck OLED | 7.4-inch HDR OLED display, custom AMD APU (Zen 2), SteamOS, dual trackpads, haptic feedback, massive Steam library access. | $549 | Valve Corporation (Feb 2022, OLED model Nov 2023) | High-fidelity PC gaming on the go, Steam library access, emulation, multimedia consumption. |
| ASUS ROG Ally X | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, 7-inch 120Hz Full HD display, Windows 11, improved battery, enhanced ergonomics. | $799 | ASUS (June 2023, X model expected Mid-2024) | High-performance AAA gaming, multi-launcher PC gaming, productivity on the go. |
| Lenovo Legion Go S | 8.8-inch QHD+ display, AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, detachable controllers (TrueStrike), integrated kickstand, Windows 11 or SteamOS variant. | $699 | Lenovo (Oct 2023, S model expected Late 2024) | Immersive big-screen portable gaming, versatile play styles (handheld, tabletop), PC gaming. |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | 8-inch 1080p LCD, custom NVIDIA Tegra processor, Joy-Con controllers, TV dock, exclusive Nintendo titles. | $399 (estimated) | Nintendo (Expected Late 2024/Early 2025) | Exclusive Nintendo gaming, hybrid TV/handheld play, family entertainment, local multiplayer. |
| Nintendo Switch Lite | 5.5-inch LCD, integrated controls, lightweight and compact, dedicated handheld experience. | $199 | Nintendo (Sept 2019) | Budget-friendly dedicated handheld gaming, travel, and access to Nintendo’s game library. |
VALVE Steam Deck OLED
The Steam Deck OLED represents Valve’s commitment to refining its groundbreaking portable PC gaming experience. Launched in November 2023, following the original’s debut in February 2022, this updated model significantly enhances the visual experience with its stunning 7.4-inch HDR OLED screen. It makes games look incredibly vibrant with deep blacks and bright colors, breathing new life into your Steam library.
Valve, a company known for iconic games like Half-Life and Portal, and the Steam digital storefront, engineered the Steam Deck to bring PC gaming directly into players’ hands with a custom AMD APU. This device excels at making a vast collection of PC titles playable on the go, from indie darlings to demanding AAA releases, all managed through its user-friendly SteamOS interface.
Key Features:
- Vibrant 7.4-inch HDR OLED display
- Excellent ergonomics for long play sessions
- Dual trackpads for precision input
- Access to the entire Steam game library
- Improved battery life over the original model
ASUS ROG Ally X
The ASUS ROG Ally X is poised to elevate the portable Windows gaming experience, building upon the foundations laid by the original ROG Ally launched in June 2023. This upcoming model, expected mid-2024, focuses on refining the already powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor with substantial improvements to battery life, ergonomics, and storage.
ASUS, a leading name in PC hardware, designed the Ally series for gamers who want full PC compatibility in a handheld form. Running Windows 11, it allows access to virtually any game launcher—Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Game Pass, and more—making it a true portable PC. It’s built for those who refuse to compromise on performance and flexibility, offering a high-refresh-rate 1080p display for fluid visuals in demanding games.
Key Features:
- Powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor
- High-refresh-rate Full HD display (up to 120Hz)
- Full Windows 11 operating system
- Improved battery capacity and physical design
- Access to multiple PC game stores
Lenovo Legion Go S
The Lenovo Legion Go S is a compelling entry into the high-performance handheld market, a follow-up to the original Legion Go which launched in October 2023. Lenovo, a global technology giant, aims to offer a premium and versatile gaming experience with this device, expected late 2024. Its standout feature is its massive 8.8-inch QHD+ display, offering an incredibly immersive visual experience for a handheld.
The detachable “TrueStrike” controllers provide unique flexibility, allowing for tabletop play or even a more comfortable grip in handheld mode. Running Windows 11 (with a potential streamlined SteamOS variant), it provides full PC compatibility, letting you tap into a vast ocean of PC games from various platforms. It’s perfect for those who prioritize a large, vibrant screen and adaptable play styles.
Key Features:
- Large 8.8-inch QHD+ high-resolution display
- Powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor
- Detachable TrueStrike controllers for versatile play
- Integrated kickstand for tabletop gaming
- Full Windows 11 compatibility
Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 is the highly anticipated successor to one of the most successful gaming consoles of all time, the original Switch, first released in March 2017. While not officially detailed, it’s expected to launch in late 2024 or early 2025. Nintendo, a legendary company with a rich history in gaming, designs consoles focused on unique gameplay and iconic characters like Mario and Zelda.
The Switch 2 is expected to maintain its revolutionary hybrid design, allowing seamless switching between handheld mode and TV mode via a dock, but with significant internal upgrades. This will likely include a more powerful custom NVIDIA Tegra processor and an 8-inch 1080p LCD, enhancing visuals and performance for beloved exclusive titles that can’t be played anywhere else.
Key Features:
- Expected 8-inch 1080p LCD screen
- More powerful custom NVIDIA Tegra processor
- Retains hybrid TV and handheld functionality
- Access to new exclusive Nintendo games
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers for versatile play.
Nintendo Switch Lite
The Nintendo Switch Lite, launched in September 2019, offers a focused and streamlined portable gaming experience. Unlike its bigger sibling, the original Switch, the Lite is a dedicated handheld-only device, meaning its controls are integrated and it doesn’t connect to a TV.
Nintendo designed this version for gamers who primarily play on the go and prefer a more compact, lightweight device. It’s a more affordable entry point into Nintendo’s incredible library of games, including timeless classics and exciting new adventures. Its smaller 5.5-inch LCD screen still delivers vibrant visuals, and its sturdy, unibody construction makes it perfect for travel and daily commutes.
Key Features:
- Compact and lightweight design
- Integrated controls for dedicated handheld play
- More affordable price point
- Access to vast Nintendo Switch game library
- Available in multiple color options.
FAQs
What is the main difference between a PC handheld and a Nintendo Switch?
PC handhelds run Windows (or a Linux variant like SteamOS) and play PC games, offering a vast library. A Nintendo Switch plays exclusive Nintendo games and is a hybrid console for both handheld and TV play.
Are handheld gaming consoles worth it for casual gamers?
Absolutely! Many handhelds offer simpler, pick-up-and-play games, or access to massive libraries of indie titles perfect for short sessions.
How important is battery life for a handheld?
Very important for portable play! It dictates how long you can game away from a charger. Expect anywhere from 3 to 8 hours depending on the game and device.
Do handheld consoles get regular software updates?
Yes, all major handheld consoles receive regular software updates that improve performance, add features, and fix bugs, enhancing your gaming experience over time.
Is it true that some handhelds can run full PC software?
Yes, handhelds running Windows 11, like the ASUS ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go S, can run any PC software, not just games, effectively making them tiny portable computers.
Conclusion
In 2025, the right handheld for you comes down to a simple choice: PC freedom or Nintendo’s exclusive magic.
For the power to take your entire PC library on the road, powerhouse devices like the Steam Deck OLED and ASUS ROG Ally X are your answer. If you crave unique adventures and iconic characters you can’t play anywhere else, the Nintendo Switch 2 is the clear winner.
Ultimately, the best console is the one that untethers your favorite games from the TV, putting incredible adventures right in your hands, wherever you go.
