Handheld gaming systems are having a moment. While gaming on the go has been a thing since the Game Boy, the success of the Nintendo Switch and a string of ever-improving processors have brought an eruption of devices that let you play all sorts of games anywhere you want. Because new models seem to arrive every week, however, figuring out the best gaming handheld for you can be complicated.
You already know that the Switch is great, but depending on what else you want to play, the right handheld could range from a $100 emulation machine to a $700 portable PC.
To help you narrow things down, we’ve researched the best handheld gaming consoles, tested the major contenders, and laid out a few top picks.
Best Handheld Gaming Consoles:
Nintendo Switch OLED
Since its launch, the Nintendo Switch has been celebrated for its ability to switch between handheld and docked modes seamlessly. The OLED version enhances the experience with a rich, 7-inch OLED display, offering vibrant colors and deeper contrasts. The result is a more immersive experience, especially for Nintendo’s rich lineup of exclusives, from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom to Super Mario Odyssey.
The Switch also has a huge selection of indie games, JRPGs, and popular third-party titles, making it a versatile choice for nearly any gamer.
Display: The OLED screen is the star here, providing richer colors and enhanced clarity over the original LCD model. It’s not only larger but also offers wider viewing angles, ideal for handheld play.
Battery Life: Improved battery efficiency over earlier models. On average, you’ll get about 4.5 to 9 hours depending on the game.
Portability and Flexibility: The Switch OLED is super versatile. You can play it in handheld mode, tabletop mode with the built-in kickstand, or dock it to play on a larger screen.
Unique Features: The Joy-Con controllers offer unique gameplay options with motion controls, HD rumble, and the ability to be used as individual controllers for multiplayer.
Reasons To Buy:
- Gorgeous OLED display with vibrant colors
- Extensive game library with Nintendo exclusives and third-party titles
- Hybrid play mode for flexibility
Reasons To Avoid:
- Graphics and processing power are limited compared to PC-based handhelds
- Joy-Con drift issues (although newer models have shown improvement)
Steam Deck OLED
The Steam Deck OLED is Valve’s answer for gamers who want their PC games on the go. With access to the massive Steam library, this handheld console gives you the flexibility to play AAA titles, indie games, and more on a portable device. The new OLED screen enhances visual quality, making games look sharper and colors more vivid. Plus, with Valve’s easy-to-navigate interface, you can customize your setup and switch between games or applications effortlessly.
Display: The OLED screen gives a significant boost to visual fidelity with rich colors and deep blacks, a perfect upgrade for more immersive gameplay.
Performance: Runs on a custom AMD APU with impressive graphics performance that can handle most modern titles, from Cyberpunk 2077 to Elden Ring. It’s also optimized for PC-level customizations, with control over graphical settings.
Library: Steam Deck offers the entire Steam library, allowing players access to thousands of games. Many games that aren’t fully Steam Deck compatible still work in desktop mode, making it highly versatile.
Battery Life: Similar to the Nintendo Switch OLED, but depending on the game’s intensity, it might drain faster. It averages 3–8 hours.
Reasons To Buy:
- Access to the full Steam library, including AAA games
- High-quality OLED display
- Customizable performance settings
Reasons To Avoid:
- Bulkier than other handhelds, making it less convenient for long, on-the-go sessions
- Battery life can drop quickly with high-performance games
Asus ROG Ally X
The Asus ROG Ally X is a handheld powerhouse designed for serious gamers who want high performance in a portable console. Powered by a Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, this console provides impressive processing power, allowing you to enjoy high-end games at near-PC quality. Its Windows 11 interface means it’s essentially a mini-PC that can handle much more than gaming; you can also stream, browse, and access any Windows-compatible software.
Display: A bright, full HD display with a variable refresh rate makes fast-paced games look smooth and vibrant.
Performance: The AMD Ryzen processor and integrated graphics provide top-tier performance, allowing for smooth gameplay even in demanding titles.
Battery Life: You’ll get around 4–6 hours depending on the game. High-intensity games can drain the battery quickly, but the console supports fast charging.
Windows Integration: The Windows 11 OS makes it easy to install software or even run cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass or NVIDIA GeForce Now.
Reasons To Buy:
- Powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor
- Windows OS for versatility beyond gaming
- High-quality display with variable refresh rate
Reasons To Avoid:
- More expensive than other handhelds
- Windows interface can be clunky on a small screen
Lenovo Legion Go
The Lenovo Legion Go is Lenovo’s first attempt at a handheld gaming console, and it’s impressive. It sports an 8.8-inch display, the largest among top handhelds, and a 144Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth visuals. The unique detachable controllers offer a similar feel to the Nintendo Switch, but with a more ergonomic design. Running Windows OS, the Legion Go also serves as a mini-PC, making it an ideal choice for multitaskers.
Display: A massive 8.8-inch, 144Hz display. This is perfect for visually rich games and offers a refresh rate that’s more in line with high-end gaming monitors.
Detachable Controllers: Similar to the Nintendo Switch but with more customization options, offering additional control for various playstyles.
Battery Life: Average battery life of about 4–7 hours, with fast-charging capabilities.
Performance: High-powered processor capable of running AAA games smoothly, making this one of the most capable handhelds on the market.
Reasons To Buy:
- Largest screen among handhelds, with 144Hz refresh rate
- Detachable, ergonomic controllers
- Windows-based for multi-functional use
Reasons To Avoid:
- Bulkier than most handhelds
- Windows interface may feel clunky