Top 5 Best Handheld Game Consoles in 2025

The best gaming handheld options have evolved since the early days of the Game Boy, but there’s arguably never been a better time to pick up a portable. Not only are we finally at the stage where you properly play PC games using the likes of Valve‘s Steam Deck, but hybrid solutions like the Nintendo Switch serve as both a mobile machine and a home console. 

Again, times move swiftly, and the best gaming handheld today can do so much more than its ancestor from even a decade ago. Overall, we still think the Switch has an edge in terms of widespread appeal, as everyone can get on board with playing the latest Mario or Pokémon outing during travel. However, there are more options than ever to suit a variety of playstyles and budgets, including powerful handheld gaming PCs and budget emulation devices that’ll run the classics with ease.

Prior to choose any old portable, consider the games you really want to play. With a portable console or PC, you can play more games than ever before, regardless of where your backlog is stored—on Steam, Xbox Game Pass, the Epic Game Store, or Nintendo’s eShop. We regularly test the top gaming handhelds for your consideration in order to make the process of choosing easier. Our picks are compiled here. In the event that you’re feeling nostalgic, we’ve also included our favorite emulators for accessing your previous backups.

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Last update on 2024-10-01 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Top 5 Best Handheld Game Consoles in 2025

1.Nintendo Switch OLED

Last update on 2024-10-01 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The Nintendo Switch OLED model improves on the fantastic formula that Nintendo’s powerful console undoubtedly launched, ushering in a new era of handheld gaming. By today’s standards, it’s not the highest spec console, and a lot has happened in the console industry since the original model’s 2017 release. However, it’s difficult to dispute its outstanding library and portability, which are two features that make it our best on-the-go system for 2024.

Although the Nintendo Switch OLED variant has taken the top rank, the original model of the device still has many of the same advantages. It is still lightweight, compatible with real game cartridges, and has detachable Joycons and a docking station. But if you choose the OLED version over the Switch Lite or original version, your eyes will be in for a treat. The new display boasts superb contrast and colours that transform epic adventures like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom into pure eye candy, and the slightly larger 7-inch screen makes all the difference.

Although the OLED Switch and its predecessor share a similar appearance, there are a few notable differences that make the switch stand out. To begin with, the OLED screen itself has a smaller bezel and is somewhat larger than other handhelds, which helps give it a visual advantage. Additionally, it features an upgraded kickstand around the back, which should please anyone who has ever come dangerously close to utilizing the flimsy flap that came with the original.

Although the Switch’s internal components aren’t very remarkable, they do the job in the end. The NVIDIA Tegra X1 SoC is powerful enough to deliver 1080p 30 frames per second images, and playing some demanding games in handheld mode lightens the load. Nevertheless, you won’t have to worry about performance for the most part, as Nintendo’s library caters to the hardware to ensure a smooth experience. If you are fussy when it comes to frame rates, you’re probably in the market for a handheld PC instead.

Naturally, The Nintendo Switch OLED has access to an extraordinary library of games, and it’s one of the only handhelds on this list with first-party titles. While handheld PCs have storefront versatility on their side, the Switch has Zelda, Mario, Pokémon, and various other heavy hitters that’ll distract some players from ever thinking about the wild west of Steam. Arguably, the Switch’s catalogue of adventures is reason enough to invest in the hardware, and it’s the reason the platform is still going strong six years later.

Looks aren’t everything, the old saying goes, but when the Nintendo Switch OLED is this good-looking it’s hard to argue that looks are absolutely crucial. The striking 7-inch OLED screen, which takes up most of the console and makes it feel far larger than the original Switch or its smaller brother, the Nintendo Switch Lite, is the standout feature of this latest Nintendo handheld improvement. It is easy to see, nevertheless, that attractiveness is simply a fleeting feeling when the first lust gives way to admiration.

2.Steam Deck OLED

Last update on 2024-10-01 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

When the original model debuted in 2022, it raised the bar for portable gaming PCs, but the new Steam Deck OLED variant elevates the device even further. Valve’s next portable system, now a platform unto itself, combines the same amazing, quick OLED visuals with the technology and software we all know and love, plus a few more enhancements.
Even though it’s still among the chonkiest handhelds available, the Steam Deck OLED weighs 640g, which is substantially less than its predecessor. Nevertheless, its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit in your hands, and if you spent a lot of time playing Wii U before the Switch came out, you will be acquainted with Valve’s high-up symmetrical stick arrangement. Furthermore, it’s pretty much follows the modern PC controller playbook in terms of buttons, so you won’t have to get used to any weird configurations.

Once more, the Steam Deck isn’t the most potent portable computer available, but for the money, it still provides respectable performance. Value’s unique AMD APU can run a good portion of your library at 60 frames per second on its 800p screen. If you use a Steam Deck dock, you can even play on a larger screen. When running recent releases, you’ll mostly need to settle for low settings in order to increase frame rates to a bearable level, although the visual distinction from the Nintendo Switch will still be noticeable.

It’s important to remember that the Steam Deck OLED has an AMD APU that differs from the original. Even though it’s still RDNA 2, the modifications are more accurately characterized as enhancements that help efficiency and power. Yet, during testing, we did find minor improvements when measured side by side with the LCD model, which might appeal to those of you looking to harness every frame during portable play.

While not all Steam games are compatible with SteamOS, more than 10,000 games have the Steam Deck Verified or Playable label. This implies that there shouldn’t be any game-breaking problems while you’re playing, but the system is meant to be more of a portable assistance tool than a performance assurance. Putting compatibility issues aside, if you purchase a Steam Deck, you’ll have instant access to a huge selection of titles.
It’s a good thing that the Steam Deck OLED shares a lot of similarities with its predecessor at first glance. It still has all the proper curves, and like a Wii U cosplayer, it sports its analog sticks up front. But Valve has surreptitiously replaced its thumb sticks with a set that have a deeper convex dip on top, dressed in black this time around rather than the original two-tone grey. Goth aesthetic aside, the new grips do add to the experience, especially if you’re used to using an Xbox pad on other machines.

3.Asus ROG Ally

Last update on 2024-10-01 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The Asus ROG Ally is a remarkable portable gaming PC that outperforms the Steam Deck, despite its many flaws. Because it’s a Windows device, it also touts complete PC compatibility, but in the end, that’s both a benefit and a drawback for the whole experience.
The Asus ROG Ally is a 7-inch handheld device with built-in controls, much as the Steam Deck. But the Ally kicks things up a notch with a faster AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and a 120Hz 1080p display. It can produce smoother graphics and unexpectedly high frame rates thanks to this combination, especially in demanding games.

One of the more stylish portable computers available is the ROG Ally, which also feels quite nice in the hands too. Weighing in at 608g, it’s actually slightly lighter than the Steam Deck, but still feels rugged and packs extra aesthetic quirks like RGB thumb sticks. Its white, form fitting shell stands out compared to the Deck, while its overall shape and curves provide comfortable access to its buttons, triggers, and asymmetrical sticks.

The ROG Ally’s hidden Z1 Extreme APU has quickly emerged as the new processor to beat. In most games, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Starfield, you may increase frame rate well beyond the limits of the Steam Deck. It falls short of more expensive competitors like the Ayaneo 2S, though, and you might find it difficult to fully utilize the 120Hz screen. Having said that, this is the best option if you’re searching for a more reasonably priced handheld PC that can sustain 1080p frame rates.

The Asus ROG Ally is a Windows portable PC that can run any program that a traditional computer can. To put it another way, you can install and use other stores, such as Steam, the Epic Game Store, PC Game Pass, and GOG all without having to rely on workarounds or compatibility layers (unlike the Steam Deck). That’s not to say you won’t encounter performance hurdles or issues relating to controller compatibility, and it’s worth noting that Windows handheld optimisation can be an issue in itself when trying to jump between apps and games.

It was immediately apparent to me when I first handled the Asus ROG Ally that it was designed to provide a sturdy, tough feel without the weight of a larger, heavier device. The front’s sloping corners provide a particularly cozy landing area for the palms, while the back’s two angled curves perfectly cup the hands. The form shape and weight allow for long-lasting comfort in a range of sitting postures, but there’s just the perfect amount of chunkiness here—you know you’re holding a stack of technology.

When you combine that with the stunning display and clean white design of the reinforced polycarbonate chassis, the ROG Ally exudes quality. You’d struggle to tell the Ally apart from an Asus device from the front, even with the grey ROG logo on the screen’s lower bezel. On the back, though, this ancestry is rather evident. It’s a packed design that doesn’t overcrowd the experience, from the shiny metallic strip that cuts the back panel diagonally to the ridged texture and grills that form the iconic ROG logo. Though I wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s subtle, it doesn’t immediately shout RGB and fans. The entire apparatus has the impression of being from the future, yet one that is readily accessible.

4.Ayaneo Flip DS

Last update on 2024-10-01 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

With its potent Ryzen 7 APU, the Ayaneo Flip DS is among the most powerful handhelds available. But this powerful portable also comes with a ton of additional high-end features, like a dual screen configuration that makes simulating vintage 3DS games a breeze. The Ayaneo Flip DS is a feature-rich portable PC that will more than meet your demands. In addition to having an AMD Zen 4 APU that can outperform the ROG Ally’s processor, it also has 64GB of RAM and up to 2TB of storage. As an added bonus, the gadget has a Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port, so you can connect it to an eGPU and use it as a regular computer.

Of course, the Flip DS is also one of the only handheld gaming PCs out there with two screens, as it’s got a 7-inch 1080p display and 3.5-inch touchscreen. Effectively, Ayaneo has created something that looks like a 3DS but can run Cyberpunk 2077 as well provide a more authentic emulation experience. Better still, the portable also benefits from hall effect thumb sticks, triggers, and all the perks we’ve come to expect from a premium Windows 11 device.

Although the Flip DS is reminiscent of another dual-screen handheld device, its clamshell shape sets it apart in the portable computer market. The gadget not only deviates from the design guidelines established by the Steam Deck, but it also fits superior cooling and extensive controls into a smaller package. Considering that it has two screens and about the same amount of gaming capability as the Asus ROG Ally, it weighs 650g less, which is impressive.

Due to their significantly less ergonomic shape, the Flip DS’s recessed thumb sticks are one of its only design flaws. Although they remain fully functional and will get more comfortable with time, there is a difference will be noticeable compared to traditional handheld layouts.

With regard to performance, the Ryzen 7 7840U and 8840U lead the field among all currently available portable PC CPUs. In testing, we discovered that the Z1 Extreme CPU found in the ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go could be readily surpassed by the Zen 4 chips, achieving over 60 frames per second at 800 pixels in titles like as Cyberpunk 2077, Hitman 3, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. In terms of performance, the Flip DS is nearly identical to its twin, the Ayaneo Flip DS, although because of its marginally lower 28W maximum TDP, we were able to detect some differences in frame rates.

Naturally, we also played a ton of 3DS and Wii U titles on the Flip DS, and everything was readily scaled up to 1080p at full screen on the portable.Your milage will vary based on the game you’re trying to run, with emulators like Citra offering a heads up in regards to how specific adventures will run. Still, we were able to enjoy The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds and Bravely Default without any performance hiccups, all while having access to that vital secondary touchscreen.

The Flip DS gets access to all the same marketplaces as your traditional PC, just like the ROG Ally and other rivals. This device will function with Steam, the Epic Game Store, and even Xbox Game Pass without the need for any workarounds or tricks. Its strong AMD APU will also increase your chances of running more recent games at 60 frames per second.

It all comes down to the Flip DS’s dual screen setup and why you should purchase it over less expensive options. It can be quite difficult to clumsily switch to a virtual touchscreen when trying to replicate DS or 3DS games on any other device. The Ayaneo portable allows you to emulate the precise design and features of Nintendo’s Flip DS gets access to all the same marketplaces as your traditional PC, just like the ROG Ally and other rivals.

5.Anbernic RG35XX Plus

Last update on 2024-10-01 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Even though the RG35XX Plus is a Miyoo Mini Plus clone, Anbernic has produced an incredible device. It appears the same, but is somewhat longer and uses tougher tech on the inside. While it won’t soon be able to compete with devices like the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro or the Steam Deck, the RG35XX Plus is a good option if you’re looking for reliable power in a Game Boy-style package at an affordable price.

From the original model, which was a Miyoo Mini Plus clone in and of itself, not much has changed. I will say this, though: Anbernic has a “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” philosophy. It resembles a Game Boy, but with an additional menu and X and Y face buttons. The triggers are still uncomfortable, as is the case with all vertical handhelds, but that’s not the end of the world. The slight size increase over the Miyoo Mini Plus really helps with comfort, too.

The complete collection isn’t playable, but PSP functions. It is unlikely that you will be using this gadget to play God of War very soon. Nevertheless, they function great if you’re ready for some 2D PSP action or classic game compilations. Another pleasant surprise is Dreamcast, which runs a good chunk of its back collection with a consistent framerate. You can absolutely play Marvel vs. Capcom 2 or Crazy Taxi on the fly if that’s what you’re craving.
Even though the RG35XX Plus has several drawbacks, you may use this tiny handheld to simulate most of the classics. You’ll go back in time to the heyday of 8-bit games like the NES and Game Boy, as well as some 3D adventures like Dreamcast and PSP.you’ll be able to explore video game history with something that’s smaller than old video game cartridges. Just keep in mind that since we’re talking about emulation, you’ll have to supply your own collection of legally obtained ROMs.

Retro handhelds that cost less than $100 are typically hit or miss. Either you’ll receive a really good deal or a crappy toy that makes you regret your purchase every time you turn it on. There’s no halfway house, and Anbernic has seen its share of turkeys, too.

The Anbernic RG35XX Plus, which retails for $64, attempts to compete fiercely in the best gaming handheld ring. As a Miyoo Mini Plus clone, it aims to establish its supremacy, outperform the extremely ordinary original RG35XX model, and convince consumers that low-cost handhelds are, in fact, preferable to their more expensive equivalents.

Anbernic has no intention of detracting from companies such as Asus, Valve, or Ayaneo. This is not a boutique, specialized device. Rather, the RG35XX Plus is targeted at casual retro gamers who are looking for a device that resembles a Game Boy and can accomplish things that no other handheld in this price range can. When it comes to gadgets , the Miyoo Mini and Mini Plus reign supreme, but the RG35XX Plus pulls off an incredible upset by unseating the previous leaders thanks to some incredibly astute technological decisions.

Best gaming handheld – FAQ

What is the best portable device for gaming?

The greatest portable gaming PCs in terms of power are the Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, and the soon-to-be-released Lenovo Legion GO. However, not everyone wants to play Steam games or increase frame rates, which is why more people are drawn to less expensive portable systems like the Nintendo Switch.

Which handheld has the best games?

Most gaming handhelds feature support for different storefronts. For example, if you’re looking to play the latest Mario and Zelda adventures, you’ll have to opt for a Nintendo Switch, while portable PCs like the Steam Deck serve as a portable to your Steam backlog. Whether or not Nintendo games are better than PC is up for debate, and you should pick the handheld that has games appealing to your personal tastes.

What is the best alternative to the Switch?

Among all the current handhelds on the market, the Steam Deck is most likely the best option. You will have complete control over Valve’s huge storefront, even though you won’t have access to the customary selection of Ninty romps. This implies that you will be able to use a docking station at home or while on the go to run the newest games and a ton of independent content.