Handheld gaming is having a second. While you’re searching for the simplest solution to play your video video games on the go, you’ve come to the proper place. From giant hitters similar to the Swap and Steam Deck, to extremely efficient Dwelling home windows machines, cloud-based creations and curios similar to the Playdate, we’ve reviewed top-of-the-line handheld gaming console you can purchase correct now.
To test top-of-the-line handheld gaming console contenders, we use them in every state of affairs we predict you will. That meant prolonged intervals on the sofa, dealing with our backlogs in mattress, killing time all through flights and even booting up a recreation inside the park. We monitor battery life, study present tech, crank up settings the place potential, use every administration risk, and obsess over grams.
So, whether or not or not you’re after one factor compact and gratifying or a gaming powerhouse, be taught on to search out top-of-the-line handheld console in your needs.
It’s worth noting the Nintendo Switch 2 has been launched and can in all probability be launched later inside the 12 months. As quickly as we’ve reviewed the model new model, I’m sure it’ll earn a spot on this guidelines.
Why you’ll perception Stuff: Our workforce of consultants rigorously check out each product and provide reliable, unbiased opinions that may help you make educated alternatives. For additional particulars, be taught how we test and rate products.
Quick guidelines: what’s top-of-the-line handheld gaming console?
Top-of-the-line handheld gaming console you can purchase in the intervening time:
1. Nintendo Swap OLED
| Nintendo Swap OLED specs | |
|---|---|
| Present | 7in OLED, 1280×720 determination |
| Storage | 64GB (expandable by the use of microSD |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Battery Life | 4.5 to 9 hours |
| OS | Personalized Nintendo OS |
| Dimensions | 102mm x 242mm x 13.9mm (4.02in x 9.53in x 0.55in) |
| Weight | 320g (0.71lbs) (420g with Pleasure-Cons related – 0.93lbs) |
The hybrid nature of the Nintendo Swap means you don’t even wish to make use of the Swap OLED as a handheld system – nevertheless you’re shedding its best attribute must you don’t. As with most units, an OLED present is transformative, notably given the colorful shade palettes of loads of Nintendo’s video video games. Super Mario Bros. Marvel or The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom fully pop off the show display screen. Nintendo moreover mounted the kickstand with its OLED revision, making tabletop mode a way more viable approach to play, and we’ve got been fairly impressed with the audio system too.
The Swap OLED isn’t a great system. Battery life is merely unbelievable, there are additional ergonomically pleasing handhelds, and the ageing {{hardware}} usually has a tricky time with third-party console ports. Nintendo is unquestionably engaged on a successor, which may (or won’t) see a 2025 reveal – and there’s no guarantee of backwards compatibility. Nonetheless due to a extremely unimaginable software program program library comprising numerous the best video video games ever made, a transparent, straightforward UI, and that engaging 7in 720p OLED present, there merely isn’t a higher all-round handheld console in the marketplace.
2. Steam Deck OLED
| Steam Deck OLED specs | |
|---|---|
| Present | 7.4in, 1200×800 HDR OLED w/ 90Hz, 1000 nits brightness |
| Storage | 512GB/1TB NVMe SSD, microSD enlargement |
| RAM | 16GB RAM |
| Battery Life | 3-12 hours |
| OS | SteamOS 3 |
| Dimensions | 298mm x 117mm x 49mm (11.73in x 4.61in x 1.93in) |
| Weight | Approx. 669g (1.47lbs) |
We truly most popular the distinctive Steam Deck, no matter not being overly impressed with its weight, battery life or LCD present. All three have been addressed by Valve with the Steam Deck OLED, making the first effort actually really feel a bit like a tricky draft as in contrast. The model new larger 7.4in HDR present, with its 1000-nits most brightness, has been blowing us away since we started using the system. It has massively improved distinction and colours, whereas OLED’s trademark inky blacks make it onerous to return to LCD. The Deck OLED may be barely lighter than Valve’s first effort, which you positively do uncover, and it lasts longer between charges too.
The Steam Deck OLED is a handheld PC, nevertheless its custom-built OS makes it actually really feel like a console in all the proper strategies. Should you want to entry your Steam library with minimal faff you’ll; desktop mode then welcomes tinkerers who want to emulate earlier video video games and arrange completely different launchers.
Not every recreation will carry out as you want it to out of the sector, and the Deck struggles to run modern AAA titles with any finesse.
The Steam Deck OLED enhances visuals with vibrant colours and deep blacks, making visually hanging video video games even greater. Nonetheless video video games like Elden Ring and Baldur’s Gate 3 revenue enormously from the OLED’s superior distinction and component, whereas Cyberpunk 2077 makes full use of the updated mannequin with Ray Tracing: Overdrive mode.
It’s moreover nonetheless an unlimited cumbersome handheld, which may present an extreme quantity of to cope with for smaller arms. Nonetheless in case you want to play PC video video games portably, the Steam Deck OLED is our excessive resolve. And in case you want to keep away from losing cash, the equally extremely efficient LCD model stays to be accessible at a decrease price.
3. Asus ROG Ally X
| Asus ROG Ally X specs | |
|---|---|
| Present | 7in, 1920×1080 (120Hz) |
| Storage | 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD (expandable by the use of microSD) |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5 |
| Battery Life | 2 to 6 hours |
| OS | Dwelling home windows 11 |
| Dimensions | 280mm x 113mm x 39mm (11.02in x 4.45in x 1.54in) |
| Weight | 608g (1.34lbs) |
While you’re new to your entire PC gaming handheld issue, and want to play additional than merely your Steam library with out messing about with Linux, the Asus ROG Ally X is now the plain different. It lasts longer than the distinctive, has an merely upgradeable SSD, and has additional RAM than any Steam Deck. The refined ergonomics moreover put every the MSI Claw and Lenovo Legion Go inside the shade.
It’s not wonderful: Dwelling home windows 11 nonetheless doesn’t actually really feel fully fully completely satisfied on a small show display screen, and the present’s colours and distinction aren’t a match for the Steam Deck OLED – even when Ally’s elevated determination and refresh cost ranges the having fun with self-discipline a bit. The value is a lot spicier than Valve’s handheld, too – it’s now almost in gaming laptop computer laptop territory.
The Ally X’s high-performance {{hardware}} is nice for AAA gaming, and Sport Go entry gives a great deal of decisions, from Forza Horizon 5 and Starfield, to Halo Infinite and Avenue Fighter 6.
Distinctive ROG Ally shouldn’t be in a rush to enhance, then, and the Steam Deck OLED stays my excessive resolve – nevertheless the outlet is narrower than ever.
4. Nintendo Swap Lite
| Nintendo Swap Lite specs | |
|---|---|
| Present | 5.5in LCD, 1280×720 determination |
| Storage | 32GB (expandable by the use of microSD) |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Battery Life | 3 to 7 hours |
| OS | Personalized Nintendo OS |
| Dimensions | 91.1mm x 208mm x 13.9mm (3.59in x 8.19in x 0.55in) |
| Weight | 275g (0.61lbs) |
In a single different enviornment, it’s possible you’ll knock the Nintendo Swap Lite for lacking the huge show display screen credentials of its pricier bigger brothers. Proper right here, though, we’re solely about handheld consoles, which is strictly the place the Swap Lite truly sings. Its lighter weight and smaller design not solely make it additional cozy to hold than the huge Swap, nevertheless additional transportable as well as. You even get an accurate D-pad proper right here, which the same old model lacks, arguably making the Lite the retro platformer champ.
While you’ve carried out video video games on the Swap OLED it’s truly onerous to try the Swap Lite’s 5.5in LCD show display screen, nevertheless ought to you possibly can overlook its inherent inferiority it’s nonetheless an incredible present. And preserving the an identical 1280×700 determination on the smaller panel means video video games look even sharper.
Actually, you’ll nonetheless have the power to play all of the superior Nintendo exclusives resembling Zelda, Mario and Animal Crossing.
Battery life is respectable adequate, and the unbelievable Swap library is just almost nearly as good proper right here because it’s on the frequent Swap. You merely should ask your self must you’ll miss the facility to dock it to a TV, or Pleasure-Con-exclusive choices like HD Rumble. If a handheld is all you want and it’s possible you’ll dwell with out OLED, the Swap Lite is an excellent and fairly priced risk.
5. Lenovo Legion Go
| Lenovo Legion Go specs | |
|---|---|
| Present | 8.8in, 2560×1600 (144Hz) |
| Storage | 512GB SSD (expandable by the use of microSD) |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X |
| Battery Life | 2 to 6 hours |
| OS | Dwelling home windows 11 |
| Dimensions | 299mm x 131mm x 21mm (11.77in x 5.16in x 0.83in) |
| Weight | 854g (1.88lbs) |
The Lenovo Legion Go makes its case with an infinite and pretty stunning 8.8in, 1600p, 144Hz present and Swap-esque detachable controllers. A novel FPS mode then turns definitely one among them proper right into a vertical mouse. It actually works properly and positively makes you feel additional appropriate than when having fun with with analogue sticks.
The Legion Go’s larger show display screen makes it good for immersive, long-play video video games resembling Assassin’s Creed Mirage, The Witcher 3, and Diablo IV.
Identical to the ROG Ally you’ll run nearly any recreation you need due to Dwelling home windows. When it actually works you’ll have a great deal of gratifying with Lenovo’s handheld, nevertheless we didn’t similar to the clunky Legion Space software program program. Most video video games can’t run properly on the very best native determination each. Within the occasion that they do, they’ll zap the battery lifeless in a short time.
Nonetheless, must you’re a Sport Go subscriber you’ll flip the Legion Go right into a transportable Xbox with an incredible show display screen. That’s a major profit over the Linux-based Steam Deck, which could solely stream Xbox Sport Go by the use of the cloud besides you bear the messy course of of placing in Dwelling home windows.
6. Logitech G Cloud
| Logitech G Cloud specs | |
|---|---|
| Present | 7in IPS LCD, 1920×1080 (60Hz) |
| Storage | 64GB (expandable by the use of microSD) |
| RAM | 4GB LPDDR4X |
| Battery Life | As a lot as 12 hours |
| OS | Android-based with cloud gaming help |
| Dimensions | 256.84mm x 117.21mm x 32.95mm (10.11in x 4.62in x 1.3in) |
| Weight | 463g (1.02lbs) |
This Android-based handheld comes with lots of the primary cloud gaming corporations (along with Sport Go) pre-installed. It’s cozy to hold and has a extremely respectable 7in, 1080p present. Nonetheless previous the built-in controls, there isn’t heaps it may do this the cellphone likely sitting in your pocket correct now can’t.
Whether or not or not you should buy one, then, is set by how loads you already make use of apps like Xbox Cloud Gaming or Nvidia’s GeForce Now. There’s little doubt that having fun with Starfield is far much less fiddly on a faithful gaming system than it is in your cellphone. If every your internet speeds and Wi-Fi power are ample, it could be pretty good. Plus the G Cloud is just an Android capsule at its coronary coronary heart, so you’ll acquire cell video video games to play offline, too.
With servers inside the cloud doing the heavy lifting, battery life is highly effective – as a lot as 12 hours must you aren’t working many video video games natively. Some people will always be skeptical about cloud gaming, and there’s no denying that the G Cloud is an odd system – and by no means an inexpensive one each. Nonetheless must you’re all in on recreation streaming this handheld ticks a great deal of containers.
7. PlayStation Portal
| PlayStation Portal specs | |
|---|---|
| Present | 8in, 1920×1080 LCD w/ 60Hz |
| Storage | N/A |
| RAM | N/A |
| Battery Life | 6 – 8 hours |
| OS | Proprietary (for streaming PS5 video video games) |
| Dimensions | 337mm x 150mm x 95mm (13.27in x 5.91in x 3.74in) |
| Weight | 400g (0.88lbs) |
Sony has a protracted historic previous with handheld consoles, nevertheless the PlayStation Portal is simply not one different PSP or Vita. The reality is, besides wirelessly linked to your PS5 it’s about as useful as a brick. The Portal streams video video games out of your console, exactly as your cellphone does when using the PS Distant Play app (which is free). The excellence proper right here is that you just simply get appropriate DualSense controls on each aspect of the 1080p 60fps present that you just simply play your video video games on.
The PlayStation Portal is an unapologetically space of curiosity system, primarily geared towards PS5 players who repeatedly should give up the TV to a different particular person within the dwelling. If your personal dwelling Wi-Fi isn’t fast adequate you’re likely going to experience effectivity factors. That talked about, we truly like having fun with PS5 video video games on that big and sensible present, with out having to give up the DualSense’s haptics and adaptive triggers. Battery life is surprisingly respectable too.
As a result of it isn’t truly designed to be used outdoor the house and should’t do cloud streaming of any form, the PS Portal is a slighter offering than heaps the devices on this guidelines. Nonetheless must you’re inside the purpose market and your broadband is as a lot because the job, it will merely be the hand-held you’re searching for.
8. Panic Playdate
| Panic Playdate specs | |
|---|---|
| Present | 2.7in black-and-white LCD, 400×240 determination |
| Storage | 4GB |
| RAM | 16MB |
| Battery Life | As a lot as 14 days standby; 8 hours full of life play |
| OS | Personalized OS for Playdate |
| Dimensions | 76mm x 74mm x 9mm (2.99in x 2.91in x 0.35in) |
| Weight | 86g (0.19lbs) |
The Playdate could also be very fully completely different from every completely different handheld console on this guidelines. Reasonably than replicating the big-screen gaming experience on a transportable system, its library consists solely of bespoke titles, most of them making use of its distinctive crank controller.
That’s an intentionally low-tech toy. Its black and white present isn’t even backlit and almost all of its video video games are bite-sized experiences, best carried out for a few minutes at a time barely than just some hours.
It is, then, a decidedly additional space of curiosity proposition than the Swap or Steam Deck. Nonetheless must you like gathering gorgeous objects, of which the cheerful yellow Playdate is undoubtedly one, and luxuriate in a single factor a bit fully completely different out of your handheld gaming, you’ll’t go mistaken.
Easy methods to resolve on top-of-the-line handheld gaming console for you
As a result of the above guidelines attests to, the hand-held console market is wide-ranging and completely different, so Stuff is correct right here that may help you make the proper different based totally in your gaming habits.
The very very first thing to ponder is what video video games you want to play. If Nintendo’s well-known lineup of first-party franchises – we’re talking Mario, Zelda and Pokemon – enchantment to you, you should associate with a Swap. You probably can’t play these video video games wherever else, and for the reason that Swap has been such an infinite success, the third-party help is significantly better than it was on the Wii U and even the Wii sooner than it. Nintendo has truly gotten behind the indie scene too.
While you’re additional of a PC or Xbox specific particular person, and have amassed an unlimited library of Steam video video games over time, it’s possible you’ll want to go for a Steam Deck OLED or one among many Dwelling home windows handhelds in its place. These devices are moreover rather more open than the Swap, making them greater picks for tinkerers who want to emulate retro video video games. And perhaps you solely look to handheld gaming for quickfire gratifying in your lunch break, by which case it’s possible you’ll get additional enjoyment out of the Playdate.
While you’ve decided what you want to play, you wish to take into accounts the way in which you want to play it. If show display screen measurement, determination and effectivity are important to you, one factor similar to the Asus ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion Go could also be your dream system, even when battery life leaves heaps to be desired. And battery life is massively important for handheld gaming, given that you just simply’re usually having fun with video video games on the go the place an affect provide won’t be accessible. The Swap doesn’t have unimaginable battery life, but it surely certainly lasts longer than the power-hungry PC handhelds. You additionally must ponder the dimensions and weight of the system, notably in case your arms are on the smaller aspect.
The very last item is worth. The Nintendo Swap Lite costs decrease than US$200 / £150 and has an numerous library of fantastic video video games, whereas a excessive spec Lenovo Legion Go costs virtually as loads as a gaming laptop computer laptop. While you’re going to be forking out for the latter, you should know prematurely that you just simply’re going to make the most of all that tech. Equally, if you would like a streaming-first handheld, make certain you’re able to feed it the Wi-Fi speeds it requires.
And maybe you’ve decided that you just simply don’t desire a handheld gaming system the least bit and really want a home console to sit down down beneath your TV in its place, by which case you should head to our rated guidelines of those correct now.
While you’re inside the best console, we’ve acquired one different attribute that focuses on precisely that. We’ve moreover rounded up the best retro handhelds for old-school thrills, the best gaming headsets and the best gaming laptops.
How do handheld gaming consoles consider to traditional home consoles?
Handheld and traditional home consoles have distinctive strengths and weaknesses that cater to numerous sorts of gaming. Handheld consoles are designed for portability, enabling gamers to play on the go. Their compact, lightweight design consists of built-in screens and controls, making them helpful for journey or casual gaming intervals away from home. In distinction, home consoles are larger, stationary devices that join with a TV or monitor, providing a additional immersive gaming experience with elevated determination and greater screens.
Which handheld gaming console has top-of-the-line recreation library?
We anticipate the Nintendo Swap has top-of-the-line video video games library of any handheld console. It affords a numerous and in depth alternative of video video games, along with critically acclaimed first-party titles resembling The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The Nintendo Swap moreover enjoys sturdy third-party help, that features modern titles like Minecraft and Fortnite, which enchantment to a broad differ of gamers.
Together with its spectacular lineup of first-party and third-party video video games, the Nintendo Swap is known for its robust alternative of indie video video games. The platform has flip into a favourite amongst indie builders, resulting in a rich array of distinctive and revolutionary titles.
If that wasn’t adequate, the Swap moreover affords entry to a rising library of primary video video games from earlier Nintendo consoles through its Nintendo Swap On-line service, providing a nostalgic experience for long-time followers.
While you’re searching for to play additional graphically intensive video video games, the Steam Deck could be the upper risk, with its entry to an unlimited PC recreation library through Steam, along with AAA titles, indie video video games, and early entry releases
What’s top-of-the-line handheld gaming console for youngsters?
We anticipate top-of-the-line handheld gaming console for youngsters is the Nintendo Swap Lite. It’s compact, lightweight, and designed purely for handheld play, making it wonderful for little arms. With an unlimited library of family-friendly video video games like Animal Crossing, Super Mario, and Pokémon, it offers hours of leisure. In distinction to the full-size Swap, the Lite is additional fairly priced, which is sweet must you’re frightened about sturdiness or the potential for drops. It moreover lacks detachable Pleasure-Cons, so it’s sturdier in a single piece and easier for youthful children to deal with.
Parental controls are robust, allowing you to set playtime limits, restrict on-line entry, and administration what video video games are accessible. Battery life is steady, ensuring prolonged gaming intervals with out mounted recharging. Whereas it doesn’t help TV docking, the Lite’s portability and fun-first design make it a unbelievable risk for youngsters who love gaming on the go.