7 Best Handheld Gaming Consoles (2024): Switch, Steam Deck, and More

It looks like a distant reminiscence by now, however proper earlier than the Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, it appeared like moveable gaming was on its final life. Cell video games had wolfed up enormous parts of the market, and most fashionable video games required quite a lot of energy to run on units just like the Nintendo 3DS. Quick-forward to as we speak, and there are extra methods to take your video games outdoors the lounge than ever.

This can be a little bit of an odd class as a result of, to be fairly frank, lots of the units at the moment available on the market aren’t superb. Valve’s Steam Deck kicked off a wave of producers seeking to compete with the Nintendo Change, however a lot of their choices are rushed, buggy, or simply not a good way to play video games. Just a few have risen to the problem, and I am comfy saying that there are lastly some good choices to select from. I’ve spent lots of of hours testing as many gaming handhelds as I might get my grubby arms on—these are one of the best.

Remember to try our different gaming shopping for guides, together with the Best Retro Gaming Consoles, Best Mobile Game Controllers, Best Steam Deck Accessories, Best Switch Accessories, and Best Gaming Laptops.

Up to date August 2024: Added new data on how to decide on the precise gaming handheld for you, and data about Asus Rog Ally software program updates. We have additionally added new images.

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What to Look For in a Gaming Handheld

The Change could have set a brand new normal for moveable gaming, however within the time since, the class has gotten more and more complicated. New platforms, new management schemes, and a spread of battery life that runs the gamut from a number of hours to “do not stray too removed from a charger.” With that in thoughts, listed below are just a few elements to bear in mind when deciding which one is best for you:

• Platform: The Change runs video games that had been designed (or at the very least tailored) for the Change. Straightforward sufficient. Different handhelds generally is a bit extra difficult. On the Steam Deck, for instance, Valve makes use of customized software program and the Proton compatibility layer to make video games run and play properly on a handheld. Some handhelds simply run Home windows instantly (which has its drawbacks). Be sure that to see what video games you need to play can be found on which platform and the way properly they run before you purchase.
• Image: For those who’re gonna stare at your gaming handheld all day, it might as properly have an ideal show. Many units, just like the Change and the Steam Deck, have OLED variants with extremely crisp, vibrant shows. Nonetheless, higher would not all the time imply, er, higher. Screens with increased resolutions and quicker refresh charges may drain extra battery.
• Energy: Talking of battery life, that is one space the place gaming handhelds can fluctuate wildly. Some units, just like the Change and the Steam Deck, are optimized as a lot as they are often for battery consumption. Nonetheless, operating graphics-heavy video games like Tears of the Kingdom will all the time use extra battery than easier video games like Stardew Valley. On handhelds that run much less optimized working techniques like Home windows, battery can drain even quicker. For those who plan to make use of quite a lot of heavy battery-draining options or video games, you then may need to pick up a portable charger.
• Efficiency: The Change notoriously runs on an underpowered processor in comparison with its rivals. But, its video games profit from it by being optimized for the {hardware} they run on. In the case of video games that had been designed for Home windows (whether or not they run on the Steam Deck, or Home windows handhelds instantly), they will require much more energy to get the identical form of efficiency. Sooner, extra highly effective processors can imply you may get a extra fluid gaming expertise. However, as soon as once more, understand that quicker processors expend extra battery, so make sure you steadiness efficiency with energy drain.