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

It feels like this a distant memory now, but just before Nintendo Switch launched in 2017It seems like mobile gaming is coming to an end. Mobile gaming has taken over the majority of the market, and most modern games require a lot of power to run on devices like the Nintendo 3DS. Back in the day, there are more ways than ever to take your gaming out of the living room.

This is a rather odd category because, to be honest, many of the devices currently on the market aren’t really that good. Valve Steam deck has ushered in a wave of manufacturers looking to compete with the Nintendo Switch, but many of their products are rushed, buggy, or just not great ways to play games. Some have risen to the challenge, and I can comfortably say that there are Final Some great options to choose from. I’ve spent hundreds of hours testing as many handheld consoles as I can—here are the best.

Be sure to check out our other game buying guides, including Best Classic Game Consoles, Best Mobile Game Controllers, Best Steam Deck Accessories, Best Switch AccessoriesAnd Best Gaming Laptops.

Updated August 2024: Added new information on how to choose the right gaming console for you and information on the Asus Rog Ally software update. We’ve also added new photos.

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Things to look out for when buying a handheld game console

The Switch may have set a new standard for portable gaming, but the category has gotten more complicated since then. New platforms, new control schemes, and battery life that ranges from a few hours to “not far from a charger.” With that in mind, here are some factors to consider when deciding which one is right for you:

• Foundation: The Switch runs games designed (or at least adapted) for the Switch. Pretty easy. Other handhelds can be a bit more complicated. On Steam Deck, for example, Valve uses custom software and Proton compatibility layer to make the game run and play well on handheld devices. Some handheld devices only run Windows directly (which has its disadvantages). Make sure the game you want to play is available on which platforms and how well it runs before you buy.
• Image: If you’re going to be staring at your handheld all day, it might as well have a great screen. Many devices, like the Switch and Steam Deck, have OLED variants with incredibly sharp and vibrant screens. But bigger doesn’t always mean better. Higher resolution and faster refresh rates can also drain your battery.
• Power: Speaking of battery life, that’s one area where gaming handhelds can vary a lot. Some devices, like the Switch and Steam Deck, are as optimized for battery life as possible. However, running graphics-intensive games like Tears of the Kingdom will always use more battery than simpler games like Stardew Valley. On handheld devices running less optimized operating systems like Windows, the battery can drain faster. If you plan to use a lot of battery-hungry features or games, you may want to get a portable charger.
• Efficiency: The famous Switch runs on an underpowered processor compared to its competitors. However, its games take full advantage of this by being optimized for the hardware they run on. When it comes to games designed for Windows (whether they run on the Steam Deck or directly on a Windows console), they can require more power to get the same performance. A faster, more powerful processor can mean a smoother gaming experience. But, again, keep in mind that a faster processor will use more battery, so be sure to balance performance with power consumption.