Handheld gaming techniques are having a second. Whereas individuals have been gaming on the go because the halcyon days of the Sport Boy, current years have introduced an avalanche of gadgets that allow you to play all kinds of video games wherever you need. However new machines appear to reach each week, and determining which of them are literally value shopping for could be overwhelming. Relying in your tastes, the precise handheld might be a $70 emulator or an $800 moveable PC. That will help you slim issues down, we’ve spent months researching the most effective handheld gaming consoles and testing a number of high contenders. Listed here are those we like probably the most proper now.
Editor’s be aware (8/19/25): It is a considerably awkward time to purchase a gaming handheld, as new machines based mostly on AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip are on the best way, together with two new Xbox handhelds developed by Microsoft and ASUS. These Xbox gadgets will convey an overhauled Windows UI that might tackle a lot of our longstanding points with the OS. Past that, the Trump administration’s tariff policy and proposed repeal of the “de minimis” exemption continues to loom over the hand held market, probably climbing the costs of retro handhelds constructed by Chinese language firms specifically (amongst many different items). Nonetheless, we’ve up to date this information with a brand new decide and stand by our present suggestions for these trying to purchase a brand new gaming handheld in the present day.
Desk of contents
Greatest handheld gaming gadgets for 2025
Steam Deck OLED – Show: 7.4-inch HDR OLED, 1,280 x 800 decision, 1,000 nits peak HDR brightness, 600 nits SDR brightness, as much as 90Hz | Processor: Customized 6nm AMD APU | RAM: 16GB LPDDR5 6400 MT/s | Storage: 512GB, 1TB SSD | Battery: 50Whr | Dimensions: 11.73 x 4.6 x 1.93 inches | Weight: 1.41 kilos | Wi-fi: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | OS: SteamOS
Steam Deck LCD – Show: 7-inch IPS, 1,280 x 800 decision, 400 nits brightness, 60Hz | Processor: Customized 7nm AMD APU | RAM: 16GB LPDDR5 5500 MT/s | Storage: 256GB SSD | Battery: 40Whr | Dimensions: 11.73 x 4.6 x 1.93 inches | Weight: 1.48 kilos | Wi-fi: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 | OS: SteamOS
Three years into its life, Valve’s Steam Deck stays the most effective stability of value, efficiency and usefulness within the gaming handheld market. Particularly, the Steam Deck OLED is an intensive improve over the unique. Beginning at $549 for 512GB of storage, this mannequin contains a 7.4-inch OLED show that’s brighter, quicker, barely greater and extra vivid than the 7-inch IPS panel on the entry-level mannequin. The upper distinction and richer colours of an OLED display screen makes each recreation look higher by default, however this show additionally helps HDR, with considerably brighter highlights. The utmost refresh fee jumps from 60Hz to 90Hz as nicely, which helps many video games look smoother in movement.
As a result of much less power-hungry show, a extra environment friendly AMD APU and a bigger battery, the Steam Deck OLED additionally lasts longer than the unique. No handheld can play resource-intensive “AAA” video games for very lengthy, however Valve says the OLED mannequin can run for 3 to 12 hours relying on the sport, whereas the LCD mannequin lasts between two and eight. A bigger fan retains issues cooler and quieter, and the chassis feels lighter. Efficiency is roughly the identical, although the OLED mannequin’s elevated reminiscence bandwidth can assist it achieve a pair additional frames in sure video games.
Nonetheless, $549 is not a small funding. The entry-level Steam Deck might include a extra primary LCD show and a smaller 256GB SSD, nevertheless it delivers the identical core expertise for $150 much less. At $399, it continues to be a powerful discount. Contemplate that mannequin our decide for the most effective “finances” handheld gaming PC you should buy.
To be clear, both Steam Deck mannequin undoubtedly exhibits its age in 2025. Lots of the most graphically demanding video games launched prior to now two years just don’t run well on this {hardware}, in the event that they’re supported in any respect. Points with Linux and anti-cheat software program have rendered live-service video games like Future 2 and Apex Legends unplayable, too.
That stated, the Deck can nonetheless play tons of video games that simply aren’t attainable on the unique Nintendo Change or different handhelds at this value, from Elden Ring to Final Fantasy VII Rebirth to Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. It is also a pure house for the mountain of older and/or smaller-scale gems littered all through Steam. (Hey, Balatro.) Whereas official recreation help is proscribed to a subset of the Steam library, the listing of formally verified and still-playable titles is huge, various and continuously rising. You possibly can simply stream games, too, and there are workarounds to entry different storefronts.
As for software program, a gentle stream of updates has turned Valve’s SteamOS into a versatile but user-friendly platform. You’ll nonetheless must make tweaks from time to time to get a recreation operating optimally, however the course of is usually easy, and there is a wealth of community-driven resources that doc precisely what settings chances are you’ll want to alter.
The Deck’s processing energy, mixed with third-party instruments like EmuDeck, makes it an excellent handheld for emulation as nicely. Some PS3 and authentic Xbox video games could be tough, however nearly all the things else works fantastically. You can too cloud stream Xbox video games with a little setup.
The Steam Deck’s greatest problem is its dimension: At two inches thick and almost a foot lengthy, it stretches the definition of a “handheld” system, even when the OLED mannequin is lighter by comparability. The LCD Deck can get heat and noisy pretty shortly, too, and the d-pad on each gadgets is considerably mushy. However the contoured grips on the again assist offset the majority, and each variations really feel sturdy, with responsive face buttons and triggers, easy joysticks and helpful twin touchpads.
- Sufficient energy to play many trendy PC video games
- Person-friendly interface
- Vivid show on OLED mannequin
- LCD mannequin is implausible worth
- Very good emulation efficiency
- Cumbersome
- Not probably the most highly effective {hardware}
- Would not formally help each Steam recreation or video games from different PC purchasers
Show: 8-inch IPS, 1,290 x 1,200p decision, 500 nits brightness, 120Hz, VRR | Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 Excessive | RAM: 32GB LPDDR5 7500 MT/s | Storage: 1TB SSD | Battery: 55.5Whr | Dimensions: 11.77 x 5.02 x 0.89 inches | Weight: 1.61 kilos | Wi-fi: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | OS: SteamOS
Learn our full Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS) review.
The Lenovo Legion Go S is the closest factor we now have to a Steam Deck 2. It’s the primary third-party system to natively run SteamOS, and as such it has all the identical conveniences (and occasional recreation compatibility points) as Valve’s handheld. The distinction is that it’s a extra trendy piece of {hardware}, with a beefier AMD Ryzen Z1 Excessive processor, 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD within the configuration we examined. It may possibly additionally attain a most energy draw of 33W in handheld mode or 40W when plugged in, nicely above the Deck’s 15W. All of that makes it higher for extra resource-intensive video games. It may be a noticeable enchancment at equal settings, and also you get much more room to crank issues up and attain that magic 60 frames per second (fps) goal in lots of current AAA video games.
The Legion Go S has a bigger 8-inch show than the Deck, with a sharper 1,920 x 1,200 decision and quicker 120Hz refresh fee. It additionally helps variable refresh charges (VRR), which helps reduce distracting display screen tearing. That may be a essential benefit, and the additional actual property is nice for taking video games in. That is an LCD show, nonetheless, not the OLED panel out there with the Deck. Colours aren’t fairly as vivid and peak brightness is decrease at 500 nits. There’s no HDR both. Nonetheless, it’s above-average. Which is “higher” actually comes right down to how a lot you worth VRR and pixel depend towards OLED-level distinction.
The Legion Go S is slightly chunkier and heavier than the Steam Deck, which already isn’t precisely svelte, so it’ll be much more fatiguing to carry for hours at a time. However when you can deal with the burden, chances are you’ll discover this design extra ergonomic. The rounded edges and textured grips are pure to carry, whereas many longtime console gamers will really feel extra at house with the offset joysticks and d-pad. Corridor impact sensors (which cut back the chance of joystick drift) and twin USB-C ports are good perks as nicely.
There are solely two again buttons and one dinky touchpad, nonetheless, if you end up utilizing these typically. The additional horsepower means the followers are a lot louder. And whereas it has a much bigger 55.5Whr battery, the Deck typically lasts a bit longer, particularly with much less demanding video games. If you wish to max issues out with the heavier stuff, anticipate the Legion Go S to outlive for lower than two hours.
The most important trade-off is the worth: The Z1 Excessive model of the Legion Go S prices a hefty $830. However when you’re trying to play current blockbusters on the go greater than indie video games or the older gems in your backlog, it ought to be value grabbing.
There may be another configuration of the Legion Go S with a lower-tier Ryzen Z2 Go chip, 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage out there for $600, which is simply $50 greater than the Steam Deck OLED. We haven’t been capable of check that one but, nevertheless it ought to nonetheless be extra performant than Valve’s system, albeit to a lesser extent. If you’d like a SteamOS system with a much bigger display screen, greater decision and VRR, it’s value contemplating. That stated, needless to say Valve is opening up SteamOS to extra third-party gadgets as time goes on.
- Higher efficiency than Steam Deck and most Home windows handhelds
- Runs official SteamOS
- Spacious show with VRR
- Good ergonomics
- Expensive
- Heavier than Steam Deck
- No HDR help
- Weak haptics
Show: 7-inch IPS, 1080p decision, 500 nits brightness, 120Hz, VRR | Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 Excessive | RAM: 24GB LPDDR5 7500 MT/s | Storage: 1TB, 2TB SSD | Battery: 80Whr | Dimensions: 11.02 x 4.37 x 0.97-1.45 inches | Weight: 1.49 kilos | Wi-fi: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 | OS: Home windows 11
Learn our full ASUS ROG Ally X review.
Should you’re keen to spend additional for extra software program flexibility, you may skip the SteamOS gadgets and purchase a Home windows-based handheld as a substitute. The ASUS ROG Ally X is our present favourite, and it’s one other respectable different to the Steam Deck when you’re keen to commerce some ease of use for a better efficiency ceiling. Consider it like a extra moveable gaming laptop computer.
The ROG Ally X is an upgraded model of the unique ROG Ally, our earlier Home windows decide. The newer mannequin runs on the identical Ryzen Z1 Excessive chip and has the identical show however comes with extra RAM, as much as 4 instances the storage, a battery that’s twice as giant, improved ergonomics and a further USB-C port. It prices $250 extra nowadays, so it’s dear, nevertheless it’s superior {hardware} in almost each means.
There are three foremost causes to contemplate the ROG Ally X over the Steam Deck. Just like the Legion Go S, the primary is energy: The unique ROG Ally was already a bit extra constant at enjoying graphically intense video games at greater body charges, thanks largely to a “Turbo mode” that enhances the system’s energy draw to 25W, or 30W when plugged in. In our review, we discovered the brand new mannequin’s additional RAM and improved reminiscence bandwidth to assist additional this benefit by 5 to 10 % relying on the title. It’s nonetheless not a night-and-day improve in sure video games when all settings are similar, nevertheless it’s normally higher and it has way more overhead each for now and the longer term. Should you primarily wish to play demanding AAA video games, the Ally X is extra more likely to run them nicely than the Deck, and the hole has solely grow to be extra obvious as time has handed.
On that be aware, the Ally X’s second main promoting level is VRR. The 7-inch LCD show is clearly not as vibrant or color-rich as that of the Steam Deck OLED, neither is it as spacious because the display screen on the Legion Go S. But it surely’s each sharper (1080p) and quicker (120Hz) than the Deck, and the VRR help does wonders to maintain video games wanting easy even when their body fee fluctuates.
The third key benefit, and the Ally X’s greatest promoting level in comparison with the Legion Go S, is the truth that Home windows allows you to play video games from any PC shopper, not only a choice of Steam video games. Should you’ve constructed up libraries on shops like Epic, GOG or the Xbox app, you may entry them right here as you’d on some other Home windows PC, no workarounds required. For Xbox Sport Cross video games, Epic Video games Retailer exclusives or finicky always-online titles like Future 2 that require anti-cheat software program, it’s nice.
However for all its flexibility, Home windows can be the most important detriment to any Home windows handheld. ASUS has made real strides in turning its Armoury Crate app into a wonderfully usable recreation launcher and settings hub, one which feels snappy and allows you to assign customized management profiles and GPU modes on a per-game foundation. And also you do have the liberty to put in a Linux distro like Bazzite if you would like a just about similar (if unofficial) expertise to SteamOS. However by default, the Ally X slaps a bandage onto an OS that isn’t designed for this type issue.
Navigating Home windows together with your fingers and a controller remains to be frustratingly inconsistent. (Steam’s Big Picture mode typically works nice; Epic’s and particularly Xbox’s apps, much less so.) Sleep mode doesn’t all the time keep asleep. Whether or not a recreation works easily from the soar isn’t fixed; typically the UI might not scale correctly, different instances you will have to spend minutes fidgeting with graphics settings and key bindings. These are points with any gaming PC, however they’re extra annoying to cope with on a small display screen with no mouse useful. Then there’s the bloat: You don’t want printer drivers, Copilot or adverts for Workplace 365 in your gaming handheld. Regardless of utilizing the identical chip, the ROG Ally X usually delivers barely fewer frames in lots of video games subsequent to the Legion Go S. A part of that’s right down to the {hardware}, sure, nevertheless it’s additionally as a result of Home windows is so remarkably inefficient. No person will confuse a Steam Deck with a Change, however SteamOS stays a lot simpler to simply decide up and use — even when it feels extra closed-off in consequence.
The excellent news is that Microsoft is nicely conscious of this and plans to launch an overhauled Windows interface for gaming handhelds constructed across the Xbox app and Sport Bar. This should reduce background processes, devour much less energy and make gamepad navigation simpler, whereas nonetheless letting you entry video games from different storefronts. Microsoft says it’ll arrive first with two new ROG Xbox Ally handhelds it co-developed with ASUS later this yr earlier than hitting different gadgets, together with the ROG Ally X and authentic ROG Ally. It is a massive deal: If the brand new UI can really cut back the efficiency and usefulness hole between Home windows and SteamOS, it might make the latter considerably redundant. However we’ll must get our arms on the completed product earlier than making any declarations like that.
Elsewhere, the Ally X’s battery life doesn’t all the time match the Steam Deck however comes a lot nearer than the primary Ally ever did. You possibly can anticipate someplace round 2-2.5 hours with heavier fare, however nicely past that with much less demanding stuff. The enormous 80Whr battery means the chassis is barely heavier than its predecessor, however its extra pronounced grips, tighter joysticks, meatier triggers and barely taller face buttons make it simply that additional bit comfier than earlier than. It’ll nonetheless match finest in greater arms, nevertheless it’s a few half-inch thinner than Valve’s machine. The overheating issues that plagued the prior mannequin’s microSD card have been mounted, too, and the corporate has not less than pledged to improve its RMA course of after a raft of complaints.
For now, whether or not the ROG Ally X is best for you comes right down to your tolerance for software program quirks. Should you’re keen to courageous some UX sloppiness so as to play high-end video games from any shopper, wherever you need, it ought to be definitely worth the value premium.
- Extra highly effective than Steam Deck
- Works with any Home windows gaming shopper
- 1080p 120Hz show with VRR
- Effectively-built
- Home windows 11 is not optimized for handhelds (for now)
- Pricier than Steam Deck
- No included case
- No Corridor impact joysticks
Show: 5.5-inch OLED, 1080p decision, 500 nits brightness, 60Hz | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 | RAM: 8GB LPDDR4x | Storage: 128GB UFS 3.1 | Battery: 5,000mAh | Dimensions: 7.84 x 3.09 x 0.61 inches | Weight: 0.62 kilos | Wi-fi: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 | OS: Android 13
The Retroid Pocket 5 is the hand held to get when you primarily wish to emulate older consoles. It’s an Android-based system that’s far much less highly effective than moveable PCs like Steam Deck or ROG Ally X, so it might solely play PC, PS5 and Xbox video games by way of streaming. However if you would like one thing extra compact and are keen to undergo the many, many rigors of getting emulators to really work, it’s a wonderful system.
The Pocket 5 runs on a Snapdragon 865 chip (the identical one utilized by flagship phones from 2020) and 8GB of RAM, plus it has a built-in fan you may set to a few totally different modes to realize slightly additional efficiency. This offers it sufficient energy to play most video games from the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube, two well-liked retro consoles that may be powerful for cellular handhelds to emulate. With some setup, we have been capable of play comparatively demanding PS2 fare like Gran Turismo 4, ESPN NFL 2K5, Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal and Midnight Club 3 at full pace and 1.5x to 2.5x their native decision. GameCube video games like Super Mario Sunshine, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and F-Zero GX, in the meantime, have been rock stable at a 2x or 3x upscale. All of that’s implausible for the cash.
Nearly all the things we examined from consoles beneath the PS2 and GameCube on the efficiency totem pole — PSP, Dreamcast, PS1, N64, and many others. — ran flawlessly at a 3-5x upscale (which maxes out the show’s decision). Most Wii and 3DS video games we examined have been easy at 720p to 1080p as nicely, although translating the Wii distant to a handheld is commonly cumbersome, and the 5.5-inch panel is a bit cramped for viewing two DS screens. You may get some Change video games to work, too, however we discourage that when the Change remains to be readily that can be purchased in the present day. As for contemporary video games, Xbox cloud streaming ran about in addition to it does on some other system, whereas native Android apps like Diablo Immortal, Name of Responsibility Cellular and Asphalt Legends Unite gave us zero points at max settings.
Let’s be clear: Should you’re new to emulation, that you must go into a tool like this anticipating to tinker. Even after the laborious strategy of securing ROM recordsdata, downloading the most effective variations of sure emulators, mapping totally different management schemes for every console and navigating the menu hell that’s RetroArch, some video games simply gained’t work proper.
The Pocket 5 isn’t resistant to this. We needed to set up a third-party GPU driver to keep away from visible glitches in video games like New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Mario Superstar Baseball. Gran Turismo 4 required us to tweak the show crop to cover overscan-related artifacts. The preferred Sega Saturn emulator for Android is a multitude, so we needed to level video games for that system to a selected RetroArch core (at which level all of them ran nice). You will need to fiddle with decision, rendering and lively cooling settings to get many video games going at their finest — and even then, some tough ones like Star Wars Rogue Squadron II will undergo from debilitating slowdowns. It’s all terribly tedious. However you’d do it since you really love previous video games and don’t thoughts placing in work to get pleasure from them comfortably, at an honest value.
We wouldn’t name the Pocket 5’s plastic body “premium,” nevertheless it’s clearly sturdier and extra substantial than most emulation handhelds from little-known Chinese language firms. The 1080p OLED show is the spotlight: It makes all the things look extra vibrant, from the deep blue ocean of The Wind Waker to the inexperienced vegetation in Stardew Valley, and it’s sufficiently sharp and vibrant. There are textured, modestly-sized grips across the again that give your fingers a pure place to relaxation. The face buttons are easy to press, with a snug degree of journey. The d-pad is agency and exact sufficient for us to play Tetris DX with out whining. The analog triggers are conveniently huge and flared, whereas the clicky bumpers are straightforward to tell apart. The audio system, whereas not extremely full-sounding, can get surprisingly loud.
Our foremost criticism is with the joystick structure, which situates the left stick beneath the d-pad. That is high-quality on a PS5 controller, however right here it might make enjoying extra trendy video games a literal ache, because it invitations you to depart your left hand dangling partway off the system. However the sticks themselves are neither too unfastened nor too tight, and they need to keep away from drifting points over time because of their magnetic Hall effect sensors.
Battery life can range from three-ish hours with demanding Android video games to greater than 10 hours when emulating older 8- and 16-bit consoles. That’s stable. The lively cooling system retains the system from ever feeling too scorching, although its highest setting is fairly noisy; you wouldn’t wish to use it round a sleeping accomplice. It’s additionally value noting that the design gained’t truly slot in most pockets, as its identify implies, nevertheless it definitely gained’t hog area in a bag or purse.
- Succesful emulation and Android gaming efficiency
- Beautiful OLED show
- Sticks and buttons really feel nice
- Sturdy, moveable design
- Requires a ton of tinkering to get some emulators working optimally
- Joystick structure is not best for contemporary video games
Show: 5.5-inch OLED, 1080p decision, 500 nits brightness, 60Hz | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 | RAM: 8GB LPDDR4x | Storage: 128GB UFS 3.1 | Battery: 5,000mAh | Dimensions: 5.53 x 3.52 x 0.96 inches | Weight: 0.79 kilos | Wi-fi: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 | OS: Android 13
The Retroid Pocket Flip 2 is actually the Pocket 5 in a clamshell form. It runs on the identical chip — and thus can emulate the identical big selection of retro video games — with the identical nice OLED show, Corridor impact joysticks, lively cooling system, 5,000mAh battery and clear Android OS. The face buttons, triggers, bumpers and d-pad are all roughly as responsive, although the built-in fan can nonetheless get distractingly loud at full blast and the audio system don’t supply the most effective separation (however nonetheless get lots loud).
It’s simply constructed like a fatter Nintendo DS with no second show. It’s thicker and heavier than the Pocket 5, and it has a flat again, so we discover it a contact extra fatiguing to make use of over time. There’s additionally a bit an excessive amount of empty area on the underside half — the face buttons and d-pad undoubtedly have room to be bigger. And since this can be a clamshell, the joysticks need to be recessed in little divots to keep away from urgent towards the show. They’re nonetheless easy and correct, however utilizing them all the time feels considerably awkward.
Nevertheless, separating the show provides extra space for the totally different management components to breathe. The joysticks are offset from the d-pad and face buttons, which makes them really feel much less cramped with video games which might be extra reliant on analog enter. Additionally they sit above the opposite inputs, so that you don’t have to succeed in as a lot when enjoying Sport Boy, SNES or different techniques that aren’t constructed for joystick management in any respect.
The clamshell form provides all the things a pure layer of safety, which in flip makes the system simpler to simply chuck in a bag. Although we will’t say how nicely the hinge will maintain up years down the highway, it feels appropriately tight, and it’s given us no points after a number of weeks of testing. The Flip 2 prices $10 greater than the Pocket 5 earlier than tariffs, however whether or not it’s value shopping for solely comes right down to how you are feeling about clamshells. If you’d like a retro handheld that’s extra DS than PSP, seize it as a substitute.
- Succesful emulation and Android gaming efficiency
- Sturdy clamshell design offers a pure layer of safety
- Beautiful OLED show
- Requires a ton of tinkering to get some emulators working optimally
- Recessed joysticks
- Buttons and d-pad might be bigger
Show: 6-inch IPS, 1080p decision, 60Hz | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | RAM: 8GB, 12GB or 16GB LPDDR5x | Storage: 128GB, 256GB or 512GB UFS 4.0 | Battery: 8,000mAh | Dimensions: 8.86 x 3.86 x 0.67 inches | Weight: 0.93 kilos | Wi-fi: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 | OS: Android 13
You probably have additional cash to burn on an emulation-focused machine, the AYN Odin 2 is a step up from the Retroid Pocket 5 and Flip 2. This Android system can play all the things our these picks can, simply smoother and extra reliably. That is primarily as a result of its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which is identical chip utilized by flagship phones from 2023.
The Odin 2 begins at $299 for 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which is dear when the entry-level Steam Deck can run PC video games natively for simply $100 extra. (And within the US, tariffs might erase that hole solely.) Nonetheless, amongst extra compact cellular handhelds, there aren’t many alternate options that run this nicely at this value. It performed all PS2 and GameCube video games we examined at two to a few instances their native decision, whereas techniques just like the PS1, N64 and Dreamcast had no issues at a 3-5x upscale. Most 3DS and Wii video games had little to no slowdowns at 2-3x, both. It’s higher than most with the Sega Saturn, and it might play a wider vary of Change video games than the Pocket 5 and Flip 2 (although it’s best to simply purchase a Change if that is a significant concern). More difficult techniques will nonetheless require some settings tweaks, however the superior chip means you gained’t must tinker on a game-by-game foundation as extensively as you’d with a lower-cost system.
It’s not simply uncooked efficiency, although: The Odin 2 can be a refined piece of {hardware}. It’s bigger than Retroid’s handhelds, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a lot much less chunky than a conveyable PC, and the curved grips on its again are inviting to carry. The d-pad, face buttons, analog triggers and Corridor impact joysticks all really feel nice; the latter are additionally offset, which makes the design comfier than the Pocket 5 for streaming current console and PC video games. Different touches like a fingerprint scanner, a devoted return button, a micro-HDMI out port, two customizable again buttons and clear front-facing audio system are all good perks.
The 6-inch 1080p touchscreen isn’t as color-rich because the Retroid’s OLED panel, nevertheless it’s nonetheless vibrant and well-sized for contemporary video games. Battery life is great: We acquired greater than eight hours of juice emulating techniques just like the PS2, however that jumped over 20 hours with lighter duties. The system helps 65W quick charging as nicely. Cloud streaming and native Android video games work as they need to, and since the entire thing runs on a frivolously modded model of Android, its inventory interface ought to really feel acquainted to most.
AYN sells just a few totally different variants of the Odin 2, together with the PS Vita-esque Odin 2 Mini and the bigger, OLED-sporting Odin 2 Portal. We’ve not been capable of check both, however they run on the identical chipset as the usual mannequin, so they need to be simply as highly effective. Each ought to be slightly extra area of interest, nonetheless. The Retroid Pocket 5 will get you a lot of the approach to the Mini for $120 much less. The Odin 2 Portal is certainly extra interesting, nevertheless it’s nearer to the Steam Deck’s width (and value) but a lot much less succesful than Valve’s machine on the entire.
- Glorious emulation and Android gaming efficiency
- Comfy
- Nice battery life
- Comparatively dear for a cellular handheld (even earlier than tariffs)
- Organising emulators can nonetheless be laborious
- Docked expertise is not seamless
Show: 3.5-inch LCD, 1,600 x 1,440 decision, VRR 30Hz-62Hz | Chipset: Altera Cyclone V FPGA, Altera Cyclone 10 FPGA | RAM: 3.4MB BRAM, 2x 16MB 16-bit mobile RAM, 64MB 16-bit SDRAM, 256KB 16-bit asynchronous SRAM | Battery: 4,300mAh | Dimensions: 5.86 x 3.46 x 0.86 inches | Weight: 0.61 kilos | OS: Analogue OS
The Analogue Pocket is the ultimate Game Boy. Its vertical design is constructed like a modernized, premium model of Nintendo’s traditional handheld, and it might even work with equipment just like the Sport Boy Digital camera. In comparison with the unique, although, the Pocket provides two additional face buttons, a pair of rear triggers, a microSD slot, a USB-C port and a chargeable battery rated for six to 10 hours of playtime. Most importantly, it has a stunning 3.5-inch show that’s each backlit and extremely sharp (615 ppi) however could be set to appear like an previous Sport Boy panel with totally different filter modes. The system also can output to a TV with an non-compulsory dock.
In contrast to the retro handhelds talked about above, the Pocket is designed to play precise cartridges, not simply ROM recordsdata. It really works with Sport Boy, Sport Boy Shade and Sport Boy Advance video games by means of its cartridge slot, whereas video games from the Sega Sport Gear, TurboGrafx-16, Neo Geo Pocket and Atari Lynx are playable by means of non-compulsory adapters.
Like previous Analogue gadgets, the Pocket makes use of field-programmable gate array (FPGA) motherboards to imitate its goal techniques on a {hardware} degree. In observe, this implies the Pocket’s “emulation” of older titles is near-perfect, with a degree of responsiveness and visible faithfulness that software-based emulation can’t match. Pop in a Sport Boy or GBA cartridge and you’ll primarily play it as meant. That stated, because of a big post-launch update and an lively consumer neighborhood, the Pocket also can run ROMs off a microSD card and thus play techniques just like the SNES and Sega Genesis.
The Pocket isn’t low-cost at $220, and its shoulder buttons aren’t as crisp to press as the wonderful d-pad or face buttons. Nonetheless, in case you have a group of Sport Boy, Sport Gear or GBA video games, the Pocket is probably the most elegant approach to play them, and it’s solely grow to be extra versatile over time. Its greatest flaw is that it may be vulnerable to inventory shortages and shipping delays.
- Performs Sport Boy, Sport Boy Shade, and GBA cartridges with near-perfect emulation
- Beautiful show
- Spectacular construct high quality
- Expandable by way of adapters
- Helps software program emulation
- Inventory points and transport delays are frequent
- Shoulder buttons really feel slightly spongy
- Tiny quantity buttons
Show: 2.7-inch Reminiscence LCD, 400 x 240 decision, 1-bit | Chipset: ARM Cortex-M7F @ 168MHz | RAM: 16MB, 8KB L1 cache | Storage: 4GB eMMC | Battery: 740mAh | Dimensions: 2.99 x 2.91 x 0.35 inches | Weight: 0.19 kilos | OS: Playdate OS
Learn our full Playdate review.
The Playdate, from app developer and Untitled Goose Game writer Panic, is a tiny yellow field with a 2.7-inch monochrome show, two face buttons, a d-pad and a bodily crank constructed into its facet. We known as it a “cross between a Sport Boy and a enterprise card” in our review, and it’s certainly extremely small at roughly three inches tall and 0.18 kilos. It has a devoted game library that largely consists of oddball indies, most of which deal with one or two core concepts as a substitute of attempting to stuff in as many mechanics as attainable. A pair dozen of these video games are bundled with the system, whereas others can be found by way of a built-in store or sideloading from outlets like Itch.io. The {hardware} is mostly well-built, and its battery life is respectable at six to eight hours per cost.
At $229 after a recent price hike, it’s arduous to name the Playdate an incredible worth when it’s solely designed to play a choice of area of interest video games. Its show isn’t backlit, both. However in a sea of gadgets that attempt to be all the things for everybody, the Playdate is admirably centered and low-key. Should you’re into smaller-scale fare and have some cash to play with, it’ll be a enjoyable toy.
What in regards to the Nintendo Change 2?
The Nintendo Change 2 comes with two Pleasure-Con, two Pleasure-Con straps, a Pleasure-Con grip, the dock, a HDMI twine and a 60-watt energy adapter with a removable USB-C cable.
(Sam Rutherford for Engadget)
Learn our full Nintendo Switch 2 review
The brand new Nintendo Switch 2 is already more popular than any of the handhelds above, however we haven’t made it a proper decide on this information because it exists in its personal world. As one of many latest gadgets from the large three console producers, most individuals aren’t selecting between it and the hand held PCs or emulation gadgets above. The primary motive to purchase a Change 2 is to play new Nintendo video games, and no different system can (legally) supply that. Likewise, the Change 2 doesn’t even attempt to supply the flexibleness of a Steam Deck, ROG Ally X and even the Retroid Pocket 5.
That stated, the {hardware} itself is a major improve over its predecessor, with dramatically improved efficiency, a sharper, quicker and greater 7.9-inch show, magnetic Pleasure-Con controllers and extra storage. It’s an entirely extra polished tackle the Change 1’s concepts.
Does that make it a must-buy proper now? Until you’re anxious a few tariff-induced value hike — which will not be probably the most outlandish concern — not likely. Donkey Kong Bananza is a pleasure, Mario Kart World is enjoyable sufficient and enjoying Cyberpunk 2077 on a Nintendo console is sort of surreal, however the listing of true must-plays which might be unique to the Change 2 remains to be very restricted. That’s OK — it’s solely been two months. However don’t really feel the necessity to rush out and splash the money in the present day except you’ve gotten a severe case of Donkey Kong-induced FOMO.
Different gaming handhelds we have examined
The MSI Claw 8 AI+.
(Sam Rutherford for Engadget)
Word: It is a choice of noteworthy gaming handhelds we’ve examined, not a complete listing of all the things we have ever tried.
MSI Claw 8 AI+
The unique MSI Claw was a flop, however the newer Claw 8 AI+ is way more appealing when you’re keen to pay for a bigger and barely extra highly effective different to the ASUS ROG Ally X. With its Intel Core Extremely 7-258V chip and 32GB of RAM, it usually pumped out 10 to fifteen % greater body charges than different high-end fashions just like the Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go in our testing. Battery life is comparatively robust, whereas its 8-inch 120Hz IPS show is lots vibrant and helps VRR. There are easy Corridor impact thumbsticks and triggers, two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a built-in fingerprint sensor past that.
The Claw’s foremost problem is its value: At $1,000 after a current value hike, it’s arduous to justify over the ROG Ally X, which is already too costly for most individuals. ASUS’ handheld is smaller, lighter and usually extra moveable on high of that— although the Claw is thinner — and its Armoury Crate software program, whereas removed from excellent, remains to be a bit extra polished than MSI’s Middle M hub. There’s additionally a smaller 7-inch version of this handheld for $900, however we haven’t examined that one.
The Lenovo Legion Go.
(Picture by Sam Rutherford/Engadget)
Lenovo Legion Go
The Lenovo Legion Go is one other capable alternative to the ASUS ROG Ally X with a good bigger show. It runs on the identical Ryzen Z1 Excessive chip and affords an analogous set of efficiency modes, nevertheless it has a mondo-sized 8.8-inch panel with a sharper 2,560 x 1,600 decision and a better 144Hz refresh fee. It additionally borrows some concepts from the Change, together with removable controllers and a built-in kickstand for taking part in video games in a tabletop mode. These controllers have touchpads to make navigating Home windows slightly simpler, one thing the ROG Ally X lacks.
But it surely’s nonetheless a Home windows handheld, and Lenovo’s software program tweaks aren’t as intuitive as what ASUS has executed with Armoury Crate, so the UX can really feel half-baked by comparability. The jumbo design is bulkier and heavier than the ROG Ally X, so some will discover it too fatiguing to carry. Its followers are louder as nicely, plus the show lacks VRR. Lenovo teased a Legion Go 2 at CES earlier this yr, which appears to be like promising and will arrive within the coming months.
The Lenovo Legion Go S.
(Sam Rutherford for Engadget)
Lenovo Legion Go S (Home windows, Z2 Go chip)
The Home windows 11 model of the Lenovo Legion Go S has the identical comparatively snug design and commendable 8-inch 120Hz show because the SteamOS mannequin we spotlight above. With the Z2 Go mannequin we examined, although, its efficiency lags too far behind the ROG Ally X, Claw 8 AI+ and authentic Legion Go for one thing priced at $730. Home windows remains to be clunky, too.
The Ayaneo Flip DS.
(Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget)
Ayaneo Flip DS
The Ayaneo Flip DS is a cool idea: a strong Home windows machine with a clamshell design and twin shows, type of like a supercharged Nintendo DS. It feels sturdy, it performs roughly on par with the opposite Ryzen 7 7840U (or 8840U) handhelds on this information, and its 7-inch high show is sharp, quick and vibrant. The second display screen makes it a pure match for emulating Wii U or 3DS video games, however you might additionally, say, lookup a information or play a YouTube video with out having to shut no matter you’re enjoying.
Sadly, that is extra of a neat thought than a completely thought-out product. The folding design signifies that the joysticks need to be brief and recessed, whereas the face buttons and d-pad are uncomfortably flat. The entire thing is overly thick and heavy, plus it runs extremely popular. Battery life tops out round two hours, and really managing two shows on a Home windows handheld is about as clunky as you’d anticipate. With costs now beginning above $1,000, the Flip DS is tough to suggest except you’re (oddly) determined for a handheld Wii U emulator. We’re all the time pleased to see extra bizarre {hardware}, although.
The Ayaneo Kun.
(Picture by James Trew / Engadget)
Ayaneo Kun
The Ayaneo Kun is among the many most decadent Home windows handhelds we’ve examined. With a pointy 8.4-inch show, a Ryzen 7 8840U chip, as much as 64GB of RAM, as much as 4TB of storage, a large 75Whr battery and a 54W max TDP, it’s each a succesful gaming system and a possible alternative for a desktop PC. But it surely now begins at an expensive $999, it’s large and it suffers from the same old Home windows-related points. It additionally lacks VRR. It’s nonetheless a high-quality system if cash is actually no object, nevertheless it’s extra handheld than most want. The ROG Ally X is a a lot better worth. That is technically an older mannequin for Ayaneo, too, as the corporate appears to launch a new handheld each different hour nowadays.
Ayaneo 2S
The Ayaneo 2S is one other high-power Home windows handheld with a sharper show and better configuration choices than the ROG Ally X. It additionally makes use of the identical chip because the Kun above. But it surely’s restricted to a 60Hz refresh fee and prices just a few hundred {dollars} additional. Ayaneo introduced a decked-out successor known as the Ayaneo 3 towards the tip of 2024; we’ll attempt to check that one out sooner or later.
The Retroid Pocket Mini (backside) and Retroid Pocket 5.
(Jeff Dunn for Engadget)
Retroid Pocket Mini
The Retroid Pocket Mini is actually a smaller model of the Retroid Pocket 5. It runs on the identical Snapdragon 865 chip and feels simply as sturdy, nevertheless it has a smaller 3.92-inch show with a 4:3 facet ratio. This makes it a extra pure match for older retro consoles, as you gained’t get the black containers you’d see on a 16:9 show just like the one on the Pocket 5. Should you primarily wish to emulate techniques just like the SNES, Sega Genesis or Sport Boy Shade and don’t thoughts paying additional for a wealthy OLED show, it’s little system. However the tiny display screen is limiting when you ever wish to play newer video games, and we want there wasn’t a lot empty area across the show.
This system had additionally generated some controversy throughout the retro gaming neighborhood for having persistent issues with inaccurate shaders (and for the slapdash way Retroid dealt with the matter). The corporate changed the unique mannequin with a “V2” iteration that addresses these considerations, nonetheless.
Retroid Pocket 4 Professional and Retroid Pocket 4
The 4.7-inch Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is the predecessor to the Pocket 5. Its efficiency isn’t considerably far off the newer mannequin, so it stays a pleasant worth when you’re decided to spend lower than $200 on an emulation system. It misses out on the bigger OLED show and extra ergonomically-friendly design of its follow-up, nonetheless. The bottom Pocket 4 may be value a glance if you wish to keep beneath $150, however its weaker chip makes it much less adept at emulating video games from the PS2, GameCube and up.
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus.
(Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget)
Miyoo Mini Plus
The Miyoo Mini Plus is a extremely inexpensive handheld with a well-built, Sport Boy-style type issue that matches properly with older video games. Its 3.5-inch show actually pops for one thing within the $60 to $80 vary, its battery lasts so long as it must and it might emulate consoles as much as the unique PlayStation with out a lot problem. Its Linux-based software program is extensively customizable, although it requires some tinkering to get it working optimally. Like many cheapo handhelds, it additionally lacks quick charging. Nonetheless, of the numerous Sport Boy-like emulation gadgets floating across the finances finish of the market, it’s the one we’d suggest first. Because it’s from a smaller Chinese language agency and isn’t out there at main retailers, nonetheless, it may be troublesome to really purchase.
Anbernic RG35XX Plus
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus is one other wallet-friendly vertical handheld — or not less than, it was earlier than Anbernic paused shipments to the US. For about the identical value because the Miyoo Mini Plus, it affords a quicker chipset, extra RAM and a much bigger battery alongside a equally spectacular design. Its inventory OS is overly sloppy and cheap-looking, nonetheless, and whereas the stronger processor is sweet, the small display screen and lack of analog sticks means you gained’t wish to emulate a lot past the PS1 anyway.
The Anbernic RG35XXSP.
(Jeff Dunn for Engadget)
Anbernic RG35XXSP
The Anbernic RG35XXSP is a variant of the RG35XX Plus based mostly on the identical internals, solely it apes the clamshell type issue of the previous Game Boy Advance SP. That’s an incredible design to tear off when you should decide one, and the {hardware} doesn’t really feel almost as low-cost as its (pre-tariff) price ticket of $60 or so would recommend. However the software program points famous above nonetheless apply (each right here and with the numerous other devices in the identical RGXX household). We’ve additionally seen several user reports of high quality management points with the RG35XXSP’s battery, which is robotically disqualifying.
Anbernic RG405M
The Anbernic RG405M is one other 4:3 handheld with a 4-inch show and a lovely steel body. It is an OK different to the Retroid Pocket Mini if you would like slightly extra display screen area for much less money, nevertheless it’s slower, and it lacks the Mini’s OLED show. We discover the Retroid’s grooved again to be comfier to carry over time as nicely. And once more, Anbernic has paused handheld shipments to America as of this writing.
The PlayStation Portal.
(Picture by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget)
PlayStation Portal
The PlayStation Portal is an odd accessory that’s designed to stream video games from a PlayStation 5. It lacks built-in apps, so it doesn’t help conventional emulation. As a result of it’s solely depending on the standard of your property Wi-Fi, we will’t assure how nicely it’ll truly carry out. It doesn’t work with Bluetooth earbuds both.
The 8-inch show is ok and the DualSense-style controls are nice, so PlayStation diehards who desire a second display screen for native PS5 streaming might even see the attraction. Sony just lately added the power to stream a choice of video games via the cloud, which is a step in the precise route, however you want an costly PlayStation Plus Premium subscription to take benefit. On the whole, there’s little right here which you could’t do with a smartphone and mobile game controller, so most individuals are higher off saving their $200.
Logitech G Cloud
The Logitech G Cloud would’ve been an incredible Android decide when it launched if it value about $150 much less. Its 7-inch 1080p show is vibrant, vibrant and usually extra pleasing to have a look at than the panel on the AYN Odin 2, its battery lasts 10 to 12 hours per cost and its design is cozy to carry for hours at a time. Alas, the G Cloud nonetheless tends to value between $260 and $300, which is simply an excessive amount of when the Retroid Pocket 5 affords extra energy at a lower cost.
What to know in regards to the gaming handheld market
A set of gaming handhelds relaxation on a wood tabletop. The handhelds embrace the Nintendo Change – OLED Mannequin, Valve Steam Deck and the Retroid Pocket 3, in addition to an iPhone 12 mini hooked as much as a Spine One cellular recreation controller.
(Jeff Dunn / Engadget)
You possibly can break down the gaming handheld market into three broad tiers. On the high, you’ve gotten x86-based moveable gaming PCs just like the Steam Deck or ASUS ROG Ally X. These are probably the most highly effective handhelds you should buy, as they search to duplicate the expertise of a reasonably specced gaming desktop. The Steam Deck runs on the Linux working system, however most others use Home windows. If you wish to play trendy, just lately launched PC video games on the go (and want one thing stronger than a Change), that is the kind of system you’d get. They’ll additionally emulate the widest vary of retro consoles. They’re usually the most important and most cumbersome gadgets to carry, nonetheless, and their battery life could be brief. Naturally, they’re additionally the most costly, costing wherever from $400 to greater than $1,000.
Additional down on the worth spectrum are “cellular handhelds” just like the Logitech G Cloud or Retroid Pocket. These gadgets typically run Android or Linux and might vary from beneath $50 to $400-ish (earlier than tariffs). They aren’t outfitted to play trendy console or PC titles, however they’re normally extra compact than a conveyable PC, and you’ll nonetheless use them for cellular video games and cloud streaming. Whereas most are marketed towards these ends, many players truly purchase them to emulate traditional video games by means of software program like RetroArch. Getting emulators to work can be complicated, and accessing the BIOS and ROM recordsdata required to play video games this manner is legally murky. One lawsuit from Nintendo led to the shutdown of the most prominent Switch and 3DS emulators, as an illustration. (Engadget doesn’t condone piracy.) Backing up recordsdata of video games you already personal for private use solely is taken into account extra defensible, although, so for {that a} cellular handheld could be a extra user- and wallet-friendly approach to play the classics — offered you don’t wish to just use your phone.
We’ll name the final tier “handhelds that do their very own factor.” It is a catch-all for issues just like the Change 2 or Playdate: moveable gadgets that run closely custom-made software program and purpose to supply a novel gaming expertise. They aren’t essentially best for emulation or enjoying the newest multiplatform titles; as a substitute, they typically have distinct recreation libraries. They won’t have the widest attraction in consequence (Change excluded), however they’re typically simpler for much less tech-literate of us to simply decide up and use.
Current updates
August 2025: We’ve added the SteamOS model of the Lenovo Legion Go S as a brand new suggestion and up to date our high Home windows decide to mirror the upcoming launch of ASUS’ and Microsoft’s ROG Xbox Ally devices, which is able to characteristic an overhauled Home windows UI. We’ve additionally added a be aware on the just lately launched Nintendo Change 2. We’ll embrace testing notes on the Retroid Pocket Classic, TrimUI Brick and ModRetro Chromatic within the close to future. (Word: Yours really went on paternity go away after our final replace — apologies for the delay!)
Might 2025: We’ve examined the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 and advisable it as a substitute for the Retroid Pocket 5. We’re additionally watching out for the primary third-party devices that run SteamOS, beginning with the brand new Lenovo Legion Go S, and the following ASUS ROG Ally system, which appears to be arriving quickly based mostly on recent leaks.
March 2025: We’ve edited this information for readability and added testing notes for the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Lenovo Legion Go S (Home windows model). Our foremost picks are unchanged. Wanting forward, we’re maintaining a tally of upcoming Home windows handhelds from Acer and Ayaneo, a pair of new emulation devices from Retroid, the primary third-party devices to ship with SteamOS and extra machines that run on AMD’s Ryzen Z2 chips, amongst others.
January 2025: We now have a brand new high decide amongst emulation-focused handhelds: the Retroid Pocket 5. Past that, we’ve added notes on just a few different gadgets we’ve examined, together with the Retroid Pocket Mini and Anbernic RG35XXSP; frivolously edited different blurbs to mirror modifications out there; and eliminated a pair write-ups for merchandise that’ve been discontinued. We’re additionally maintaining a tally of new handhelds that’ve just lately been introduced or are strongly rumored to reach within the close to future, together with gadgets from MSI and Lenovo.
August 2024: We’ve changed the ASUS ROG Ally, our prior decide for the most effective Home windows gaming handheld, with the brand new and improved ROG Ally X. We’ve additionally checked to verify all availability and pricing particulars famous all through the information are correct.
June 2024: We’ve up to date this information to make sure all of our suggestions are updated, including a be aware on ASUS’ upcoming ROG Ally X within the course of. We’ve additionally included particulars on two new handhelds we’ve examined since our earlier replace: the MSI Claw and Ayaneo Flip DS. Staying on high of this market is a tall process, however we’re presently current noteworthy releases just like the PSP-esque AYN Odin 2 Mini and the GBA-style Anbernic RG35XXSP as nicely.
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