Handheld gaming systems aren't niche anymore. Today's devices range from compact retro emulation machines to full-fledged portable PCs that can run modern AAA games. That variety is exciting, but it also makes shopping harder. The "best" gaming handheld now depends less on a single standout device and more on how, where, and what you want to play.

Some handhelds are designed for quick sessions and classic libraries, prioritizing simplicity, long battery life, and pocketable designs. Others blur the line between console and PC, offering large screens, powerful chips, and access to massive game libraries, often at the cost of size, price, or endurance. There are even experimental options that focus on unusual controls or intentionally limited experiences.

We've spent months testing and tracking the fast-moving handheld space to figure out which devices are actually worth your money right now. Whether you're looking for a versatile all-rounder, a premium portable gaming PC, or a dedicated machine for retro games, these are the gaming handhelds that stand out in an increasingly crowded field.

Key facts at a glance

• Steam Deck OLED is the best handheld gaming PC for most, starting at $549; the LCD version is a $399 budget wonder.
• Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS, Z1 Extreme) is the best premium handheld PC at $899, offering modern power and a 120Hz VRR display.
• ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X is the top Windows gaming handheld at $999, with broad software compatibility and a long-lasting battery.
• Retroid Pocket 5 is the best mobile emulation handheld at $219, delivering smooth PS2 and GameCube gameplay.
• AYN Odin 2 is the best overall mobile handheld at $299 for those wanting extra power and comfort.
• Analogue Pocket is the ultimate Game Boy-style device for playing original cartridges.

Best handheld gaming PC for most: Steam Deck

The Steam Deck remains the best balance of price, performance, and usability in the handheld gaming market. More specifically, the Steam Deck OLED is a thorough upgrade over the original. Starting at $549 for 512GB of storage, this model features a 7.4-inch OLED display that's brighter, faster, slightly bigger, and more vivid than the 7-inch IPS panel on the entry-level model. The higher contrast and richer colors of an OLED screen make every game look better by default, but this display also supports HDR with significantly brighter highlights. The maximum refresh rate jumps from 60Hz to 90Hz, which helps many games look smoother in motion.

Due to a less power-hungry display, a more efficient AMD APU, and a larger battery, the Steam Deck OLED also lasts longer than the original. No handheld can play resource-intensive AAA games for very long, but Valve says the OLED model can run for three to twelve hours depending on the game, whereas the LCD model lasts between two and eight. A larger fan keeps things cooler and quieter, and the chassis feels lighter. Performance is roughly the same, though the OLED model's increased memory bandwidth can help it gain a couple extra frames in certain games.

The entry-level Steam Deck may come with a more basic LCD display and a smaller 256GB SSD, but it delivers the same core experience for $150 less. At $399, it continues to be a strong bargain. Consider that model the best budget handheld gaming PC you can buy. Either Steam Deck model definitely shows its age in 2026, though. Many of the most graphically demanding games released in the past couple of years just don't run well on this hardware, if they're supported at all. Issues with Linux and anti-cheat software have rendered live-service games like Destiny 2 and Apex Legends unplayable, too.

Despite that, the Deck can still play tons of games that just aren't possible on the original Nintendo Switch or other handhelds at this price, from Elden Ring to Final Fantasy VII Rebirth to Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. It's also a natural home for the mountain of older and/or smaller-scale gems littered throughout Steam. While official game support is limited to a subset of the Steam library, the list of verified and still-playable titles is massive, diverse, and constantly growing. You can easily stream games, too, and there are workarounds to access other storefronts.

As for software, a steady stream of updates has turned Valve's SteamOS into a flexible yet user-friendly platform. You'll still need to make tweaks now and then to get a game running optimally, but the process is typically straightforward, and there's a wealth of community resources that document exactly what settings you may need to change. The Deck's processing power, combined with third-party tools like EmuDeck, makes it a superb handheld for emulation. Some PS3 and original Xbox games can be tricky, but just about everything else works beautifully. You can also cloud stream Xbox games with a little setup.

The biggest issue is its size. At two inches thick and nearly a foot long, it stretches the definition of a handheld device, even if the OLED model is lighter. The LCD Deck can get warm and noisy fairly quickly, and the d-pad is somewhat mushy. But the contoured grips on the back help offset the bulk, and both versions feel sturdy, with responsive face buttons, triggers, smooth joysticks, and useful dual touchpads.

Pros and cons of the Steam Deck

• Pros: Enough power for many modern games; user-friendly interface; vivid OLED display; excellent value on LCD model; superb emulation.
• Cons: Bulky; not the most powerful hardware; doesn't officially support every Steam game or other PC clients.

Best premium handheld gaming PC: Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS, Z1 Extreme)

The Lenovo Legion Go S is the closest thing we have to a Steam Deck 2. It's the first third-party device to natively run SteamOS, so it has all the same conveniences and occasional game compatibility issues as Valve's handheld. The difference is that it's more modern hardware, with a beefier AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD in the configuration we tested. It can also reach a maximum power draw of 33W in handheld mode or 40W when plugged in, well above the Deck's 15W. That makes it better for resource-intensive games, often hitting 60 frames per second in recent AAA titles at higher settings.

The Legion Go S has a larger 8-inch display with a sharper 1,920 x 1,200 resolution and faster 120Hz refresh rate. It also supports variable refresh rates (VRR), which minimizes distracting screen tearing. That's a crucial advantage, and the extra space is great for taking games in. This is an LCD display, however, not an OLED panel. Colors aren't quite as vivid and peak brightness is lower at 500 nits, with no HDR. Still, it's above average. Which is better comes down to how much you value VRR and pixel count versus OLED contrast.

The Legion Go S is a bit chunkier and heavier than the Steam Deck, so it'll be more fatiguing to hold for hours. But if you can handle the weight, you may find the design more ergonomic. The rounded edges and textured grips are natural to hold, and many console players will feel more at home with the offset joysticks and d-pad. Hall effect sensors (which reduce joystick drift) and dual USB-C ports are nice perks. There are only two back buttons and one dinky touchpad, however. The extra horsepower means the fans are much louder. And while it has a bigger 55.5Whr battery, the Deck often lasts longer, especially with less demanding games. If you push the heavy stuff, expect under two hours of play.

The biggest trade-off is price: the Z1 Extreme version costs $900. But if you want to play recent blockbusters on the go more than indie or older games, it's worth it. There's also a $650 configuration with a Ryzen Z2 Go chip and 16GB of RAM, which we haven't tested but should still outperform the Deck.

Pros and cons of the Lenovo Legion Go S

• Pros: Better performance than Steam Deck and most Windows handhelds; official SteamOS; spacious display with VRR; good ergonomics.
• Cons: Pricey; heavier than Steam Deck; no HDR; weak haptics.

Best Windows gaming handheld: ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X

If you're willing to spend extra for more software flexibility, the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X is our favorite Windows-based handheld. It's a decent if expensive alternative to the Steam Deck, trading some ease of use for a higher performance ceiling. Microsoft markets it as a handheld Xbox, but it's really another iteration of ASUS' ROG Ally line. It can't play every Xbox console game, nor does it use the exact same UI. Instead, it runs Windows 11, but with a new "Xbox full screen experience" that uses a modified Xbox PC app as its default interface. This aggregates games from across storefronts (Steam included), reduces background tasks, and makes it easier to navigate with gamepad controls.

There are three main reasons to consider the ROG Xbox Ally X over the Steam Deck. The first is power: the Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip and 24GB of RAM, combined with a Turbo mode that boosts power draw up to 35W when plugged in, make it far more capable of running demanding AAA games at higher frame rates. You'll still need to tinker, but not as much as on the Deck. The second is VRR: the 7-inch 1080p 120Hz display has variable refresh rate, keeping games smooth even when frame rates fluctuate. The third is software flexibility: Windows lets you play games from any PC client, including Epic, GOG, Xbox Game Pass, and anti-cheat-dependent titles like Destiny 2, without workarounds.

The new Xbox full screen experience does reduce the clunkiness that has plagued Windows handhelds. Sleep mode mostly works now, and the app switcher is intuitive. You can also install Bazzite for a near-SteamOS experience. But you'll likely still run into Windows quirks: navigating the OS with touch is frustrating outside the Xbox UI, and you may need to use desktop tools for updates. It's not an Xbox, it's a Windows PC. Still, it's a nice piece of kit. The pronged grips make it easier to hold, the 80Whr battery lasts about three and a half hours in our testing, and the controls feel like a traditional Xbox controller. The speakers are loud, too.

The $1,000 price makes it a luxury purchase. You could get a Steam Deck OLED and a Nintendo Switch 2 for the same price. But if you have Game Pass or want to play games from any client anywhere, it's worthwhile. Be aware that a lower-cost ROG Xbox Ally (without X) exists, but it has weaker specs and is a questionable value at $600.

Pros and cons of the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X

• Pros: More powerful than Steam Deck; works with any Windows client; 1080p 120Hz VRR display; comfortable grips; supports full-screen Xbox experience.
• Cons: Expensive; bulky; Windows 11 still has quirks; lackluster haptics; no included case.

Best mobile gaming handheld for most people: Retroid Pocket 5

The Retroid Pocket 5 is the handheld to get if you mainly want to emulate older consoles. It's an Android device that's far less powerful than portable PCs, so it can only play PC, PS5, and Xbox games via streaming. But if you want something more compact and are willing to put in the work of setting up emulators, it's excellent. The Pocket 5 runs on a Snapdragon 865 chip with 8GB of RAM and a built-in fan, giving it enough power to play most PS2 and GameCube games. We ran Gran Turismo 4, ESPN NFL 2K5, and Super Mario Sunshine at full speed with upscaled resolutions. Older consoles like PS1, N64, and Dreamcast run flawlessly, and many Wii and 3DS games work well at up to 1080p.

Let's be clear: if you're new to emulation, expect to tinker. Securing ROM files, choosing the right emulators, mapping controls, and navigating RetroArch can be tedious, and some games won't work right. The Pocket 5 isn't immune. We had to install third-party GPU drivers for some Wii games, tweak display crops for others, and switch to specific RetroArch cores for Sega Saturn. But if you love old games, the results are worth it. The 1080p OLED display is vibrant, the textured grips are comfortable, and the buttons, d-pad, and triggers feel great. The joystick layout under the d-pad is awkward for modern games, though, and the fan can get loud. Battery life ranges from three hours with demanding games to over ten hours with old 8- and 16-bit titles.

Pros and cons of the Retroid Pocket 5

• Pros: Capable emulation and Android gaming; lovely OLED; great controls; sturdy and portable.
• Cons: Requires a ton of tinkering; joystick layout isn't ideal for modern games.

Another good option: Retroid Pocket Flip 2

The Retroid Pocket Flip 2 is essentially a clamshell version of the Pocket 5. It has the same chip, OLED display, Hall effect joysticks, cooling system, and battery. It's thicker and heavier, with a flat back that's less comfortable over time. The recessed joysticks feel awkward, but the offset layout gives more room for d-pad and face buttons. The clamshell design provides natural screen protection, making it easy to toss in a bag. At $229, it's $10 more than the Pocket 5, and whether it's worth it depends on your preference for clamshells.

Best mobile gaming handheld overall: AYN Odin 2

If you have more to spend on an emulation machine, the AYN Odin 2 is a step up from the Retroid Pocket 5. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor plays everything the Pocket 5 can, just smoother and more reliably. PS2 and GameCube games run at two to three times native resolution, and even some Switch games are playable (though you should just buy a Switch). It's also refined hardware: larger but still compact, with comfortable curved grips, offset Hall effect joysticks, excellent buttons, a fingerprint scanner, micro-HDMI out, and great speakers. The 6-inch 1080p IPS display isn't as vibrant as the Retroid's OLED, but it's bright and well-sized. Battery life is superb, exceeding eight hours for demanding emulation and over 20 hours for lighter tasks. At $299, it's pricey when the Steam Deck is only $100 more, but among mobile handhelds, nothing else runs this well.

AYN sells variants like the Odin 2 Mini and Odin 2 Portal. The Mini is more niche at a higher price, while the Portal is larger and more expensive but uses OLED. A new Odin 3 has been announced, and we plan to test it soon.

Pros and cons of the AYN Odin 2

• Pros: Excellent emulation performance; comfortable; great battery life.
• Cons: Relatively pricey; setup still laborious; docked experience isn't seamless.

Best Game Boy-style handheld for classic portable games: Analogue Pocket

The Analogue Pocket is the ultimate Game Boy. Its vertical design is a modernized, premium version of Nintendo's classic handheld, with two extra face buttons, rear triggers, a microSD slot, USB-C, and a rechargeable battery. The 3.5-inch display is both backlit and incredibly sharp, with filter modes to mimic old panels. It plays actual cartridges, not just ROMs, and works with Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games, plus adapters for Game Gear and Neo Geo Pocket. Thanks to FPGA technology, its emulation is near-perfect. It can also run ROMs off a microSD card for systems like SNES and Genesis. At $220, it's not cheap, but it's the most elegant way to play cartridges.

Pros and cons of the Analogue Pocket

• Pros: Near-perfect cartridge emulation; gorgeous display; impressive build quality; expandable.
• Cons: Stock shortages; spongy shoulder buttons; tiny volume buttons.

Honorable mention: Playdate

The Playdate, from Panic, is a tiny yellow box with a 2.7-inch monochrome display, two face buttons, a d-pad, and a physical crank. Its library is mostly oddball indies, and a couple dozen games are bundled. At $229 after a price hike, it's hard to call it a great value, but for those who appreciate focused, low-key design, it's a fun toy.

What about the Nintendo Switch 2?

The Nintendo Switch 2 is already more popular than any handheld above, but we haven't made it a formal pick because it exists in its own world. Its main appeal is playing new Nintendo exclusives, which no other device can legally offer. It's also a significant hardware upgrade over the original, with a bigger 7.9-inch display, magnetic Joy-Cons, and improved performance. But unless you fear tariff-induced price hikes, there's no rush to buy it yet, as the exclusive must-play library is still limited.

Other gaming handhelds we've tested

We've also tested the Lenovo Legion Go 2, an 8.8-inch OLED giant with detachable controllers; it's powerful but heavy and expensive. The MSI Claw 8 AI+ offers strong performance and battery life but costs $1,100. The ModRetro Chromatic is a competitor to the Analogue Pocket with a premium metal frame, but it requires AA batteries and lacks save states. The Windows version of the Legion Go S with the Z2 Go chip underperforms for its price. The Ayaneo Flip DS and Ayaneo Kun are interesting but flawed Windows devices. The Retroid Pocket Classic is a great budget Game Boy-style Android handheld. The Retroid Pocket Mini is smaller but suffers from shader issues. The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro remains a value option. The Miyoo Mini Plus and TrimUI Brick are ultra-budget retro devices, while Anbernic's RG35XX Plus and RG35XXSP have software and quality issues. The PlayStation Portal is only for PS5 streaming, and the Logitech G Cloud is overpriced at $300.

What to know about the gaming handheld market

The market breaks down into three tiers. Top-tier x86 portable PCs like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally X offer the most power and can emulate the widest range of systems, but they're large, expensive, and have short battery life. Mobile handhelds running Android or Linux are smaller and cheaper, good for emulation and cloud streaming, but require setup and legal care. Finally, "do their own thing" devices like the Switch 2 and Playdate offer unique experiences but have limited libraries. Understanding these tiers will help you choose the right device for your needs and budget.

Recent updates

In November 2025, we updated our top Windows pick to the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X and added testing notes on several newer devices. In August 2025, we added the SteamOS Legion Go S and a note on the Switch 2. In May 2025, we recommended the Retroid Pocket Flip 2. Earlier updates covered the MSI Claw 8 AI+, Retroid Pocket 5, and more. We're always testing the latest releases, so check back for updated recommendations.

Source:Engadget News