Why Handheld Gaming Is Thriving in 2025
Handheld gaming has evolved far beyond the days of the Game Boy. Today’s devices pack the power of a full-fledged PC or console into a portable package, offering flexibility and convenience that traditional setups can’t match. Whether you’re gaming on a plane, lounging in bed, or sneaking in a session during a break, these handhelds deliver. The surge in popularity spurred by the Steam Deck’s success in 2022 has led to a flood of competitors, each bringing something unique to the table. But with so many choices, how do you pick the right one? Let’s explore the top options and what sets them apart.
The Contenders: Top Gaming Handhelds of 2025
Here’s a look at the leading gaming handhelds available as of April 7, 2025. Each has its strengths, weaknesses, and ideal audience.
1. Steam Deck OLED
Valve’s Steam Deck OLED remains a titan in the handheld space. With its stunning 7.4-inch HDR OLED display, improved battery life (3-12 hours depending on the game), and the intuitive SteamOS, it’s a favorite for PC gamers. Priced at $549 for the 512GB model, it’s a mid-range option that balances performance and affordability. It excels at running Steam’s vast library, though its custom AMD APU (slightly upgraded from the original) struggles with the latest AAA titles at high settings.
- Best For: Steam users, indie game fans, and those who value a console-like experience.
2. Nintendo Switch 2
Launched in June 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 builds on its predecessor’s hybrid legacy with an 8-inch 1080p LCD screen, 256GB of storage, and a rumored $450 price tag. It boasts enhanced Joy-Con controllers and backwards compatibility with most Switch games. While not as powerful as PC handhelds, its exclusive titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Mario Kart 9 make it a must-have for Nintendo fans.
- Best For: Nintendo loyalists and casual gamers who prioritize exclusives and versatility.
3. ASUS ROG Ally X
The ASUS ROG Ally X, priced at $799, is a powerhouse running Windows 11. With a 7-inch 1080p 120Hz display, 24GB of RAM, and an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, it outperforms the Steam Deck in raw power. Its battery life (up to 5 hours) and Thunderbolt 4 support make it a premium choice, though Windows can feel clunky on a handheld.
- Best For: PC gamers with large libraries across multiple platforms (Steam, Epic, Xbox Game Pass).
4. Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS Edition)
Announced at CES 2025 and set to release in May 2025 for $499, the Lenovo Legion Go S is the first non-Valve handheld to ship with SteamOS. Its 8-inch 120Hz display, AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor, and ergonomic design make it a compelling Steam Deck alternative. At 1.63 pounds, it’s lighter than its predecessor, the Legion Go, and promises 4-6 hours of battery life.
- Best For: Steam Deck fans seeking a lighter, potentially more affordable option with SteamOS.
5. MSI Claw 8 AI+
The MSI Claw 8 AI+, released in early 2025, is a high-end contender at $749. Powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and featuring an 8-inch 120Hz screen, it offers stellar battery life (over 2 hours in heavy use) and excellent audio thanks to Nahimic software. It runs Windows 11, making it versatile but less streamlined than SteamOS devices.
- Best For: Gamers who want top-tier performance and don’t mind tweaking Windows settings.
6. Retroid Pocket 5
For retro gaming enthusiasts, the Retroid Pocket 5 ($199) is a standout. With a 5-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 865 CPU, and support for emulation up to PS2 and GameCube, it’s a budget-friendly powerhouse for classic games. Battery life clocks in at 6+ hours, but it’s not designed for modern AAA titles.
- Best For: Retro gamers and budget-conscious buyers.
Comparison Table: Key Specs at a Glance
| Handheld | Price | Screen | Processor | Battery Life | OS | Storage | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam Deck OLED | $549 | 7.4" OLED, 1280x800 | Custom AMD APU | 3-12 hours | SteamOS | 512GB | 1.41 lbs |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | $450 | 8" LCD, 1080p | Custom NVIDIA | 5-9 hours | Nintendo OS | 256GB | 0.88 lbs |
| ASUS ROG Ally X | $799 | 7" LED, 1080p, 120Hz | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | 1-5 hours | Windows 11 | 1TB | 1.49 lbs |
| Lenovo Legion Go S | $499 | 8" LED, 1920x1200, 120Hz | AMD Ryzen Z2 Go | 4-6 hours | SteamOS | 512GB | 1.63 lbs |
| MSI Claw 8 AI+ | $749 | 8" LED, 1080p, 120Hz | Intel Core Ultra 7 | 2-4 hours | Windows 11 | 1TB | 1.49 lbs |
| Retroid Pocket 5 | $199 | 5" AMOLED, 1280x960 | Snapdragon 865 | 6+ hours | Android | 128GB | 0.66 lbs |
Key Takeaways: Which Handheld Should You Choose?
Choosing the best gaming handheld depends on your gaming habits, budget, and priorities. Here are the key takeaways to guide your decision:
- Best Overall: Steam Deck OLED
- Why: It strikes the perfect balance of price, performance, and ease of use with SteamOS. The OLED screen is a game-changer, and its battery life is unmatched among PC handhelds.
- Choose If: You’re heavily invested in Steam and want a plug-and-play experience.
- Best for Nintendo Fans: Nintendo Switch 2
- Why: Exclusive games and a hybrid design make it unbeatable for Nintendo enthusiasts. It’s also lighter and cheaper than most PC handhelds.
- Choose If: You love Mario, Zelda, and portability without needing PC-level power.
- Best Performance: ASUS ROG Ally X
- Why: Its raw power and 120Hz display outshine competitors, making it ideal for demanding AAA titles.
- Choose If: You need top performance and access to multiple PC platforms, despite the higher cost.
- Best SteamOS Alternative: Lenovo Legion Go S
- Why: It offers SteamOS in a refined, ergonomic package at a lower price than the Steam Deck OLED.
- Choose If: You want SteamOS but prefer a larger screen and lighter design (available May 2025).
- Best High-End Windows Option: MSI Claw 8 AI+
- Why: Superior battery life, audio, and performance make it a premium Windows handheld.
- Choose If: You’re comfortable with Windows and want a high-end experience.
- Best Budget/Retro Pick: Retroid Pocket 5
- Why: Affordable, powerful emulation, and a compact design make it perfect for retro gaming.
- Choose If: You’re nostalgic for older games and don’t need modern AAA support.
In-Depth Analysis: What Makes Each Handheld Stand Out?
Steam Deck OLED: The People’s Champion
The Steam Deck OLED refines Valve’s original vision with a vibrant display, better cooling, and longer battery life. It’s not the most powerful handheld, but SteamOS makes it incredibly user-friendly. Games like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077 run well at medium settings, while indie titles shine. Its biggest limitation? It’s showing its age against newer AMD and Intel-powered rivals.
Nintendo Switch 2: The Exclusive King
Nintendo’s latest doesn’t compete on specs but wins with its game library and hybrid functionality. The 1080p screen is a big upgrade from the original Switch’s 720p, and the Joy-Cons feel more robust. It’s less about raw power and more about delivering polished, exclusive experiences you can’t get elsewhere.
ASUS ROG Ally X: The Powerhouse
The ROG Ally X is a beast, capable of running Starfield at 1080p with decent frame rates. Its 24GB of RAM and fast SSD ensure smooth multitasking, but Windows 11’s touch interface can frustrate. It’s the choice for gamers who want uncompromised performance and flexibility across platforms.
Lenovo Legion Go S: The Steam Deck Challenger
Set to launch soon, the Legion Go S promises to blend SteamOS’s simplicity with a larger, higher-resolution screen. Its Ryzen Z2 Go chip should outperform the Steam Deck’s APU, though we’ll need hands-on testing to confirm. If it delivers, it could steal Valve’s thunder.
MSI Claw 8 AI+: The Premium Windows Pick
The Claw 8 AI+ impresses with its build quality, audio, and AI-driven performance tweaks. It’s a strong contender for Windows fans, but its price and OS complexity might deter casual users. It’s ideal for those who want a luxury handheld with cutting-edge tech.
Retroid Pocket 5: The Retro Gem
For under $200, the Retroid Pocket 5 punches above its weight, emulating everything from NES to PS2 flawlessly. Its AMOLED screen pops with color, and its lightweight design is perfect for long sessions. It’s not for modern gaming, but retro fans will love it.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
1. What’s the best gaming handheld for AAA games?
- Answer: The ASUS ROG Ally X or MSI Claw 8 AI+ are your best bets due to their superior processing power and high-refresh-rate screens. The Steam Deck OLED handles AAA titles well but often requires lower settings.
2. Should I wait for the Lenovo Legion Go S?
- Answer: If you love SteamOS and want a larger screen, waiting until May 2025 could be worth it. However, the Steam Deck OLED is available now and proven.
3. Is the Nintendo Switch 2 worth it over PC handhelds?
- Answer: Yes, if you prioritize Nintendo exclusives and a hybrid design. For raw power and broader game access, PC handhelds like the ROG Ally X outshine it.
4. Can I play non-Steam games on the Steam Deck OLED?
- Answer: Yes, but it requires tinkering in Desktop Mode to install launchers like Epic Games or GOG. It’s not as seamless as Windows handhelds.
5. What’s the cheapest good handheld?
- Answer: The Retroid Pocket 5 at $199 offers incredible value for retro gaming. For modern games, the Steam Deck LCD ($399) is a solid budget option.
6. How important is battery life?
- Answer: Very, if you game on the go. The Steam Deck OLED (3-12 hours) and Retroid Pocket 5 (6+ hours) lead here, while Windows handhelds like the ROG Ally X (1-5 hours) lag under heavy loads.
7. Are Windows handhelds harder to use?
- Answer: Yes, Windows 11 isn’t optimized for touchscreens or controllers as well as SteamOS. Expect more setup time for games and settings.
Final Thoughts: Making Your Choice
So, what’s the best gaming handheld right now? It depends on you. If you want a versatile, all-around winner, the Steam Deck OLED is hard to beat for its price, display, and ease of use. If exclusives and portability are your jam, the Nintendo Switch 2 is a no-brainer. For max performance, the ASUS ROG Ally X reigns supreme, while the Lenovo Legion Go S could be a game-changer in May. The MSI Claw 8 AI+ offers premium flair, and the Retroid Pocket 5 is a retro steal.
Consider your budget, game library, and how you’ll use it. Want to play Cyberpunk 2077 on a plane? Go for a PC handheld. Craving Super Mario Odyssey 2? Nintendo’s your pick. Whatever you choose, 2025’s handheld lineup ensures you’ll be gaming in style. Which one’s calling your name? Let us know in the comments!
