Portable gaming is having a major renaissance in 2025. No longer limited to pixelated screens or basic mechanics, today’s handheld consoles offer desktop-level power, stunning visuals, and cloud connectivity—all while fitting in your backpack. Whether you’re a casual gamer, a retro enthusiast, or someone who wants AAA titles on the go, there’s a handheld made for you.

Here’s a deep dive into the best handheld gaming consoles available in 2025.

What Makes a Great Handheld Console?

• Performance: Fast processors and ample RAM for smooth gameplay
  
  
• Display Quality: OLED or LCD screens with high refresh rates
  
  
• Battery Life: Ideally 5+ hours of gameplay
  
  
• Game Library: Compatibility with popular titles and platforms
  
  
• Portability: Size, weight, and overall comfort
  
  
• Connectivity: Support for cloud gaming, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi

1. Steam Deck OLED (2025 Model)

Best for: PC gamers on the go

Highlights:

• AMD APU with Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU
  
  
• 7.4-inch OLED display (90Hz refresh rate)
  
  
• 16GB RAM, up to 1TB SSD
  
  
• SteamOS with full Linux support
  
  
• Customizable controls and gyro input

Why it’s great:

It’s like carrying your entire PC game library in your hands. Perfect for gamers who already use Steam and want a smooth, immersive experience anywhere.

2. Nintendo Switch 2

Best for: Exclusive Nintendo titles and casual multiplayer

Highlights:

• 8-inch LCD screen
  
  
• New Nvidia custom chip for improved performance
  
  
• Backward compatibility with all Switch games
  
  
• Improved Joy-Con controllers with less drift
  
  
• Dockable to 4K TV output

Why it’s great:

Nintendo’s unique catalog of titles—from Zelda and Mario to indie gems—combined with hybrid play makes it a versatile favorite for gamers of all ages.

3. ASUS ROG Ally X

Best for: Hardcore Windows gaming

Highlights:

• AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor
  
  
• 7-inch Full HD display (120Hz)
  
  
• 24GB LPDDR5 RAM
  
  
• Runs Windows 11 for full PC compatibility
  
  
• Armoury Crate SE gaming dashboard

Why it’s great:

With power rivaling a desktop setup, the Ally X is built for serious gamers who want zero compromises on the road.

4. Lenovo Legion Go

Best for: Huge screen and detachable controllers

Highlights:

• 8.8-inch QHD+ screen
  
  
• AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
  
  
• Detachable Legion TrueStrike controllers
  
  
• Integrated trackpad and FPS mode
  
  
• Windows 11 with microSD support

Why it’s great:

It’s like a Switch on steroids—ideal for immersive RPGs and first-person shooters that benefit from large screen space and flexible controls.

5. Ayaneo Kun

Best for: Premium build and customization

Highlights:

• AMD 7840U chip
  
  
• 8.4-inch IPS screen
  
  
• 75Wh battery (one of the largest in its class)
  
  
• Fingerprint scanner, Hall-sensing joysticks
  
  
• Windows 11 with Ayaspace UI

Why it’s great:

Ayaneo focuses on power users who care about build quality, BIOS-level tweaking, and advanced inputs.

6. GPD Win 4 (2025)

Best for: Portable keyboard lovers and productivity

Highlights:

• Slide-out physical keyboard
  
  
• AMD 7840U processor
  
  
• 6-inch 1080p screen
  
  
• Dual joystick + D-pad controls
  
  
• Supports productivity apps and gaming

Why it’s great:

Great for gamers who also want a handheld capable of writing, web browsing, or managing files while traveling.

7. Logitech G Cloud

Best for: Cloud gaming only

Highlights:

• Snapdragon G3x Gen 1
  
  
• 7-inch LCD 1080p
  
  
• Cloud-focused for Xbox Cloud, NVIDIA GeForce NOW
  
  
• Lightweight and ultra-portable
  
  
• Android OS with Google Play Store
  

Why it’s great:

If you have fast internet and want access to hundreds of AAA games without installing them locally, this is a low-maintenance solution.

8. PlayStation Portal

Best for: Remote Play with PS5

Highlights:

• 8-inch 1080p LCD
  
  
• DualSense controller experience built-in
  
  
• Works via Wi-Fi as a PS5 extension
  
  
• Not standalone—requires PS5

Why it’s great:

For PlayStation fans, it’s the easiest way to play your PS5 games away from the TV. Great for shared households or bedroom gaming.

9. AYN Loki Max

Best for: Budget-friendly PC gaming

Highlights:

• AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
  
  
• 6-inch IPS display
  
  
• Multiple RAM/storage configurations
  
  
• Runs Windows with access to Steam, Epic, Xbox Game Pass

Why it’s great:

Ideal for those who want an entry into the handheld PC space without overspending.

10. Retroid Pocket 4 Pro

Best for: Retro gaming and emulation

Highlights:

• Unisoc T820 processor
  
  
• 4.7-inch touchscreen
  
  
• Android 13 OS
  
  
• Preloaded emulator support
  
  
• Portable and nostalgic design

Why it’s great:

A small but mighty device tailored for fans of retro consoles—great for emulating PlayStation, SNES, and Game Boy games.

Quick Comparison Table

Final Thoughts

2025 is an exciting time for portable gaming. With the handheld market offering everything from retro emulators to devices that can run Cyberpunk 2077 on ultra settings, the only real question is: how do you like to play?

For versatility and performance, the Steam Deck OLED and ASUS ROG Ally X lead the pack. If you're after exclusive games and family-friendly fun, the Nintendo Switch 2 is your go-to. For streaming-focused users, the Logitech G Cloud and PlayStation Portal provide lightweight alternatives.