The gaming industry has now become more advanced and developed significantly in every aspect, from cutting edge technology to high-end graphics games. Along with this, handheld consoles have also grown rapidly and are still continuing their growth today in 2025. In the present world, handheld consoles offer a different range of devices that cater to the different needs and preferences of gamers.
From the iconic Nintendo Switch OLED to the powerful Asus ROG Ally X, each console brings with it unique features and capabilities. As gamers look for performance, portability, and cross-platform experiences, handheld consoles have become more powerful and feature-rich than ever before. Whether you want to play AAA titles on the go or want a retro-style handheld emulator for classic games, there is a handheld console to suit your needs.
In this article, we will review and explore the best handheld gaming consoles in 2025. Whether you’re a casual player, a retro enthusiast, or a hardcore gamer seeking the best handheld gaming consoles in 2025, this comprehensive guide covers the top portable gaming devices available.
We’ll explore their features, performance, value and the factors that makes them special in today’s fast-paced gaming ecosystem and stand out in the market. Ensuring you find the perfect match for your gaming needs without needing a subscription or breaking the bank.
Why Handheld Consoles Are Trending in 2025
Consumers are drawn to portability, enhanced performance, value with ergonomic designs and longer battery life (up to 20-30% better than 2023 models per industry reports) address user comfort.
The success of the original Nintendo Switch, with over 150 million units sold since 2017, set the stage, but the market has evolved beyond Nintendo’s dominance. PC handhelds like the Steam Deck have introduced high-performance portable gaming, while retro devices like the Analogue Pocket and Retroid Pocket 5 cater to nostalgia-driven players.
- Cross-Platform Ecosystem: Flawless syncing between PC, console, and handheld.
- Gaming on the Move Culture: More gamers are traveling, commuting, or sharing screens — portable gaming fits lifestyle shifts.
- Portable AAA Gaming: Gamers can play and enjoy AAA titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring & more on a handheld console on the Go.
- Cloud Gaming: Cloud gaming has evolved significantly over the time. Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce NOW, and PS Remote Play are optimized for handheld experiences.
- Hybrid Gaming Demand: Handheld gaming consoles offers flexibility and we as Gamers love this – play at home or on the go without losing performance.
- Next-Gen Mobile Chips: With the passage of time, chips are becoming more powerful & efficient, delivering high performance. AMD Ryzen Z1, Snapdragon G3x now rival desktop performance in a handheld size.
Best Handheld Consoles in 2025
Nintendo Switch OLED
💵 Price (as of 2025) : $349.99 USD
Note: The price is subject to change and may vary based on the retailer and region.
Key Specifications
Display:
- 7-inch OLED touchscreen
- 1280 x 720 resolution
- Vivid colors and higher contrast
Dock Output:
- Up to 1080p via HDMI (TV Mode)
- 720p in handheld and tabletop mode
Storage:
- 64GB internal storage (expandable via microSD)
Battery Life:
- Approx. 4.5 to 9 hours (varies by game)
Audio:
- Enhanced onboard stereo speakers
Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth 4.1 (for controllers/audio)
- Wired LAN port on the dock (for stable online play)
Joy-Con Compatibility:
- Works with all existing Joy-Con controllers
Operating Modes:
- Handheld, Tabletop, and TV Mode
Kickstand:
- Wide adjustable stand for tabletop mode
Dimensions:
- 9.5 x 4.0 x 0.55 inches (with Joy-Con attached)
- Weight: Approx. 0.93 lbs (with Joy-Con)
Supported Games: Compatible with all Nintendo Switch games
Why It’s Great
The Nintendo Switch OLED continues to be a fan-favorite in 2025, thanks to its vibrant 7-inch OLED display and versatile hybrid design. Whether you’re gaming on the go or docked to a TV, it delivers smooth performance and access to a massive library of exclusive titles. With upgraded audio, expanded storage, and better tabletop support, it’s still a top pick for casual and dedicated gamers alike.
✅ Pros
- Vibrant OLED Display
- Hybrid Flexibility
- Improved Battery Life
- Better Audio Quality
⚠️ Cons
- Priced High
- Same Internal Specs compared to original Switch
- No 4K Support
- Limited Internal Storage
Steam Deck OLED
💵 Price (as of 2025): Starts at $549 USD
Note: The price is subject to change and may vary based on the retailer and region.
Key Specifications
Display:
- 7.4-inch HDR OLED touchscreen
- 1280 x 800 resolution
- Wider color range, better contrast, 90Hz refresh rate
Performance:
- Custom AMD APU (Zen 2 CPU + RDNA 2 GPU)
- 16GB LPDDR5 RAM
Storage:
- 512GB NVMe SSD (with microSD expansion)
Battery:
- 50Whr battery (30-50% longer life than LCD version)
Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.3
Why It’s Great
Steam Deck OLED takes the already powerful handheld PC and improves it with a stunning HDR OLED display and better thermals. It’s a game-changer for PC gamers who want to enjoy AAA titles on the go with zero compromise on quality.
✅ Pros
- Vibrant OLED display with smooth 90Hz
- Better battery and cooling
- PC gaming on the go with full Steam support
- Comfortable ergonomics and responsive controls
⚠️ Cons
- Fan noise under heavy load
- Bulkier compared to other handhelds
- Some AAA games need tweaks for best performance
Asus ROG Ally X
💵 Price (as of 2025): $799 USD
Note: The price is subject to change and may vary based on the retailer and region.
Key Specifications
Display:
- 7-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen
- 1920 x 1080 resolution
- 120Hz refresh rate with FreeSync Premium
Performance:
- AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU
- 24GB LPDDR5 RAM (faster and larger than original Ally)
Storage:
- 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD (expandable via microSD)
Battery:
- Upgraded 80Whr battery (nearly double the original)
Cooling & Design:
- Enhanced thermal system for better sustained performance
- Slightly thicker for improved airflow and grip
Why It’s Great
The ROG Ally X refines an already strong formula with major upgrades in battery life, RAM, and internal storage. Designed for serious gamers, it delivers high-performance PC gaming in a compact yet powerful handheld form factor.
✅ Pros
- Smooth 1080p gaming with 120Hz refresh rate
- Increased RAM and storage
- Massive 80Whr battery for extended playtime
- Improved thermal and ergonomic design
⚠️ Cons
- Slightly heavier than original
- Higher price tag
- Windows 11 interface not fully optimized for handheld use
Lenovo Legion Go
💵 Price (as of 2025): $699 USD
Note: The price is subject to change and may vary based on the retailer and region.
Key Specifications
Display:
- 8.8-inch QHD+ IPS touchscreen
- 2560 x 1600 resolution
- 144Hz refresh rate, 16:10 aspect ratio
Performance:
- AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU
- 16GB LPDDR5X RAM
Storage:
- 512GB / 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD (expandable via microSD)
Battery:
- 49.2Whr battery with Super Rapid Charge support
Unique Features:
- Detachable controllers with FPS mode (turns into a mouse-style controller)
- Built-in kickstand for tabletop mode
- Runs Windows 11
Why It’s Great
The Legion Go stands out with its massive 8.8-inch display and unique detachable FPS controllers, offering a hybrid between handheld and desktop gaming. It’s a powerful Windows-based handheld that aims to deliver versatility and immersive visuals.
✅ Pros
- Detachable FPS-style controllers
- Largest screen compared to major handhelds
- Smooth gameplay- 144Hz refresh rate
- Expandable storage and fast charging
⚠️ Cons
- Battery life could be better
- Windows UI isn’t fully handheld-friendly
- Bulkier compared to other devices
Nintendo Switch Lite
(Video Credit: IGN)
💵 Price (as of 2025): $199 USD
Note: The price is subject to change and may vary based on the retailer and region.
Key Specifications
Display:
- 5.5-inch LCD touchscreen
- 1280 x 720 resolution
Performance:
- Custom NVIDIA Tegra processor
- Optimized for handheld-only play
Storage:
- 32GB internal storage (expandable via microSD)
Battery:
- 3,570mAh battery (approx. 3–7 hours depending on game)
Build:
- Integrated controls (no detachable Joy-Cons)
- Lightweight and compact form factor
Why It’s Great
The Nintendo Switch Lite is perfect for on-the-go gaming. It’s compact, durable, and budget-friendly, making it a great entry point into the Switch ecosystem—especially for casual and younger players.
✅ Pros
- Perfect for casual gaming
- Affordable Nintendo handheld
- Compact and lightweight
- Long game library compatibility
⚠️ Cons
- No detachable Joy-Cons or rumble feature
- Smaller display might not suit everyone
- No TV mode or docking support
Logitech G Cloud
💵 Price (as of 2025): $299 USD
Note: The price is subject to change and may vary based on the retailer and region.
Key Specifications
Display:
- 7-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen
- 1920 x 1080 resolution
- 60Hz refresh rate
Performance:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G processor
- 4GB LPDDR4X RAM
Storage:
- 64GB internal storage (expandable via microSD)
Battery:
- Up to 12 hours of battery life
- USB-C charging support
Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi only (no 5G)
- Bluetooth 5.1 and 3.5mm audio jack
Cloud Gaming Support:
- Native support for Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce NOW, and Android apps
Why It’s Great
The Logitech G Cloud offers a smooth and comfortable cloud gaming experience with a lightweight build and impressive battery life. It’s ideal for Xbox Cloud and GeForce NOW users who want console-quality gaming on the go.
✅ Pros
- Smooth cloud gaming performance
- Bright and sharp 1080p display
- Excellent battery life
- Comfortable and ergonomic design
⚠️ Cons
- No native PC or console gaming
- Limited to Wi-Fi only (no cellular)
- Higher price compared to similar Android-based devices
PlayStation Portal
💵 Price (as of 2025): $199 USD
Note: The price is subject to change and may vary based on the retailer and region.
Key Specifications
Display:
- 8-inch Full HD LCD touchscreen
- 1080p resolution
- 60Hz refresh rate
Performance:
- Powered via PlayStation 5 remote play
- No onboard processor for standalone gaming
Storage:
- Not applicable (streaming-only device)
Battery:
- Up to 7–9 hours of battery life
- USB-C charging
Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi only
- 3.5mm headphone jack and DualSense features (adaptive triggers, haptics)
Cloud Gaming Support:
- Not supported (no PlayStation Plus cloud streaming)
- Purely PS5 Remote Play
Why It’s Great
The PlayStation Portal is designed for dedicated PS5 gamers who want to enjoy their console library from anywhere within the same network. With a high-quality screen and full DualSense integration, it offers an immersive streaming experience.
✅ Pros
- Great display and DualSense features
- Affordable price point
- Seamless PS5 remote play
- Ideal for in-home portable gaming
⚠️ Cons
- Requires a PS5 to function
- No cloud or local gaming
- Needs strong Wi-Fi for smooth performance
MSI Claw 8 AI+
💵 Price (as of 2025): $899.99
Note: The price is subject to change and may vary based on the retailer and region.
Key Specifications
Display:
- 8-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen
- 120Hz refresh rate
- 1920×1200 resolution
Performance:
- Intel Core Ultra 9 processor (Meteor Lake)
- Intel Arc integrated graphics
- Up to 32GB LPDDR5 RAM
- Up to 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
Battery:
- 80Wh high-capacity battery
- USB-C PD fast charging support
Cooling:
- Cooler Boost HyperFlow thermal system
Operating System:
- Windows 11 Home
Connectivity:
- Thunderbolt 4
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
- MicroSD card reader
- USB-C, USB-A ports
Why It’s Great
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ stands out with its powerful Intel Core Ultra 9 chip and AI-optimized performance, offering buttery-smooth gameplay even in demanding AAA titles. Its 8-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and long-lasting battery make it a top-tier Windows handheld.
✅ Pros
- 120Hz display for ultra-smooth visuals
- 80Wh battery for longer sessions
- One of the first handhelds with Intel’s Ultra 9 chip
- AI-enhanced performance for gaming and multitasking
⚠️ Cons
- Heavier side
- High Price Tag
- Still early in optimization for Intel Arc in handheld form
Retroid Pocket 5
(Video Credit: Retro Game Corps)
💵 Price (as of 2025): $219.00
Note: The price is subject to change and may vary based on the retailer and region.
Key Specifications
CPU
- 1*A77@2.8G 3*A77@2.4G 4*A55@1.8G
GPU
- Adreno 650
RAM
- 8GB LPDDR4x@2133MHz
Storage
- 128GB UFS 3.1 + TF Card Slot
OS
- Android 13
Screen
- 5.5 inch, AMOLED, 1080p@60fps
Battery
- 5000mAh
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi 6 & BT 5.1
- Official OTA support for incremental software upgrade
Why It’s Great
The Retroid Pocket 5 is a compact and budget-friendly handheld built for retro and light Android gaming. With a crisp display and smooth performance, it’s ideal for emulation fans or casual players who want gaming on the go without breaking the bank.
✅ Pros
- HDMI out support
- Clean, touch-friendly UI
- Great for retro and Android gaming
- Affordable and well-built
- Analogue L2/R2
- 3D hall sticks
⚠️ Cons
- Not suitable for AAA or heavy 3D games
- Smaller screen may not suit all gamers
- UI still needs improvement
Anbernic RG556
💵 Price (as of 2025): $184.99 USD
Note: The price is subject to change and may vary based on the retailer and region.
Key Specifications
CPU
- Unisoc T820 processor, 6nm EUV 5G SOC chip
- Octa-core 1*A76@2.7GHz+3*A76@2.3GHz+4*A55@2.1GHz
GPU
- Quad Core Mali- G57 850MHz
RAM
- 8GB LPDDR4X
Storage
- 128G UFS2.2
System
- Android 13
WIFI/Bluetooth
- 2.4/5G WIFI 802.11a/b/g/n/ac,Bluetooth 5.0
Games
- Android games (Genshin Impact, Honor of Kings, etc.), and other 30+ emulators.
- Support users to download related format games
Language
- Multi-language
Speaker
- High fidelity dual speakers
TF card
- Support TF card expansion, up to 2TB;
- No game sd card) in Standard Version
- Standard Version+128G (compatible 3000+ games)
- Standard Version+256G (compatible 7000+ games)
Battery
- Polymer lithium battery 5500mAh, battery life 8 hours
Charging
- Support 5V/2A charging, approximately 3.5 hours to fully charge
Why It’s Great
The Anbernic RG556 offers a vibrant AMOLED display and robust performance, making it ideal for both retro gaming enthusiasts and modern Android gamers. Its extensive emulator support and Android 13 OS provide access to a vast library of games, while the ergonomic design ensures comfortable handheld gaming sessions.
✅ Pros
- High-quality AMOLED display with Full HD resolution
- Strong performance suitable for emulation and Android gaming
- Expandable storage up to 2TB
- Features like Hall joysticks and active cooling enhance the gaming experience
⚠️ Cons
- Battery life may be limited during intensive gaming sessions
- Slightly higher price point compared to some competitors
Comparison Table: Best Handheld Consoles in 2025
| 🕹️ Console | 📱 Display | 🧠 Processor | 💾 Storage | 🔋 Battery Life | 🎮 Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch OLED | 7″ OLED | Nvidia Custom Tegra | 64GB (expandable) | 4.5–9 hrs | Casual, Nintendo Fans |
| Steam Deck OLED | 7.4″ OLED, 90Hz | AMD APU (Zen 2 + RDNA 2) | 512GB / 1TB | 3–8 hrs | Hardcore, PC Gamers |
| ASUS ROG Ally X | 7″ IPS, 120Hz | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | 1TB SSD | Up to 8 hrs | Hardcore, AAA Gaming |
| Lenovo Legion Go | 8.8″ IPS, 144Hz | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | 512GB / 1TB | 4–6 hrs | PC Gamers, Versatility |
| Nintendo Switch Lite | 5.5″ LCD | Nvidia Custom Tegra | 32GB (expandable) | 3–7 hrs | Budget, Nintendo Fans |
| Logitech G Cloud | 7″ IPS, 60Hz | Snapdragon 720G | 64GB (expandable) | 8–12 hrs | Cloud & Casual Gaming |
| PlayStation Portal | 8″ LCD, 60Hz | – (Remote Play) | – | 5–7 hrs | PS5 Owners, Casual Use |
| MSI Claw 8 AI+ | 8″ IPS, 120Hz | Intel Core Ultra 7 | 1TB SSD | 6–8 hrs | AAA Gaming, PC Users |
| Retroid Pocket 5 | 4.7″ AMOLED | Unisoc T820 | 128GB (expandable) | 5–7 hrs | Retro & Indie Gaming |
| Anbernic RG556 | 5.48″ AMOLED | Unisoc T820 | 128GB (expandable) | 5–8 hrs | Retro Gaming, Budget |
Recommendations Based on Gaming Style
🕹️ Casual & Cloud Gamers
- Nintendo Switch OLED
- Nintendo Switch Lite
- PlayStation Portal (requires a PS5)
- Logitech G Cloud (cloud gaming focused)
💻 PC Gamers
- Steam Deck OLED
- Asus ROG Ally X
- MSI Claw 8 AI+
- Lenovo Legion Go
💸 Budget Buyers
- Nintendo Switch Lite
- Retroid Pocket 5
- Anbernic RG556
🔥 Hardcore Players
- Steam Deck OLED
- Asus ROG Ally X
- MSI Claw 8 AI+
- Lenovo Legion Go
🕹️Retro Enthusiasts
- Anbernic RG556
- Retroid Pocket 5
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