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We’ve already seen the impact of this with the MSI Claw 7 AI+ and Nintendo Switch 2.
I’ve added a section on tariffs to this page.
Some gaming handhelds can act like small gaming laptops with built-in controllers.
I’ve also tested the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and several other handhelds.
The quick list
Here’s a quick look at the best gaming handhelds available right now.
There’s also the new Steam Deck OLED if you want improved battery life and a better screen.
ROG Ally X runs Windows 11 and features software to customize various settings.
If you want a top-tier handheld experience, then this is the machine to go with.
The starting configuration offers 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and an 80Whr battery.
BTW, a Nintendo Switch 2 has been announced, and more details should be coming on April 2nd.
It runs Windows 11 and it’s possible for you to have two different programs displaying on either screen.
The top touchscreen is 7-inches and offers 120Hz.
Meanwhile, the joysticks are recessed to allow the equipment to close.
It even has a fingerprint reader for easy login.
For instance, theNintendo Switch 2was revealed with a $449.99 MSRP.
That means it could be as much as $675, which is insane.
You’ll want to get the configuration with the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chipset to get the best performance.
The SteamOS-running Steam Deck offers a far more simplified interface in comparison.
But we can help you with our extensiveWindows 11 troubleshooting guides.
That said,SteamOS is coming to more handheldsin the near future.
So, it should be possible to put SteamOS on ROG Ally X down the road.
That way, I can make changes without having to exit a game.
Armoury Crate is very helpful, but sometimes it can be rather clunky and slow to respond.
I love that I can manuallyadjust VRAM on ROG Ally Xto improve performance.
The battery lasts a decent amount longer and there are also better storage options to choose from.
Still, it’s an amazing gaming handheld if you tend to play classics or less processor-straining titles.
As such, many people have customized their Steam Deck to fit their gaming needs better.
Older versions can be found selling on Amazon, eBay, and more.
ROG Ally X runs Windows 11 and features software to customize various settings.
It offers powerful performance, great controls, and a nice screen.
It’s available in black and costs less than the MSI Claw 8 AI+.
It’s currently available for purchase at a few retailers.
TheClaw 8 AI+has an 8-inch IPS touchscreen that supports VRR and can reach up to a 120Hz refresh rate.
The buttons and controls are responsive and feel good to press.
Firstly, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ isexpensive.
It has an $899.99 MSRP, which is $100 more than the starting ROG Ally X price.
So, gaming sessions might feel cut short.
However, preorders have been delayed in the U.S. due to tariffs.
The controllers are removable, allowing for quick multiplayer sessions regardless of where you are.
Some games can host as many as eight players from one Switch.
This also means there’s no distracting IPS glow like what’s found in many other gaming handhelds.
As you might see, these are all less expensive than most of the other options on this page.
it’s possible for you to always add more storage with a microSD card if you should probably.
The 8.8-inch display is the largest one on this list, with a high refresh rate of 144Hz.
The Steam Deck uses proprietary software to run optimized Steam games.
It also utilizes an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme and provides great handheld performance.
So what exactly makes the Legion Go so enticing?
In comparison, Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Nintendo Switch OLED all have seven-inch displays.
That said, it will be outdone soon with the reveal of the comically huge11-inch Acer Nitro Blaze 11.
Due to its bulky shape, the Legion Go can be harder for smaller hands to hold.
Additionally, the TrueStrike controllers can come off like the Switch OLED JoyCon can.
I like using this setup when playing first-person shooters or games that rely on a lot of mouse clicks.
However, it offers a 512GB version for $699.99 and a 1TB version for $749.99.
That’s really fast.
You’ll just need to supply the subscriptions.
The button layout and design feels great in your hands and works well with games that support controllers.
This makes for a powerful little equipment with two screens so you could have two programs displaying at once.
MSI Claw 8 AI+ is one of the only handhelds to use an AI-boosted CPU, which makes it an AI PC.
There are plenty of different ways to make use of these dual-screens.
The $1,222.99 MSRP makes it cost far more than any other handheld on this page.
It can often be found on sale for around $1,151, but that’s still really pricey.
Preorders are now live.
Still, it feels fantastic to hold and offers a really good screen.
Buy at:BestBuy.comPros:Casing feels fantastic and the VRR-supporting screen is lovely to look at.
Cons:Costs more than Legion Go and ROG Ally X while offering lower performance and shorter battery life.
It also has a very large 10.95-inch display that supports up to 2560x1600 resolution and 120Hz.
Like the Nintendo Switch and Legion Go, it offers detachable controllers.
However, this gadget has largely sold out as of the time of writing.
But you might be able to find it selling second-hand.
Buy at:OneXPlayerStore.comPros:Several AI PC configurations to choose from along with a large 10.95-inch display.
The Nintendo Switch OLED comes with a dock so you can play it on TV or in handheld mode right out of the box.
Cons:Very expensive and hard to buy.
It’s a great way to play your favorite games.
However, it’s far more expensive than ROG Ally and offers lower performance.
But it costs less than the Switch or Switch OLED and plays the same games.
you’ve got the option to also purchase various cartridge adapters to play other retro cartridges on it.
Cons:It doesn’t run Windows and the backlit LCD display is only 3.5-inches.
It comes equipped with all the hardware it could ever need.
Plus, the controllers are removable for a more versatile playing experience.
However, it has a very high price point and the included software isn’t the best.
Lenovo Legion Go has unique controls like a mouse wheel, a right and left click button, and an FPS mode button.
Many people can’t justify purchasing another Android gaming handheld when they already have a phone.
But it is very pretty and works very well.
We’ll update as we learn more.
Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch has been insanely popular, but its lifecycle is almost up.
The screen and performance are significantly improved over Valve’s handheld, and it looks good too.
The Logitech G Cloud is a small Android device with controllers attached.
With the AYANEO Flip DS, you can have one program running on the main screen and a second program running on the smaller screen.
I tested the AYANEO 2S by running several tests and playing games on it.
Concept art: Microsoft is partnering with an OEM to release an Xbox-branded handheld in 2025.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is releasing sometime in 2025 as a successor to the popular Nintendo Switch.
Acer has revealed three Nitro Blaze gaming handhelds so far.
We test gaming handhelds by running them through benchmark programs as well as by playing on the devices.
