The handheld gaming industry has undergone a massive transformation since the early days of the Game Boy. What was once a simple pastime for on-the-go entertainment has evolved into a thriving sector where players can now experience full-scale PC games, AAA console titles, and retro classics—all in their hands. In 2024, handheld gaming is more exciting than ever, with devices offering a variety of features to suit the needs of every type of gamer. The options are abundant and diverse, from high-performance machines capable of running the latest blockbusters to budget-friendly retro emulation devices.
In this new era, handhelds are no longer just about portability. They're about versatility, allowing players to transition seamlessly between gaming platforms, whether accessing a Steam library, playing through Xbox Game Pass, or diving into Nintendo's first-party exclusives. These consoles now boast impressive power, vibrant displays, and user-friendly designs, making them far more than a secondary gaming option—they're full-fledged gaming systems in their own right.
The sheer variety of available devices makes 2024 particularly exciting for handheld gaming. From hybrid consoles like the Nintendo Switch OLED, which offers both handheld and docked play, to the powerful Steam Deck that lets you take your entire PC game library on the go, there's a device for every gamer's preference.
With so many choices on the market, it's essential to consider what kind of games you play, your preferred gaming platform, and your budget before deciding on a handheld. To make the decision easier, let's take a closer look at some of the top gaming handhelds of 2024. Each device has its unique strengths, whether you're after high-end performance, a robust game library, or an affordable option for retro gaming.
Lenovo Legion Go Z1 Extreme
Best for: Hardcore gamers seeking high performance and versatility in a handheld PC
The Lenovo Legion Go Z1 Extreme is a powerful handheld gaming device that combines desktop performance with portability. Powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and 16GB of RAM, it runs demanding AAA titles smoothly on its expansive 8.8-inch QHD+ display with a 144Hz refresh rate. It features detachable magnetic controllers and an adjustable kickstand designed for comfort, offering flexibility in gaming setups. Running on Windows 11, it provides access to a wide range of PC games and productivity apps, making it a versatile tool for gaming and work.
Pros:
- Powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor for top-tier performance
- Large 8.8-inch QHD+ display with 144Hz refresh rate
- Detachable controllers for versatile gaming setups
- Windows 11 for full PC functionality
Cons:
- Heavier than most handhelds, which may reduce portability
- Battery life may suffer under high performance, typically lasting around 2-4 hours
Steam Deck OLED
Best for: Gamers with extensive Steam libraries and those who enjoy tinkering
The Steam Deck OLED enhances portable gaming with a vibrant OLED display, offering improved contrast, colours, and a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother gameplay. While not the most powerful handheld, its custom AMD APU delivers solid performance, allowing many Steam games to run at over 60 frames per second on its 800p screen. Lighter and more comfortable than its predecessor, the device features ergonomic controls, haptic feedback, and dual touchpads for varied gameplay. With over 10,000 Steam titles verified or playable, it provides an immersive and versatile gaming experience for casual and dedicated gamers.
Pros:
- Brilliant OLED display for vibrant visuals
- Faster 90Hz refresh rate enhances gameplay
- Refined design that improves comfort and usability
Cons:
- Performance is lower than some rivals
- Battery life is limited, typically lasting only 2-3 hours
Nintendo Switch OLED
Best for: Casual gamers and Nintendo fans
The Nintendo Switch OLED shines in the handheld gaming market with its vibrant 7-inch display and versatility as both a portable and home console. Though not the most powerful hardware, it excels in accessibility and features beloved franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon. The OLED screen offers rich colours and deep contrasts, enhancing games like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. While the NVIDIA Tegra X1 chip limits performance to 720p in handheld mode and 1080p when docked, it still delivers an enjoyable experience. Its improved design, detachable Joy-Cons, and extensive game library make it a favourite for gamers of all tastes.
Pros:
- Stunning OLED display for vibrant and immersive visuals
- Access to a legendary game library with beloved franchises
- Versatile design with detachable Joy-Cons for multiplayer fun
Cons:
- Limited to 720p resolution in handheld mode
- Performance in demanding games may fall short compared to competitors
ASUS ROG Ally X
Best for: Gamers seeking top-tier performance with a sleek, portable design
The ASUS ROG Ally X builds on the original with enhanced power and efficiency, featuring an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and a 7-inch Full HD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It delivers smooth visuals and top-tier performance, is ideal for serious gamers, and easily handles demanding AAA titles. Its sleek, lightweight design and advanced cooling system make it comfortable for long sessions without overheating. Running on Windows 11, the Ally X provides access to a vast PC gaming library and cloud services. It has expandable storage for a growing game collection, making it a versatile and portable gaming powerhouse.
Pros:
- High-performance AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor
- Sleek and lightweight design for excellent portability
- 120Hz Full HD display for smooth, high-quality visuals
- Runs Windows 11, offering access to a full PC gaming ecosystem
Cons:
- Battery life may be limited with demanding games, typically 2-4 hours
- Smaller screen compared to some competitors
Ayaneo Flip DS
Best for: Gamers who want top-tier performance and love emulating classic games
The Ayaneo Flip DS is a powerful handheld gaming device, featuring a Ryzen 7 APU and a unique dual-screen setup. Its 7-inch 1080p display and a secondary 3.5-inch touchscreen enhance modern gaming and 3DS emulation. It delivers top-tier performance with up to 64GB RAM, 2TB storage, and Thunderbolt 4 USB-C for eGPU support. Running on Windows 11, it offers access to multiple game storefronts, while hall-effect triggers ensure precise control. Weighing just 650g, it balances power and portability, providing an immersive experience for new and nostalgic gamers.
Pros:
- Great handheld PC performance
- Innovative dual-screen setup for emulation
- Attractive clamshell design with premium build quality
Cons:
- Premium price tag may not suit all budgets
- Battery life could be improved for extended play
Super Pocket
Best for: Casual gamers and collectors seeking an affordable retro gaming experience
The Super Pocket by HyperMegaTech is a budget-friendly handheld console, offering a simple and accessible gaming experience for retro enthusiasts. Its compact, pocket-sized design is reminiscent of classic handhelds like the Game Boy, making it portable and perfect for casual gaming sessions. The device features a straightforward plug-and-play interface, allowing users to switch between pre-loaded games or Evercade cartridges without hassle. Despite its low price, it delivers solid performance, handling various retro and indie games. With access to over 300 Evercade titles and pre-loaded Capcom or Taito arcade games, it's a great choice for collectors and nostalgic gamers.
Pros:
- Fantastic budget price for casual gaming
- Great build quality and portable size
- Expansive library of cartridges to explore
Cons:
- D-pad design may not be comfortable for everyone
- Lacks advanced settings for retro gaming enthusiasts
- No support for custom ROMs or emulators
Ayn Odin 2
Best for: Gamers seeking top-tier Android performance and emulation capabilities
The Ayn Odin 2 is a premium Android handheld console known for its excellent emulation capabilities and sleek design. Its 6-inch 1080p display offers sharp visuals and smooth 60Hz performance, making it ideal for retro and modern mobile games. Powered by a Qualcomm Kyro chip and running Android 13, it supports a variety of emulators, handling 8-bit to 32-bit games with ease. Its curved design provides comfort for long sessions, and the hall effect joysticks ensure precise control. Beyond gaming, it functions as a versatile multimedia device with full access to Android apps from the Play Store.
Pros:
- Best-in-class handheld Android performance
- Comfortable design with Hall effect joysticks
- Gorgeous 1080p screen for enhanced visuals
Cons:
- Face buttons can feel uncomfortable for some users
- The power of the apps themselves limits emulator performance
- Back buttons lack customisation options
Retroid Pocket 4 Pro
The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is a budget-friendly handheld console, offering strong emulation performance for retro consoles like the PS2 and GameCube. Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1100 chip and 8GB of RAM, it runs on Android 13 and handles most emulation tasks well, though some tinkering is needed for optimal performance. Its compact design, lightweight build, and responsive controls make it comfortable to use, despite the joysticks being slightly low for modern games. The 4.7-inch IPS screen is decent for retro gaming but feels cramped for streaming modern titles. With 3-4 hours of battery life for demanding games and up to 9 hours for less intensive ones, it's ideal for retro enthusiasts. The Pro version offers better performance for high-powered consoles than the non-Pro version.
Pros:
- Strong emulation performance for the price
- Highly portable design
- Excellent control quality
- Android OS is easy to navigate
Cons:
- Requires significant setup to optimise emulation
- Not ideal for streaming modern games
- Battery life is shorter with demanding tasks
Logitech G Cloud
Best for: Cloud gaming enthusiasts using services like GeForce Now or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
The Logitech G Cloud is a cloud-focused handheld gaming device ideal for streaming services like GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. With a 1080p display and lightweight design, it offers a comfortable and visually sharp experience for cloud gaming, though it doesn't run games natively. Powered by a Snapdragon 720G CPU, it delivers smooth gameplay when paired with a stable Wi-Fi connection. Still, it relies on cloud services, which can be frustrating in areas with poor connectivity. It has a 12+ hour battery life, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and a microSD slot, making it a solid option for extended gaming sessions, though it requires ongoing subscriptions for access to most games.
Pros:
- Vivid, bright 1080p display
- Comfortable, lightweight form factor
- Crisp, responsive controls
- Ideal for cloud gaming and game-hopping
- Excellent battery life
Cons:
- Requires Game Pass Ultimate or GeForce Now to maximise potential
- Limited controller support for other services
- Dependent on a strong Wi-Fi connection
Razer Edge
Best for: Mobile gaming enthusiasts and those who want console-level performance on an Android platform
The Razer Edge is a high-end handheld gaming device built for mobile gamers seeking a console-like experience. Powered by the Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 processor and featuring a 144Hz AMOLED display, it delivers smooth, high-frame-rate performance for Android games and emulated titles. Paired with the Razer Kishi controller, it offers precise physical controls, making games like Call of Duty Mobile and Genshin Impact more immersive. It also supports game streaming through services like GeForce Now and PS5 Remote Play. Though versatile and packed with features like Wi-Fi 6E, its premium price and reliance on subscriptions for cloud gaming may be a drawback for some users.
Pros:
- Excellent mobile performance with a Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 processor
- Reliable streaming abilities, especially over Wi-Fi 6E
- 144Hz AMOLED screen for smooth, vivid visuals
- Versatile gaming experience, running Android games, emulators, and streaming services
Cons:
- Unique aspect ratio may not appeal to all gamers
- The controller buttons feel a bit undersized.
What to know about the handheld gaming market in 2024
The 2024 handheld gaming market is divided into three key tiers: high-performance portable gaming PCs, budget-friendly mobile handhelds, and specialised devices with unique game libraries. High-end devices like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally X, and Lenovo Legion Go Z1 Extreme deliver desktop-level gaming performance, running AAA PC titles smoothly but at the cost of bulkier designs and higher prices. These are ideal for hardcore gamers who prioritise power but face shorter battery life. Mobile handhelds, such as the Logitech G Cloud, offer more compact, affordable options for cloud gaming.
Specialised devices like the Nintendo Switch OLED fall into a separate category, offering exclusive games and a hybrid design that appeals to casual players and families. While lacking the power of portable gaming PCs, the Switch provides a vibrant OLED screen and a curated game library, making it a highly accessible and fun option. In 2024, gamers can choose from various devices based on their needs, whether they want high-end gaming performance, retro emulation, or a simple, exclusive gaming ecosystem.
