With Nintendo announcing the official release date for the Switch 2, handheld gaming consoles are a hot topic of conversation for everyone looking at all the different ways to enjoy gaming. Gaming platforms like Steam and PlayStation have created consoles that allow you to take your game away from your setup and enjoy it on the go. Other options, like the ASUS Rog Ally, are designed specifically for your gaming library to be accessible and combined across platforms. With so many options to choose from, let’s check out the best handheld gaming console of 2025.
PlayStation Portal
PlayStation has been around since 1994 and has released handheld consoles before, but they’ve focused more on their main consoles in recent years since those were the primary way people played their games. However, in 2023 they rejoined the handheld console market with the PlayStation Portal, a device that serves as a portable PS5 as long as it’s connected to wifi and your PlayStation is in rest mode. It has an 8-inch LCD screen and can deliver gameplay up to 60fps with its 1080p resolution, perfect for on-the-go gaming and travel. Available in black or white for only $199.99, this is the best handheld console for PlayStation gamers.
ASUS Rog Ally
ASUS has been designing with gamers in mind for years and created a handheld console in 2023 that works like a PC, fully compatible with Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic, GOG, and more. It supports Windows 11, runs on an AMD Ryzen processor, and has a 120Hz 1080p display for Full HD content. The screen is 7 inches and covers 100% of the sRGB color space, ensuring every game you play is bright and vibrant. The price depends on the version you get, starting at $499.99. Functioning as a gaming PC in your hands, this console is perfect if you’re a diverse gamer with a huge library of games to get through.
SteamDeck
Steam has always been known as a gaming library for your PC or gaming laptop, but in 2022 they released a handheld console to expand their audience and provide gaming experiences everywhere. Connected directly to your Steam Library, you have access to all your games and can continue where you left off on your PC. They have three options available, the 256GB LCD, 512GB OLED, and 1TB OLED, with the main differences being that the LCD is slightly smaller with a 60Hz refresh rate, compared to 90Hz on the OLED, and prices range from $399 to $649. Each option provides immersive gaming on the go and offers similar experiences for your favorite games.
Nintendo Switch (OLED, Lite, 2)
Nintendo is the leader in handheld gaming consoles because that’s what they’re known for: fun gaming anytime, anywhere. They have continually developed and upgraded their consoles and have a new one coming out later this year*. Currently, they have the Switch, the Switch Lite, and the OLED Switch, each providing different gameplay options and portability. With the exception of screen size and image quality, the Switch and the OLED both come with a docking station, have removable joycons, and are the average size of a handheld. The Lite option is much smaller, with no dock or removable joycons, and is designed solely for easy travel. Each is a good option for travel and fun gaming sessions, you just have to decide which size you want!
*As of this post, the Switch 2 is not available for preorder, and the retail price may not remain as advertised depending on your current location.
Gaming should not be restricted to one space, and with a handheld console, you can take your gaming session wherever you go. Whether you’re a PlayStation, PC, or Nintendo gamer, you can get a console for you with all the accessories you need! Dive into some gaming today and take the adventure with you.