Best Windows Handheld: Asus ROG Ally X ($800)
Handheld gaming is officially back in the spotlight in 2025. From the sleek new Nintendo Switch 2 to PC-powered beasts like the Steam Deck OLED and Asus ROG Ally X, you’ve got more ways than ever to play your favorite titles on the go. And let me tell you—choosing the right one isn’t just about specs. It’s about how you play, what kind of games you love, and even how much weight you’re willing to carry around in your backpack.
I’ve spent countless hours testing these devices, running through both AAA blockbusters and quirky indie gems, and I can confidently say: not every handheld is for everyone. Some shine as family-friendly all-rounders, while others cater to hardcore PC players or retro collectors. So, let’s break it down—here are the best handheld gaming consoles in 2025 and why each might be perfect for you.
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If you’re asking, “What’s the best handheld console I can buy right now?” the answer is still pretty clear: the Nintendo Switch 2.
Here’s why I’m so impressed with it. Nintendo managed to refine everything we loved about the original Switch, but with a few bold upgrades. The 7.9-inch 1080p LCD display finally gives you sharper visuals—whether you’re racing through Mario Kart World or diving into a dungeon in Zelda. And the new magnetic Joy-Cons? They snap on and off more smoothly than ever, doubling as versatile mice in supported games. That’s the kind of playful innovation Nintendo is known for.
But don’t let me sugarcoat it—this handheld does have drawbacks. The battery life is shorter than the Switch OLED (sometimes just a few hours if you’re playing graphically intense games), and the storage expansion relies on microSD Express cards, which are pricey and not easy to find right now.
Still, what keeps me excited is the long-term promise. With backward compatibility for Switch games and upcoming exclusives like Donkey Kong Bananza, the Switch 2 feels future-proof. It’s also the only console here that comes with a TV dock right in the box, giving you that hybrid gaming flexibility—play handheld on the train, docked at home with friends later.
👉 If you’re someone who values versatility, Nintendo’s family-friendly ecosystem, and strong first-party games, the Switch 2 is absolutely the best handheld console to grab in 2025.
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Now, if your idea of gaming freedom means dipping into a massive PC library, the Steam Deck OLED is still king. I’ve been using it for months, and honestly, it’s one of the most impressive pieces of gaming hardware I’ve ever carried around.
The biggest upgrade here is obvious: the HDR OLED screen. It makes games like No Man’s Sky and Elden Ring pop in a way that feels closer to a high-end gaming monitor than a portable device. Combine that with Valve’s improved haptics and controls, and this chunky handheld suddenly feels buttery smooth to play—even with demanding titles.
Yes, it’s a bit of a beast. At 1.41 pounds, you’ll feel it in your hands after long sessions, and unlike the Switch 2, there are no detachable controllers. But here’s the kicker: Valve has made the whole experience smarter with its Steam Deck Verified system, so you don’t have to guess whether a game will run well—it tells you right in the Steam store. That’s huge, especially compared to the trial-and-error you’ll face on Windows-based handhelds.
When it comes to price, you’ve got options:
If you’re serious about PC gaming on the go, I’d recommend the OLED with higher storage. Big games eat space fast, and trust me—you’ll be glad you didn’t cheap out when you realize Cyberpunk 2077 alone devours gigabytes.
👉 Bottom line: The Steam Deck OLED is the best choice for PC gamers who want performance, a massive library, and a display that makes games shine—even if it’s not the most portable option.
What if you don’t just want Steam—you want everything Windows can run? That’s where the Asus ROG Ally X steps in. Think of it as a portable gaming laptop squeezed into a handheld body.
Running Windows 11 Home, it doesn’t lock you into a single ecosystem. Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Game Pass—you name it, it works here. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor with 24GB RAM, it has the muscle to handle most modern games, and the 1TB storage gives you plenty of breathing room before you even think about expansions.
I’ll be honest: this handheld isn’t for everyone. At $800, it’s pricey, and the controls aren’t as refined as Valve’s. The ABXY buttons sometimes feel finicky unless you press dead-center, and the lack of HDR support on its 7-inch 1080p screen feels like a miss at this price point.
That said, if you’re the kind of gamer who wants Windows-level flexibility—mods, emulators, Xbox titles, indie stores—it’s hard to beat. Asus has nailed the build quality too, with responsive bumpers and macro paddles for advanced combos.
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If you’ve still got a drawer full of Game Boy cartridges—or you just miss that feeling of slotting one in—then the Analogue Pocket is your dream handheld. I’ve been hands-on with it, and honestly, it feels like a time machine that’s been rebuilt with today’s tech.
The 3.5-inch 1600 x 1440 LCD screen makes classic games look sharper than you remember, but without losing their charm. Playing Pokémon Emerald on this feels crisp and vibrant, like it was remastered. And with adapters, you can go beyond Game Boy into Game Gear, Neo Geo Pocket, Atari Lynx, and even Turbografx-16.
There’s no Wi-Fi, which means you’ll need to update firmware and sideload games through microSD cards, but that’s part of its appeal—it’s designed for collectors and tinkerers. Plus, Analogue frequently drops limited edition colors that sell out quickly, adding to its cult status.
👉 If you’re someone who treasures physical cartridges or wants the most authentic retro handheld experience, the Analogue Pocket is still unmatched in 2025.
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Now let’s talk about the weirdest (and maybe coolest) handheld I’ve ever used: the Panic Playdate. At first glance, it looks like a quirky yellow toy with a crank on the side. But don’t underestimate it—this device is pure creativity in your pocket.
The Playdate ships with 24 exclusive indie games, delivered over time like surprise gifts. I remember the first time I fired it up—new games appeared weekly, and the excitement was almost nostalgic, like opening booster packs as a kid. There’s now a Season 2 of games, plus tons of indie experiments you can sideload.
The downside? The 2.7-inch black-and-white reflective screen has no backlight, so you’ll need good lighting. But that crank isn’t just a gimmick—developers use it in brilliant ways, turning it into everything from a fishing reel to a time control mechanic.
👉 If you love indie innovation, charming mini-games, and unique gameplay mechanics, the Playdate is a one-of-a-kind handheld you won’t find anywhere else.
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While the five above are the standout choices, there are a few more you should know about—especially if you’re shopping based on budget or specific use cases:
At Earthtechy, I don’t just look at specs on paper—I actually live with these devices. That means playing them on commutes, testing them in long battery sessions, and connecting them to TVs or monitors when possible.
Here’s what I pay attention to:
I also compare pricing carefully, because handheld gaming in 2025 ranges from $199 budget models to $800 premium Windows devices. What’s “best” depends on what you personally value—retro nostalgia, PC flexibility, or family-friendly fun.
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One thing is clear: handhelds are here to stay. Beyond the Switch 2, Steam Deck, and ROG Ally X, we’re also seeing the rise of streaming handhelds. The PlayStation Portal is just the start—expect more cloud-focused devices as internet speeds and services like Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now continue to improve.
And let’s not forget your phone. Paired with a controller like the Razer Kishi or Backbone Pro, modern smartphones are already powerful enough to stream AAA titles. For some players, that might make a dedicated handheld unnecessary.
But here’s my take: nothing replaces the magic of a purpose-built handheld. Whether it’s Nintendo’s hybrid charm, Valve’s PC powerhouse, or Panic’s crank-driven creativity, these devices offer something more than just a way to play—they make gaming feel personal again.
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So, after testing and comparing all of these, here’s the short version:
The right choice depends entirely on what you want from handheld gaming. If you’re like me and enjoy bouncing between AAA blockbusters and quick retro hits, you might even end up with more than one device. And honestly? That’s the beauty of handheld gaming in 2025—we’ve never had this much choice.
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