The best gaming handhelds for 2025

Handheld gaming programs are having a second. Whereas folks have been gaming on the go for the reason that halcyon days of the Sport Boy, current years have introduced an avalanche of gadgets that allow you to play all kinds of video games anyplace you need. However new machines appear to reach each week, and determining which of them are literally price shopping for might be overwhelming. Relying in your tastes, the precise handheld may very well be a $70 emulator or an $800 transportable PC. That will help you slender issues down, we’ve spent months researching one of the best handheld gaming consoles and testing a number of high contenders. Listed below are those we like essentially the most proper now.

Editor’s be aware (8/19/25): This can be a considerably awkward time to purchase a gaming handheld, as new machines based mostly on AMD’s Ryzen Z2 Excessive chip are on the way in which, together with two new Xbox handhelds developed by Microsoft and ASUS. These Xbox gadgets will deliver an overhauled Home windows UI that would handle lots of our longstanding points with the OS. Past that, the Trump administration’s tariff coverage and proposed repeal of the “de minimis” exemption continues to loom over the hand-held market, doubtlessly mountaineering the costs of retro handhelds constructed by Chinese language firms specifically (amongst many different items). However, we’ve up to date this information with a brand new choose and stand by our present suggestions for these trying to purchase a brand new gaming handheld in the present day.

Desk of contents

Finest handheld gaming gadgets for 2025

Picture by Jessica Conditt / Engadget

Learn our full Steam Deck assessment and Steam Deck OLED assessment.

Three years into its life, Valve’s Steam Deck stays one of the best stability of value, efficiency and usefulness within the gaming handheld market. Particularly, the Steam Deck OLED is an intensive improve over the unique. Beginning at $549 for 512GB of storage, this mannequin incorporates a 7.4-inch OLED show that’s brighter, sooner, barely greater and extra vivid than the 7-inch IPS panel on the entry-level mannequin. The upper distinction and richer colours of an OLED display screen makes each sport look higher by default, however this show additionally helps HDR, with considerably brighter highlights. The utmost refresh charge jumps from 60Hz to 90Hz as properly, which helps many video games look smoother in movement.

Because of the much less power-hungry show, a extra environment friendly AMD APU and a bigger battery, the Steam Deck OLED additionally lasts longer than the unique. No handheld can play resource-intensive “AAA” video games for very lengthy, however Valve says the OLED mannequin can run for 3 to 12 hours relying on the sport, whereas the LCD mannequin lasts between two and eight. A bigger fan retains issues cooler and quieter, and the chassis feels lighter. Efficiency is roughly the identical, although the OLED mannequin’s elevated reminiscence bandwidth may also help it acquire a pair further frames in sure video games.

Nonetheless, $549 is not a small funding. The entry-level Steam Deck could include a extra fundamental LCD show and a smaller 256GB SSD, however it delivers the identical core expertise for $150 much less. At $399, it continues to be a powerful discount. Contemplate that mannequin our choose for one of the best “funds” handheld gaming PC you should buy.

To be clear, both Steam Deck mannequin positively reveals its age in 2025. Most of the most graphically demanding video games launched prior to now two years simply don’t run properly on this {hardware}, in the event that they’re supported in any respect. Points with Linux and anti-cheat software program have rendered live-service video games like Future 2 and Apex Legends unplayable, too.

That mentioned, the Deck can nonetheless play tons of video games that simply aren’t potential on the unique Nintendo Change or different handhelds at this value, from Elden Ring to Remaining Fantasy VII Rebirth to Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. It is also a pure residence for the mountain of older and/or smaller-scale gems littered all through Steam. (Hiya, Balatro.) Whereas official sport help is proscribed to a subset of the Steam library, the listing of formally verified and still-playable titles is huge, numerous and always rising. You may simply stream video games, too, and there are workarounds to entry different storefronts.

As for software program, a gentle stream of updates has turned Valve’s SteamOS into a versatile but user-friendly platform. You’ll nonetheless have to make tweaks every so often to get a sport operating optimally, however the course of is usually simple, and there is a wealth of community-driven sources that doc precisely what settings you might want to vary.

The Deck’s processing energy, mixed with third-party instruments like EmuDeck, makes it an excellent handheld for emulation as properly. Some PS3 and authentic Xbox video games might be tough, however nearly every thing else works superbly. You can even cloud stream Xbox video games with a little bit setup.

The Steam Deck’s greatest concern is its dimension: At two inches thick and practically a foot lengthy, it stretches the definition of a “handheld” machine, even when the OLED mannequin is lighter by comparability. The LCD Deck can get heat and noisy pretty rapidly, too, and the d-pad on each gadgets is considerably mushy. However the contoured grips on the again assist offset the majority, and each variations really feel sturdy, with responsive face buttons and triggers, easy joysticks and helpful twin touchpads.

Execs

Sufficient energy to play many fashionable PC video games
Person-friendly interface
Vivid show on OLED mannequin
LCD mannequin is implausible worth
Excellent emulation efficiency

Cons

Cumbersome
Not essentially the most highly effective {hardware}
Does not formally help each Steam sport or video games from different PC purchasers

$399 at Steam (LCD)

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Learn our full Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS) assessment.

The Lenovo Legion Go S is the closest factor now we have to a Steam Deck 2. It’s the primary third-party machine to natively run SteamOS, and as such it has all the identical conveniences (and occasional sport compatibility points) as Valve’s handheld. The distinction is that it’s a extra fashionable piece of {hardware}, with a beefier AMD Ryzen Z1 Excessive processor, 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD within the configuration we examined. It might additionally attain a most energy draw of 33W in handheld mode or 40W when plugged in, properly above the Deck’s 15W. All of that makes it higher for extra resource-intensive video games. It may be a noticeable enchancment at equal settings, and also you get much more room to crank issues up and attain that magic 60 frames per second (fps) goal in lots of current AAA video games.

The Legion Go S has a bigger 8-inch show than the Deck, with a sharper 1,920 x 1,200 decision and sooner 120Hz refresh charge. It additionally helps variable refresh charges (VRR), which helps reduce distracting display screen tearing. That may be a essential benefit, and the additional actual property is nice for taking video games in. That is an LCD show, nevertheless, not the OLED panel accessible with the Deck. Colours aren’t fairly as vivid and peak brightness is decrease at 500 nits. There’s no HDR both. Nonetheless, it’s above-average. Which is “higher” actually comes right down to how a lot you worth VRR and pixel rely towards OLED-level distinction.

The Legion Go S is a little bit chunkier and heavier than the Steam Deck, which already isn’t precisely svelte, so it’ll be much more fatiguing to carry for hours at a time. However in case you can deal with the load, you might discover this design extra ergonomic. The rounded edges and textured grips are pure to carry, whereas many longtime console gamers will really feel extra at residence with the offset joysticks and d-pad. Corridor impact sensors (which scale back the chance of joystick drift) and twin USB-C ports are good perks as properly.

There are solely two again buttons and one dinky touchpad, nevertheless, if you end up utilizing these typically. The additional horsepower means the followers are a lot louder. And whereas it has an even bigger 55.5Whr battery, the Deck typically lasts a bit longer, particularly with much less demanding video games. If you wish to max issues out with the heavier stuff, anticipate the Legion Go S to outlive for lower than two hours.

The most important trade-off is the value: The Z1 Excessive model of the Legion Go S prices a hefty $830. However in case you’re trying to play current blockbusters on the go greater than indie video games or the older gems in your backlog, it needs to be price grabbing.

There may be one other configuration of the Legion Go S with a lower-tier Ryzen Z2 Go chip, 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage accessible for $600, which is simply $50 greater than the Steam Deck OLED. We haven’t been in a position to take a look at that one but, however it ought to nonetheless be extra performant than Valve’s machine, albeit to a lesser extent. In order for you a SteamOS machine with an even bigger display screen, greater decision and VRR, it’s price contemplating. That mentioned, remember that Valve is opening up SteamOS to extra third-party gadgets as time goes on.

Execs

Higher efficiency than Steam Deck and most Home windows handhelds
Runs official SteamOS
Spacious show with VRR
Good ergonomics

Cons

Dear
Heavier than Steam Deck
No HDR help
Weak haptics

$830 at Finest Purchase

Picture by Sam Rutherford / Engadget

Learn our full ASUS ROG Ally X assessment.

For those who’re prepared to spend further for extra software program flexibility, you possibly can skip the SteamOS gadgets and purchase a Home windows-based handheld as an alternative. The ASUS ROG Ally X is our present favourite, and it’s one other respectable various to the Steam Deck in case you’re prepared to commerce some ease of use for a better efficiency ceiling. Consider it like a extra transportable gaming laptop computer.

The ROG Ally X is an upgraded model of the unique ROG Ally, our earlier Home windows choose. The newer mannequin runs on the identical Ryzen Z1 Excessive chip and has the identical show however comes with extra RAM, as much as 4 occasions the storage, a battery that’s twice as giant, improved ergonomics and an extra USB-C port. It prices $250 extra lately, so it’s dear, however it’s superior {hardware} in practically each method.

There are three foremost causes to think about the ROG Ally X over the Steam Deck. Just like the Legion Go S, the primary is energy: The unique ROG Ally was already a bit extra constant at enjoying graphically intense video games at greater body charges, thanks largely to a “Turbo mode” that enhances the machine’s energy draw to 25W, or 30W when plugged in. In our assessment, we discovered the brand new mannequin’s further RAM and improved reminiscence bandwidth to assist additional this benefit by 5 to 10 % relying on the title. It’s nonetheless not a night-and-day improve in sure video games when all settings are an identical, however it’s normally higher and it has way more overhead each for now and the long run. For those who primarily wish to play demanding AAA video games, the Ally X is extra prone to run them properly than the Deck, and the hole has solely change into extra obvious as time has handed.

On that be aware, the Ally X’s second main promoting level is VRR. The 7-inch LCD show is clearly not as vibrant or color-rich as that of the Steam Deck OLED, neither is it as spacious because the display screen on the Legion Go S. Nevertheless it’s each sharper (1080p) and sooner (120Hz) than the Deck, and the VRR help does wonders to maintain video games trying easy even when their body charge fluctuates.

The third key benefit, and the Ally X’s greatest promoting level in comparison with the Legion Go S, is the truth that Home windows helps you to play video games from any PC shopper, not only a collection of Steam video games. For those who’ve constructed up libraries on shops like Epic, GOG or the Xbox app, you possibly can entry them right here as you’d on every other Home windows PC, no workarounds required. For Xbox Sport Move video games, Epic Video games Retailer exclusives or finicky always-online titles like Future 2 that require anti-cheat software program, it’s nice.

However for all its flexibility, Home windows can also be the most important detriment to any Home windows handheld. ASUS has made real strides in turning its Armoury Crate app into a superbly usable sport launcher and settings hub, one which feels snappy and allows you to assign customized management profiles and GPU modes on a per-game foundation. And also you do have the liberty to put in a Linux distro like Bazzite if you need a just about an identical (if unofficial) expertise to SteamOS. However by default, the Ally X slaps a bandage onto an OS that isn’t designed for this kind issue.

Navigating Home windows together with your fingers and a controller continues to be frustratingly inconsistent. (Steam’s Large Image mode usually works nice; Epic’s and particularly Xbox’s apps, much less so.) Sleep mode doesn’t all the time keep asleep. Whether or not a sport works easily from the leap isn’t fixed; generally the UI could not scale correctly, different occasions you’ll have to spend minutes fidgeting with graphics settings and key bindings. These are points with any gaming PC, however they’re extra annoying to cope with on a small display screen with no mouse useful. Then there’s the bloat: You don’t want printer drivers, Copilot or advertisements for Workplace 365 in your gaming handheld. Regardless of utilizing the identical chip, the ROG Ally X usually delivers barely fewer frames in lots of video games subsequent to the Legion Go S. A part of that’s right down to the {hardware}, sure, however it’s additionally as a result of Home windows is so remarkably inefficient. No person will confuse a Steam Deck with a Change, however SteamOS stays a lot simpler to only choose up and use — even when it feels extra closed-off because of this.

The excellent news is that Microsoft is properly conscious of this and plans to launch an overhauled Home windows interface for gaming handhelds constructed across the Xbox app and Sport Bar. This could scale back background processes, devour much less energy and make gamepad navigation simpler, whereas nonetheless letting you entry video games from different storefronts. Microsoft says it’ll arrive first with two new ROG Xbox Ally handhelds it co-developed with ASUS later this 12 months earlier than hitting different gadgets, together with the ROG Ally X and authentic ROG Ally. This can be a massive deal: If the brand new UI can actually scale back the efficiency and usefulness hole between Home windows and SteamOS, it may make the latter considerably redundant. However we’ll have to get our arms on the completed product earlier than making any declarations like that.

Elsewhere, the Ally X’s battery life doesn’t all the time match the Steam Deck however comes a lot nearer than the primary Ally ever did. You may anticipate someplace round 2-2.5 hours with heavier fare, however properly past that with much less demanding stuff. The large 80Whr battery means the chassis is barely heavier than its predecessor, however its extra pronounced grips, tighter joysticks, meatier triggers and barely taller face buttons make it simply that further bit comfier than earlier than. It’ll nonetheless match greatest in greater arms, however it’s a few half-inch thinner than Valve’s machine. The overheating points that plagued the prior mannequin’s microSD card have been mounted, too, and the corporate has not less than pledged to enhance its RMA course of after a raft of complaints.

For now, whether or not the ROG Ally X is best for you comes right down to your tolerance for software program quirks. For those who’re prepared to courageous some UX sloppiness with a purpose to play high-end video games from any shopper, anyplace you need, it needs to be definitely worth the value premium.

Execs

Extra highly effective than Steam Deck
Works with any Home windows gaming shopper
1080p 120Hz show with VRR
Nicely-built

Cons

Home windows 11 is not optimized for handhelds (for now)
Pricier than Steam Deck
No included case
No Corridor impact joysticks

$800 at Finest Purchase

Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget

The Retroid Pocket 5 is the hand-held to get in case you primarily wish to emulate older consoles. It’s an Android-based machine that’s far much less highly effective than transportable PCs like Steam Deck or ROG Ally X, so it will possibly solely play PC, PS5 and Xbox video games by way of streaming. However if you need one thing extra compact and are prepared to undergo the numerous, many rigors of getting emulators to truly work, it’s a wonderful machine.

The Pocket 5 runs on a Snapdragon 865 chip (the identical one utilized by flagship telephones from 2020) and 8GB of RAM, plus it has a built-in fan you possibly can set to a few completely different modes to realize a little bit further efficiency. This offers it sufficient energy to play most video games from the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube, two standard retro consoles that may be robust for cellular handhelds to emulate. With some setup, we have been in a position to play comparatively demanding PS2 fare like Gran Turismo 4, ESPN NFL 2K5, Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal and Midnight Membership 3 at full pace and 1.5x to 2.5x their native decision. GameCube video games like Tremendous Mario Sunshine, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and F-Zero GX, in the meantime, have been rock stable at a 2x or 3x upscale. All of that’s implausible for the cash.

Nearly every thing we examined from consoles under the PS2 and GameCube on the efficiency totem pole — PSP, Dreamcast, PS1, N64, and so forth. — ran flawlessly at a 3-5x upscale (which maxes out the show’s decision). Most Wii and 3DS video games we examined have been easy at 720p to 1080p as properly, although translating the Wii distant to a handheld is commonly cumbersome, and the 5.5-inch panel is a bit cramped for viewing two DS screens. You may get some Change video games to work, too, however we discourage that when the Change continues to be readily in the stores in the present day. As for contemporary video games, Xbox cloud streaming ran about in addition to it does on every other machine, whereas native Android apps like Diablo Immortal, Name of Obligation Cell and Asphalt Legends Unite gave us zero points at max settings.

Let’s be clear: For those who’re new to emulation, you have to go into a tool like this anticipating to tinker. Even after the laborious strategy of securing ROM recordsdata, downloading one of the best variations of sure emulators, mapping completely different management schemes for every console and navigating the menu hell that’s RetroArch, some video games simply gained’t work proper.

The Pocket 5 isn’t resistant to this. We needed to set up a third-party GPU driver to keep away from visible glitches in video games like New Tremendous Mario Bros. Wii and Mario Famous person Baseball. Gran Turismo 4 required us to tweak the show crop to cover overscan-related artifacts. The most well-liked Sega Saturn emulator for Android is a multitude, so we needed to level video games for that system to a selected RetroArch core (at which level all of them ran nice). You will should fiddle with decision, rendering and energetic cooling settings to get many video games going at their greatest — and even then, some tough ones like Star Wars Rogue Squadron II will endure from debilitating slowdowns. It’s all terribly tedious. However you’d do it since you actually love previous video games and don’t thoughts placing in work to take pleasure in them comfortably, at an honest value.

We wouldn’t name the Pocket 5’s plastic body “premium,” however it’s clearly sturdier and extra substantial than most emulation handhelds from little-known Chinese language firms. The 1080p OLED show is the spotlight: It makes every thing look extra vibrant, from the deep blue ocean of The Wind Waker to the inexperienced vegetation in Stardew Valley, and it’s sufficiently sharp and vibrant. There are textured, modestly-sized grips across the again that give your fingers a pure place to relaxation. The face buttons are easy to press, with a snug stage of journey. The d-pad is agency and exact sufficient for us to play Tetris DX with out whining. The analog triggers are conveniently vast and flared, whereas the clicky bumpers are simple to tell apart. The audio system, whereas not extremely full-sounding, can get surprisingly loud.

Our foremost criticism is with the joystick structure, which situates the left stick beneath the d-pad. That is positive on a PS5 controller, however right here it will possibly make enjoying extra fashionable video games a literal ache, because it invitations you to go away your left hand dangling partway off the machine. However the sticks themselves are neither too free nor too tight, and they need to keep away from drifting points over time due to their magnetic Corridor impact sensors.

Battery life can differ from three-ish hours with demanding Android video games to greater than 10 hours when emulating older 8- and 16-bit consoles. That’s stable. The energetic cooling system retains the machine from ever feeling too sizzling, although its highest setting is fairly noisy; you wouldn’t wish to use it round a sleeping accomplice. It’s additionally price noting that the design gained’t truly slot in most pockets, as its identify implies, however it actually gained’t hog area in a bag or purse.

Execs

Succesful emulation and Android gaming efficiency
Beautiful OLED show
Sticks and buttons really feel nice
Sturdy, transportable design

Cons

Requires a ton of tinkering to get some emulators working optimally
Joystick structure is not ideally suited for contemporary video games

$219 at Retroid

Jeff Dunn for Engadget

The Retroid Pocket Flip 2 is actually the Pocket 5 in a clamshell form. It runs on the identical chip — and thus can emulate the identical wide selection of retro video games — with the identical nice OLED show, Corridor impact joysticks, energetic cooling system, 5,000mAh battery and clear Android OS. The face buttons, triggers, bumpers and d-pad are all roughly as responsive, although the built-in fan can nonetheless get distractingly loud at full blast and the audio system don’t provide one of the best separation (however nonetheless get loads loud).

It’s simply constructed like a fatter Nintendo DS with no second show. It’s thicker and heavier than the Pocket 5, and it has a flat again, so we discover it a contact extra fatiguing to make use of over time. There’s additionally a bit an excessive amount of empty area on the underside half — the face buttons and d-pad positively have room to be bigger. And since it is a clamshell, the joysticks should be recessed in little divots to keep away from urgent towards the show. They’re nonetheless easy and correct, however utilizing them all the time feels considerably awkward.

Nonetheless, separating the show offers more room for the completely different management parts to breathe. The joysticks are offset from the d-pad and face buttons, which makes them really feel much less cramped with video games which can be extra reliant on analog enter. Additionally they sit above the opposite inputs, so that you don’t have to achieve as a lot when enjoying Sport Boy, SNES or different programs that aren’t constructed for joystick management in any respect.

The clamshell form offers every thing a pure layer of safety, which in flip makes the machine simpler to only chuck in a bag. Although we will’t say how properly the hinge will maintain up years down the street, it feels appropriately tight, and it’s given us no points after a number of weeks of testing. The Flip 2 prices $10 greater than the Pocket 5 earlier than tariffs, however whether or not it’s price shopping for solely comes right down to how you’re feeling about clamshells. In order for you a retro handheld that’s extra DS than PSP, seize it as an alternative.

Execs

Succesful emulation and Android gaming efficiency
Sturdy clamshell design gives a pure layer of safety
Beautiful OLED show

Cons

Requires a ton of tinkering to get some emulators working optimally
Recessed joysticks
Buttons and d-pad may very well be bigger

$229 at Retroid

Picture by James Trew / Engadget

In case you have additional cash to burn on an emulation-focused machine, the AYN Odin 2 is a step up from the Retroid Pocket 5 and Flip 2. This Android machine can play every thing our these picks can, simply smoother and extra reliably. That is primarily as a consequence of its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which is similar chip utilized by flagship telephones from 2023.

The Odin 2 begins at $299 for 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which is dear when the entry-level Steam Deck can run PC video games natively for simply $100 extra. (And within the US, tariffs could erase that hole solely.) Nonetheless, amongst extra compact cellular handhelds, there aren’t many alternate options that run this properly at this value. It performed all PS2 and GameCube video games we examined at two to a few occasions their native decision, whereas programs just like the PS1, N64 and Dreamcast had no issues at a 3-5x upscale. Most 3DS and Wii video games had little to no slowdowns at 2-3x, both. It’s higher than most with the Sega Saturn, and it will possibly play a wider vary of Change video games than the Pocket 5 and Flip 2 (although you need to simply purchase a Change if that is a significant concern). More difficult programs will nonetheless require some settings tweaks, however the superior chip means you gained’t have to tinker on a game-by-game foundation as extensively as you’d with a lower-cost machine.

It’s not simply uncooked efficiency, although: The Odin 2 can also be a refined piece of {hardware}. It’s bigger than Retroid’s handhelds, however it’s nonetheless a lot much less chunky than a transportable PC, and the curved grips on its again are inviting to carry. The d-pad, face buttons, analog triggers and Corridor impact joysticks all really feel nice; the latter are additionally offset, which makes the design comfier than the Pocket 5 for streaming current console and PC video games. Different touches like a fingerprint scanner, a devoted return button, a micro-HDMI out port, two customizable again buttons and clear front-facing audio system are all good perks.

The 6-inch 1080p touchscreen isn’t as color-rich because the Retroid’s OLED panel, however it’s nonetheless vibrant and well-sized for contemporary video games. Battery life is excellent: We bought greater than eight hours of juice emulating programs just like the PS2, however that jumped over 20 hours with lighter duties. The machine helps 65W quick charging as properly. Cloud streaming and native Android video games work as they need to, and since the entire thing runs on a evenly modded model of Android, its inventory interface ought to really feel acquainted to most.

AYN sells just a few completely different variants of the Odin 2, together with the PS Vita-esque Odin 2 Mini and the bigger, OLED-sporting Odin 2 Portal. We have not been in a position to take a look at both, however they run on the identical chipset as the usual mannequin, so they need to be simply as highly effective. Each needs to be a little bit extra area of interest, nevertheless. The Retroid Pocket 5 will get you a lot of the approach to the Mini for $120 much less. The Odin 2 Portal is unquestionably extra interesting, however it’s nearer to the Steam Deck’s width (and value) but a lot much less succesful than Valve’s machine on the entire.

Execs

Wonderful emulation and Android gaming efficiency
Snug
Nice battery life

Cons

Comparatively dear for a cellular handheld (even earlier than tariffs)
Organising emulators can nonetheless be laborious
Docked expertise is not seamless

$299 at AYN

Picture by James Trew / Engadget

Show: 3.5-inch LCD, 1,600 x 1,440 decision, VRR 30Hz-62Hz | Chipset: Altera Cyclone V FPGA, Altera Cyclone 10 FPGA | RAM: 3.4MB BRAM, 2x 16MB 16-bit mobile RAM, 64MB 16-bit SDRAM, 256KB 16-bit asynchronous SRAM | Battery: 4,300mAh | Dimensions: 5.86 x 3.46 x 0.86 inches | Weight: 0.61 kilos | OS: Analogue OS

Learn our full Analogue Pocket assessment.

The Analogue Pocket is the final word Sport Boy. Its vertical design is constructed like a modernized, premium model of Nintendo’s traditional handheld, and it will possibly even work with equipment just like the Sport Boy Digicam. In comparison with the unique, although, the Pocket provides two further face buttons, a pair of rear triggers, a microSD slot, a USB-C port and a chargeable battery rated for six to 10 hours of playtime. Most importantly, it has a stunning 3.5-inch show that’s each backlit and extremely sharp (615 ppi) however might be set to appear like an previous Sport Boy panel with completely different filter modes. The machine can even output to a TV with an optionally available dock.

In contrast to the retro handhelds talked about above, the Pocket is designed to play precise cartridges, not simply ROM recordsdata. It really works with Sport Boy, Sport Boy Coloration and Sport Boy Advance video games by means of its cartridge slot, whereas video games from the Sega Sport Gear, TurboGrafx-16, Neo Geo Pocket and Atari Lynx are playable by means of optionally available adapters.

Like previous Analogue gadgets, the Pocket makes use of field-programmable gate array (FPGA) motherboards to imitate its goal programs on a {hardware} stage. In observe, this implies the Pocket’s “emulation” of older titles is near-perfect, with a stage of responsiveness and visible faithfulness that software-based emulation can’t match. Pop in a Sport Boy or GBA cartridge and you may basically play it as supposed. That mentioned, due to an enormous post-launch replace and an energetic person neighborhood, the Pocket can even run ROMs off a microSD card and thus play programs just like the SNES and Sega Genesis.

The Pocket isn’t low-cost at $220, and its shoulder buttons aren’t as crisp to press as the wonderful d-pad or face buttons. Nonetheless, when you have a set of Sport Boy, Sport Gear or GBA video games, the Pocket is essentially the most elegant approach to play them, and it’s solely change into extra versatile over time. Its greatest flaw is that it may be liable to inventory shortages and delivery delays.

Execs

Performs Sport Boy, Sport Boy Coloration, and GBA cartridges with near-perfect emulation
Attractive show
Spectacular construct high quality
Expandable by way of adapters
Helps software program emulation

Cons

Inventory points and delivery delays are widespread
Shoulder buttons really feel a little bit spongy
Tiny quantity buttons

$220 at Analogue

Engadget

Learn our full Playdate assessment.

The Playdate, from app developer and Untitled Goose Sport writer Panic, is a tiny yellow field with a 2.7-inch monochrome show, two face buttons, a d-pad and a bodily crank constructed into its facet. We referred to as it a “cross between a Sport Boy and a enterprise card” in our assessment, and it’s certainly extremely small at roughly three inches tall and 0.18 kilos. It has a devoted sport library that largely consists of oddball indies, most of which concentrate on one or two core concepts as an alternative of making an attempt to stuff in as many mechanics as potential. A pair dozen of these video games are bundled with the machine, whereas others can be found by way of a built-in retailer or sideloading from retailers like Itch.io. The {hardware} is usually well-built, and its battery life is respectable at six to eight hours per cost.

At $229 after a current value hike, it’s onerous to name the Playdate an incredible worth when it’s solely designed to play a collection of area of interest video games. Its show isn’t backlit, both. However in a sea of gadgets that attempt to be every thing for everybody, the Playdate is admirably centered and low-key. For those who’re into smaller-scale fare and have some cash to play with, it’ll be a enjoyable toy.

$229 at Playdate

What in regards to the Nintendo Change 2?

The Nintendo Change 2 comes with two Pleasure-Con, two Pleasure-Con straps, a Pleasure-Con grip, the dock, a HDMI wire and a 60-watt energy adapter with a removable USB-C cable.

(Sam Rutherford for Engadget)

Learn our full Nintendo Change 2 assessment

The brand new Nintendo Change 2 is already extra standard than any of the handhelds above, however we haven’t made it a proper choose on this information because it exists in its personal world. As one of many latest gadgets from the massive three console producers, most individuals aren’t selecting between it and the hand-held PCs or emulation gadgets above. The primary motive to purchase a Change 2 is to play new Nintendo video games, and no different machine can (legally) provide that. Likewise, the Change 2 doesn’t even attempt to provide the flexibleness of a Steam Deck, ROG Ally X and even the Retroid Pocket 5.

That mentioned, the {hardware} itself is a major improve over its predecessor, with dramatically improved efficiency, a sharper, sooner and greater 7.9-inch show, magnetic Pleasure-Con controllers and extra storage. It’s an entirely extra polished tackle the Change 1’s concepts.

Does that make it a must-buy proper now? Except you’re nervous a few tariff-induced value hike — which might not be essentially the most outlandish worry — probably not. Donkey Kong Bananza is a pleasure, Mario Kart World is enjoyable sufficient and enjoying Cyberpunk 2077 on a Nintendo console is type of surreal, however the listing of true must-plays which can be unique to the Change 2 continues to be very restricted. That’s OK — it’s solely been two months. However don’t really feel the necessity to rush out and splash the money in the present day until you will have a severe case of Donkey Kong-induced FOMO.

Different gaming handhelds we have examined

The MSI Claw 8 AI+.

(Sam Rutherford for Engadget)

Notice: This can be a collection of noteworthy gaming handhelds we’ve examined, not a complete listing of every thing we have ever tried.

MSI Claw 8 AI+

The unique MSI Claw was a flop, however the newer Claw 8 AI+ is way more interesting in case you’re prepared to pay for a bigger and barely extra highly effective various to the ASUS ROG Ally X. With its Intel Core Extremely 7-258V chip and 32GB of RAM, it usually pumped out 10 to fifteen % greater body charges than different high-end fashions just like the Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go in our testing. Battery life is comparatively robust, whereas its 8-inch 120Hz IPS show is loads vibrant and helps VRR. There are easy Corridor impact thumbsticks and triggers, two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a built-in fingerprint sensor past that.

The Claw’s foremost concern is its value: At $1,000 after a current value hike, it’s onerous to justify over the ROG Ally X, which is already too costly for most individuals. ASUS’ handheld is smaller, lighter and usually extra transportable on high of that— although the Claw is thinner — and its Armoury Crate software program, whereas removed from excellent, continues to be a bit extra polished than MSI’s Heart M hub. There’s additionally a smaller 7-inch model of this handheld for $900, however we haven’t examined that one.

The Lenovo Legion Go.

(Picture by Sam Rutherford/Engadget)

Lenovo Legion Go

The Lenovo Legion Go is one other succesful various to the ASUS ROG Ally X with a good bigger show. It runs on the identical Ryzen Z1 Excessive chip and provides an identical set of efficiency modes, however it has a mondo-sized 8.8-inch panel with a sharper 2,560 x 1,600 decision and a better 144Hz refresh charge. It additionally borrows some concepts from the Change, together with removable controllers and a built-in kickstand for enjoying video games in a tabletop mode. These controllers have touchpads to make navigating Home windows a little bit simpler, one thing the ROG Ally X lacks.

Nevertheless it’s nonetheless a Home windows handheld, and Lenovo’s software program tweaks aren’t as intuitive as what ASUS has performed with Armoury Crate, so the UX can really feel half-baked by comparability. The jumbo design is bulkier and heavier than the ROG Ally X, so some will discover it too fatiguing to carry. Its followers are louder as properly, plus the show lacks VRR. Lenovo teased a Legion Go 2 at CES earlier this 12 months, which appears to be like promising and will arrive within the coming months.

The Lenovo Legion Go S.

(Sam Rutherford for Engadget)

Lenovo Legion Go S (Home windows, Z2 Go chip)

The Home windows 11 model of the Lenovo Legion Go S has the identical comparatively comfy design and commendable 8-inch 120Hz show because the SteamOS mannequin we spotlight above. With the Z2 Go mannequin we examined, although, its efficiency lags too far behind the ROG Ally X, Claw 8 AI+ and authentic Legion Go for one thing priced at $730. Home windows continues to be clunky, too.

The Ayaneo Flip DS.

(Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget)

Ayaneo Flip DS

The Ayaneo Flip DS is a cool idea: a strong Home windows machine with a clamshell design and twin shows, kind of like a supercharged Nintendo DS. It feels sturdy, it performs roughly on par with the opposite Ryzen 7 7840U (or 8840U) handhelds on this information, and its 7-inch high show is sharp, quick and vibrant. The second display screen makes it a pure match for emulating Wii U or 3DS video games, however you would additionally, say, search for a information or play a YouTube video with out having to shut no matter you’re enjoying.

Sadly, that is extra of a neat concept than a totally thought-out product. The folding design signifies that the joysticks should be quick and recessed, whereas the face buttons and d-pad are uncomfortably flat. The entire thing is overly thick and heavy, plus it runs extremely popular. Battery life tops out round two hours, and really managing two shows on a Home windows handheld is about as clunky as you’d anticipate. With costs now beginning above $1,000, the Flip DS is tough to advocate until you’re (oddly) determined for a handheld Wii U emulator. We’re all the time joyful to see extra bizarre {hardware}, although.

The Ayaneo Kun.

(Picture by James Trew / Engadget)

Ayaneo Kun

The Ayaneo Kun is among the many most decadent Home windows handhelds we’ve examined. With a pointy 8.4-inch show, a Ryzen 7 8840U chip, as much as 64GB of RAM, as much as 4TB of storage, a large 75Whr battery and a 54W max TDP, it’s each a succesful gaming machine and a possible alternative for a desktop PC. Nevertheless it now begins at a dear $999, it’s large and it suffers from the same old Home windows-related points. It additionally lacks VRR. It’s nonetheless a positive machine if cash is really no object, however it’s extra handheld than most want. The ROG Ally X is a a lot better worth. That is technically an older mannequin for Ayaneo, too, as the corporate appears to launch a brand new handheld each different hour lately.

Ayaneo 2S

The Ayaneo 2S is one other high-power Home windows handheld with a sharper show and better configuration choices than the ROG Ally X. It additionally makes use of the identical chip because the Kun above. Nevertheless it’s restricted to a 60Hz refresh charge and prices just a few hundred {dollars} further. Ayaneo introduced a decked-out successor referred to as the Ayaneo 3 towards the tip of 2024; we’ll attempt to take a look at that one out sooner or later.

The Retroid Pocket Mini (backside) and Retroid Pocket 5.

(Jeff Dunn for Engadget)

Retroid Pocket Mini

The Retroid Pocket Mini is actually a smaller model of the Retroid Pocket 5. It runs on the identical Snapdragon 865 chip and feels simply as sturdy, however it has a smaller 3.92-inch show with a 4:3 side ratio. This makes it a extra pure match for older retro consoles, as you gained’t get the black packing containers you’d see on a 16:9 show just like the one on the Pocket 5. For those who primarily wish to emulate programs just like the SNES, Sega Genesis or Sport Boy Coloration and don’t thoughts paying further for a wealthy OLED show, it’s little machine. However the tiny display screen is limiting in case you ever wish to play newer video games, and we want there wasn’t a lot empty area across the show.

This machine had additionally generated some controversy inside the retro gaming neighborhood for having persistent points with inaccurate shaders (and for the slapdash method Retroid dealt with the matter). The corporate changed the unique mannequin with a “V2” iteration that addresses these considerations, nevertheless.

Retroid Pocket 4 Professional and Retroid Pocket 4

The 4.7-inch Retroid Pocket 4 Professional is the predecessor to the Pocket 5. Its efficiency isn’t considerably far off the newer mannequin, so it stays a pleasant worth in case you’re decided to spend lower than $200 on an emulation machine. It misses out on the bigger OLED show and extra ergonomically-friendly design of its follow-up, nevertheless. The bottom Pocket 4 may additionally be price a glance if you wish to keep below $150, however its weaker chip makes it much less adept at emulating video games from the PS2, GameCube and up.

The Anbernic RG35XX Plus.

(Picture by Jeff Dunn / Engadget)

Miyoo Mini Plus

The Miyoo Mini Plus is a extremely inexpensive handheld with a well-built, Sport Boy-style type issue that matches properly with older video games. Its 3.5-inch show actually pops for one thing within the $60 to $80 vary, its battery lasts so long as it must and it will possibly emulate consoles as much as the unique PlayStation with out a lot concern. Its Linux-based software program is extensively customizable, although it requires some tinkering to get it working optimally. Like many cheapo handhelds, it additionally lacks quick charging. Nonetheless, of the numerous Sport Boy-like emulation gadgets floating across the funds finish of the market, it’s the one we’d advocate first. Because it’s from a smaller Chinese language agency and isn’t accessible at main retailers, nevertheless, it may be troublesome to truly purchase.

Anbernic RG35XX Plus

The Anbernic RG35XX Plus is one other wallet-friendly vertical handheld — or not less than, it was earlier than Anbernic paused shipments to the US. For about the identical value because the Miyoo Mini Plus, it provides a sooner chipset, extra RAM and an even bigger battery alongside a equally spectacular design. Its inventory OS is overly sloppy and cheap-looking, nevertheless, and whereas the stronger processor is sweet, the small display screen and lack of analog sticks means you gained’t wish to emulate a lot past the PS1 anyway.

The Anbernic RG35XXSP.

(Jeff Dunn for Engadget)

Anbernic RG35XXSP

The Anbernic RG35XXSP is a variant of the RG35XX Plus based mostly on the identical internals, solely it apes the clamshell type issue of the previous Sport Boy Advance SP. That’s an incredible design to tear off in case you should choose one, and the {hardware} doesn’t really feel practically as low-cost as its (pre-tariff) price ticket of $60 or so would recommend. However the software program points famous above nonetheless apply (each right here and with the numerous different gadgets in the identical RGXX household). We’ve additionally seen a number of person studies of high quality management points with the RG35XXSP’s battery, which is routinely disqualifying.

Anbernic RG405M

The Anbernic RG405M is one other 4:3 handheld with a 4-inch show and a delightful steel body. It is an OK various to the Retroid Pocket Mini if you need a little bit extra display screen area for much less money, however it’s slower, and it lacks the Mini’s OLED show. We discover the Retroid’s grooved again to be comfier to carry over time as properly. And once more, Anbernic has paused handheld shipments to America as of this writing.

The PlayStation Portal.

(Picture by Devindra Hardawar/Engadget)

PlayStation Portal

The PlayStation Portal is an odd accent that’s designed to stream video games from a PlayStation 5. It lacks built-in apps, so it doesn’t help conventional emulation. As a result of it’s solely depending on the standard of your private home Wi-Fi, we will’t assure how properly it’ll truly carry out. It doesn’t work with Bluetooth earbuds both.

The 8-inch show is ok and the DualSense-style controls are nice, so PlayStation diehards who desire a second display screen for native PS5 streaming may even see the enchantment. Sony just lately added the flexibility to stream a collection of video games by way of the cloud, which is a step in the precise course, however you want an costly PlayStation Plus Premium subscription to take benefit. Typically, there’s little right here that you would be able to’t do with a smartphone and cellular sport controller, so most individuals are higher off saving their $200.

Logitech G Cloud

The Logitech G Cloud would’ve been an incredible Android choose when it launched if it value about $150 much less. Its 7-inch 1080p show is vibrant, vibrant and usually extra pleasing to take a look at than the panel on the AYN Odin 2, its battery lasts 10 to 12 hours per cost and its design is comfortable to carry for hours at a time. Alas, the G Cloud nonetheless tends to value between $260 and $300, which is simply an excessive amount of when the Retroid Pocket 5 provides extra energy at a cheaper price.

What to know in regards to the gaming handheld market

A set of gaming handhelds relaxation on a wood tabletop. The handhelds embody the Nintendo Change – OLED Mannequin, Valve Steam Deck and the Retroid Pocket 3, in addition to an iPhone 12 mini hooked as much as a Spine One cellular sport controller.

(Jeff Dunn / Engadget)

You may break down the gaming handheld market into three broad tiers. On the high, you will have x86-based transportable gaming PCs just like the Steam Deck or ASUS ROG Ally X. These are essentially the most highly effective handhelds you should buy, as they search to duplicate the expertise of a reasonably specced gaming desktop. The Steam Deck runs on the Linux working system, however most others use Home windows. If you wish to play fashionable, just lately launched PC video games on the go (and wish one thing stronger than a Change), that is the kind of machine you’d get. They will additionally emulate the widest vary of retro consoles. They’re usually the biggest and most cumbersome gadgets to carry, nevertheless, and their battery life might be quick. Naturally, they’re additionally the most costly, costing anyplace from $400 to greater than $1,000.

Additional down on the value spectrum are “cellular handhelds” just like the Logitech G Cloud or Retroid Pocket. These gadgets typically run Android or Linux and might vary from below $50 to $400-ish (earlier than tariffs). They aren’t geared up to play fashionable console or PC titles, however they’re normally extra compact than a transportable PC, and you may nonetheless use them for cellular video games and cloud streaming. Whereas most are marketed towards these ends, many avid gamers truly purchase them to emulate traditional video games by means of software program like RetroArch. Getting emulators to work might be sophisticated, and accessing the BIOS and ROM recordsdata required to play video games this manner is legally murky. One lawsuit from Nintendo led to the shutdown of essentially the most outstanding Change and 3DS emulators, as an illustration. (Engadget doesn’t condone piracy.) Backing up recordsdata of video games you already personal for private use solely is taken into account extra defensible, although, so for {that a} cellular handheld could be a extra user- and wallet-friendly approach to play the classics — supplied you don’t wish to simply use your cellphone.

We’ll name the final tier “handhelds that do their very own factor.” This can be a catch-all for issues just like the Change 2 or Playdate: transportable gadgets that run closely custom-made software program and goal to supply a singular gaming expertise. They aren’t essentially ideally suited for emulation or enjoying the newest multiplatform titles; as an alternative, they typically have distinct sport libraries. They may not have the widest enchantment because of this (Change excluded), however they’re typically simpler for much less tech-literate people to only choose up and use.

Latest updates

August 2025: We’ve added the SteamOS model of the Lenovo Legion Go S as a brand new suggestion and up to date our high Home windows choose to replicate the upcoming launch of ASUS’ and Microsoft’s ROG Xbox Ally gadgets, which is able to characteristic an overhauled Home windows UI. We’ve additionally added a be aware on the just lately launched Nintendo Change 2. We’ll embody testing notes on the Retroid Pocket Basic, TrimUI Brick and ModRetro Chromatic within the close to future. (Notice: Yours actually went on paternity go away after our final replace — apologies for the delay!)

Might 2025: We’ve examined the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 and beneficial it as a substitute for the Retroid Pocket 5. We’re additionally watching out for the primary third-party gadgets that run SteamOS, beginning with the brand new Lenovo Legion Go S, and the subsequent ASUS ROG Ally machine, which appears to be arriving quickly based mostly on current leaks.

March 2025: We’ve edited this information for readability and added testing notes for the MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Lenovo Legion Go S (Home windows model). Our foremost picks are unchanged. Wanting forward, we’re maintaining a tally of upcoming Home windows handhelds from Acer and Ayaneo, a pair of latest emulation gadgets from Retroid, the primary third-party gadgets to ship with SteamOS and extra machines that run on AMD’s Ryzen Z2 chips, amongst others.

January 2025: We now have a brand new high choose amongst emulation-focused handhelds: the Retroid Pocket 5. Past that, we’ve added notes on just a few different gadgets we’ve examined, together with the Retroid Pocket Mini and Anbernic RG35XXSP; evenly edited different blurbs to replicate modifications available in the market; and eliminated a pair write-ups for merchandise that’ve been discontinued. We’re additionally maintaining a tally of new handhelds that’ve just lately been introduced or are strongly rumored to reach within the close to future, together with gadgets from MSI and Lenovo.

August 2024: We’ve changed the ASUS ROG Ally, our prior choose for one of the best Home windows gaming handheld, with the brand new and improved ROG Ally X. We’ve additionally checked to verify all availability and pricing particulars famous all through the information are correct.

June 2024: We’ve up to date this information to make sure all of our suggestions are updated, including a be aware on ASUS’ upcoming ROG Ally X within the course of. We’ve additionally included particulars on two new handhelds we’ve examined since our earlier replace: the MSI Claw and Ayaneo Flip DS. Staying on high of this market is a tall activity, however we’re at the moment taking a look at current noteworthy releases just like the PSP-esque AYN Odin 2 Mini and the GBA-style Anbernic RG35XXSP as properly.

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What's Hot

The best gaming handhelds for 2025

Desk of contents

Finest handheld gaming gadgets for 2025

What in regards to the Nintendo Change 2?

Different gaming handhelds we have examined

MSI Claw 8 AI+

Lenovo Legion Go

Lenovo Legion Go S (Home windows, Z2 Go chip)

Ayaneo Flip DS

Ayaneo Kun

Ayaneo 2S

Retroid Pocket Mini

Retroid Pocket 4 Professional and Retroid Pocket 4

Miyoo Mini Plus

Anbernic RG35XX Plus

Anbernic RG35XXSP

Anbernic RG405M

PlayStation Portal

Logitech G Cloud

What to know in regards to the gaming handheld market

Latest updates

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