The Best Handheld Gaming Devices of 2024

The world of gaming is constantly evolving, and handheld devices are no exception. These powerful and portable machines allow you to take your favorite titles on the go, offering a convenient and immersive gaming experience. 

Whether you’re looking for a way to relive retro classics or want to dominate the latest AAA releases, there’s a perfect handheld device out there for you. This guide will explore the best handheld gaming devices of 2024, helping you find the ideal companion for your mobile gaming adventures.

Benefits of Handheld Gaming Devices

Not sure if a handheld gaming device is what you looking for? Here are the best reasons why.

1 – Unmatched Portability

Handheld gaming devices are designed to be compact and lightweight, making them ideal for travel, commutes, or waiting rooms. You can squeeze in a quick gaming session anytime, anywhere.

2 – Versatility

Many handheld gaming devices offer a wide range of features beyond gaming. Listen to music, browse the web, or even stream movies on some models. They’re true entertainment hubs that fit in your pocket.

3 – Relive Retro Classics

Several handheld gaming devices specialize in emulating classic games from older consoles. This allows you to revisit your favorite childhood titles or discover gaming history’s gems.

4 – Connect with Friends

Many handheld gaming devices offer online multiplayer functionality, allowing you to team up or compete with friends on the go.

Costs of Handheld Gaming Devices

If you’re convinced, good. But here are a few things to look out for.

1 – Smaller Screens

Compared to TVs or monitors, handheld screens are naturally smaller. This can be a drawback for games that rely on intricate details or expansive worlds.

2 – Control Limitations

While some handhelds offer innovative control schemes, they may not replicate the full experience of traditional controllers. Fast-paced action games or complex genres might feel less intuitive on a handheld device.

3 – Battery Life

The processing power required for gaming can drain batteries quickly.  Make sure to consider battery life when choosing a handheld device, especially if you plan on extended gaming sessions.

4 – Cost

These high-end handheld gaming devices can be quite expensive. Factor in the cost of games and accessories when making your purchasing decision.

Best Handheld Gaming Devices

Razer Edge

SPECS

SCREEN: 6.8-inch AMOLED 144Hz, 1080p | PROCESSOR: Snapdragon G3x Gen1 | MEMORY: 6GB RAM | STORAGE: 32GB | WEIGHT: 400g

Not everyone will crave the Razer Edge, but mobile gamers yearning for a console-style experience will find it mighty tempting.

This handheld packs a punch with the Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 processor and comes bundled with the Kishi controller, letting you ditch frustrating touchscreens and dive into the latest Android titles with familiar physical controls.

The Razer Edge reigns supreme as one of the best handheld gaming devices, and a big reason for that is Google Play access.

This means you should be able to play any game available on the Google Play Store, and Razer’s clever button mapping software helps bridge the gap between touch screen controls and physical buttons.

The best part? Play Store compatibility opens the door to emulators and streaming services, potentially letting you play games from a variety of platforms on this single device.

PlayStation Portal

SPECS

SCREEN: 8-inch IPS LCD 60Hz, 1080p touchscreen | PROCESSOR: Snapdragon 662 | MEMORY: N/A | STORAGE: 32GB | WEIGHT: 529g

The PlayStation Portal might not be the strongest contender in the handheld arena, but it offers a comfortable and reliable way to play your PS5 games remotely.

While other devices can achieve similar remote play, Sony’s official solution currently reigns supreme. It’s unclear how long this lead will last, but for now, the Portal holds the crown.

It simply streams what’s on your PS5, so it’s not a new platform itself.

You can access your entire PS5 library through remote play, but forget about Sony’s cloud gaming service or entertainment apps like Netflix. If you need a handheld for those features, look elsewhere.

Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro

SPECS

SCREEN: 6.7-inch AMOLED 165Hz, 1080p | PROCESSOR: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | MEMORY: 16/24GB RAM | STORAGE: 512GB/1TB | WEIGHT: 225g

Forget just gaming phones, the Asus ROG Phone 8 is a full-fledged contender in the handheld gaming arena. It goes head-to-head with heavy hitters like the Nintendo Switch, Backbone One, PlayStation Portal, and even Asus’ own ROG Ally.

This phone packs a punch with top-notch performance, improved battery life, and a user-friendly design. Asus has also upgraded the cameras, making the ROG Phone 8 Pro more attractive to everyday phone users.

Packed with features specifically for gamers, this phone strives to be the most balanced ROG Phone yet, aiming to win over even casual phone buyers.

For those who prioritize long battery life, fantastic performance, and gaming extras over top-tier cameras, the ROG Phone 8 Pro might be the perfect bridge between a powerful gaming device and a premium smartphone.

Steam Deck OLED

SPECS

SCREEN: 7-inch IPS, 800p | PROCESSOR: AMD | MEMORY: 16GB RAM | STORAGE: 1TB | WEIGHT: 640g

The Steam Deck OLED muscles in as the new champion of handheld PC gaming.

While it builds upon the original Deck’s impressive foundation, the OLED HDR display, faster Wi-Fi 6, and improved cooling elevate the experience considerably. It’s another engineering marvel from Valve.

If you’re a casual Steam Deck owner, this upgrade might not be essential. However, for newcomers or those who rely heavily on their original Deck, the OLED is a must-have.

Valve has taken a great device and pushed it even further, setting a new bar for competitors to chase.

Lenovo Legion Go

SPECS

SCREEN: 8.8-inch QHD 144Hz, 720p | PROCESSOR: AMD Ryzen 1 Extreme | MEMORY: 16GB RAM | STORAGE: 1TB | WEIGHT: 853g

The Lenovo Legion Go throws its hat into the handheld PC gaming ring, aiming to dethrone the Steam Deck.

This Windows 11 powered machine boasts a massive 8.8-inch 144Hz display, a powerful AMD Ryzen processor, and detachable controllers – features that scream premium.

Lenovo’s pedigree in gaming laptops shines through in the Legion Go’s design and feel. However, the double-edged sword of Windows 11 presents a challenge.

While it offers vast customization options, it also sacrifices the user-friendly experience found on the Steam Deck.

Despite this quirk, the Legion Go’s feature set arguably surpasses the Asus ROG Ally, making it a compelling option for power users who prioritize customization over streamlined gaming.

Nintendo Switch Lite

SPECS

SCREEN: 5.5-inch, 720p touchscreen | PROCESSOR: NVidia Tegra | MEMORY: 4GB RAM | STORAGE: 32GB | WEIGHT: 275g

The Nintendo Switch Lite offers a more compact and portable version of the beloved Switch experience.

At roughly two-thirds the size, it sacrifices some features for ultimate portability.

The good news? You still get access to Nintendo’s fantastic library of games, comfortable controls, and a vibrant screen.

Whether you crave adventures with Link and Mario or prefer action-packed titles like Doom, the Switch Lite delivers the same great games in a package that easily fits in your bag.

However, keep in mind the trade-offs. The smaller size means a smaller battery, translating to less playtime on the go.

Without detachable Joy-Cons, multiplayer fun requires additional controllers.

Save data transfer between the Lite and the standard Switch is also limited. So, choose wisely between portability and versatility!

Asus ROG Ally

SPECS

SCREEN: 7-inch OLED 120Hz, 1080p | PROCESSOR: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | MEMORY: 16GB RAM | STORAGE: 512GB SSD | WEIGHT: 608g

The Asus ROG Ally falls short of dethroning the Steam Deck, but it currently holds the title of best Windows handheld. This 7-inch device boasts a smooth 120Hz display and a powerful AMD processor.

With official Xbox support and the ability to play any Windows PC game, the ROG Ally seemed destined to dominate the handheld market. However, specs don’t tell the whole story.

While the display delivers sharp visuals and the processor pushes games to 60fps and beyond, the gains over the Steam Deck might be minor. Additionally, to achieve this performance, you often have to sacrifice resolution by playing at 720p.

The biggest drawback lies in the software – the lack of a dedicated user interface like SteamOS. Asus’s Armoury Crate app organizes games, but it pales in comparison to the Steam Deck’s intuitive and functional operating system.

So, the ROG Ally offers impressive specs and Windows versatility, but the Steam Deck’s user experience keeps it on top for now.

Nintendo Switch OLED

SPECS

SCREEN: 7-inch OLED, 720p | PROCESSOR: NVidia Tegra | MEMORY: 4GB RAM | STORAGE: 32/64GB | WEIGHT: 297g

The Nintendo Switch OLED dethrones the original Switch as the king of handheld gaming. The OLED screen is not only bigger but also boasts richer colors and brightness, making your favorite games truly shine.

An improved kickstand, better speakers, and an Ethernet port round out the package, making the Switch OLED the must-have handheld device in 2024.

However, if you already own the original Switch, the upgrades might not be significant enough to justify the jump to the OLED model.

Finding the Perfect Handheld Device for You

The best handheld gaming device ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the types of games you enjoy, your budget, and how important portability is to you.

With so many fantastic options available in 2024, you’re sure to find the perfect handheld companion to take your gaming to the next level. Ready to dive into the world of handheld gaming? Research the devices mentioned in this article or explore other options that pique your interest.

With a little investigation, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying incredible gaming experiences on the go! Leave a comment below, adding your experiences with handheld gaming devices. That’s all from us. Stay safe until next time 😀