By the end of 2025, the handheld gaming market reaches one of the most intense and competitive moments in its history. More and more people are seeking the freedom to play high-quality games anywhere—whether relaxing on the couch or traveling. The combination of technological advancements, innovative designs, and affordable prices attracts both nostalgic veterans and new enthusiasts, solidifying handheld gaming as one of the leading trends in digital entertainment.
With that in mind, this guide presents the 10 best handheld consoles to buy in 2025, evaluated based on key criteria such as game library, build quality, battery capacity, overall performance, and price. All data was gathered from popular platforms like AliExpress and Amazon, ensuring a practical and consumer-focused analysis for those seeking the best value in portable gaming.
Comparison Table: The 10 Best Handheld Consoles of 2025
| Model | Processor | Display (type, size, resolution) | Battery / Runtime | Avg. Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch Lite | Tegra X1 | LCD 5.5” 1280x720 | 3–7h / 3570mAh | $179–229 |
| Nintendo Switch v2 | Tegra X1 | LCD 6.2” 1280x720 | 4–9h / 4310mAh | $299–339 |
| Nintendo Switch OLED | Tegra X1 | OLED 7” 1280x720 | 4.5–9h / 4310mAh | $339–399 |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Tegra T239 | LCD 7.9” 1920x1080 HDR, 120Hz | 2–6.5h / 5220mAh | $449–499 |
| Steam Deck | AMD Zen2 4c/8t | LCD 7” 1280x800 | 2–8h / 40Wh | $399–499 |
| Steam Deck OLED | AMD Zen2 4c/8t | OLED 7” 1280x800 HDR, 90Hz, 1000 nits | 3–12h / 50Wh | $599–699 |
| ROG Ally | Ryzen Z1 Extreme | IPS 7” 1920x1080 120Hz, 500 nits | 2–8h / 40Wh | $700–799 |
| AYN Odin 2 Portal | Snapdragon 8 Gen2 | OLED 7” 1920x1080 120Hz, 800 nits | 5–8h / 8000mAh | $329–399 |
| Lenovo Legion Go S | Ryzen Z2 Go | IPS WUXGA 8” 1920x1200 120Hz, 500 nits | 2–3.5h / 55.5Wh | $550–750 |
| AYN Thor | Snapdragon 8 Gen2 | Dual OLED: 6” FHD 120Hz + 3.92” 60Hz | 3–8h / 8000mAh | $250–299 |
1. Nintendo Switch Lite
The Nintendo Switch Lite stands out as the best entry point into the world of handheld gaming, combining an affordable price, sleek design, and durable build that fits in your pocket. It has earned its place as a fan favorite and remains the most budget-friendly way to enjoy Nintendo’s biggest titles like Mario Odyssey, Pokémon, and Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It also provides access to free-to-play hits like Fortnite, Overwatch, and Warframe. For those seeking a simple, high-quality, and affordable console, the Switch Lite delivers a complete portable experience for epic adventures on the go.
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Key Games Available
The Nintendo Switch library is considered one of the most extensive in gaming history, with over 4,000 titles released. The console supports major AAA productions like The Witcher 3 and Hogwarts Legacy, while also embracing beloved indie gems such as Hollow Knight and Stardew Valley. This diversity ensures a rich and accessible experience for all types of players.
Display Quality and Battery Life
The 5.5-inch LCD screen on the Switch Lite, with a resolution of 1280x720, offers a satisfying visual experience for its price, with sharp and well-defined graphics. However, in outdoor settings, the brightness level may fall short, making visibility under direct sunlight a bit challenging.
Its 3570mAh battery provides between 3 to 7 hours of gameplay, depending on the title and screen brightness. Lighter games like Monster Hunter XX can reach up to 7 hours, while more demanding titles like Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope tend to last around 3 hours—still enough for solid gaming sessions.
Average Price
The price of the Nintendo Switch Lite is undoubtedly its strongest asset, often found for under $220, and during special promotions, dropping to around $180. This positions it as an unbeatable value considering everything it offers. With access to a vast game library, solid build quality, and features that deliver a complete handheld experience, it’s an extremely attractive choice for those wanting to save money without sacrificing fun or quality.
Downsides
As a budget-friendly console, the Switch Lite had to omit one feature found in other models mentioned later in this guide. A detail that some may see as a limitation, while others might view it as a benefit, is the lack of TV output, making it an exclusively handheld device.
2. Nintendo Switch V2
The Nintendo Switch V2 is an enhanced version of the original 2017 model, offering better battery life, improved performance, and more durable controls, which results in a more reliable and long-lasting experience. It brings together the best of both worlds, functioning as both a handheld and home console, while retaining the practicality and accessibility of the Switch Lite. Thanks to its ability to connect to a TV and support multiple controllers, it’s especially well-suited for local multiplayer, making it a versatile choice for solo and group play alike.
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Display Quality and Battery Life
The 6.2-inch LCD screen on the Switch V2, with a resolution of 1280 x 720, delivers a solid visual experience. Its brightness level is slightly higher than the Switch Lite’s, improving visibility in brighter environments.
The 4310mAh battery offers between 3 to 8 hours of gameplay, depending on the title and brightness settings—performance that remains close to the Switch Lite overall.
Game Library
The key difference in game compatibility between the Switch V2 and the Switch Lite lies in support for motion-control titles or games that require TV docking, such as Nintendo Labo and others that rely on accessories or big-screen interaction. While the Switch V2 fully supports these experiences, the Lite—being a handheld-only device—is limited in this regard, which may influence your decision depending on the types of games you plan to play.
Average Price
With prices ranging from $299 to $339, the Switch V2 is a great option for those who plan to spend most of their time gaming on the TV, taking full advantage of the console’s dock mode versatility.
Downsides
The main drawback of the Switch V2 is its price range, which often places it very close to the premium model, the Nintendo Switch OLED—a console that outperforms it in several key areas, as we’ll explore next.
3. Nintendo Switch OLED
The Nintendo Switch OLED is the definitive version of the console, featuring a vibrant OLED display that takes the visual experience to the next level. It also boasts longer battery life, more robust controls, and an upgraded dock with additional USB ports and a built-in Ethernet port, ensuring better connectivity and performance in both handheld and docked modes. It’s the ideal choice for those who want the best quality and versatility the Switch ecosystem has to offer, for just a bit more.
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Display Quality and Battery Life
The standout feature of the Switch OLED is its 7-inch OLED screen with a 1280 x 720 resolution, delivering vivid colors, deep blacks, and incredible contrast. The near-borderless display creates a more immersive and modern feel, especially for players who prefer handheld mode.
The 4310mAh battery provides between 4.5 to 9 hours of playtime, depending on the game and brightness settings. Thanks to the energy efficiency of OLED technology, power consumption is lower overall.
Game Library
The game library on the Switch OLED is identical to that of the Switch V2.
Average Price
With prices ranging from $339 to $399, the Switch OLED is an excellent choice for those seeking top-tier quality and performance within the Switch lineup. Given the small price difference compared to the V2, it almost completely overshadows that version, thanks to its high-contrast OLED screen, better build quality, enhanced dock, and longer battery life—delivering a more refined experience in both handheld and TV modes.
4. Nintendo Switch 2
Released in 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 arrived with the ambitious goal of surpassing one of the best-selling consoles of all time, bringing notable upgrades across the board. With a larger, more premium build, improved grip, and performance that rivals the PS4 Pro and Xbox Series S, it offers a robust experience for more demanding players. Its giant Full HD screen can run games at up to 120 FPS, including titles like Fortnite and Metroid Prime™ 4: Beyond, making it an exceptional choice for those who want more than casual gaming—prioritizing comfort, power, and high-level immersion, both on TV and on the go.
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Display Quality and Battery Life
The 7.9-inch LCD screen on the Switch 2 features a 1920 x 1080 resolution, HDR10 support, and a 120Hz refresh rate with VRR, marking a significant leap from the original model. This setup delivers a smoother, sharper, and more immersive visual experience, especially in fast-paced or precision-heavy games.
Its 5220mAh battery reflects the console’s increased power, offering between 2 to 6.5 hours of playtime depending on the game and brightness settings.
Game Library
The Switch 2 launched with backward compatibility for nearly all original Switch titles and, within its first year, has already built an impressive library of new releases. From the high-speed action of Mario Kart World, to the exploration-driven Donkey Kong Bananza, and the visually stunning Cyberpunk 2077, the console showcases its versatility and power.
And the momentum continues: Pokémon Z-A launched in November, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is set to arrive in December 2025. Each month brings new releases, including enhanced versions of Switch 1 classics, cementing the Switch 2 as a rich, up-to-date platform for every type of player.
Average Price
The Switch 2 launched at $449 without a game and $499 with a game, making it a strong premium option for those seeking a next-gen hybrid console. With its dual-mode design, it offers the best of both worlds: the portability of a handheld and the traditional TV experience, perfect for gamers who value performance, comfort, and a robust game library from day one.
Downsides
The only real downside of the Switch 2 is its battery life, which may disappoint players who game for long hours in handheld mode. Due to its higher performance and larger screen, battery drain is faster, and many users may need a power bank to keep playing away from the dock—especially with more demanding titles. Still, this doesn’t take away from the console’s overall quality, which delivers a true next-gen experience in a hybrid format.
5. Steam Deck
The Steam Deck, developed by Valve, is by far the most successful handheld PC on the market. It strikes a perfect balance between the freedom of Linux—ideal for those who love to customize and explore—and the simplicity of a console, perfect for players who just want to power on and play. Designed as a powerful portable PC, it allows users to access and enjoy their entire Steam library anywhere, delivering impressive power and smooth performance, even in demanding titles. It’s the perfect choice for PC gamers who want to take their collection on the go with comfort and versatility.
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Performance
The Steam Deck uses a custom AMD APU (4-core Zen 2 CPU with RDNA2 GPU) paired with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM running at an impressive 5500MT/s, delivering around 1.6 TFLOPs of performance—enough to run the vast majority of modern AAA games with ease.
Display Quality and Battery Life
Its 7-inch LCD screen with a 1280x800 resolution offers a sharp and detailed image, ideal for indoor gaming thanks to its 400-nit brightness. This setup ensures good visibility and visual comfort during long sessions.
The 40Wh battery provides between 2 to 8 hours of runtime, depending on the game and graphical demands—striking a solid balance between hardware power and the mobility expected from a handheld device.
Game Library
The Steam Deck gives you access to the entire Steam catalog, including thousands of AAA titles, indie gems, and free-to-play games, letting you carry your library anywhere with ease and performance. Its open architecture also allows for manual Windows installation, unlocking access to other platforms like Epic Games, GOG, and even emulators—making it an extremely versatile platform for those who value freedom and variety in portable gaming.
Average Price
The Steam Deck is widely available for $399 to $499, making it a great option for those who enjoy the Steam ecosystem and want a powerful handheld PC.
Downsides
- At 669 grams, it may feel heavy for users not used to portable PCs.
- Due to its larger size, it’s not as easy to carry around as a Nintendo Switch.
- The battery life may not satisfy those who primarily play AAA games, as these titles demand more from the hardware and drain power faster.
6. Steam Deck OLED
The Steam Deck OLED takes the visual experience to the next level, replacing the original panel with a 7.4-inch OLED screen featuring HDR and a 90Hz refresh rate. It delivers vibrant colors, deep contrast, and smoother gameplay. This upgrade not only enhances visual immersion, but also improves battery life, thanks to the energy efficiency of OLED technology. All of this while retaining the core strengths that made the Steam Deck a hit: portable power, full Steam access, and the versatility of a true gaming PC in your hands.
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Performance
The OLED model keeps the same processor as the standard LCD version but includes minor optimizations that improve daily use—such as better power efficiency and a RAM clock boost to 6400MT/s. These tweaks make the system feel snappier and more responsive, even though practical performance remains close to the original.
Display Quality
- 7.4-inch OLED HDR panel
- 1280x800 resolution
- Up to 1,000 nits brightness (HDR)
- Contrast ratio over 1,000,000:1
- 90Hz refresh rate, with richer colors and faster touch response
Battery Life
The battery has been upgraded to 50Wh, offering between 3 to 12 hours of use—up to 50% more runtime than the LCD version in real-world tests.
Game Library
Identical to the standard Steam Deck, with full access to the Steam catalog and support for other platforms via Windows or emulators.
Average Price
The Steam Deck OLED is priced between $599 and $699, positioning it as a premium handheld PC with excellent value for those seeking top-tier visuals and longer battery life.
Downsides
- At 640 grams, it may still feel heavy for some users.
- Its large form factor makes it less portable than a Nintendo Switch.
- Its price is very close to the ROG Ally, which may lead some to consider alternatives.
7. ROG Ally
Now we enter the realm of portable PCs built for those who want the absolute best that technology can offer. The ROG Ally was designed to deliver a complete experience, featuring a 1080p 120Hz display for crisp and fluid visuals, and a powerful AMD processor capable of running the latest games with excellent graphical quality. All of this is wrapped in a premium build, with a refined finish and ergonomics tailored for long gaming sessions.
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Performance
The Asus ROG Ally is currently one of the most powerful handhelds available. It’s equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor (8-core Zen 4 up to 5.1GHz, RDNA 3 GPU), 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 RAM, 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, and a configurable TDP (13 to 30W). It reaches up to 8.6 TFLOPs of computing power—comparable to a portable PS5.
Display Quality and Battery Life
The 7-inch IPS LCD screen delivers a high-end visual experience, with Full HD resolution (1920x1080), 120Hz refresh rate, and 500 nits brightness. It offers vibrant colors, excellent fluidity, and full sRGB coverage for color accuracy in games and media. Gorilla® Glass Victus™ adds durability, and AMD FreeSync™ Premium ensures smooth, tear-free gameplay—even in demanding titles.
The 40Wh battery provides 2 to 5 hours of runtime for heavy games, and up to 8 hours in eco mode.
Game Library
The ROG Ally supports Steam, Epic Games, EA, Xbox, Ubisoft, GOG, plus emulators and Remote Play streaming from consoles like PS5 and Xbox.
Average Price
The ROG Ally is widely available for $699 to $799, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-performance portable PC with premium build quality that borders on perfection.
Downsides
The only real drawback is battery life, which may fall short during heavy gaming sessions. For some, this could be a limiting factor in portable use.
8. Lenovo Legion Go S
Launched in early 2025, the Lenovo Legion Go S entered the market to compete directly with the Steam Deck OLED, offering a similar price, but with a larger screen, higher resolution, and more graphical power—quickly capturing the attention of gamers. Its premium design and ability to run full PC titles anywhere make it a compelling option for those seeking enhanced visual quality without spending much more than the Steam Deck OLED or ROG Ally.
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Performance
The Legion Go S is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor (4-core Zen 3+, up to 4.3GHz) and an AMD Radeon 680M GPU based on RDNA 2 architecture, with up to 32GB LPDDR5X RAM for speed and multitasking. Benchmarks show performance just 10% below the ROG Ally X at similar TDP levels, ensuring solid gameplay in recent AAA titles—especially on medium or low settings, with smooth frame rates.
Display Quality and Battery Life
Its 8-inch IPS WUXGA screen offers an immersive visual experience, with 1920x1200 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 500 nits brightness, and 100% sRGB coverage for vibrant, accurate colors.
The 55.5Wh battery delivers 2 to 3.5 hours in heavy games, and up to 7.5 hours in lighter titles.
Game Library
The Legion Go S supports Steam, Epic Games, EA, Xbox, Ubisoft, GOG, plus emulators and Remote Play from consoles like PS5 and Xbox.
Average Price
Prices range from $499 for the SteamOS version to $729 for the Windows version, positioning the Legion Go S as the best value in its price range.
Downsides
The only notable downside is battery life, which may be limited during more demanding gaming sessions.
9. AYN Odin 2 Portal
Now we shift to the Android handhelds, which have gained significant traction in recent years—and the standout in this category is the AYN Odin 2 Portal. It combines the power of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 with a premium design, glass finish, and an impressive battery life of up to 10 hours, delivering both performance and style in one device. Paired with the freedom of Android, it allows users to play everything from Atari classics to Nintendo Switch titles with enhanced quality, plus enjoy native Android games like Fortnite and GTA Trilogy with fluid performance and high-end visuals on its 7-inch Full HD OLED 120Hz display.
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Performance
The Odin 2 Portal is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, featuring a Kyro octa-core CPU up to 3.2GHz and the Adreno 740 GPU, delivering exceptional performance in both gaming and emulation. Variants offer up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of storage.
Display Quality and Battery Life
Its 7-inch OLED screen offers a top-tier visual experience, with 1920x1080 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, vivid colors, excellent contrast, and 800 nits brightness—ensuring fluid gameplay and immersive visuals across all genres.
The 8000mAh battery provides up to 10 hours in lighter games and around 5 hours in more demanding titles. It also supports 27W fast charging, ideal for users who want performance and mobility without interruptions.
Game Library
The Odin 2 Portal supports native Android games, emulators, and cloud gaming platforms, offering a wide variety of options for casual and hardcore players alike.
Average Price
The Odin 2 Portal is priced between $329 and $399, making it a very accessible option for those seeking a stylish and powerful Android handheld.
Downsides
The only potential drawback is its Android-based system, which—while offering great freedom and versatility—may not be as plug-and-play as dedicated platforms like the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck. Users may need to spend a bit more time on setup and customization, especially if they prefer a more streamlined experience.
10. AYN Thor
Last but far from least, the AYN Thor is the perfect handheld for those who grew up playing Nintendo DS and 3DS and want to relive those memories with a generous dose of graphical upgrades. Equipped with high-resolution OLED screens, a premium clamshell design, magnetic analog sticks, and a massive battery, it delivers a modern experience without losing the charm of the classics. It’s highly recommended for players who value performance, style, and the comfort of dual screens.
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Performance
The AYN Thor is an Android handheld with an innovative design, built for users who want high performance paired with elegant aesthetics. Available in versions ranging from the Snapdragon 865 (Lite) to the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (Max), it offers up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, ensuring plenty of space and speed to run Android games and perform advanced emulation, including Nintendo Switch and 3DS titles with enhanced graphics and excellent stability.
Display Quality
- Dual OLED setup:
- Top screen: 6-inch Full HD, 120Hz
- Bottom screen: 3.92-inch AMOLED, 60Hz
- Up to 650 nits brightness (top screen), ensuring great visibility and vibrant colors
- Clamshell design, inspired by the Nintendo 3DS, delivers a premium handheld experience
Battery Life
The 6000mAh battery offers up to 8 hours in lighter games and around 3–4 hours in more demanding titles.
Game Library
Supports Android games, emulators, and cloud gaming, with a strong focus on DS and 3DS emulation, making it ideal for fans of dual-screen gameplay.
Average Price
- $250 (Lite)
- $300 (Base)
- $350 (Pro)
- $430 (Max)
Downsides
Due to its dual-screen clamshell design, the AYN Thor is best suited for DS and 3DS emulation. While it can run other platforms perfectly well, its layout may not be ideal for consoles beyond that niche.
