Handheld gaming programs are having a second. Whereas individuals have been gaming on the go because the halcyon days of the Recreation Boy, current years have introduced an avalanche of gadgets that allow you to play all types of video games wherever you need. However new machines appear to reach each week, and determining which of them are literally value shopping for will be overwhelming. You already know that the Nintendo Change is nice, however relying in your tastes, the fitting handheld might be a $70 emulator or an $800 moveable PC. That can assist you slender issues down, we’ve spent months researching the most effective handheld gaming consoles and testing a number of prime contenders. Listed here are those we like essentially the most proper now.
Editor’s word (4/16/2025): We’ve made a number of minor tweaks for readability and ensured our prime picks are nonetheless correct. We’ve additionally began the method of testing the brand new Retroid Pocket Flip 2, which is basically a variant of the Retroid Pocket 5 with a Nintendo DS-style “flip” design, and the TrimUI Brick, a extra reasonably priced emulation handheld that’s meant to resemble a Recreation Boy. We purpose to present verdicts on these within the coming weeks.
Looming over every thing, although, is the Trump administration’s newly imposed tariffs and forthcoming repeal of the “de minimis” exemption for shipments from China. Whereas these insurance policies are more likely to enhance the costs of client electronics within the US extra broadly (or lead some corporations to easily halt sales within the US altogether), they’d have a very huge influence on gaming handhelds just like the Retroid Pocket 5 and AYN Odin 2 which can be constructed and bought instantly by corporations based mostly in China.
Since our final replace, the Trump administration has temporarily exempted sure smartphones, PCs and different electronics from its most extreme tariffs however mentioned these imports shall be topic to a separate “sectoral” levy sooner or later. Online game consoles, in the meantime, are usually not included in any current exceptions. Hongkong Post has begun suspending mail services to the US as effectively (although a minimum of one non-public courier, DHL, has mentioned it should proceed processing shipments). As we write this, the costs of our prime picks haven’t modified. If and when any alterations do happen, we’ll replace this information accordingly.
Desk of contents
Finest handheld gaming gadgets for 2025
Different gaming handhelds we have examined
Be aware: This can be a collection of noteworthy gaming handhelds we’ve examined, not a complete checklist 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 appealing for those who’re keen 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 sometimes pumped out 10 to fifteen p.c larger body charges than different high-end fashions just like the Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go in our testing. Battery life is comparatively sturdy, whereas its 8-inch 120Hz IPS show is a lot brilliant 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 important subject is its worth: At $900, it’s laborious to justify over the ROG Ally X, which is already too costly for most individuals. ASUS’ handheld is smaller, lighter and usually extra moveable on prime of that— although the Claw is thinner — and its Armoury Crate software program, whereas removed from excellent, remains to be a bit extra polished than MSI’s Heart M hub. There’s additionally a smaller 7-inch version of this handheld for $829, however we haven’t examined that one but.
Lenovo Legion Go
The Lenovo Legion Go is one other capable alternative to the ASUS ROG Ally X with a good bigger show. It runs on the identical Ryzen Z1 Excessive chip and affords the same set of efficiency modes, nevertheless it has a mondo-sized 8.8-inch panel with a sharper 2,560 x 1,600 decision and the next 144Hz refresh charge. It additionally borrows some concepts from the Change, together with removable controllers and a built-in kickstand for taking part in video games in a tabletop mode. These controllers have touchpads to make navigating Home windows somewhat simpler, one thing the ROG Ally X lacks.
But it surely’s nonetheless a Home windows handheld, and Lenovo’s software program tweaks aren’t as intuitive as what ASUS has completed 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 effectively, plus the show lacks VRR. Lenovo teased a Legion Go 2 at CES earlier this yr, although it hasn’t shared a launch date or pricing particulars as of our newest replace.
Lenovo Legion Go S (Home windows model)
The Lenovo Legion Go S has a comparatively comfy design and a commendable 8-inch 120Hz show, however its efficiency lags too far behind the ROG Ally X, Claw 8 AI+ and unique Legion Go for a tool priced at $730. Home windows remains to be as clunky as ever, too. We’re extra excited to check the SteamOS version that’s scheduled to arrive in Might, as that ought to be one of many first non-Valve gadgets to make the most of the Steam Deck’s software program.
Ayaneo Flip DS
The Ayaneo Flip DS is a cool idea: a robust 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 prime show is sharp, quick and brilliant. The second display screen makes it a pure match for emulating Wii U or 3DS video games, however you might 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 completely thought-out product. The folding design signifies that the joysticks need to 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 very 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 prices starting above $800, the Flip DS is tough to advocate until you’re (oddly) determined for a handheld Wii U emulator. We’re all the time completely happy to see extra bizarre {hardware}, although.
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 75Wh battery and a 54W max TDP, it’s each a succesful gaming system and a possible substitute for a desktop PC. But it surely prices effectively over $1,000, it’s big and it suffers from the same old Home windows-related points. It additionally lacks VRR. It’s nonetheless a superb system if cash is really no object, nevertheless it’s extra handheld than most want. The ROG Ally X is a significantly better worth. That is technically an older mannequin for Ayaneo, too, as the corporate appears to launch a new handheld each different hour as of late.
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. But it surely’s restricted to a 60Hz refresh charge and prices a number of hundred {dollars} additional. Ayaneo introduced a decked-out successor known as the Ayaneo 3 towards the top of 2024; we’ll attempt to check that one out when it turns into broadly accessible.
Retroid Pocket Mini
The Retroid Pocket Mini is basically a smaller model of the Retroid Pocket 5. It runs on the identical Snapdragon 865 chip and feels simply as sturdy, nevertheless it has a smaller 3.7-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 containers you’d see on a 16:9 show just like the one on the Pocket 5. When you primarily wish to emulate programs just like the SNES, Sega Genesis or Recreation Boy Coloration and don’t thoughts paying additional for a wealthy OLED show, it’s a very good little system. However the tiny display screen is limiting for those who ever wish to play newer video games, and we want there wasn’t a lot empty area across the show.
This system has additionally generated some controversy throughout the retro gaming group for having persistent issues with inaccurate shaders (and for the slapdash way Retroid has dealt with the matter). That should not be a dealbreaker for most individuals, however those that choose to make use of results like these ought to look elsewhere.
Retroid Pocket 4 Professional and Retroid Pocket 4
The 4.7-inch Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is the predecessor to the Pocket 5. Its efficiency isn’t considerably far off the newer mannequin, so it stays a pleasant worth for those who’re decided to spend lower than $200 on an emulation system. It misses out on the bigger OLED show and extra ergonomically-friendly design of its follow-up, nonetheless. The bottom Pocket 4 might also be value a glance if you wish to keep beneath $150, however its weaker chip makes it much less adept at emulating video games from the PS2, GameCube and up.
Miyoo Mini Plus
The Miyoo Mini Plus is a extremely reasonably priced handheld with a well-built, Recreation Boy-style kind 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 could emulate consoles as much as the unique PlayStation with out a lot subject. 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 various Recreation 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, nonetheless, it may be tough to truly purchase.
Anbernic RG35XX Plus
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus is one other wallet-friendly vertical handheld. For about the identical worth because the Miyoo Mini Plus, it affords a sooner chipset, extra RAM and an even bigger battery alongside a equally spectacular design. Its inventory OS is overly sloppy and cheap-looking, nonetheless, and whereas the stronger processor is good, the small display screen and lack of analog sticks means you gained’t wish to emulate a lot past the PS1 anyway.
Anbernic RG35XXSP
The Anbernic RG35XXSP is a variant of the RG35XX Plus based mostly on the identical internals, solely it apes the clamshell kind issue of the previous Game Boy Advance SP. That’s an excellent design to tear off for those who should decide one, and the {hardware} doesn’t really feel almost as low-cost as its $60-ish price ticket would counsel. However the software program points famous above nonetheless apply (each right here and with the various other devices in the identical RGXX household). We’ve additionally seen several user reports 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’s an OK various to the Retroid Pocket Mini if you would like somewhat extra display screen area for $50 much less, nevertheless 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 effectively.
PlayStation Portal
The PlayStation Portal is an odd accessory 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 own home Wi-Fi, we will’t assure how effectively 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 attraction. Sony lately added the flexibility to stream a collection of video games via the cloud, which is a step in the fitting route, however you want an costly PlayStation Plus Premium subscription to take benefit. Usually, there’s little right here that you may’t do with a smartphone and mobile game controller, so most individuals are higher off saving their $200.
Logitech G Cloud
The Logitech G Cloud would’ve been an excellent Android decide when it launched if it price about $150 much less. Its 7-inch 1080p show is brilliant, vibrant and usually extra pleasing to have a look at than the panel on the AYN Odin 2, its battery lasts a very good 10 to 12 hours per cost and its design is cozy to carry for hours at a time. Alas, the G Cloud nonetheless tends to price between $260 and $300, which is simply an excessive amount of when the Retroid Pocket 5 affords extra energy at a lower cost.
What to know in regards to the gaming handheld market
You possibly can break down the gaming handheld market into three broad tiers. On the prime, you’ve x86-based moveable gaming PCs just like the Steam Deck or ASUS ROG Ally X. These are essentially the most highly effective handhelds you should purchase, as they search to copy 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 trendy, lately launched PC video games on the go (and want one thing stronger than a Change), that is the kind of system you’d get. They’ll additionally emulate the widest vary of retro consoles. They’re sometimes the biggest and most cumbersome gadgets to carry, nonetheless, and their battery life will be quick. Naturally, they’re additionally the most costly, costing wherever 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 usually run Android or Linux and may vary from beneath $50 to $400-ish. They aren’t outfitted to play trendy console or PC titles, however they’re often extra compact than a transportable PC, and you’ll nonetheless use them for cellular video games and cloud streaming. Whereas most are marketed towards these ends, many players truly purchase them to emulate traditional video games by software program like RetroArch. Getting emulators to work can be complicated, and accessing the BIOS and ROM recordsdata required to play video games this manner is legally murky. One lawsuit from Nintendo lately led to the shutdown of the most prominent Switch and 3DS emulators, for example. (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 generally is a extra user- and wallet-friendly option to play the classics — supplied you don’t wish to just use your phone.
We’ll name the final tier “handhelds that do their very own factor.” This can be a catch-all for issues just like the Switch or Playdate: moveable gadgets that run closely custom-made software program and purpose to supply a singular gaming expertise. They aren’t essentially excellent for emulation or enjoying the most recent multiplatform titles; as a substitute, they usually have distinct recreation libraries. They won’t have the widest attraction in consequence (Change excluded), however they’re usually simpler for much less tech-literate people to only decide up and use.
Current updates
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 important picks are unchanged. Trying forward, we’re maintaining a tally of upcoming Home windows handhelds from Acer and Ayaneo, a pair of new emulation devices from Retroid, the primary third-party devices to ship with SteamOS and extra machines that run on AMD’s Ryzen Z2 chips, amongst others.
January 2025: We’ve got a brand new prime decide amongst emulation-focused handhelds: the Retroid Pocket 5. Past that, we’ve added notes on a number of different gadgets we’ve examined, together with the Retroid Pocket Mini and Anbernic RG35XXSP; flippantly edited different blurbs to replicate adjustments 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 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 decide for the most effective 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 word 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 prime of this market is a tall job, however we’re presently current noteworthy releases just like the PSP-esque AYN Odin 2 Mini and the GBA-style Anbernic RG35XXSP as effectively.
This text initially appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/best-handheld-gaming-system-140018863.html?src=rss
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