🎮 The Best Handheld Consoles in 2025: A Complete Guide and Comparison
Introduction to handheld consoles
What is a portable console?
A handheld console is a standalone video game device with its own screen, integrated controls, and a battery for playing without being connected to a TV. Unlike home consoles, handhelds allow you to play anywhere, whether on a train, in the park, or in the comfort of your bed.
They are increasingly appealing to players seeking freedom, flexibility and fast or immersive games depending on the model.
The best handheld consoles of 2025
Nintendo Switch OLED
The OLED Switch remains a solid choice: a magnificent screen, exclusive Nintendo games (Zelda, Mario, etc.), and a hybrid home/portable mode. Its battery life is decent, and its game library remains one of the richest on the market.
Valve's Steam Deck
The Steam Deck is a beast. It runs PC games on Linux/SteamOS and provides access to the entire Steam library. It's a bit bulky, but for PC gaming fans, it's a gem.
ASUS ROG Alliance
More compact and geared towards Windows 11, the ASUS ROG Ally offers impressive power, with a Full HD screen and efficient cooling. It even allows you to play AAA games smoothly.
PlayStation Portal
The PlayStation Portal, rather than a true portable console, is a remote display for the PS5. It streams games from your main console with stunning visual quality, but relies on a good internet connection.
Anbernic
For those feeling nostalgic, Anbernic is a marvel: Nintendo (GB/GBC/GBA), Sega (Master/MD), PlayStation (PS1) emulation and more, with a modern screen and a retro chic design.
AYANEO 3
The AYANEO 3 is a powerhouse running Windows 11, equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX370 processor and a 7-inch Full HD OLED screen. Designed for AAA gaming on the go, it combines premium design with high-end components.
AOKZOE A1X
The AOKZOE A1X features a large 8-inch LTPS screen and the power of the Ryzen AI 9 HX370. With its generous battery life and full compatibility with PC gaming platforms, it targets demanding gamers seeking visual comfort.
OneXPlayer X1 Pro
The OneXPlayer X1 Pro is a high-end Windows laptop (10.95" 2560×1600 screen) based on the Ryzen AI 9 HX370. Designed for visual comfort, it offers excellent compatibility with Steam, Xbox, and Epic Games.
Retroid Pocket 5
The Retroid Pocket 5 (Android 13) combines a 5.5" 1080p AMOLED screen and a Snapdragon 865 processor. Perfect for advanced retro gaming (up to PS2/DC depending on the game), it remains compact, affordable and versatile.
Anbernic RG-477M
The RG-477M (Android 14) features a 4.7" 1280x960 screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio and a metal chassis. It's ideal for PlayStation, Sega, and Nintendo emulation and offers excellent ergonomics.
Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2 continues the hybrid (home/portable) concept with a catalog of Nintendo exclusives and improved performance. A mainstream choice with a solid ecosystem and accessories.
Comparison of performance and battery life
| Console | Kind | Autonomy | Resolution | Games Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OLED Switch | Hybrid | 4-9am | 720p | Nintendo Exclusives |
| Steam Deck | Laptop | 2-8h | 800p | Steam |
| ROG Ally | Windows PC | 2-6 hours | 1080p | Xbox, Steam, Epic Games |
| PS Portal | Remote Play | Depends on Wi-Fi | 1080p | PS5 Games |
| Anbernic | Retro (Android/Linux) | 6-10am | 1600×1440 | Nintendo, Sega , PlayStation emulation |
| AYANEO 3 | Windows PC | 4-8 hours | 1920×1080 | Xbox, Steam, Epic Games, GOG |
| AOKZOE A1X | Windows PC | 6-10am | 1920×1200 | Xbox, Steam, Epic Games, GOG |
| OneXPlayer X1 Pro | Windows PC | 4-8 hours | 2560×1600 | Xbox, Steam, Epic Games |
| Retroid Pocket 5 | Android 13 | 4-7h | 1920×1080 | Android + Emulation PlayStation , Sega , Nintendo |
| Anbernic RG-477M | Android 14 | 5-9am | 1280×960 (4:3) | Emulation PlayStation , Sega , Nintendo |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Hybrid | to be confirmed | to be confirmed | Nintendo exclusives + third-party |
Criteria for choosing a portable console
Types of games available
The choice of games is paramount. Consoles like the Nintendo Switch offer exclusive titles that can't be found anywhere else, while the Steam Deck and the ROG Ally open the door to a huge PC game library (Steam, Epic, Xbox Game Pass…).
Ask yourself: do you like indie games, retro games, AAA games, or multiplayer games? The type of games you want will greatly determine the right device.
Graphics and technical power
Demanding gamers will be looking for consoles capable of running the latest games in high resolution. In this regard, the ROG Ally and the Steam Deck stand out, thanks to their powerful processors (AMD Ryzen Z1 and Zen 2/3).
The Switch, on the other hand, focuses more on the gaming experience and exclusives than on pure performance.
Battery life
A good portable console should last several hours without needing to be recharged. Here's a small comparison chart:
| Console | Average battery life |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch OLED | 4 to 9 hours |
| Steam Deck | 2 to 8 hours |
| ASUS ROG Alliance | 2 to 6 hours |
| Anbernic | 6 to 10 hours |
| AYANEO 3 | 4 to 8 hours |
| AOKZOE A1X | 6 to 10 hours |
| OneXPlayer X1 Pro | 4 to 8 hours |
| Retroid Pocket 5 | 4 to 7 hours |
| Anbernic RG-477M | 5 to 9 hours |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | to be confirmed |
💡 Tip: If you travel often, prioritize a solid battery life and consider investing in an external battery.
Comfort and ergonomics
Ergonomics are essential for long gaming sessions. Some consoles, like the Switch or the Steam Deck, are well-designed, but can feel heavy or wide for small hands.
Ergonomic accessories exist to improve grip, including grips, anti-slip shells, or angled supports.
💰 Budget and value for money
Here is an indicative ranking based on price:
- Anbernic: 💶 ~100 €
- Nintendo Switch OLED: 💶 ~€350
- Steam Deck: 💶 ~€419 to €679
- ROG Ally: 💶 ~€799
- AYANEO 3: 💶 ~€1,099
- AOKZOE A1X: 💶 ~€1,199
- OneXPlayer X1 Pro: 💶 ~€1,299
- Retroid Pocket 5: 💶 ~€349
- Anbernic RG-477M: 💶 ~€299–349
- Nintendo Switch 2: 💶 ~€499 (Mario Kart pack ~€509)
- PS Portal: 💶 ~€219 (but requires a PS5)
It all depends on your budget and expectations. The Switch remains an excellent compromise, especially for families and Nintendo fans.
🎮 Retro handheld consoles: a return to nostalgia
The most popular retro consoles today
Retro gaming is booming. Several consoles are reviving the games of our childhood with a modern twist:
- Anbernic – Nintendo (GB/GBC/GBA), PlayStation , Sega
- Retroid Pocket 5 – Android 13, PlayStation , Sega , and Nintendo emulation (up to PS2/DC depending on the title)
- Miyoo Mini+ – ultra-compact console for 8 and 16-bit games
Nostalgic gamers love these devices which allow you to (re)discover classics like Pokémon Red , Super Mario Land or Sonic the Hedgehog .
🔥 Must-have games on handheld consoles
The best games for the Switch
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Metroid Dread
- Scarlet & Purple Pokémon
🔥 Hits on Steam Deck & Laptops (ROG / AYANEO / AOKZOE / OneXPlayer)
- Elden Ring
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Hades
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Stardew Valley
Thanks to Steam Deck, ROG Ally, AYANEO 3, AOKZOE A1X and OneXPlayer X1 Pro, high-end PC games become mobile.
🎮 Classics re-released on modern consoles
Many publishers offer retro compilations, such as:
- Mega Man Collection
- Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster
- Castlevania Anniversary Collection
- SEGA Genesis Classics
🎒 Accessories for handheld consoles
Cases and protective covers
Essential for preventing scratches or impacts. Choose:
- Hard cases
- Tempered glass screen protectors
- Shockproof silicone cases
External batteries and charging stations
For long journeys or gaming marathons:
- Batteries 20,000 mAh or more
- Multi-port charging stations
- Charging stands with ventilation (especially for ROG Alliance and Steam Deck)
Ergonomic joysticks and supports
- Compatible Bluetooth controllers (Switch Pro, Xbox Controller, etc.)
- Grips to improve handling
- Adjustable supports for playing in “table” mode
🚀 The future of handheld consoles
Expected innovations
In 2025, the portable ecosystem continues to evolve: improvements in screens, battery life, and software integration (SteamOS, Windows 11, Android). We also expect modular forms and more versatile accessories.
Towards a convergence with cloud gaming?
Cloud gaming (Xbox Cloud, GeForce Now) already allows you to play without a powerful console. Eventually, handheld consoles could become simple display devices.
An example? Logitech G Cloud , a console dedicated solely to cloud gaming.
📰 Keep an eye out for rumors and prototypes
- Lenovo Legion Go Gen 2 — Windows 11, 8.8” OLED display, Ryzen Z2 Extreme (Zen 5), 32 GB LPDDR5X, 74 Wh battery, advanced features (trackpad, side M buttons), USB-C/USB4 connectivity, quadraphonic audio. Advertised weight around ~938 g. (Specifications subject to change.)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best handheld console in 2025?
The Nintendo Switch OLED remains the most versatile. For PC gamers, the Steam Deck is the most popular, while the AYANEO 3, the AOKZOE A1X, and the OneXPlayer X1 Pro target the very high end under Windows.
Can I play AAA games on a handheld console?
Yes, thanks to the Steam Deck, the ROG Alliance, and high-performance Windows models like the AYANEO 3, the AOKZOE A1X, and the OneXPlayer X1 Pro. Cloud gaming is also an option depending on your internet connection.
Can a portable console be connected to a TV?
Yes, it works with the Switch (dock), the Steam Deck (USB-C/dock), the ROG Ally, the AYANEO 3, the AOKZOE A1X, and the OneXPlayer X1 Pro (USB-C/DisplayPort, sometimes OcuLink). Some require specific accessories.
Do physical games still exist for handheld consoles?
Yes, especially for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. The other platforms (Steam Deck, ROG Ally, AYANEO, AOKZOE, OneXPlayer) are mainly digital.
✅ Conclusion
Portable consoles in 2025 offer incredible diversity: between performance, mobility, nostalgia, and exclusive games.
Whether you're a casual gamer or a demanding enthusiast, there's bound to be a model made for you.
Consider your preferred type of game, your budget, and your lifestyle to make the right choice.
👉 Discover all our models and accessories on our dedicated page: Portable Consoles at Fun Esports