The era of handheld gaming devices is set to undergo a massive change in 2025. With superior graphics and long battery life integrated into a single device, this year’s best gaming handhelds demonstrate that portable devices can match the performance of traditional gaming consoles. Let’s take a look at the top gaming handhelds of 2025.
Price: Starts at $499
Highlight Features:
AMD Ryzen Zen 4 processor and an RDNA 3 GPU are used for unrivaled performance.
8-inch OLED touchscreen with a refresh rate of 120Hz.
With an SSD expandable to 2TB, storage options are increased.
Compatible with AAA gaming titles as well as the Steam library.
Steam Deck 2 by Valve seems to be the best hardware built in the game industry.
Gamers always look for battery range, and the bonus of supporting AA games as a major add-on is spectacular; with claims of the ‘Steam Deck 2’ flagship lasting up to 10 hours, it appears seamless. Valve appears to have expanded its business as sources claim they sold more than 3 million units during the voicemail or advise release date.
Price: Starts from $399
Highlight features:
7’’ Mini LED touch screen.
Backward compatible with Original Switch games.
Stylish new look Advanced joy and controllers with Haptic feedback.
Zelda: Kingdom’s Echo, alongside Switch 2, will also be released.
Another unit created by Nintendo with their Switch 2 is a benchmark for the console. From the list of best-selling 2025 gaming consoles was the Switch 2 handheld, and rightfully out of good branding for families. The Switch 2 is exactly what one would expect: a high-quality screen and a solid library of games.
Price: Starting at $699
Specifications:
Intel Core Ultra Series Processor
Programmable RGB lighting
10.5 inch 2560 x 1600 Anti Glare Screen
Windows Operating System
The ROG Ally 2 is basically an Asus product built for hardcore gamers. The reviews talk about how it performs and how it can also be used as a productivity device. In one quarter alone, the firm surpassed 25% of the sales of the first quarter of the previous model S.
Price: $599
Specifications:
Ultra-light weight of about 430grams
AMD Ryzen 7 7840U chipset
OLED with high color saturation enhancement.
Excellent cooling system with minimal noise.
Ayaneo Air Plus performs very well and, in its compact form, still manages to provide a good experience for gamers in both the independent and mainstream markets. It is best suited for consumers who are looking for portable gaming consoles.
With so many handheld gaming devices available in the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. Before selecting one, consider your gaming habits, preferred genres, and budget. Two top contenders, the Steam Deck 2 and Nintendo Switch 2, cater to different needs. The Steam Deck 2 runs on Windows, offering a PC-gaming experience on-the-go, while the Nintendo Switch 2 provides a family-friendly atmosphere with iconic games like Mario and tactical experiences. The popularity of handheld gaming is skyrocketing, with over 55% of surveyed gamers planning to play more on-the-go in 2025.