The well-known technology media Engadget recently released a list of the best gaming handheld consoles of 2025. The article pointed out that with the "avalanche" influx of new devices, the handheld console market is experiencing a peak moment, with unprecedented abundance of choices from portable PC giants to mobile emulators.
Best portable PC handheld console: Steam Deck takes the crown
Engadget believes that despite being released three years ago, Valve's Steam Deck is still the best balance of price, performance and ease of use on the market.
Best Model (Steam Deck OLED): The Steam Deck OLED is a complete upgrade from the original. It starts at $549 and has a larger 7.4-inch HDR OLED screen for a more vivid, smoother (up to 90Hz) visual experience. Thanks to a more efficient APU and a larger battery, the battery life of the OLED version has also been greatly improved.
Best value for money (Steam Deck LCD): The $399 LCD entry-level version maintains a consistent performance core experience and is still the best budget-friendly option.
Main shortcomings: Although Steam Deck can still run a large number of works such as "Elden Ring" and "Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth" smoothly, its hardware is already showing its age in 2025 and is difficult to cope with some 3A masterpieces with the highest image quality requirements.
Best high-end PC handheld console: Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS version)
Considered the "closest thing to Steam Deck 2", it's the first third-party device to run SteamOS natively. It is equipped with a stronger AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and 32GB of memory. Its performance far exceeds the 15W power consumption limit of the Steam Deck and is more suitable for the latest 3A masterpieces that pursue 60FPS. This model costs $900.
Best Windows Handheld Console: Asus ROG Xbox Ally X
Equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chip and 24GB of RAM, this device has a higher performance ceiling than the Steam Deck. Its biggest advantage is that it runs Windows 11 and supports all PC gaming platforms such as Xbox Game Pass, Epic, GOG, etc. without the need for additional workarounds. It has a 1080p 120Hz VRR screen and a larger 80Whr battery, but at a hefty $1,000 price tag, flexibility comes at the cost of a high price and the operational complexity of Windows.
Best general-purpose mobile handheld console: Retroid Pocket 5
This Android handheld machine is equipped with the Snapdragon 865 chip, which can smoothly run classic console games such as PS2 and GameCube at high resolution, making it an excellent choice for simulation enthusiasts. It uses a 5.5-inch 1080p OLED screen and is extremely cost-effective.
Best Overall Mobile Handheld Console: AYN Odin 2
For emulation players with a larger budget, Odin 2 is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, which can run most emulator games from PS2 to Wii more smoothly and reliably, making it a top-performance choice in the $300 price range.
Nintendo Switch 2
It is worth mentioning that Engadget added in the article that the Nintendo Switch 2 is more popular than any handheld console on the list, but it is not included in the official recommendation mainly because of its unique product positioning:
The Switch 2 exists in a separate world. Most users won't choose between it and a PC handheld or emulator device like the Steam Deck.
The main reason for buying a Switch 2 is to play exclusive Nintendo games, something no other device can offer.
The Switch 2 doesn't aspire to the openness and flexibility of the Steam Deck or ROG Ally X.
However, the media also stated that although Switch 2 is excellent, it is not a "must buy immediately" at this time. After all, the Switch 2 has only been on the market for a short time, and the future is worth looking forward to.
