Handheld Gaming Consoles to Get if You Can't Wait for the Nintendo Switch 2

As a seasoned gamer and tech enthusiast who’s been through numerous handheld gaming devices, let me share my insights on choosing the best one for you.

The anticipated sequel to the Nintendo Switch, launched in 2017, marks the next step in its popular line of portable gaming systems. Excited fans are on tenterhooks for an official announcement from the company regarding its release date, but as of now, no specific launch day has been set for the Nintendo Switch 2. Despite this, a variety of other handheld gaming consoles currently available provide exceptional mobile gaming experiences, making the choice a bit trickier.

For many years now, portable gaming has been a popular choice, and as technology continues to evolve at an astonishing rate, these devices have grown increasingly larger and more potent. From simple 2D black-and-white games in the past, modern technology allows them to run sophisticated AAA titles typically requiring a high-end, costly gaming PC. Below are some top-notch handheld gaming consoles currently available on the market.

Game Rant’s Picks of the Best Handheld Gaming ConsolesLike the Switch

The Valve-made Steam Deck created quite a stir in the portable gaming console market by offering gamers the ability to play games from Steam’s extensive library anywhere they go. Although its hardware wasn’t top-tier, it was highly optimized, featuring a rating system for games that lets players predict how well they will perform on the handheld device. After the initial success of the Steam Deck, Valve introduced an improved model boasting an OLED screen, a more powerful CPU, faster memory, and a larger battery.

1) Steam Deck OLED is available in two storage capacities: 512GB and 1TB, each featuring 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM. The 7.4-inch display supports a refresh rate up to 90Hz while maintaining a resolution of 1280×800, which on paper might appear low but provides a decent 720p gaming experience and visuals look sharp at this screen size. Additionally, the OLED display offers higher brightness levels with a peak brightness of 1000 nits.

The Steam Deck OLED runs on a 6 nm AMD APU, which encompasses a Zen 2 CPU and an RDNA 2 graphics unit. This APU functions within a power range of 4W to 15W, making it highly efficient, albeit not extremely powerful. It boasts two joysticks, two touchpads, dual-speakers, and four additional back buttons. The Type-C port is situated at the top and serves for charging or connecting to a dock to project onto an external monitor.

The ROG Ally X is an updated version of the initial ROG Ally released in 2023. Similar to the Steam Deck OLED, it’s not a complete overhaul compared to its previous iteration, but it does offer significant enhancements nonetheless. This new model comes with a 7-inch Full HD screen that supports a refresh rate of 120Hz and boasts a peak brightness of 500 nits. Although it retains the same AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and RDNA 3 graphics as its forerunner, it offers increased RAM (24GB) and storage space (1TB).

The M.2 storage drive in this setup adopts a more common dimensions for better compatibility, making future storage upgrades more straightforward. In addition, the ROG Ally X boasts an improved battery, with ASUS successfully doubling it from 40Wh to 80Wh without altering its size. However, this enhanced capacity adds approximately 70 grams to the handheld’s weight.

Regarding practical operation, the APU functions efficiently within a range of 9W to 30W, granting it greater power compared to the Steam Deck OLED. Furthermore, its compatibility with Windows 11 allows for simple navigation not just through the Steam Store, but also additional platforms like the Epic Game Store and EA Play. It’s worth mentioning that the ROG Ally X is priced higher than the Steam Deck OLED and sports a single configuration featuring a black design accented with RGB lighting.

Check out Game Rant’s review of the ROG Ally X for the complete picture!

With a price point under $200, the Nintendo Switch Lite offers an affordable option for portable gaming. It grants you entry to all Nintendo games and additional perks from a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, which opens up a broader library that includes classic titles. Although it lacks the adaptability of the regular Switch or Switch OLED models, it delivers a satisfying handheld gaming experience. There are no detachable Joy-Cons nor docking capabilities with this device.

This device boasts a 5.5-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1280x720p, making it conveniently portable and ergonomic for handheld use. It’s driven by the same custom Nvidia Tegra processor as its predecessor but offers an expanded internal storage capacity of 32GB. A USB Type-C port is located at the bottom for charging purposes only, while a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack is available. Bluetooth compatibility ensures seamless connection with wireless headphones.

The Nintendo Switch Lite comes in various vibrant colors that match its playful and portable design. It doesn’t boast an extensive list of features or fancy add-ons, but it is a straightforward, budget-friendly handheld gaming device with an extensive collection of games. Making it an excellent choice for gifting or as your travel companion.

Those willing to invest over $1000 in a handheld gaming console should take a look at the GPD Win Mini. GPD has established itself as a major brand when it comes to handheld devices, mostly because of its clamshell style consoles with full QWERTY keyboards. The GPD Win Mini is just that with the AMD Ryzen 7 8840U CPU and Radeon 780M graphics. This handheld comes with 32GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, sufficient for most gamers.

This device boasts a 7-inch display with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels that can refresh at up to 120 times per second. When opened, it reveals a backlit keyboard, two joysticks, a D-pad, the ABXY buttons, and a touchpad positioned centrally. In terms of comfort, the GPD Win Mini might not be the most ergonomic due to its larger size and keyboard design. However, this larger size enables it to house a 44.24Wh battery, a USB 4 (Thunderbolt 3) port, a USB Type-C 3.2 Gen2 port, a full-sized USB Type-A port, and a microSD card slot.

For an engaging gaming session, GPD has incorporated hall effect joysticks, linear triggers, and a haptic motor (bilinear) to provide realistic tactile sensations. Additionally, it comes equipped with removable handles that enhance the device’s controller-like feel rather than resembling a mini laptop. Remarkably, despite boasting these features along with potent hardware, the GPD Win Mini only weighs 520 grams, which is less than both the Steam Deck OLED and the ROG Ally X handheld devices.

Until the new Nintendo Switch model arrives, the Nintendo Switch OLED Model stands as the top console for playing Nintendo games and classic titles. This device boasts a 7-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 1280x720p that also supports touch input. It comes equipped with 64GB of storage, which can be expanded using a microSD card. The Switch OLED is powered by an efficient yet powerful Nvidia custom Tegra processor, capable of outputting a 1080p image to an external display via the included dock.

Regarding the dock accessory, it sports a USB Type-C slot where the Switch OLED is inserted, also boasting an HDMI output for displaying content on an external screen. This versatile setup permits gamers to enjoy their console in three distinct modes: TV mode by connecting the Switch OLED to a television via the dock, tabletop mode by detaching the controllers and playing directly on the console, and handheld mode as usual. Notably, the OLED version includes an enhanced kickstand that can be adjusted to multiple angles.

As a gamer, I’ve got easy access to the whole Nintendo game library! Whether it’s through the Store or using game cards, it’s all there. With a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, I can journey through more than 100 classic NES, Super NES, and Game Boy games. Oh, and here’s a heads-up: if you want to play online with your friends, you’ll need that subscription.

One key advantage of the Nintendo Switch OLED lies in its detachable Joy-Con controllers. These controllers can be combined within a bracket to function as a single controller, or they can be utilized separately for a multiplayer gaming experience, offering versatility and flexibility.

Lenovo has made its entry into the handheld gaming console market with the Legion Go, offering an innovative twist compared to other Windows-based portable devices. Unlike others, it boasts detachable controllers similar to the Nintendo Switch. Interestingly, the right controller can function as a mouse during both gaming and system navigation. This versatility allows for FPS games to be played with either a mouse or a controller. However, keep in mind that a stable, flat surface is necessary to use the controller effectively as a mouse.

In addition to its controller, the Lenovo Legion Go offers numerous attractive aspects. This device boasts an expansive 8.8-inch QHD (2560×1600) screen, reaching up to 500 nits of peak brightness and a swift 144Hz refresh rate. Underneath the hood is the Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, also found in the ROG Ally X. It comes equipped with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, all powered by a 49.2Wh battery that supports fast charging.

On the Lenovo Legion Go, you can expect comparable gaming performance to the ROG Ally X, but it boasts a larger and crisper screen. Yet, due to its powerful capabilities, some demanding games might need to be played at lower resolutions like 1080p or even 800p. Additionally, it’s worth noting that this device is slightly heavier and more compact than other handheld gaming consoles, weighing approximately 854 grams including the TrueStrike controllers.

As a passionate gamer, I delve deeper into the world of Game Rant’s review on the Lenovo Legion Go handheld console, uncovering its strengths and unique features that make it a standout choice for gamers like myself.

How to Choose the Best Handheld Gaming Console

When choosing a handheld gaming device, it’s essential to consider several factors to find the ideal match for your requirements. Here are some aspects to keep in mind during your search:

Form Factor and Versatility

Different handheld gaming consoles vary in design. Some come with built-in controllers that can’t be detached, while others offer removable controllers that can function independently. This versatility expands the ways these devices can be utilized. All these gadgets can be played in handheld mode, but the Nintendo Switch and Lenovo Legion Go are unique because they let you separate the controllers and use the main unit as a standalone screen. In contrast, systems like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Nintendo Switch Lite don’t provide this detachable controller feature. However, the GPD Win Mini stands out due to its clamshell design; when opened, it reveals a QWERTY keyboard and additional controls.

Operating System

Modern portable gaming systems often incorporate a complete Windows 11 platform, transforming them into compact PCs with touchscreens in essence. Notably, the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck feature more confined operating systems, restricting their functionalities compared to regular PCs. However, the Linux interface on the Steam Deck offers some flexibility for desktop PC usage. If you’re seeking a full Windows experience, it’s recommended to steer clear of the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch.

Additionally, the Nintendo Switch primarily offers Nintendo games, as it restricts access to its proprietary gaming library. On the contrary, other portable devices based on Windows offer a broader gaming experience, allowing users to enjoy a wider variety of PC games.

Ergonomics

When it comes to gaming on the go, the device you carry must be comfortable in handheld mode and easy to travel with. The Nintendo Switch Lite is the most compact and lightweight handheld gaming console, so if compactness is a priority, the Switch Lite is for you. If you don’t care about size and weight, but prioritize performance, the Lenovo Legion Go would be the ideal pick for you. The ROG Ally X is more compact than the Steam Deck OLED, which is considered bulky by a lot of users.

FAQ

Q: What is the handheld device that plays Steam games?

Handheld devices such as the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, MSI Claw, and various other Windows-portable gaming systems are capable of running Steam games.

Q: What is the most bought handheld console?

The Nintendo DS is the best-selling console ever with over 154 million units sold.

2024-09-30 17:05

Handheld Gaming Consoles to Get if You Can’t Wait for the Nintendo Switch 2