I still remember my first handheld console. It wasn’t a Switch, a Steam Deck, or some fancy OLED display—it was a Game Boy Color, and I played Pokémon Blue on it until the screen was permanently burned into my vision.
Back then, handheld gaming was pure. No microtransactions, no battle passes, no “games as a service” nonsense. You just popped in a cartridge and played.
Now? We’re in a weird handheld renaissance. The Switch is still selling like crazy. The Steam Deck proved that AAA PC gaming on the go is actually viable. ASUS, Lenovo, and Razer are all making Windows-powered gaming handhelds. Even Sony—who swore they were done with handhelds after the Vita—launched the PlayStation Portal (which is basically just a PS5 streaming device, but still).
It feels like everyone is trying to make the next big handheld console.
But are we actually moving forward, or are we just chasing nostalgia for a simpler time?
Why Is Handheld Gaming Suddenly a Big Deal Again?
Handheld gaming never really died, but for years, it felt like a side feature—something that existed alongside consoles and PCs, not something that could compete with them.
Now, with devices like the Steam Deck and Switch proving that people actually want powerful, portable gaming, companies are doubling down.
Here’s why handheld gaming is having a moment:
- The Switch reminded people how good portable gaming can be. Nintendo took a risk and it paid off massively.
- PC gaming is more accessible than ever. The Steam Deck lets people play their entire PC library on the go, and now every major gaming brand wants in.
- Cloud gaming is (almost) viable. Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce Now mean you don’t need a high-end handheld—you just need a good internet connection.
- People are sick of being tied to a desk. Not everyone wants to be stuck at a PC all day—handhelds let you play wherever, whenever.
And now we’re seeing more handhelds than ever, each trying to offer something different.
The Big Players in Handheld Gaming Right Now
1. Nintendo Switch 2 (Coming Soon)
Nintendo created the modern handheld hype with the Switch, and now they’re working on the Switch 2.
- Expected to launch in 2025.
- Likely to feature a stronger processor, better battery life, and an OLED display standard.
- Needs backward compatibility to keep the massive Switch library alive.
The biggest question: Will Nintendo still use an aging mobile chip, or will they finally upgrade to modern hardware?
2. Steam Deck – The Best for PC Gamers
Valve changed the game with the Steam Deck, and even though it’s not the most powerful device, it’s easily the most convenient for PC gamers.
- Runs your entire Steam library.
- Mod-friendly, meaning you can install Windows, emulators, and even Game Pass.
- Great for indie games and lower-spec titles, but struggles with high-end AAA games at 60 FPS.
A Steam Deck 2 isn’t confirmed yet, but when it happens, expect better battery life and a higher-resolution screen.
3. ASUS ROG Ally / Lenovo Legion Go – The Windows Handhelds
If you want a full Windows gaming PC in handheld form, these are your options.
- ASUS ROG Ally: More powerful than the Steam Deck but has worse battery life.
- Lenovo Legion Go: Huge display, detachable controllers, and a built-in trackpad for better Windows navigation.
The trade-off? Windows is still a pain in the ass on a handheld, and these devices require more tweaking to get the best experience.
4. PlayStation Portal – A Handheld That… Isn’t Really a Handheld?
Sony finally made a “handheld” again—except it’s not actually a console, just a PS5 streaming device.
- No native gaming—it only works if you already own a PS5.
- Great for remote play, but useless if your internet connection sucks.
- No cloud gaming support (yet), making it less versatile than a Steam Deck or Switch.
If Sony had just made a real portable PlayStation, it would have been a hit. Instead, this feels like a missed opportunity.
Is Handheld Gaming Actually the Future?
It feels like we’re on the verge of something huge—but also a little lost.
Everyone wants to capitalize on the handheld boom, but no one seems to know where it’s actually headed.
- Will Nintendo stay ahead, or will Steam Deck-style devices take over?
- Will cloud gaming kill off local hardware, or do people still want physical consoles?
- Are we just chasing nostalgia, or is portable gaming actually here to stay?
Right now, handheld gaming is more exciting than it’s been in years—but whether it’s a true revolution or just another trend remains to be seen.
For now, I’ll be sitting here, Steam Deck in one hand, Switch in the other, and waiting to see who gets it right.