Handheld gaming devices are more popular than ever, offering a way to play everything from classic retro games to modern PC titles anywhere. With so many new models arriving constantly, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. The best device for you depends entirely on your budget and what you want to play, ranging from a 100 dollar emulator to a 1000 dollar portable PC. After extensive testing, here are the top picks. For those who want to play modern PC games on the go, the Steam Deck remains a fantastic choice. It runs on the user-friendly SteamOS, providing a console-like experience for your Steam library. Its performance is solid for the price, and the interface is far more streamlined than wrestling with Windows on a small screen. It is the most accessible and reliable entry into the world of portable PC gaming. If you need the full power of Windows in your hands, the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X is the current champion. It is more powerful than the Steam Deck and offers a smoother Windows experience thanks to its custom Xbox interface. While still not perfect, this software layer makes navigating outside of games much less of a headache compared to other Windows handhelds. It also features a great 120Hz display with variable refresh rate and excellent ergonomics, though its high price and relatively short battery life are expected trade-offs. For the best value in emulation, the Retroid Pocket 5 is hard to beat. This Android-based handheld can smoothly emulate a vast range of classic systems, including PlayStation 2 and GameCube games. It features a vibrant 5.5-inch OLED screen, a comfortable and premium-feeling design, and powerful performance for its price point. While setting up emulators requires some technical know-how, it delivers an incredible experience for retro gaming enthusiasts on a budget. If you prefer a clamshell design similar to a Nintendo DS, the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 is a great alternative. It shares the same powerful internals as the Pocket 5 but in a folding form factor that protects the screen and controls in your pocket. The main compromise is its smaller 4.5-inch display. For those who want the ultimate emulation machine with more power, the AYN Odin 2 is a step up. It can handle even more demanding systems and games than the Retroid models, approaching the performance of some portable PCs. It has a larger screen and a comfortable grip, making it ideal for longer play sessions, though it comes at a higher cost. If you are interested in playing original Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges, the Analogue Pocket is in a class of its own. It uses specialized hardware to play the games with incredibly accurate timing and zero lag. Its screen is one of the best on any handheld, perfectly suited for pixel-based games. It is a premium, no-compromise device for purists who own physical game libraries. Finally, for a completely unique and quirky experience, the Playdate offers a curated season of indie games, many of which creatively use its charming little crank. It is not for emulation or big-budget games, but as a piece of interactive art and a source of creative fun, it is utterly delightful. The market also includes the massively popular Nintendo Switch 2, which exists in its own category. It is the only way to play new Nintendo games portably, and its hardware is a significant upgrade over its predecessor. However, its library of true must-play exclusives is still growing, so there is no need to rush unless you are desperate to play its launch titles like Donkey Kong Bananza. Ultimately, the best handheld depends on your needs. The Steam Deck offers the best PC gaming experience for most, the ROG Xbox Ally X is for Windows power users, and devices like the Retroid Pocket 5 and Analogue Pocket provide the best retro gaming experiences at different price points and levels of authenticity.
