The best gaming handhelds in 2024 cater to a wide range of needs, from those seeking high-end portable PCs to budget-friendly emulation devices. Here’s a look at some top picks across different categories:

1. Steam Deck

• Best for Most Gamers
• Highlights:
  • Display: OLED (7.4-inch HDR, 1280 x 800, 90Hz) or LCD (7-inch IPS, 1280 x 800, 60Hz)
  • Processor: Custom AMD APU
  • RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
  • Storage: Up to 1TB SSD
  • Battery: Up to 12 hours (OLED model)
• The Steam Deck remains the go-to option for those wanting a balance of price, performance, and usability. The new OLED model offers a brighter and more vibrant screen, better battery life, and refined ergonomics. It’s ideal for modern PC games and emulation, though its large size and limited support for non-Steam games might be drawbacks for some.

2. ASUS ROG Ally X

• Best Windows Handheld Alternative
• Highlights:
  • Display: 7-inch IPS, 1080p, 120Hz, VRR
  • Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
  • RAM: Up to 24GB
  • Storage: Up to 1TB SSD
  • Battery: 80Whr, up to 2.5 hours for demanding games
• The ROG Ally X is a strong contender for those who prioritize performance and flexibility. It’s more powerful than the Steam Deck and supports any Windows gaming client. The device’s drawbacks are mostly due to Windows 11, which isn’t fully optimized for handheld use, making it less user-friendly compared to the Steam Deck.

3. Retroid Pocket 4 Pro

• Best Budget Handheld
• Highlights:
  • Display: 4.7-inch IPS, 750 x 1334
  • Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 1100
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Battery: 5,000mAh
• Priced at $199, the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is perfect for those focused on retro gaming and emulation. It can handle consoles up to the PS2 and GameCube with some tinkering and is highly portable. Though it lacks the power for modern games beyond cloud streaming, its affordability and strong emulation capabilities make it a solid choice.

4. AYN Odin 2

• Best for Mobile Gaming and Emulation
• Highlights:
  • Display: 6-inch IPS, 1080p
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • RAM: Up to 16GB
  • Storage: Up to 512GB
  • Battery: 8,000mAh
• The AYN Odin 2 excels at emulating a wide range of consoles, from the PS2 and GameCube to more recent systems like the 3DS and some Switch titles. Its refined hardware, long battery life, and comfortable design make it worth the price for those serious about mobile retro gaming.

These handhelds offer something for everyone, whether you’re a hardcore gamer seeking the best performance, an enthusiast of retro titles, or someone looking for a budget-friendly option. Each device shines in its niche, making it easier to pick the right one for your gaming preferences in 2024.

Battery life is superb: We got more than eight hours of juice emulating systems like the PS2, and you can stretch that out even further when playing less demanding games. For streaming Xbox or PC titles, it performs very well thanks to its support for Wi-Fi 7, which helps maintain a stable connection. Android 13 is relatively easy to navigate, and the Odin 2’s higher storage options ensure you have plenty of space for ROMs and apps.

The biggest knock against the Odin 2 is its price. For retro-focused gaming, the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro offers most of what the Odin 2 can do at a much lower cost, making it more suitable for budget-conscious gamers. However, for those seeking a top-tier emulation experience with more performance headroom and better build quality, the Odin 2 is worth the investment.

Pros:

• Powerful performance for emulation and Android gaming
• Comfortable design with excellent controls
• Great battery life
• Feature-rich hardware Cons:
• Pricey compared to other emulation handhelds
• Android isn’t ideal for every use case
• Larger than some competing devices

What to Know About the Gaming Handheld Market

Before deciding which gaming handheld is right for you, it’s essential to understand a few key factors about the market:

1. Purpose: Handheld devices can range from high-end portable PCs like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally X to more niche emulation devices designed specifically for retro gaming. It’s important to determine whether you need a system that can handle modern AAA games or if you’re more interested in reliving classics.
2. Software Ecosystem: The operating system your handheld runs can significantly impact your experience. SteamOS, for example, is tightly integrated with Steam but has limited support for other storefronts. Windows handhelds offer more flexibility but at the cost of a less streamlined interface. Android-based devices are fantastic for emulation but lack compatibility with mainstream PC games.
3. Portability vs. Power: The more powerful your device is, the bulkier it tends to be. If portability is a priority, you may want to sacrifice some processing power in favor of a slimmer, lighter device. On the other hand, if you want a handheld capable of running demanding titles at high settings, be prepared to carry a heavier and larger machine.
4. Emulation Capabilities: For retro enthusiasts, the ability to run classic games is crucial. Devices like the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro and AYN Odin 2 are specifically optimized for emulation. However, getting the best performance often requires some technical know-how and tweaking.
5. Price: Gaming handhelds come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly options under $200 to high-end models that can cost more than $700. Consider how much you’re willing to invest based on your gaming needs.

Gaming Handheld Honorable Mentions

While the devices above are our top picks, several other handhelds are worth noting:

• Nintendo Switch OLED: The Switch remains a fantastic all-around handheld, especially for first-party Nintendo games and casual gaming on the go. It may not be as powerful as some of the options above, but it’s a must-have for any Nintendo fan.
• Anbernic RG405M: This affordable Android-based device is well-suited for retro gaming and emulation. It offers solid build quality and decent performance for its price, making it a great entry-level option.
• Aya Neo Air Plus: Another Windows-based handheld, the Aya Neo Air Plus is compact yet powerful, offering a sleek alternative to bulkier devices. It’s more portable than the Steam Deck or ROG Ally X but still capable of running many modern games.

Other Gaming Handhelds We Tested

During our research, we also tested several other handhelds that didn’t quite make our top recommendations. These include the GPD Win 4, which offers a laptop-style design with a physical keyboard, and the Logitech G Cloud, a cloud-gaming-focused device that’s good for streaming Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now games.

That wraps up our comprehensive look at the best gaming handhelds for 2024. Whether you’re looking for cutting-edge performance, retro gaming goodness, or simply a versatile device to play your favorite games on the go, there’s a handheld that can meet your needs. With so many choices available, your ideal device will depend on what you prioritize most—be it power, portability, or price.