2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for handheld gaming. With new releases and upgrades from top manufacturers, there’s never been a better time to dive into gaming on the go. In no particular order, here are the top 5 handhelds you should definitely check out this year:
1. Steam Deck OLED
When you come to think of handhelds, you immediately think of the Switch or the Steam Deck. The Steam Deck OLED is the latest and greatest version of Valve’s popular handheld console. It’s got a vibrant 7.4-inch OLED display with 90Hz refresh rate. The OLED panel has amazing contrasts and a great resolution for the price.
It’s arguably the easiest to pick up and play with among the other handhelds. It runs on SteamOS rather than Windows, meaning significantly more user-friendly. The Steam Deck offers direct access to your entire Steam library so you can play your favorite PC games on the go without compromise. The improved battery life and faster Wi-Fi make it a game-changer in the world of handheld gaming. If you have a ton of Steam games, then it’s a no-brainer to get the Steam Deck OLED.
2. Nintendo Switch OLED/ Switch 2
We’re placing both on this list just because the Switch 2 isn’t out yet. Despite the rise in competition, the Nintendo Switch OLED continues to be a favorite among gamers everywhere. Its hybrid design gives you the best of both worlds – dock it for a big-screen experience or take it with you on the go. Just like the Steam Deck, its main selling point is the large OLED panel. While it’s not as powerful as the other systems, it gets the job done at a fraction of the cost of the other handhelds.
The Nintendo Switch 2 on the other hand is just an overall upgrade. While not much is known about its internals, the larger body and screen already show a lot of promise. You can bet that when the Switch 2 comes out, it’s going to see massive sales.
3. Asus ROG Ally X
For gamers who crave performance in a portable package, the Asus ROG Ally X is a top choice. It’s easily one of the more powerful systems on this list and for good reason. I runs on a powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme paired with an AMD Radeon GPU. With that pairing, it can handle demanding titles with ease. The sleek design and RGB lighting gives it that cool gamer look.
Out of all the handhelds on this list, it’s got one of the better ergonomics. On top of that, it’s got a solid construction, making it one of the most rugged handheld gaming consoles you can go for. It’s a little higher up in terms of price tag, but it’s absolutely worth it.
4. Lenovo Legion Go S
Following the popularity of the Lenovo Legion Go, the Lenovo Legion Go S is a more budget-friendly handheld from Lenovo. It features the best aspects of the Legion Go in a smaller and more ergonomic form factor. This new device doesn’t just offer a new design but can also be kitted with an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme or a new AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chip.
For an added bonus, a model running on SteamOS is expected to drop in May, making it a game-changer for several reasons. The 8-inch display with its 120Hz refresh rate is one of the best panels on the market to date. Now, if only they added an OLED option.
5. MSI Claw 8 AI+
This is the newest release on this list so expect a review coming out soon. The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is another standout handheld console to check out in 2025. With its 8-inch display and powerful hardware, it offers a great gaming experience on the go.
The Claw 8 AI+ is perfect for gamers who want a portable device that can handle both casual and hardcore gaming. Its sleek design, impressive AI features, and solid performance make it a top choice for anyone looking to game on the move. As we speak, one of our editors is on a plane playing nothing but Sekiro on the Claw 8 the whole flight.
So there you have it; our top picks for handhelds so far in 2025! Handheld gaming is more exciting than ever this year and that’s thanks to the variety of options to choose from. Whether you’re a fan of the Steam Deck OLED, the Nintendo Switch OLED, the Asus ROG Ally X, the Lenovo Legion Go S, or the MSI Claw 8 AI+, there’s a handheld console that’s perfect for you. We highly recommend getting one if you can!
Wanna know if you should get a handheld or a gaming laptop? We can answer that question here!
