Best Handheld Games for 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Nintendo Switch 2	excellent exclusives and hybrid design
Best value	Steam Deck OLED	affordable PC gaming with great screen
Best Windows handheld	ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X	premium performance with Xbox integration
Best SteamOS alternative	Lenovo Legion Go S	detachable controllers and strong performance
Best budget option	Nintendo Switch Lite	affordable entry to Nintendo games
Also recommended	AYN Odin 2 Portal	top-tier android emulation in a premium package
Also recommended	Hyper Mega Tech Super Pocket	the dedicated pick for classic game libraries
Also recommended	MSI Claw 8 AI+	a capable windows handheld with solid features

How we chose and tested

We evaluated handheld gaming devices based on performance, comfort, battery life, and game library access. Testing included real-world gameplay sessions, benchmark comparisons, and assessment of user interfaces. We considered factors like display quality, ergonomics, and software ecosystem to determine which devices work best for different types of gamers.

The best handheld games right now

Nintendo Switch 2 - Best overall

The Nintendo Switch delivers the complete package with excellent exclusive games, hybrid TV/portable play, and solid performance. It's the handheld that does everything well.

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Key highlights

Plays exclusive Nintendo titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza
Hybrid design works as both handheld and home console
7.9” LCD screen for portable play
Detachable Joy-Con controllers for local multiplayer
Backward compatible with original Switch game library
Bright, colorful display with good battery life

Pros

Unmatched library of exclusive games
Versatile hybrid design
Family-friendly with local multiplayer options
Regular software updates and online service

Cons

More expensive than previous Nintendo handhelds
Battery life varies with game demands
Limited third-party AAA game support compared to PC handhelds

Who it is for: Gamers who want Nintendo exclusives and versatile play options.

Skip if

You only play PC games or want maximum performance for demanding titles.

Steam Deck OLED - Best value

Valve's Steam Deck OLED offers the best balance of price and performance for PC gaming on the go. Its beautiful display and SteamOS interface make PC gaming accessible.

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Key highlights

Beautiful 7-inch touchscreen display with 1280 x 800 resolution
SteamOS provides console-like interface for PC games
Access to massive Steam library with good compatibility
Starts at $549 for 512GB model
Improved battery life over LCD version

Pros

Excellent price-to-performance ratio
Great for existing Steam library owners
Comfortable ergonomic design
Active community and regular updates

Cons

Not all Steam games are fully compatible
Linux-based OS limits some Windows-only games
Bulkier than some alternatives

Who it is for: PC gamers who want portable access to their Steam library.

Skip if

You need Windows compatibility or play many unsupported games.

ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X - Best Windows Handheld

The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally delivers premium Windows gaming performance with Xbox integration. It's a capable Windows handheld available, though at a premium price.

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Key highlights

First handheld with Xbox Fullscreen Experience interface
AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor for top performance
Can hit 44fps in Cyberpunk 2077 at high settings
7” 1080p 120Hz touchscreen display
1. Hall effect joysticks for improved durability

Pros

Strong Windows gaming performance available
Xbox interface simplifies Windows navigation
Works with all PC game storefronts
Comfortable design with good cooling

Cons

Expensive at around $1,000
Windows quirks still present despite interface
Heavy compared to some alternatives

Who it is for: Gamers who want strong Windows performance and Xbox integration.

Skip if

You're on a budget or prefer simpler console interfaces.

Lenovo Legion Go S - Best SteamOS alternative

The Lenovo Legion Go S combines a versatile hardware package with a Windows-based interface. It offers strong performance in a versatile package.

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Key highlights

Launches games via the Legion Space interface
Detachable controllers similar to Nintendo Switch
8-inch PureSight IPS display for immersive gameplay
Beat ASUS ROG Ally X in some synthetic benchmarks
Available in multiple configurations

Pros

Versatile detachable controller design
Large, high-quality display
Good performance for demanding games
Includes complimentary PC Game Pass

Cons

More expensive than Steam Deck OLED
Bulkier design due to larger screen
Limited availability of certain configurations

Who it is for: Gamers who want a versatile Windows handheld with unique hardware features.

Skip if

You prefer smaller devices or need a simpler console interface.

Nintendo Switch Lite - Best budget option

The Nintendo Switch Lite provides affordable access to Nintendo's game library in a dedicated handheld form. It's the most cost-effective way to play Switch games.

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Key highlights

Most affordable Nintendo handheld at under $200
Plays entire Switch game library (handheld mode only)
Compact, lightweight design
D-pad instead of separate directional buttons
Good battery life for portable play

Pros

Lowest cost entry to Nintendo ecosystem
Lightweight and truly portable
Solid build quality
Excellent game library access

Cons

No TV output or detachable controllers
Smaller screen than standard Switch
Limited to handheld-only play

Who it is for: Budget-conscious gamers who want Nintendo games.

Skip if

You want to play on TV or use motion controls.

Also Good

AYN Odin 2 Portal - top-tier android emulation in a premium package.
Hyper Mega Tech Super Pocket - the dedicated pick for classic game libraries.
MSI Claw 8 AI+ - a capable windows handheld with solid features.

How to Choose

Consider these factors when selecting a handheld gaming device:

Game library: Nintendo systems offer exclusive franchises, while PC handhelds access Steam, Epic, and other stores. Choose based on what games you want to play.
Performance needs: Demanding AAA games require more powerful hardware like the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X, while indie games and older titles run well on budget options.
Budget: Prices range from under $200 for Nintendo Switch Lite to over $1,000 for premium Windows handhelds. Determine what features justify the cost for you.
Portability: Smaller devices like Switch Lite are truly pocketable, while larger PC handhelds offer better screens and controls at the expense of portability.
Ecosystem preference: Console interfaces (Switch, SteamOS) simplify the experience, while Windows offers maximum flexibility with more complexity.

FAQ

What's the difference between Nintendo Switch 2 and original Switch?

The Switch 2 offers improved performance, faster loading, and new exclusive games while maintaining backward compatibility. It's a meaningful upgrade for those wanting the latest Nintendo experience.

Can PC handhelds play all Steam games?

Most Steam games work on SteamOS devices, but compatibility varies. Windows-based handhelds can play virtually any PC game, though performance depends on hardware.

How long do handheld batteries typically last?

Battery life ranges from 2, 3 hours for demanding games to 6, 8 hours for less intensive titles. Nintendo systems generally offer better battery optimization than PC handhelds.

Are handhelds good for multiplayer gaming?

Nintendo systems excel at local multiplayer with multiple controllers. PC handhelds can connect to external displays and controllers for shared play, though setup is more involved.

Should I buy a handheld or a gaming laptop?

Handhelds offer better portability and instant-on convenience, while gaming laptops provide more power and versatility. Choose based on whether portability or maximum performance matters more.