The Rise of the Handheld: A Guide to the Best Gaming Handhelds of 2024
Remember the days when the idea of portable gaming was synonymous with blurry, pixelated screens and clunky buttons? It feels like a distant memory now. The gaming landscape has been revolutionized by the rise of powerful, sleek, and surprisingly affordable handheld consoles. The Nintendo Switch, upon its release in 2017, breathed new life into the category after mobile games dominated, but the industry has since exploded with an array of manufacturers vying for a slice of the portable gaming market.
While some offerings have fallen short, the field has matured, and there are finally several remarkable options to choose from. No longer just a novelty, these gaming handhelds offer a truly immersive and high-quality gaming experience, ready to be enjoyed anywhere, anytime. This guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to select the perfect handheld for your gaming needs.
But first, let’s consider what makes a truly great handheld:
Decoding the Perfect Handheld Experience
More than just a screen and some buttons, the best handhelds are carefully designed to optimize the portable gaming experience. These are the key factors to consider when navigating the diverse world of gaming handhelds:
1. Platform: The Games You Want to Play
The first question to ask yourself is simple: what games do you want to play? This will dictate the platform that best suits your needs.
Nintendo Switch: This platform remains a powerhouse for portable play, boasting a vast library of exclusive first-party games like Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and the recently released Tears of the Kingdom. It’s also a haven for indie titles and even offers classic games from the Nintendo Switch Online service. However, the Switch’s hardware is relatively dated, making it incompatible with demanding PC games.
Steam Deck: The Steam Deck revolutionized the handheld gaming world. This powerful device runs on a custom Linux-based OS, allowing you to access the massive library of Steam games and PC games. Proton, a compatibility layer developed by Valve, ensures a smooth gaming experience for even the most demanding titles. However, the Steam Deck can be pricier than other handhelds.
- Windows Handhelds: There are a growing number of handhelds that run Windows directly. This offers the flexibility of playing virtually any PC game, but also comes with the drawbacks of running a less optimized OS, which can affect battery life and performance.
Think carefully about your game preferences before committing to a platform. If you’re primarily interested in Nintendo exclusives, the Switch is a clear winner. If you crave the vast library of PC games, the Steam Deck might be your ideal choice. And if flexibility is paramount, Windows handhelds offer unprecedented options.
2. Picture: The Visual Experience Matters
A great display is crucial for a truly immersive gaming experience. Handhelds like the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck offer OLED screen options, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and unparalleled contrast.
High resolution and fast refresh rates are also important factors (especially for fast-paced games), but remember that higher specs can drain battery life more quickly.
- Screen size is another crucial aspect. Some handhelds excel in portability with smaller screens, while others prioritize larger screens for a more immersive experience. Consider the size that best fits your comfort levels and the games you plan to play.
3. Power: The Balance of Battery Life and Performance
Battery life is a critical consideration for any handheld. No one wants their gaming session cut short because their device ran out of juice.
The Switch and Steam Deck are optimized for battery consumption, but demanding games like Tears of the Kingdom will naturally drain the battery faster than simpler titles like Stardew Valley.
Windows handhelds, running a full-fledged operating system, often suffer from significantly lower battery life.
- Investing in a good portable charger can alleviate some battery anxiety, providing a lifeline when you’re on the go.
When choosing a handheld, it’s important to balance battery life with performance. While powerful processors allow for smoother gameplay and higher frame rates, they come with a heavier energy cost. Find the sweet spot that best fits your needs and usage patterns.
4. Performance: Smooth Gameplay is Key
The processor powering your handheld determines how smooth and responsive the gameplay will be.
The Switch, while incredibly popular, is notorious for its underpowered processor compared to its competitors. This often results in slower frame rates and lower image quality in demanding games.
However, the Switch compensates by utilizing its hardware effectively through optimization. This allows it to offer a smooth and reliable portable gaming experience, even with games designed for a less powerful platform.
- The Steam Deck and Windows handhelds can deliver significantly higher performance thanks to their more powerful processors, handling modern PC games with ease. But this comes at the expense of battery life and higher cost.
Consider your gaming preferences when making your decision. Do you prioritize smooth, fluid gameplay, even if it means compromising on graphics? Or are you willing to sacrifice some portability and battery life to enjoy the latest, most demanding PC games?
The Best Handhelds for 2024
Now that you understand the key factors to consider, let’s explore the best gaming handhelds currently available:
1. Nintendo Switch (OLED Model): The King of Portability
The Nintendo Switch remains the best option for those primarily interested in Nintendo first-party games and a solid, reliable, and portable experience.
- Pros:
- Exclusive games: A massive library of first-party titles, including Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, and more.
- Portability: The Switch is incredibly lightweight and compact, making it easy to take anywhere.
- Affordable: Overall, a great value for money, offering a significant amount of entertainment.
- Cons:
- Hardware is outdated: The processor is not as strong as other handhelds; demanding games might not run smoothly.
- Online Subscription: Online play requires a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online.
2. Steam Deck: The Go-to for PC Gaming Enthusiasts
The Steam Deck is a true game-changer, allowing you to enjoy the vast library of PC games in a portable format.
- Pros:
- Powerful Performance: Can handle even the most demanding PC games with impressive frame rates.
- Steam Library: Access to the massive Steam library of games, including countless indie and AAA titles.
- Customization: Extensive customization options for controls and performance settings.
- Cons:
- Price: More expensive than other handhelds.
- Controller Grip: Some user reports of the controller grip being uncomfortable for longer gaming sessions.
3. Asus ROG Ally: A Windows Handheld with Power and Versatility
Asus ROG Ally uses a custom-built AMD processor and pushes the boundaries of Windows gaming on a handheld.
- Pros:
- Incredible Performance: Powerful AMD processor designed for gaming. Can run most demanding games smoothly.
- Windows Operating System: Access to the entire Windows ecosystem, including PC games and applications.
- Great Design: Stylish and well-designed handheld focused on immersive gameplay.
- Cons:
- High Price: More expensive than many other handhelds.
- Early Software Bugs: Asus has been working hard to update the software and address early issues, but this is still a work in progress for some users.
4. AYA NEO: A Contender for PC Gaming, but still Early Days
AYANEo is a relatively new competitor to the Steam Deck, offering a variety of handhelds for different budgets and performance levels.
- Pros:
- Different Models: A variety of models, offering different performance levels and price points.
- Windows Based: Access to the entire Windows ecosystem.
- Cons:
- Software Issues: Still working out software issues and drivers, similar to the ROG Ally, though improvements are constantly being released.
- Difficult to Repair: Some users have reported difficulties repairing damaged devices.
5. Playdate: A Unique Retro-Inspired Experience
The Playdate is a refreshingly unique handheld that embraces a retro aesthetic and unconventional controls.
- Pros:
- Creative Design: Intriguing retro-inspired design and a unique crank control, promising a different gaming experience.
- Curated Games: Playdate focuses on a curated selection of games developed specifically for the device.
- Cons:
- Limited Gameplay: The device is not suitable for all types of games due to its unique controls and curated game library.
- Limited Availability: The Playdate is currently on a waiting list due to its limited production.
Choose Your Path
With so many amazing handhelds to choose from, it’s clear that the future of portable gaming is brighter than ever. The key to choosing the perfect one is understanding your needs and preferences.
If you want a dedicated console experience with a solid library of games, the Nintendo Switch is a fantastic option.
For those who crave the vast library of PC games, the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally offer incredible performance and flexibility.
AYA NEO offers solid Windows gaming, with a variety of models for different needs and budgets.
- Playdate, with its unique retro aesthetic and unconventional controls, is great for gamers seeking a different kind of experience.
No matter your taste, the handheld gaming market is bursting with excellent choices, ready to take your gaming adventures to a whole new level.
