Best Gaming Handhelds of 2026 - Top 5 Compared

The Steam Deck OLED represents a significant refinement of Valve's pioneering handheld gaming PC. It replaces the original LCD screen with a stunning 7.4-inch OLED HDR display, offering deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and a smoother 90Hz refresh rate. This visual upgrade is paired with a slightly larger battery, Wi-Fi 6E support, and a more efficient 6nm version of the custom AMD APU, resulting in marginally better performance and thermals. The device runs SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system meticulously designed for controller navigation, providing a console-like experience for accessing and playing a vast library of Steam games. Over 10,000 titles are verified or playable, ensuring broad compatibility.

The ergonomic design, complete with dual touchpads, haptic feedback, and gyro controls, makes it comfortable for long sessions and adaptable to various game genres, from first-person shooters to complex strategy titles. While its raw performance is surpassed by newer Windows handhelds, the Steam Deck OLED excels in delivering a cohesive, user-friendly, and high-value package. Its balance of price, performance, and polish secures its position as the benchmark for the category, ideal for gamers deeply invested in the Steam ecosystem who prioritize a seamless portable experience over absolute peak power.

The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X stands at the pinnacle of handheld gaming PC performance. It is equipped with the cutting-edge AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, which provides a noticeable performance uplift over previous generation chips, enabling smoother frame rates at 1080p in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077. Its defining feature is the exceptional ergonomics, incorporating grips that mirror the shape and feel of an Xbox wireless controller, making it the most comfortable handheld for extended play sessions. Hall-effect joysticks and impulse triggers that mimic the PS5 DualSense's haptic feedback further enhance the premium feel. A major software advancement is the inclusion of the Xbox Full Screen Experience, a dedicated interface that overlays Windows 11 to provide a console-like dashboard for launching games from any storefront, including Steam, Epic, and crucially, PC Game Pass.

This, combined with a massive 80Wh battery that offers best-in-class battery life for a Windows handheld, addresses key historical pain points. However, this power and polish come at a steep cost, placing it in a premium tier. The display, while a bright 1080p 120Hz IPS panel, lacks the contrast and vibrancy of OLED alternatives found on other high-end devices. For gamers who demand the utmost performance, full Windows application support, and unparalleled comfort, and are willing to pay for it, the ROG Xbox Ally X is the definitive choice.

The Nintendo Switch 2 successfully evolves the groundbreaking hybrid console concept. It maintains the core flexibility of its predecessor, functioning as a handheld with a 7.9-inch 1080p 120Hz HDR screen and transforming into a home console capable of outputting 4K resolution when docked. This is powered by a new Nvidia chipset utilizing DLSS AI upscaling, providing a significant generational leap in visual fidelity and performance. Games are specifically optimized for the hardware, ensuring a smooth and polished experience that often rivals or exceeds what is possible on more powerful but less optimized handheld PCs. The library is its greatest asset, featuring iconic and exclusive franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon, alongside strong third-party and indie support.

New social features, such as GameChat for voice communication, enhance multiplayer experiences. The design is refined with larger, more comfortable Joy-Con controllers, and the system runs cooler and quieter than most PC handhelds. While the hardware isn't focused on raw power, the tailored software experience, exclusive content, and unique versatility make it an essential device. It is the definitive platform for anyone wanting to play Nintendo's acclaimed games and values a simple, plug-and-play experience over PC-style tinkering and settings adjustment.

The Lenovo Legion Go S (SteamOS) marks a pivotal moment as the first major handheld from a manufacturer other than Valve to officially ship with SteamOS. This addresses a key weakness of Windows-based handhelds by providing a streamlined, controller-optimized interface for accessing and managing a Steam library. The device itself features a modern, ergonomic design reminiscent of the Asus ROG Ally, with a comfortable grip and a weight of 1.63 pounds, making it highly portable. Its 8-inch 1920x1200 resolution 120Hz display is larger and sharper than the Steam Deck's, offering more screen real estate for games and media. Performance is driven by either an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme or a Ryzen Z2 Go processor, paired with up to 32GB of RAM, delivering frame rates that can surpass the Steam Deck OLED.

This makes it an attractive option for gamers who want the simplicity and efficiency of SteamOS but desire more power or a larger screen. The inclusion of USB4 ports also future-proofs connectivity. However, its value proposition fluctuates with configuration, and the single touchpad may be a drawback for players who rely on the Steam Deck's dual pads for mouse-driven games. It stands as a powerful and polished alternative for those seeking a premium SteamOS experience beyond what Valve currently offers.

The Anbernic RG35XX Plus is a masterclass in delivering maximum value for retro gaming enthusiasts. Priced at a fraction of the cost of a modern console game, this handheld focuses exclusively on emulation of classic systems. Its vertical design pays direct homage to the original Game Boy, offering a nostalgic and highly pocketable form factor. Internally, it features a significant upgrade over its predecessor, with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor and 1GB of RAM. This hardware allows it to comfortably emulate 8-bit and 16-bit consoles like the NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis, and even tackle a surprising portion of the PlayStation 1, Dreamcast, and PSP libraries, though performance in the latter two can be mixed.

The device comes with a simple, functional custom Linux operating system that presents games and emulators front and center, minimizing setup fuss. It includes useful features like mini HDMI output for TV play. While its controls and triggers are typical of budget vertical handhelds and not ideal for long sessions, and its software lacks polish, these are minor quibbles given the price. For collectors, travelers, or anyone wanting a dedicated, no-frills portal to gaming's past without breaking the bank, the RG35XX Plus is an outstanding and highly recommended entry point.