Top Handheld Gaming Consoles of 2025: Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and More

Wandering around the world of handheld gaming, it’s easy to trip over the buzz around these new gadgets. So, crazy story—I stumbled onto the Asus ROG Ally while just trying to find something fresh after getting a bit jaded with the Steam Deck. Not saying it’s bad, just, you know, maybe I needed to mix things up. Anyway, the ROG Ally—unexpectedly—seemed to just doodle all over the Deck’s homework with its full-blown PC shtick. No sweat if you don’t speak Linux.

Picture this: the Steam Deck’s been the kingpin of handheld gaming PCs, but here comes this Ally, just waltzing in with its Windows 11 swagger. And here’s where things get spicy—unlike the Deck’s one-trick Steam pony, the Ally opens up like a buffet for all your game launchers. Epic, Xbox Game Pass—you name it. Not gonna lie, it’s nice to skip those Linux gymnastics unless you’re into that kinda workout.

Under the hood, the Ally’s rocking an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor with an AMD Radeon card which made some pixels dance pretty smoothly on that screen. Felt a bit like finding a five-dollar bill in your pocket—a little “whoa” moment. Okay, we did hit a couple of speed bumps (relatable, right?), but tweaking some settings ironed those out mostly. Plus, its Full HD LCD screen? Eye candy. Heck, it’s lighter too, so marathon sessions didn’t turn into arm workouts. Although, does anyone else think it feels a tad, I dunno, plasticky?

Here’s the plot twist—you don’t get to brag about battery life, ‘cause it’s shy compared to the Deck. Ally gets tired after a couple hours, which bummed me out. Might want a charger on speed dial. Oh, and it charges up in a flash, so no need for a long snack break unless, you know, snacks are calling.

One gripe—I mean, who sells a $699.99 handheld without a case? Steam Deck hands you one for less. And why are the back buttons moonlighting so low on retirement time? Maybe it’s just my hands, I dunno.

So, Ally or Deck? Well, is it ease of access and a library buffet you crave or does a premium feel and a bit more juice suit your fancy? Flip a coin—or nah, just think about what’s gonna make your gaming heart sing. Either way, both are pretty snazzy in their own rights. Play on!