The handheld console market has exploded in 2024. With so many choices, it can be tough to figure out which one suits your needs best. Today, I’ll cover some of the top handheld consoles this year: Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally X, AYANEO Geek, GPD WIN 4, Nintendo Switch OLED, and ONEXPLAYER X1. I’ll go over their advantages, disadvantages, and prices to help you decide which is the best handheld console for you.
Steam Deck: The PC Gamer’s Dream
Steam Deck is a game-changer for PC gamers. Developed by Valve, it runs a custom version of SteamOS, making it a portable PC gaming device. One of its standout features is its extensive game library. If a game runs on Steam, there’s a good chance it’ll run on the Steam Deck. In 2023, Valve released both LCD and OLED versions of the Steam Deck, catering to different user preferences.
Price: Starting at $399 for the base LCD model with 64GB of storage, it goes up to $649 for the 1TB OLED high-end version.
Advantages:
- Extensive Library: With access to thousands of PC games on Steam, you have a vast selection of titles.
- Customizability: Since it’s basically a portable PC, you can install other game stores like Epic Games or even run emulators.
- Hardware: The Steam Deck offers a powerful AMD APU, providing excellent performance in a portable form.
- Display Options: You can choose between an LCD or an OLED screen, with the latter offering better color contrast and deeper blacks.
Disadvantages:
- Battery Life: One of the biggest downsides is its battery life, which can drain quickly, especially with demanding games.
- Size: It’s bulkier compared to other handhelds, making it less portable.
- Software Bugs: Being a first-gen device, some users report software bugs and glitches.
ASUS ROG Ally X: High-End Gaming on the Go
ASUS ROG Ally X is the latest entrant in the handheld console market. Known for its top-notch gaming laptops, ASUS brings its expertise to this handheld device. It runs on Windows, giving you the flexibility to play games from various platforms like Steam, Xbox Game Pass, and more.
Price: The starting price is around $799, which can go up depending on the configuration.
Advantages:
- High Performance: Equipped with an AMD Ryzen Z1 processor, the ROG Ally X offers a smooth gaming experience, even for graphically intensive games.
- Versatility: Running on Windows allows you to install any game or software you can on a regular PC.
- Display: It has a bright and vibrant display, which is crucial for enjoying high-quality games on the go.
Disadvantages:
- Price: It’s one of the most expensive handheld consoles on the market.
- Battery Life: Similar to the Steam Deck, battery life is a concern, especially during intensive gaming sessions.
- Heat Management: The device can get quite warm, which may be uncomfortable during extended play.
AYANEO Geek: The Indie Gem
AYANEO Geek is aimed at gamers who want a more niche and customizable experience. This handheld console runs on Windows, similar to the ASUS ROG Ally X, but it’s more targeted towards indie game lovers.
Price: Priced at around $949, it’s a mid-range option for those looking for portability and customizability.
Advantages:
- Portability: It’s more compact than many other Windows handhelds, making it easier to carry around.
- Customizability: You can install various game stores and emulators, giving you access to a wide range of games.
- Design: It has an ergonomic design that feels comfortable during long gaming sessions.
Disadvantages:
- Limited Performance: While it’s great for indie games, it may struggle with more demanding titles.
- Battery Life: Battery life is a recurring issue with many handhelds, and AYANEO Geek is no exception.
- Price: Some might find what it offers a bit pricey compared to the competition.
GPD WIN 4: The Pocket PC
GPD WIN 4 continues the trend of handheld PCs, offering a full Windows experience in a compact form. It’s known for its small size and clamshell design, reminiscent of a mini-laptop.
Price: The GPD WIN 4 comes in at around $799, which is on the higher side for its compact size.
Advantages:
- Compact Design: It’s one of the smallest Windows handhelds, making it extremely portable.
- Keyboard: The built-in keyboard is a unique feature, allowing for easier text input and navigation.
- Variety of Uses: Beyond gaming, it can be used for light productivity tasks, like browsing or typing documents.
Disadvantages:
- Performance: It has decent performance but may not handle the latest AAA titles smoothly.
- Small Screen: The smaller screen size might not be ideal for everyone, especially for games with intricate details.
- Battery Life: Again, battery life can be limiting, especially during intensive use.
Nintendo Switch OLED: The Classic Choice
Nintendo Switch OLED is the newest iteration of the highly successful Switch line. It’s a great option for those who prefer a mix of casual and exclusive titles like “Zelda” and “Mario.”
Price: The Nintendo Switch OLED is priced at $349, making it one of the more affordable options on this list.
Advantages:
- Exclusive Games: Nintendo offers exclusive titles that you won’t find on any other platform.
- OLED Screen: The vibrant OLED screen makes games look stunning, especially in handheld mode.
- Battery Life: It offers better battery life than many of the more powerful Windows-based handhelds.
Disadvantages:
- Limited Hardware: It’s not as powerful as other handheld consoles, meaning it can’t run many AAA titles.
- Online Services: Nintendo’s online services and game library can be limiting compared to a PC-based handheld.
- No Customizability: You’re limited to Nintendo’s ecosystem, with no option to install other game stores or emulators.
ONEXPLAYER X1: The Powerhouse
ONEXPLAYER X1 is known for packing a punch in the performance department. It’s another Windows-based handheld that can handle a variety of games, including AAA titles.
Price: The ONEXPLAYER X1 starts at around $1049, making it the most expensive handheld console on this list.
Advantages:
- High Performance: With a powerful CPU and GPU, it can handle demanding games with ease.
- Large Display: It has one of the largest screens among handhelds, making for an immersive gaming experience.
- Versatile: Like other Windows handhelds, you can install various software and game stores.
Disadvantages:
- Bulky: Its large size makes it less portable than other options.
- Price: It’s on the expensive side, which might not suit all budgets.
- Battery Life: High performance comes at the cost of battery life, which can be a drawback for long gaming sessions.
What’s the Best Handheld Console for You?
Choosing the best handheld console in 2024 depends on your priorities. If you want access to a vast PC game library, the Steam Deck or ASUS ROG Ally X might be the way to go. For a mix of casual and exclusive titles, the Nintendo Switch OLED is still a solid choice. If you’re looking for something niche and customizable, AYANEO Geek or GPD WIN 4 might be more up your alley. For those who need top-notch performance, ONEXPLAYER X1 offers a powerhouse experience.
For me, the Steam Deck OLED 512GB has been the best choice. While there are more powerful options available, the price-performance ratio of both the OLED and LCD versions of the Steam Deck makes them great options. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or just want a portable way to enjoy your favorite PC titles, the Steam Deck offers a solid balance of performance, versatility, and value.
