The landscape of portable gaming has changed dramatically over the last few years. We are no longer limited to just “Nintendo vs. Sony.” Today, the market is flooded with powerful handheld PCs, cloud-streaming devices, and high-end retro consoles.
If you are looking to take your gaming on the go, choosing the “best” system depends entirely on your budget, your preferred library of games, and how much power you need. Here is the breakdown of the top contenders in 2024.
1. The Best All-Rounder: Nintendo Switch OLED
Despite being several years into its lifecycle, the Nintendo Switch OLED remains the king of versatility.
- Why it’s great: It features an incredible library of exclusives (Mario, Zelda, Pokémon) that you can’t play anywhere else. The vibrant 7-inch OLED screen makes colors pop, and the ability to “dock” it to a TV makes it the ultimate hybrid.
- Best for: Families, fans of Nintendo franchises, and gamers who want a seamless “plug-and-play” experience.
- Pros: Lightweight, great battery life, massive physical game library.
- Cons: Aging hardware (720p handheld resolution), lacks the power for heavy AAA third-party titles.
2. The Best for PC Gamers: Steam Deck OLED
Valve’s Steam Deck OLED has redefined what a portable system can do. It is essentially a portable PC that runs SteamOS, a user-friendly interface that lets you access your entire Steam library.
- Why it’s great: The OLED update improved the battery life, screen quality, and weight. It can run everything from indie darlings to massive AAA titles like Elden Ring or Cyberpunk 2077.
- Best for: PC gamers with large Steam libraries and “tinkerers” who love to customize their experience.
- Pros: Excellent ergonomics, incredible software support, best-in-class trackpads.
- Cons: Bulky size, Linux-based OS can struggle with some anti-cheat software in multiplayer games.
3. The Best Performance (Windows Handheld): ASUS ROG Ally X
If you want the most power possible in a handheld without switching to a full laptop, the ASUS ROG Ally X is the current champion.
- Why it’s great: Unlike the Steam Deck, the Ally runs Windows 11. This means you can easily install Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, and Battle.net without any workarounds. The “X” model fixed the battery issues of the original and doubled the storage.
- Best for: Hardcore gamers who want high frame rates and access to every PC game launcher.
- Pros: Beautiful 120Hz VRR screen, powerful Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, works with Xbox Game Pass natively.
- Cons: Windows 11 can be clunky on a small touchscreen, more expensive than the Steam Deck.
4. The Best Big Screen Experience: Lenovo Legion Go
The Lenovo Legion Go is a beast of a machine featuring a massive 8.8-inch QHD+ display.
- Why it’s great: It features detachable controllers (similar to the Switch) and a “FPS mode” where the right controller acts as a vertical mouse. It’s essentially a small gaming tablet.
- Best for: Gamers who find 7-inch screens too small and want a device that can double as a productivity tablet.
- Pros: Stunning, massive screen; built-in kickstand; unique mouse mode.
- Cons: Very heavy, battery life is short when running at full resolution.
5. The Best for Retro Gaming: Miyoo Mini Plus / Retroid Pocket 4 Pro
If you are more interested in playing Game Boy, SNES, and PlayStation 1 classics, you don’t need a $500 Steam Deck.
- Why they’re great: Devices like the Miyoo Mini Plus are pocket-sized and cost under $70, while the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro can handle more advanced emulation like PS2 and GameCube.
- Best for: Nostalgia seekers and those on a budget.
How to Choose the Right One for You
To find the “best” system for your needs, ask yourself these three questions:
- What games do I already own? If you have 200 games on Steam, get a Steam Deck. If you love Mario, get a Switch.
- How much does portability matter? The Miyoo Mini fits in a pocket; the Legion Go requires a backpack.
- What is my budget?
- Under $100: Retro Handhelds.
- $300–$350: Nintendo Switch OLED.
- $500–$800: Steam Deck, ROG Ally, or Legion Go.
Final Verdict
For most people, the Steam Deck OLED is currently the best portable gaming system due to its balance of price, performance, and ease of use. However, if you are a casual gamer or have kids, the Nintendo Switch OLED remains an unbeatable classic.