The fact that we are in a transitional phase is no longer news. AMD has revealed that the Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, the next-generation APU powering many PC gaming handhelds, will be available “early next year” (CES 2025), coinciding with the release of the Nintendo Switch 2. This period is especially exciting for fans of video game characters, as new hardware often brings fresh opportunities for iconic figures to shine in innovative ways. While these handheld options are fantastic for gaming on the go (and are getting cheaper as Black Friday approaches), it might be wise to wait and see what unfolds.
1. Nintendo Switch OLED
You can play games on the go with the best portable gaming consoles
Image by max dendy
What Make It Special
Spec
Size: 9.4 x 4.0 x 0.6 inchesWeight: 14.9 ouncesBattery Life: 9 hoursGame Store: Nintendo eShop
Why You Need It
Beautiful OLED screen+Handful of small, useful upgrades+Handsome black-and-white color scheme
Reasons to avoid
This Switch, as its name implies, has an OLED display that is not only bigger than the typical Switch’s but also brighter and more colorful, making some of the greatest Nintendo Switch games pop straight away. Whether you’re diving into an all star game game time session or exploring a library of walkthrough games, the enhanced visuals are immediately noticeable.
When The Big N’s handheld hybrid originally came out in 2017, it should have had many of the quality-of-life enhancements that the OLED model offers. The most important of them? I can’t express how much I detested the ridiculously flimsy stand on the launch version, but the OLED version finally has a robust kickstand that no longer appears like a stern glance may topple the little console over. Slimmer bezels, more realistic speakers, and a system dock Ethernet port are all excellent additions. I’m happy that Nintendo did this.
That magnificent 7-inch OLED screen is, of course, the true headline enhancement. As someone who has spent ten years infatuated with “organic light-emitting diodes,” it has been really satisfying to see some of my favorite Switch games suddenly transformed and made much more aesthetically pleasing by the flawless black levels that OLED offers. The Switch OLED’s amazing display is perfect for games mostly set in gloomy settings, such as the gripping Metroid Dread or the incredibly underappreciated Switch port of Alien: Isolation.
Whether you’re tackling intense challenges or navigating tricky walkthrough games, only Steam Deck OLED’s top-notch screen and the vast quantity and caliber of first-party titles available on the Nintendo eShop allow it to compete in the portable gaming market.
Without a doubt, the Switch OLED is the greatest handheld device ever produced by the venerable Japanese business. And considering an amazing legacy that dates back to the Game Boy in 1989, that’s truly saying something. But is now the perfect time to buy, given the impending release of the Nintendo Switch 2? Perhaps. I would only advise going for it if you find a good Black Friday offer. But if you’ve played console games all your life, this is still the best portable.
2. Steam Deck
Image credit to the relaxing end
Why We Recommend
Specifications
Size: 11.73 x 4.6 x 1.93 inchesWeight: 1.4 poundsBattery Life: 3 to 12 hours (rated)Game Store: Steam
Why You Need It
Bright and color OLED display+
Lighter build+
Faster Wi-Fi
Reasons to avoid
–
Display is only major improvement
The genuine thing is the Steam Deck OLED. It’s actually the greatest portable gaming PC ever produced. Furthermore, it’s not that close. New features like an OLED HDR-capable display, Wi-Fi 6, and better cooling make a big impact, even though it’s not a completely revolutionary improvement over the original Steam Deck. This handheld is an engineering wonder, just like its predecessor.
I still strongly advise upgrading if you currently possess a Steam Deck—as long as you have the funds, of course. To put it simply, the Deck OLED’s HDR screen is a “game-changer” in every way. Compared to the poor LCD display that frequently made the best Steam games appear washed out on the original, this is a huge improvement
system. Play timeless titles like Batman: Arkham Knight or the Resident Evil 2 remake on the enhanced Deck’s captivating screen. The endless black levels that Valve’s updated portable can now produce make those games considerably easier on the eyes.
If you have a large Steam library on your laptop or gaming PC, Steam Deck OLED offers you a fantastic new display option. SteamOS is a pleasure to use, with Valve designing a console-like UI that functions flawlessly and the company performing an amazing job of identifying which titles are compatible with its portable PC with its “Deck Verified” ratings.
For PC gamers, the Steam Deck OLED is an obvious choice to buy. No Windows handheld can now compete with Valve’s amazing device due to the strength of SteamOS and the quality of that amazing HDR display, which can reach a peak screen brightness of 600 nits.
3. Asus ROG Ally X
image by opmag
Specifications
Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 ExtremeGPU: AMD RDNA 3 12 CUsRAM: 24 GB LPDDR5-6400Storage: 1 TBScreen size: 7-inchResolution: 1920 x 1080Operating system: Windows 11Weight: 678 g (23.9 oz)
Reasons why you need it
Cooling system is quiet and effective+Performance is slightly better than the original Ally+A big battery and SSD are now standard+24 GB of RAM+Comfy to hold, despite the extra weight
Reasons to avoid
Can still get a bit hot when docked–Not very svelte–Expensive compared to the Steam Deck
Because of its nearly flawless balance of portability, comfort, and performance, the Asus ROG Ally X is the best all-around handheld gaming PC.
Although the original ROG Ally, Asus’s first attempt, is a fantastic gaming device, it has a lot of problems, including a short battery life, uncomfortable grip, and hardware that overheats easily. All of that has been resolved in the Ally X, but the package as a whole has significantly improved.
A massive 80 Wh set of cells and a 1 TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 drive are now standard, replacing the tiny battery and SSD. Games now run more smoothly thanks to the increase in RAM from 16 to 24 GB of LPDDR5-6400. Asus has made adjustments
Despite having the same processor and clock speeds, it performs a bit faster thanks to the cooling system, which keeps parts from bouncing off thermal limits, and the additional memory.
If it weren’t comfortable to hold for extended periods of time, the extra-long battery life would be pointless, but Asus has smoothed out all the edges, so it now fits comfortably in your hands. Compared to the superior thumbsticks, shoulder, and back buttons, which all function more positively, it is a little heavier, but the extra bulk isn’t noticeable.
There are a few minor adjustments and modifications all around: a full-speed USB4 port has replaced the previous ROG XG Mobile port for connecting an external GPU, which makes adding peripherals more simpler. Since the 1 TB SSD is now the standard M.2 2280 size for PCs, upgrades and replacements are less expensive, but they do require some technical know-how the ROG Ally X is now a more competent and entertaining mobile gaming PC thanks to improvements made to even the power constraints and Asus’ Armory Crate software. Naturally, it still runs Windows 11, so it lacks the sophisticated software ecosystem of the Steam Deck, but if you can tolerate that, you’re in for a treat. it will be interesting to observe how the competition reacts to the Asus ROG Ally X, which has raised the standard for rival portable gaming PCs.
4. OneXPlayer OneXFly F1 Pro
image credit to nootbook
Specifications
Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370GPU: AMD RDNA 3.5 16 CUsRAM: 32 GB LPDDR5X-7500Storage: 1 TBScreen size: 7-inchResolution: 1920 x 1080Operating system: Windows 11Weight: 599 g (21.1 oz)
Reasons to get for yourself
Strix Point is great for handhelds+
15 W performance is stunning+
Fantastic ergonomic design+
OneXConsole has matured
Reasons to avoid
Weak battery life–
Expensive compared with Ally X and Steam Deck OLED
Enhancing the OneXFly’s design and feel with a powerful new processor is a terrific approach to get amazing handheld performance, but it also raises the price.
This device, which is our first hands-on experience with AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HC 370 in gaming portable form, is incredibly powerful. Without additional software, there aren’t any significant performance improvements between the integrated Radeon 890M and the 780M of the last handheld. Even if you only want to run it at 15 W, this performs admirably when using frame generation or Fluid Motion Frame 2.
This performs admirably even if you only want to use 15 W. The F1 Pro is a somewhat heavy device, weighing just under 500 g, but it is well-balanced, ergonomic, and feels fantastic in the hands. It is also quite strong. However, the great OLED display with a peak brightness of 800 nits, the powerful processor, and the evident build quality add to the price, making this handheld nearly twice as expensive as the already somewhat pricey Asus ROG Ally X.
Additionally, the battery life is dismal, allowing for around one hour of playback at 30 W and somewhat longer at 15 W Of course, you can get more than this by playing less demanding games, but no matter how you play, this probably won’t last you very long. Because of this, if you intend to take it outside of the house, you should have a power outlet close by or bring a portable charger.
It does excel in several areas, though. With a 7-inch screen and two USB4 Type-C connectors in addition to a full-featured USB 3.0 Type-A port, it’s a surprisingly small device. This makes it ideal for a dock because it allows you to play without using any external devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, or phone notes regarding the model that we were able to study. First, there are some significant variations between the OneXFly F1 Pro models, and the gorgeous red and gold Evangelion portable is a theme that is peculiar to China.