Best handheld gaming console: Nintendo Switch 2 vs Steam Deck vs ASUS ROG Ally

Gaming-on-the-go has been a mainstay in the gaming world for decades and is not going away any time soon. As technology continues to grow more powerful and more compact, handheld gaming console options continue to expand. In 2025, with the recent release of the Nintendo Switch 2 — Nintendo’s follow-up to their 2017 smash-hit hybrid console — the competition in the handheld market has grown even more intense. 

The other two biggest competitors in the handheld space are Valve and the ASUS-owned Republic of Gamers (ROG).?Valve’s Steam Deck?continues to impress with its PC-level flexibility and affordability, while the ASUS ROG Ally?pushes the envelope with raw power and premium features.  

Each device offers a distinct vision of what handheld gaming can be: mainstream console simplicity, PC versatility or a high-performance hybrid. But which one truly delivers the next level of portable gaming? Let us break down the benefits, downsides and offerings of each.  

Released in June of 2025, the Nintendo Switch 2 is the highly anticipated successor to the first iteration of the device in 2017. The Nintendo Switch introduced the concept of a hybrid console to the market; a gaming device that can be played on a TV or monitor while docked or played in a portable handheld form when undocked.  

Nintendo Switch 2 builds on the massive success of its predecessor while introducing new features, refinements and hardware upgrades. As with any console, it comes with its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a closer look at what makes Switch 2 stand out and where it might fall short. 

Nintendo’s ecosystem has always been a closed garden — you can only access Nintendo’s suite of features and games by using their proprietary hardware and software. This means that Nintendo’s iconic franchises like Mario Kart, The Legend of Zelda, Metroid and other new first-party games can only be played on Switch 2.  

Perhaps the biggest benefit of buying a Switch 2 is the ability to access Nintendo’s highly reviewed and polished gaming catalogue. Switch 2 even offers the ability to play NES, Super Nintendo, Gameboy, Nintendo 64 and GameCube games through the Nintendo Online service.  

Nintendo’s exclusivity enhances the brand’s identity for some. But for others, it feels restrictive in an era where cross-platform interactions and open ecosystems are becoming the norm. 

One of the standout features of Switch 2 is its exceptional?portability mixed with the ability to dock and play on a larger resolution screen — a unique feature pioneered by Nintendo. This next-gen model continues that experience whether you're at home or traveling, but adds a larger screen, redesigned Joy-Cons and kickstand, 4K resolution support and a thin but durable design. 

Equally impressive is the console's?versatility. Switch 2 effortlessly transitions between handheld, tabletop with kickstand and docked modes to adapt to your environment and play style. Detachable Joy-Con controllers allow for instant local multiplayer sessions. This hybrid design not only enhances convenience but also broadens the ways players can engage with the games.  

While the Nintendo Switch was a super smash hit that continued to dominate up till the release of Switch 2, there was a lot of criticism regarding Nintendo’s reluctance to be in parity with Sony and Microsoft’s gaming boxes in terms of power and performance.  

The Nintendo Switch 2 is a significant leap in power over the original Switch thanks to its upgraded internals. It features a custom Nvidia Ampere GPU with 1,536 CUDA cores — six times more than the original 256 — to deliver a substantial boost in graphical performance. The CPU has also been upgraded to an 8-core ARM Cortex A78C that allows for smoother multitasking and faster load times. RAM has tripled from 4GB to 12GB, and internal storage has expanded from 32GB to 256GB1 — all to support higher fidelities and more current generation software. 

In terms of display and output, the Switch 2 now supports 1080p in handheld mode and 4K HDR when docked — a major improvement over the original 720p handheld and 1080p docked output. It also supports up to 120 frames per second (FPS) for select titles and includes features like HDR and VRR to enhance visual responsiveness.  

All these features and upgrades come together to create a competent and beefier successor to the Switch that can handle the current and near future generation requirements. 

Unlike a gaming computer or current generation of PS5 and Xbox consoles, the Switch 2 has very constrained options on what you can upgrade. Nintendo’s focus on simplicity, portability and affordability means you won’t be able to swap out or upgrade components like the system’s RAM or add an SSD. Only internal storage can be upgraded through purchasing supported MicroSD Express cards. 

This limitation can be a drawback for gamers who value futureproofing or want to push their hardware to the limits with the latest titles. Users are largely locked into the hardware as-is, which could become a bottleneck as game requirements evolve. However, this trade-off also allows Nintendo to tightly optimize games for their hardware and ensure a consistent experience. 

If you’re looking for a vast first-part library during the launch window of Switch 2, you may want to hold off on purchasing one until more exclusive titles are released. While upcoming Nintendo releases have been announced — like Donkey Kong Bananza releasing in July — the system launched with only two first-party titles: Mario Kart World and Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, with the latter game being an introduction to the system’s features and additions behind a $10 paywall and not a full release title. 

With the system’s beefier specs, Nintendo is boosting their older Switch titles and increasing performance when playing on Switch 2. A handful of third-party developed games were also released alongside the new device, including Cyberpunk 2077, Fortnite, Hogwarts Legacy and plenty of smaller indie games. 

The Nintendo Switch 2 has faced criticism primarily due to its steep launch price tag of $450 — a significant $150 increase over the original model in 2017. Many fans argue that while the console offers performance upgrades like a larger, higher resolution screen and improved internal components, it doesn’t introduce any groundbreaking new features to justify the higher cost. The console design remains largely unchanged and can make it feel more like a refined iteration rather than a next-gen leap for some consumers. 

Additionally, the price of games has risen with titles like Mario Kart World costing $80 digitally and physically. Switch 2 might seem like an unnecessary luxury rather than a must-have upgrade for casual gamers, especially when the original Switch still supports most of the same library currently. 

The Steam Deck is Valve’s ambitious entry into the handheld gaming market released in 2022 and a huge success by 2025. Steam Deck puts the power of a gaming PC into a portable form factor and allows players to access their entire Steam library on the go. Steam Deck continues to evolve and compete with other hybrid consoles. 

Let’s take a closer look at what makes Steam Deck a compelling choice in a market of handheld gaming — and the areas where it loses steam.  

The Steam Deck is powered by an AMD APU that combines four core Zen 2 CPU with RDNA GPU to deliver solid performance for a handheld device. The Deck ensures smooth gameplay across titles with support for up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and NVMe SSD storage. The OLED model released in 2023 improves battery efficiency and visual fidelity with a more vibrant display.? 

Whether you're playing indie games or demanding AAA titles, the Steam Deck handles them with surprising ease for its size. 

One of Steam Deck’s biggest strengths is its seamless integration with the massive Steam library. Users can enjoy everything from triple-A blockbusters to niche indie gems with over 10,000 games rated for Steam Deck compatibility. 

Unlike traditional consoles, the Steam Deck isn’t limited to a curated store; it’s a full-fledged PC running the Linux-based SteamOS 3.0. The freedom of the OS means you can install game launchers like Epic Games, GOG and more. An open ecosystem gives you unparalleled freedom and flexibility in how and what you play. 

While not as modular as a desktop gaming PC, the Steam Deck offers more upgrade options than most handheld consoles. Users can expand storage via microSD cards or replace the internal SSD with a larger one, such as the Crucial P310 2230 NVMe SSD to expand storage and performance.  

Your Steam games can even be played directly from an external SSD to let you install and store games off the internal storage. The Crucial X10 Pro is a great option to increase speed and space on the Steam Deck with up to 4TB options. 

Valve also provides repair guides and sells replacement parts through iFixit. This level of transparency and support is rare in the console space and appeals to tech-savvy gamers who like to tinker.  

Battery life remains one of Steam Deck’s biggest downsides — a constant struggle when it comes to portable handheld devices. The exact length can vary wildly and last anywhere from 3 - 12 hours2 depending on the game and settings?according to Valve’s official specs.  

While the OLED model improves battery life efficiency, high-performance games still drain the battery quickly. This can be frustrating for users who want to game on the go without constantly hunting for a power outlet or hauling around a portable power bank.  

The Steam Deck is significantly bulkier and heavier than other handhelds like the Nintendo Switch 2. Weighing approximately 1.41 lbs. (640 grams), it can be tiring to hold during extended gaming sessions. Its large size also makes it less portable for users who want a device that easily fits into a bag or can be used discreetly in public spaces. 

Steam Deck starts at a competitive price point around $399 for the base model, although higher-end models — especially the OLED version with 1TB storage — can exceed $650. Steam Deck offers great value for the hardware, but the cost may be a barrier for casual gamers or those who already own a gaming PC and have no need to access their library remotely or portably. 

The upside is that the Steam store front offers constant discounts and deals on a vast array of games. This makes buying into the ecosystem a little easier, compared to the expensive ecosystem of Nintendo where first-party games rarely go on sale and are now $80. 

Released as part of the growing trend of handheld PC gaming devices, the ASUS ROG Ally is a stylish and powerful Windows-based portable gaming device that aims to bridge the gap between traditional gaming laptops and handheld consoles. It offers the flexibility of a full PC with the convenience of a portable form factor packed with top-of-the-line performance. 

The inclusion of Windows 11 OS also means you’re not limited to a curated storefront or walled garden — you can access Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store and much more. The ROG Ally brings a lot to the table in terms of raw power, display quality and upgrade potential, but it also comes with a few compromises. Here’s a closer look at what makes the ROG Ally a standout device.  

The brain of the ROG Ally is AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Series processors, a chip designed specifically for high-performance portable gaming. Paired with the muscle of AMD’s RDNA 3 GPU, the Ally delivers high frame rates and impressive visuals across a wide range of modern PC titles, even compared to other handhelds on this level. The ROG Ally also boasts a zero-gravity thermal system as its thermal solution to keep the system cool and perform under heavy gaming.  

One of the ROG Ally’s most unique features is its support for ROG’s XG Mobile external graphics dock, fitted with the monstrously powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 GPU. This allows users to connect a top-of-the-line GPU to the handheld and transform it into a full-fledged gaming rig when docked that can be played from the couch. 

While ROG Ally does not allow for internal RAM upgrades due to soldered on memory, it does support internal storage upgrades with compatible NVMe SSDs, such as the Crucial P310 2230 NVMe SSD, to boost performance, loading times and allow for more installed games. 

The ROG Ally features a 7-inch, 1080p Full HD display with a 120Hz refresh rate to offer crisp visuals and ultra-smooth motion with touch screen capabilities. The screen is bright, colorful and responsive thanks in part to AMD FreeSync Premium integration that reduces screen tear, making it ideal for fast-paced shooters, visually rich RPGs and everything in between. 

The ROG Ally’s display stands out for its clarity and fluidity compared to other handhelds, outperformed perhaps only by the OLED Steam Deck in visual quality. 

Despite its impressive performance, ROG Ally struggles greatly with?battery life. The device often lasts only one or two hours under heavy gaming loads — a drastically lower amount of time compared to other portable handhelds. Even with lighter tasks outside of gaming, the battery doesn’t stretch far beyond that 2-hour window. This can be frustrating for users expecting a more console-like experience on the go. 

A short battery life severely limits the ROG Ally’s portability, making it more suitable for short sessions or use while plugged in to a power source or the ROG XG Mobile. 

The ROG Ally is priced between $650 and $800 depending on the configuration and specific model, a price point that places the ROG Ally in the premium tier of handheld gaming devices. While the performance and features may justify the cost for some, it’s a steep investment compared to alternatives like Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch 2 or other traditional consoles.

Additionally, the cost of accessories and games can significantly increase the total price to make it even less accessible for budget-conscious gamers. The ROG XG Mobile with RTX 5090 is expected to be priced at around $2,100.  

The ROG Ally supports the full Windows ecosystem, but that level of support can be a double-edged sword. Navigating Windows 11 on a small touchscreen can be clunky, and the lack of a unified launcher or optimized UI can make the experience feel less seamless than on a console. Game compatibility is also dependent on how well titles scale to the device’s hardware and screen size. 

With that being said, ROG Ally does support ROG’s proprietary app, Armoury Crate. Armoury Crate aims to simplify managing aspects of your computer or device by giving you control over lighting, updates, profiles and more, in addition to putting all your games and launchers into one application.