Gaming on the go has been vital in the gaming industry for decades. The Best Handheld Console has been a coveted title since the early Game Boy days, and that remains true in 2024.
This last year, many companies have taken their shot at the best handheld console and have all had their own unique features to bring to the table. ASUS brought the ability to game from multiple platforms with the Ally. PlayStation brought a handheld device that brought the power of the PS5 with you. And then Valve put a shiny new spin on their Steam Deck, with a crystal clear screen to play your Steam games on the go. For these reasons and more, here are our winners for Best Handheld Console 2024.
Best Handheld Console 2024:
ASUS ROG ALLY HANDHELD CONSOLE PC
Writer: Brendan Frye
In the world of handheld gaming PCs, the Steam Deck has reigned supreme since its launch in early 2022. But now ASUS is looking to challenge Valve’s portable powerhouse with the slick and capable ROG Ally. Packing a new AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, more RAM, and a gorgeous 1080p display, the Ally seems ready to claim the handheld gaming crown. However, its $699 price tag and quirky Windows software don’t make that an easy win.
Make no mistake — the Ally is an impressive gaming machine. But its battery, ergonomics and Windows quirks limit its overall appeal. This early entry in the handheld PC space shows great promise. However, there is still work to be done to refine the formula. For power users, the ASUS ROG Ally is a compelling option, but for now, at least, the Steam Deck remains the default choice for most gamers. The competition is heating up, and that can only be good for portable gaming.
The ASUS ROG Ally can run games beautifully when it works correctly, however, poor battery life and a need for constant tinkering take it out of the running for average users.
- Amazing graphics: AMD Radeon RDNA3 graphics (4GB VRAM, 12 compute units)
- Ample storage: A 512GB NVMe PCIe 4 M.2 SSD gives you room to store your favorite games and keep load times snappy. Easily upgrade and replace with another M.2 2230 SSD with a single pop-open screw. Insert a UHS-II MicroSD card into the built-in slot for even more storage and playing options
PLAYSTATION PORTAL
Writer: David Walters
The PlayStation Portal is a beautifully crafted device. It takes the form of a DualSense PS5 controller with a screen in the middle. That screen is an 8” LCD screen that has an impeccable colour display and is very bright and vibrant. It is so bright, in fact, that I actually needed to turn the brightness down when playing games like FC 24 and NHL 24 because the field of play was too bright. Now, mind you, I was playing them at 1 am in my dark bedroom, but even in the brightness of midday, the PlayStation Portal has a gorgeous display, and there is no compromise on colour quality.
Using the PlayStation Portal is as simple as connecting it to the same network that your PS5 is on and pressing play. It does not require its own PS Plus membership or any other add-ons. It will play almost any game that is installed on the console, apart from VR titles or anything that requires a peripheral that isn’t a DualSense, DualSense Edge, or DualShock 4 controller.
A handy device to have around the house, the PlayStation Portal is a great way to play your PS5 games when you just can’t get access to the TV.
- Put Your PS5 in the Palm of Your Hand – PlayStation Portal Remote Player gives you access to the games on your PS5 over your home Wi-Fi*, letting you jump right into gaming without needing to play on a TV.
- Play Your Game Collection – PlayStation Portal Remote Player can play compatible games you have installed on your PS5 console, including your favorite games for PS5 and PS4.**
Steam Deck OLED Handheld
Writer: Brendan Frye
In the realm of handheld gaming, Valve’s Steam Deck OLED emerges as a formidable contender, directly challenging industry giants with its advanced PC-based platform. Priced at a premium, it promises an unparalleled gaming experience with its new OLED display and enhanced performance features. CGMagazine looked at the last iteration of the Steam Deck and was impressed by what it brought to the table. It was a solid system that brought new life to your existing Steam library.
The Steam Deck OLED represents a significant step forward for Valve’s foray into handheld gaming. With its stunning OLED display, improved design, and thoughtful upgrades, it offers a more immersive and enjoyable gaming experience. While it may not match a high-end PC’s performance, it strikes a fine balance between portability and power. The flexible storage options and decent battery life further enhance its appeal. For those considering an upgrade from the original or entering the world of handheld PC gaming, the Steam Deck OLED is a compelling choice that stands out in a competitive market.
With its stunning OLED display and impressive under-the-hood enhancements, the Steam Deck OLED is not just an upgrade, it’s a game-changer in the world of handheld gaming.
