Industry News
Handheld Gaming Consoles: The Future of Gaming
Dec
Handheld gaming consoles are growing in popularity, allowing ultimate flexibility for gamers to take the gaming experience anywhere. While Nintendo paved the way for this with the Game Boy, other brands have created their own consoles that either work directly with their system or as a mini gaming PC. With the world of gaming at your fingertips, let’s look at some of the top handheld gaming consoles available today.
SteamDeck
The SteamDeck is a Steam-specific handheld console that transports your entire Steam library with you. It is a powerful, portable gaming PC that’s designed for comfort and a console-like experience, with a user-friendly interface specifically designed for its gamepad controls. Built for extended play sessions, its software and operation system are tailored for ease of use and are a great way to get into PC gaming. As you scroll through your game library, you’ll see the compatibility rating of each game which indicates the kind of gaming experience you can expect. Steam offers an LCD or OLED version with varying storage sizes to fit the needs of every gaming. Accessories, such are carrying cases, screen protectors, and docking stations, are also available for the SteamDeck to ensure safe and efficient travel.
ASUS Rog Ally
The ASUS Rog Ally is a Windows 11 gaming machine, bringing your Steam, Xbox, Epic, and more libraries together in one, cohesive experience. The Rog unleashes the full potential of its cutting-edge hardware, taking the gaming world by storm. With a straightforward Command Center, you can easily change performance modes, enable FPS limiters, see real-time monitoring data, and remap or customize the buttons on the console. Two additional paddles on the back can be used as in-game buttons or modifiers to unlock more options. The Rog Ally is the 2023 version, and the Ally X is the 2024 version that offers a few upgrades but does not diminish the value of the 2023 one. With travel accessories, Windows Defender, and offline compatibility, the ASUS Rog Ally is a great option for a mini-gaming PC.
Nintendo Switch
Nintendo paved the way for handheld consoles, coming out with a wide variety over time that offered a new or upgraded experience with each product. Currently, they have three options available: The Switch, the Switch Lite, and the OLED Switch, which offer different ways to play to fit every scenario. You can connect the console using the dock, which is included with the Switch, or enjoy handheld gaming anywhere you go. The Lite is 100% portable and does not have a docking station, but still offers the full gaming experience the others do. Carve out some time to game peacefully, take it to a friend’s, or travel with fun at your fingertips. With an option for every scenario and a huge variety of accessory options, dive into the world of Nintendo and embark on a new adventure today.
Lenovo Legion Go
The Lenovo Legion Go is Lenovo’s portable gaming PC that joined the portable revolution to keep your games all in one easy-to-navigate library. With console-level performance and graphics, a super vivid touchscreen display, and controls that will keep you at the top of your game, this handheld console is ready for every gaming environment. It also has multiple gameplay modes and meticulously designed TrueStrike controllers that can be detached to play from different positions. Supercharge your gameplay and enhance your Legion Go with accessories to change its looks or make it easier to travel with. Lenovo also offers a cleaning kit to keep your Go at peak performance.
While all of these handhelds can be connected to an external monitor or TV, keep in mind they are designed for portability so they may require setting adjustments to play on an external screen.
Honorable mention to the PlayStation Portal, a PlayStation-specific handheld console that is a reasonable price of $200 but only works with the PlayStation Turned on (or in rest mode) and with a Wi-Fi connection.
