If you've ever wanted to game on the go, you've probably thought about handheld gaming β and the name that comes up most is the Nintendo Switch. It and other handheld devices have made portable gaming more popular than ever. But with options ranging from the Switch to Steam Deck to phone gaming, choosing can be confusing.
This guide explains handheld gaming options and how to choose the right one for your needs.
The Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is the best-known handheld console, and it's a great entry point. Here's what makes it popular:
- Play at home or on the go. Docked to your TV at home, or used as a portable handheld anywhere.
- Nintendo exclusives. Mario, Zelda, PokΓ©mon and more β big, beloved games only on Nintendo.
- Family-friendly. Great for all ages, with a huge library of accessible games.
- Easy and reliable. Simple to use, no fiddling with settings.
If you want an easy, family-friendly handheld with great exclusive games, the Switch is a fantastic choice. It's especially good if you value portability and Nintendo's lineup.
Other handheld options
Beyond the Switch, there are other ways to game portably:
- Steam Deck. A powerful handheld that plays PC games (from your Steam library). Great for PC gamers who want portability, but more complex and less family-friendly than the Switch.
- Other PC handhelds. Devices like the ROG Ally β powerful Windows handhelds for PC gaming on the go.
- Cloud gaming handhelds. Devices that stream games from the cloud (see our cloud gaming guide). Requires good internet.
- Mobile gaming on your phone. The most accessible option β no new hardware, just games on your existing phone (see our mobile gaming guide).
- Older/retro handhelds. For playing classic games, if that appeals to you.
Each option suits a different gamer. Your choice depends on what games you want and how you want to play.
How to choose
Here's a practical way to decide which handheld is right for you:
π‘ The deciding question
Ask: "What games do I want to play on the go?" If it's Nintendo's family-friendly exclusives, get a Switch. If it's PC games, get a Steam Deck or PC handheld. If it's casual gaming without new hardware, use your phone. The games you want determine the device.
β¨ Consider what you already own
Before buying a new handheld, consider what you already have. If you have a phone, you can already game on the go (see our mobile gaming guide). And if you have a capable PC, cloud gaming (see our cloud guide) lets you stream to a phone or a cheaper device. Sometimes you don't need new hardware at all.
π Bottom line
Handheld gaming has many options, and the right one depends on what you want to play. The Nintendo Switch is the easy, family-friendly choice with great exclusive games. Steam Deck and PC handhelds play PC games on the go but are more complex. Cloud gaming handhelds stream games, and your phone is the most accessible option of all. Ask what games you want to play, consider your budget and who'll use it, and choose the device that fits. For many, the Switch or even your phone is all you need.
