Top Handheld Gaming Consoles of 2025: Featuring Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and More

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Okay, so here’s the lowdown. If the Steam Deck’s whole deal with limited game launchers turned you off, hold up a sec. The Asus ROG Ally waltzes in like, “Hello, I’m a full-on portable PC, no Linux wizardry needed.” You can basically slap all your apps on it. Cool, right?

Y’know, Steam Deck isn’t flying solo anymore. There’s this new kid, the ROG Ally, rolling onto the scene. First legit rival in the Valve handheld space. Big words, I know, but hear me out. The Ally’s rocking Windows 11. That’s huge, like, big wind-in-your-hair freedom kind of huge. The Deck’s all about Steam. Got skills in Linux? Good for you, but if not, the Ally is your friend. It’s like an open invite to your whole game collection. Epic, Xbox Game Pass, EA Origin, whatever. Even Steam dives in, no hoops required.

Oh, and power? The Ally’s got it. Packing an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and Radeon graphics – that’s some high-octane stuff. Runs pretty sleek, too. No jet engine noises or overheating dramas. Now, sure, hit a bump here and there, but it kinda danced around more games than the Deck could, once you tweaked the settings. And let’s talk about that screen – Full HD LCD, not hurting your shoulder kinda light. Way easier to keep playing before feeling like your hands are staging a protest.

But, nah, it’s not all sunbeams. The light build? Handy, but yeah, a touch plasticky. The Deck’s got this solid vibe, while the Ally feels… let’s say less expensive? And oh, the stand – calling it flimsy is putting it nicely. Battery life, though – yikes. The Ally’s tapping out after like two-ish hours gaming and three on desktop mode. Compare that to the Deck with its solid four hours of play and up to eight on desktop. But hey, the Ally charges fast, so not all’s lost.

Couple more gripes. No carrying case at seven hundred bucks? Come on, ROG. And those back buttons, a smidge low for my liking. Maybe that’s just me.

So, what’s it gonna be? Steam Deck or Asus ROG Ally? Honestly, it’s all about personal vibes. If you’re after wide-open game access and beefy power, the Ally’s your device. Want something more posh and battery-friendly with a case to boot? Go for the Deck. Either way, both are pretty awesome in the gaming gadget realm.