The best handheld game consoles of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

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Nintendo revolutionized gaming with the release of the original Game Boy back in 1989. Since then, the company has been the undisputed king of handheld game consoles. Nintendo did it again with the original Switch console, allowing you to easily swap between handheld and TV play. But with the release of competitors like the Steam Deck, PC gamers now have the option to take their favorite titles on the road -- or just to the couch.

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What is the best handheld game console right now?

I chose the Nintendo Switch 2 as the best handheld game console for its increased RAM and storage over the original, extensive library of family-friendly games, and the seamless flip between handheld and TV modes. You can keep reading below to find out more about the Switch 2 as well as my other picks for the best handheld game consoles.

The best handheld game consoles of 2026

Why we like it: Nintendo's revamp of the Switch console features a custom CPU and GPU from Nvidia for 1080p resolution in handheld mode and 4K output to a TV or monitor. With HDR support, you get enhanced detailing and contrast while the 120Hz refresh rate provides smoother motion during fast-paced gameplay and cutscenes. The LCD screen is larger than its predecessor for better visibility. You also get double the internal storage with 256GB of space which can be expanded with microSD Express cards.

Review: Nintendo Switch 2

Who it's for: If you're looking for a handheld game console that the whole family can enjoy, you can't go wrong with the Switch 2. The extensive Nintendo library is packed with family- and kid-friendly titles. In addition, robust parental controls prevent your kids from accessing inappropriate games and apps.

Who should look elsewhere: The Nintendo Switch 2 shows a lot of improvement over its predecessor, but the lack of an OLED display feels like a step backward. At the time of writing, the Switch 2 does not support the YouTube app. If you're looking for something that will be an all-in-one entertainment solution, you may want to check out the Steam Deck or its competitors.

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Why we like it: The Steam Deck got a refresh with a 7.4-inch OLED display for enhanced picture quality and color accuracy on such a small screen. Choose either 512GB or 1TB of internal storage that can be expanded with microSD cards. With a battery life of up to 12 hours, you can game, browse the web, and so much more without having to worry about keeping your charging cable handy.

Review: Valve Steam Deck

Who it's for: The Steam OS is a Linux-based operating system that can be used in both handheld and desktop mode. This means you can fully customize your Steam Deck and maybe even replace your laptop. Since it's Linux-based, you don't have to worry about any annoying AI being stuffed into the device and draining your battery, eating up RAM, and tracking your data.

Who should look elsewhere: Since the Steam Deck is the most popular handheld for PC-level gaming, it can be hard to find in stock, even as a refurbished unit. It's also a victim of online scalpers who buy up what little remaining product there is and resell at a ridiculous markup. Thankfully, there are a few alternatives from other brands like Lenovo and MSI to help fill the gap.

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Why we like it: The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is a solid alternative to the Steam Deck if you can't find it in stock. With twice the RAM, you'll get better performance for high-end games and multitasking. Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports allow you to quickly set up a second display, charge while you play, or move files between devices. The Claw 8 AI+ also has a respectable 5-hour battery life with fast-charge support.

Review: MSI Claw 8 AI Plus

Who it's for: The Steam Deck is getting more difficult to find for sale with the ongoing RAM shortages, and the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is a great alternative. Since it runs on Windows 11, the learning curve is easier to handle than the Linux-based Steam OS.

Who should look elsewhere: The Claw 8 AI+ uses Windows 11, so it's stuffed with AI features like Copilot, which can eat up battery life and memory. The Steam OS devices are Linux-based, which means that they do not support either software or hardware-level AI.

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Why we like it: A more affordable Steam Deck alternative, the Legion Go S offers 32GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage that can be expanded with microSD cards. The 8-inch LCD display gives you great picture quality for playing everything from triple-A first-person shooters to cozy pixel art simulators. With a 120Hz refresh rate, you'll get smooth motion during fast-paced gameplay while VRR support helps prevent annoying screen tearing and stuttering.

Review: Lenovo Legion Go S

Who it's for: The compact design of the Legion Go S might be more comfortable than the Steam Deck for some gamers. With double the RAM of a Steam Deck, you get boosted performance for graphics intensive games and multitasking in non-gaming apps like Discord or a web browser.

Who should look elsewhere: The biggest drawback to the Lenovo Legion Go S is the lack of an OLED display option. The LCD panel is capable of great picture quality, but if you're looking for the best of the best, you'll want to spring for the OLED Steam Deck.

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I chose the Nintendo Switch 2 as the best handheld gaming console you can buy because of its family-friendly library of games, familiar controls, and low retail price at the time of writing. It also features 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, which is double what the original Switch had. You can also expand your storage with microSD Express cards.

Best handheld game console	Price	Display size/Type	RAM/Storage
Nintendo Switch 2	$450	7.9-inch LCD	12GB/256GB, expandable with microSD Express
Steam Deck	$549	7.4-inch OLED	16GB/Up to 1TB
MSI Claw 8 AI+	$999	8-inch LED	32GB/1TB
Lenovo Legion Go S	$650	8-inch IPS	32GB/1TB

Choosing the right handheld game console can be a confusing process with different processors and operating systems as well as compatibility and personal preferences.

If you want something that the whole family can enjoy, the Nintendo Switch 2 offers a library of kid-friendly games as well as familiar controls if you're upgrading from an original Switch. If you're in the market for something that can handle triple-A titles at near-PC specs, you'll want to spring for one of the Steam OS-based consoles like the MSI Claw or Steam Deck OLED.

Buy this best handheld console...	If you want...
Nintendo Switch 2	A well-rounded handheld gaming console the whole family can enjoy.
Steam Deck	A gaming laptop alternative to play your favorite PC games on the go.
MSI Claw 8 AI+	An alternative to the Steam Deck with more RAM and storage options.
Lenovo Legion Go S	A balance between price and performance.

Latest news on handheld game consoles

The Steam Deck begins to run out of stock in certain regions due to the ongoing RAM shortages. It is unclear when factory-new units will be available again, though refurbished and secondhand models are still available to buy. Albeit at inflated prices.

Whether you're trying to decide between buying a gaming laptop or a handheld console, or are looking to add something to your collection, there are a few things to consider when shopping around:

Game and app support: A console is only as good as the games you can play on it. With something like the Nintendo Switch 2, you'll be more limited in what you are allowed to play and what apps you can use due to the proprietary operating system and licensing. With PC oriented consoles, you have more freedom to customize your experience with extensive backwards compatibility, app support, and even emulation support.
Display type: We've come a long way from the simple LCD screens of the original GameBoy. With both premium OLED and mid-range LED options, you can push handheld gaming to the limit with up to 120Hz refresh rates and 4K resolution. OLED displays provide sharper contrast and detailing as well as more accurate colors than the LED models.
Battery life: Most handheld gaming consoles have battery lives on par with gaming laptops, giving you about six hours of use on a full charge. You can push that a little further if you don't play anything that is graphically demanding or if you spend a lot of time in apps like a web browser. If you choose an OLED display for your handheld console, you'll sacrifice a bit of battery life for a better picture, as it will draw more power than an LED or LCD panel.

Since the original Nintendo Switch hit the market, other manufacturers have taken a chance on handheld gaming consoles. And to help you find the best fit for you, I chose models based on these criteria:

User friendliness: A game console is only as fun as it is easy to use. The PC-based handhelds like the Steam Deck use a custom Linux operating system or a modified version of Windows 11, making them feel familiar if you know your way around a laptop or desktop. Nintendo uses a proprietary operating system that feels intuitive so anyone can pick up and play within a few minutes.
Price and availability: With RAM and GPU shortages affecting manufacturing and supply of everything from smartphones to televisions, handheld game consoles are starting to feel the pinch with inflated prices and less frequent restocks. Each model on this list was chosen for its stable pricing and availability in both new and certified refurbished condition.
Storage options: Modern games tend to have much larger file sizes than previous generations, sometimes requiring over 100GB of empty storage space for installation. While many handheld consoles have decent internal storage, they also feature expandable options via microSD/microSD Express cards so you can keep your digital library in one convenient place.

Yes. The Steam Deck OS is based on the Linux open-source code. With the Desktop mode, you can download compatible apps like Discord and web browsers so you can turn your handheld into an ultra-portable PC. If you really know what you're doing when it comes to coding in Linux, you can even run your own commands and code to create the ultimate custom mobile PC.

As of March 2026, the Nintendo Switch 2 does not officially support the YouTube app, and is only compatible with the original Switch LCD and OLED models. At the time of writing, Nintendo has not announced any plans to update compatibility.

It already has. Valve's Steam Deck started to run out of stock in February, with even refurbished units selling fast as buyers raced to snap up consoles before prices could skyrocket. Prices of competitor consoles like the MSI Claw and Lenovo Legion Go have also begun to rise in response to the high cost of RAM and other key components. The Nintendo Switch 2 debuted at a wince-inducing $450 compared to the original Switch's $299.

More handheld game consoles to consider

The original Switch got a refresh a few years ago with an OLED screen for better picture quality while in handheld mode. And even after the launch of the Switch 2, there are still plenty of reasons to pick up the Switch OLED. With a huge library of games and continued support, you can get a lot of life out of an older console (and save a bit of money along the way).

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This tiny device features a design reminiscent of the old GameBoy handhelds, offering robust compatibility with thousands of GameBoy/GBC/GBA titles as well as Game Gear, Neo Geo Pocket, Atari Lynx, and more for the ultimate retro console.

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