From handheld emulation devices to powerful portable PCs
Handheld gaming systems are making a resurgence. As with the Game Boy, people have loved to play their games unblocked on the go. A vast array of 2025’s best handheld gaming devices have sprung up in recent years, enabling players to play unblocked games wherever they go. As we gaze into the future of gaming on the go, it is obvious that these portable devices are developing with lightning speed. But there are so many new models hitting the market nearly every week. How do you know which ones are worth your time and money.
You probably know already that the Nintendo Switch is a big favourite, but the best handheld for you might be a low-cost emulation device or a high-end portable computer — it depends on what you want. Therefore, to help you make a better purchasing decision, we have researched and review 2025’s best gaming consoles for kids, prepared a comparison list of 2025’s best handheld gaming devices and published 2025’s best handheld gaming devices reviews.
2025's top handheld gaming devices
Image by Gamer4Fun
Steam Deck OLED: Display: 7.4-inch HDR OLED, 1,280 x 800 resolution, 1,000 nits peak HDR brightness, 600 nits SDR brightness, up to 90Hz | Processor: Custom 6nm AMD APU | RAM: 16GB LPDDR5 6400 MT/s | Storage: 512GB, 1TB SSD | Battery: 50Whr | Physical dimensions: 11.73 x 4.6 x 1.93 inches | Weight: 1.41 pounds | Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | Operating System: SteamOS
Steam Deck LCD: Dimensions: 11.73 x 4.6 x 1.93 inches; Weight: 1.48 pounds; Wi-Fi 5; Bluetooth 5.0; Processor: Custom 7nm AMD APU; RAM: 16GB LPDDR5 5500 MT/s; Storage: 256GB SSD; Battery: 40Whr; Measurements: 11.73 x 4.6 x 1.93 inches; OS: SteamOS
In the market for gaming handhelds, Valve’s Steam Deck still provides the best combination of cost, functionality, and performance.
Additionally, the more recent Steam Deck OLED is a significant improvement over the first one. This model has a 7.4-inch OLED display that is brighter, faster, slightly larger, and more colorful than the 7-inch IPS panel on the now entry-level model. It starts at $549 for 512GB of storage. Every game appears better by default because to an OLED screen’s increased contrast and richer colors, but this panel also supports HDR, which produces noticeably brighter highlights at its peak. Additionally, the maximum refresh rate increases from 60 Hz to 90 Hz, which can make many games appear more fluid.
The Steam Deck OLED also lasts longer than previous models because to its larger battery, more efficient AMD APU, and less power-hungry display. According to Valve, the OLED variant may operate for three to twelve hours, depending on the game, while the LCD model lasts between two and eight hours. However, no portable device can play resource-intensive “AAA” games for an extended period of time. The chassis feels lighter, and a larger fan keeps things quieter and cooler. Although the OLED model’s greater memory bandwidth can help it earn a few additional frames in some games, performance is essentially the same.
Still, $549 is a significant outlay of funds. The entry-level Steam Deck, which has a 256GB SSD as standard but a simpler IPS LCD display, is still an excellent device.
worth $399. Either way, the hardware is beginning to show signs of wear and tear: If they are supported at all, many of the most popular games that have been launched in the last year just don’t work well. Live-service games like Apex Legends and Destiny 2 are also unplayable due to Linux and anti-cheat software issues.
However, both Decks are capable of running hundreds of thousands of games unblocked that are just not available on a Nintendo Switch, such as Baldur’s Gate 3 and Elden Ring, and they continue to be a natural home for the vast number of smaller-scale gems scattered over Steam. (Hi, Balatro!) The list of officially certified and still playable games is enormous, varied, and continuously expanding, even though official game support is restricted to a portion of the Steam library. Workarounds exist to gain access to other storefronts as well, making it easier to enjoy a wide variety of unblocked games. As we look ahead to the future of handheld gaming, it’s clear that devices like these will continue to play a major role in gaming on the go.
Valve’s SteamOS has become an incredibly versatile and user-friendly platform, thanks to a nearly continual flow of updates. To get a game running as efficiently as possible, you may occasionally need to make adjustments, but this process is generally simple. This flexibility, combined with third-party programs like EmuDeck, makes the Deck an excellent choice for those interested in emulation. Almost all games work flawlessly, although some PS3 and original Xbox titles can be a bit tricky. With a bit of setup, even Xbox games can be streamed to the cloud, expanding the options for handheld play.
Looking ahead, this device is a serious contender in the 2025’s top handheld gaming devices list, offering a lot more than just the basics. The 2025’s top handheld gaming devices for kids are likely to feature these devices as viable options for both entertainment and learning. Still, the biggest issue with the Steam Deck is its size: Even with the OLED variant being lighter, it measures two inches thick and nearly a foot long, which might challenge traditional perceptions of what a “handheld” device should be. The LCD version may also heat up quickly and become noisy. Each device’s D-pad is a little mushy as well, but the curved rear grips help balance out the weight, and both models feel solid, with smooth joysticks, dual touchpads, and responsive face buttons and triggers.
For those eager to stay ahead of the curve, 2025’s top handheld gaming devices reviews will likely continue to highlight devices like the Steam Deck as essential choices for gamers who want unblocked games and flexibility in their portable gaming setup.
Pros
- Enough power play modern PC games
- User-friendly interface
- Vivid display on OLED model
- LCD model is fantastic value
- Superb emulation performance
Cons
- Bulky
- Doesn’t support every Steam game or games from other PC clients
The best handheld gaming device for Windows
ASUS ROG Ally X
Image by Ita prime
Dimensions: 11.02 x 4.37 x 0.97-1.45 inches | Weight: 1.49 pounds | Display: 7-inch IPS, 1080p resolution, 500 nits brightness, 120Hz, VRR | Processor: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | RAM: 24GB LPDDR5 7500 MT/s | Storage: 1TB SSD | Battery: 80Whr | Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 | OS: Windows 11
You can get a Windows-based handheld instead of the Steam Deck if you’re prepared to pay more for greater power. If you’re ready to give up some usability in exchange for a greater performance ceiling, the ASUS ROG Ally X is currently the best of those and a good substitute for Valve’s gadget. Consider it a more portable laptop for gaming.
The original ROG Ally, our prior Windows choice, has been improved upon with the ROG Ally X. The latest edition has the same display and is powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme CPU, but it has more RAM, double storage, a twice-larger battery, better ergonomics, and an extra USB-C connector. Although it is more expensive by $150, it is a better piece of hardware in almost every aspect.
The ROG Ally X is superior to the Steam Deck for three key reasons. Power is the first: A “Turbo mode” that increases the device’s power draw made the original ROG Ally somewhat more reliable at running graphically demanding games at higher frame rates. up to 25W or 30W when connected. (At 15W, the Steam Deck formally caps out.) The additional RAM and enhanced memory bandwidth further enhanced this benefit by five to ten percent, depending on the title, according to our study of the ROG Ally X. Although it’s generally better and has a lot more overhead now and in the future, it’s still not a game-changing improvement in some games when all settings are equal. The Ally X is more likely to run demanding “AAA” games well if that’s your primary preference, and the difference has only became more apparent in recent months.
Having said that, the customizable refresh rate of the Ally X is its second key selling point. This 7-inch LCD screen is undoubtedly not as vivid or color-rich as the Steam Deck OLED’s, but it is faster (120Hz) and sharper (1080p), and VRR support does wonders to maintain games’ fluidity even when frame rate varies. It’s significant.
The ability to play games from any PC client—not just a selection of Steam games—is the third major benefit of Windows. Without the need for workarounds, you may access libraries you’ve accumulated on retailers like Epic, GOG, or the Xbox app here just like you would on any other Windows computer. It works well for Xbox Game Pass games, exclusives from the Epic Games Store, and stubborn always-online games like Destiny 2 that need anti-cheat tools.
Though Windows has many advantages, unfortunately it is also the biggest disadvantage to any Windows portable. ASUS has done a lot of work to turn its Armoury Crate software into a perfect game launcher and settings center. It feels quick and lets you tweak control profiles and GPU modes on a per-game basis. “However, Microsoft has acknowledged that it’s still working around the limitations of an operating system that isn’t scaled for this size factor, leaving the best handheld gaming devices arriving in 2025 to lack their full potential.” When considering the future of handheld gaming, it becomes apparent that Windows devices are powerful, yes, but they also have less than silky smooth gameplay capabilities.
While Windows dominated the desktop environment, portable Windows devices made their own way in the world, particularly for anyone looking to play a range of games unblocked and discover a greater selection of titles. This handheld generation is proving to be the biggest yet for unblocked games, and systems like these could keep providing a selection of options not seen on traditional consoles. Such flexibility is part of what has kept them as a top contender for both the 2025 list of hand-held game systems.
Best handheld gaming devices for kids in 2025: If you’re a parent who wants your child to own one of the top handheld gaming devices for kids in 2025, then you have to consider one of these devices, which typically promise more than your budget computing models and a wealth of unblocked computer games. That said any issues with Windows portability might also be a deal-breaker for some, but this doesn’t stop the system from being an option that remains for anyone who’s got a taste for the best 2025 handheld gaming devices out there to suit gaming while away from home.
The ROG Ally X’s suitability for you ultimately depends on how much software jank you can tolerate. If you’re prepared to put up with a little UX sloppiness to play expensive games from any client, wherever you choose, it should be Worth the higher price.
Pros
- More powerful than Steam Deck
- Works with any Windows gaming client
- 1080p 120Hz display with VRR
- Well-built
Cons
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Windows 11 isn’t optimized for handhelds
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Pricier than Steam Deck
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No included case
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No Hall effect joysticks
Top handheld mobile gaming device for the majority of
Retroid Pocket 5
Image by Retro games corps
Measurements: 7.84 x 3.09 x 0.61 inches; Weight: 0.62 pounds; Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.1; OS: Android 13; Display: 5.5-inch OLED, 1080p resolution, 500 nits brightness, 60Hz; Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865; RAM: 8GB LPDDR4x; Storage: 128GB UFS 3.1; Battery: 5,000mAh
If your primary goal is to replicate earlier consoles, the Retroid Pocket 5 is the handheld to get. Only PC, PS5, and Xbox games may be streamed on this Android-based device because it is far less powerful than portable PCs like Steam Deck or ROG Ally X. However, at $219, it’s a great deal if you want something smaller and are prepared to put up with the numerous hassles of getting emulators to operate.
The Snapdragon 865 processor powers the Pocket 5. (The same one that 2020 flagship phones use.) and 8GB of RAM, as well as an integrated fan that can be adjusted to three different settings for a little boost in performance. This enables it to run the majority of games from the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube, two well-known retro consoles that are difficult for portable devices to imitate. Gran Turismo 4, ESPN NFL 2K5, Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal, and Midnight Club 3 are among the more demanding PS2 games that we were able to play at full speed and 1.5x to 2.5x their native resolution with a little setup. At a 2x or 3x upscale, however, GameCube titles such as Super Mario Sunshine, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and F-Zero GX were incredibly good that’s all excellent value for the money.
At a 3-5x upscale (which maximizes the display’s resolution), almost every console we tested from those below the PS2 and GameCube on the performance totem pole—PSP, Dreamcast, PS1, N64, etc.—performed flawlessly. The majority of the Wii and 3DS games we tested ran smoothly at 720p to 1080p as well, but the 5.5-inch panel is a little small to view two DS screens, and translating the Wii remote to a handheld device is frequently difficult. Some Switch games can also be made to work, but we don’t recommend it while the Switch is still easily accessible for purchase. Xbox cloud streaming performed similarly to other devices when it came to modern games, while native Android.
At the highest settings, we had no problems with Diablo Immortal, Call of Duty Mobile, or Asphalt Legends Unite.
Let’s be clear: You should expect to tinker with a device like this if you’re new to emulation. Certain games still won’t operate properly even after the time-consuming steps of protecting ROM files, downloading the greatest emulator versions, mapping various control schemes for each platform, and navigating Retro Arch’s menu nightmare.
The Pocket 5 is not exempt from this. To prevent visual issues in games like Mario Superstar Baseball and New Super Mario Bros. Wii, we had to install a third-party GPU driver. To conceal overscan-related abnormalities, we had to adjust the display crop in Gran Turismo 4. The Sega that is most popular Because of the messiness of the Saturn emulator for Android, we had to direct games for that system to a particular RetroArch core, after which they all functioned flawlessly. To get many games to run at their peak performance, you will need to adjust rendering, resolution, and active cooling settings. Even then, some challenging games, like Star Wars Rogue Squadron II, will experience crippling slowdowns. It’s all very boring. However, you would do it because you genuinely enjoy vintage games and are willing to work hard to enjoy them in comfort and at a reasonable cost.
We wouldn’t call the Pocket 5’s plastic frame “premium,” but it’s certainly more durable and has more heft than 99 percent of the fake handhelds churned out by no-name Chinese companies. The screen is the star: Everything looks more vivid on the 1080p OLED, from the lush greenery of Stardew Valley to the deep blue hues of The Wind Waker, and it’s bright and sharp enough to display unblocked games beautifully. Around the back, the textured, modestly sized grips provide a natural resting ground for your middle fingers. The face buttons have just the right amount of travel and press very smoothly. The d-pad is precise and firm enough that we can damn well play Tetris DX without complaint. The clicky bumpers are obvious, as are the wide, flared analog triggers. They don’t sound particularly full, but they can get extremely loud.
For all the promise in publicly announced plans for handheld gaming the Pocket 5, with the design despite our single biggest complaint — the layout (left stick below the d-pad) — is of course at the top of the list for what still could be. This is great if you’re using a PS5 controller, but here it can cause problems when playing more modern titles. This design compels you to dangle your left hand halfway off the screen so it’s less comfortable for long stretches. Essentially, because they are using magnetic Hall effect sensors, the sticks themselves should not drift over time, only by how tightly or loosely they are constructed, which means they should not only be tight but last. That makes the Pocket 5 a strong contender for the best handheld gaming devices of 2025.
This handheld gives a taste of what to expect in a 2025-embedded list of best handheld gaming devices in a market where we see how much easier it gets to find games unblocked on systems that can be carried anywhere. Whether you want to unleash fun with unblocked games or explore new adventures, the Pocket 5 could very well end up on the list of the best 2025’s handheld game consoles for children and enthusiasts. Rest assured this device will be counted among the best handheld gaming devices of 2025 when it comes review time, for being such an innovation for gamers and for its vast capabilities.
When simulating older 8- and 16-bit consoles, battery life can range from more than 10 hours to about three hours with demanding Android games. That’s good. Although the device’s highest setting is quite noisy, the active cooling system ensures that it never feels overly hot; therefore, you shouldn’t use it near a sleeping partner. It’s also important to note that, contrary to what its name suggests, the design won’t fit in most pockets hog space in a bag or purse.
Pros
- Strong emulation and Android gaming performance for the price
- Lovely OLED display
- Sticks and buttons feel great
- Sturdy, portable design
Cons
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Requires a ton of tinkering to get some emulators working optimally
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Joystick layout isn’t ideal for modern games
Overall, the greatest handheld mobile gaming device
AYN Odin 2
Image by Restro games corps
6-inch IPS screen with 1080p resolution and 60Hz | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor | 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB LPDDR5x RAM | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB UFS 4.0 storage | 8,000mAh battery | 8.86 x 3.86 x 0.67-inch dimensions | 0.93-pound weight | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 | Android 13 OS
The AYN Odin 2 is the greatest retro gaming handheld available right now if you have more money to spend on an emulator-focused device. All of the Retroid Pocket 5’s features are available on this Android device, but they run more smoothly and consistently. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor—the same chip found in premium phones starting in 2023—is mostly to blame.
With 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, the Odin 2 starts at $299. costly considering that for just $100 more, the entry-level Steam Deck can run PC games natively. However, there aren’t many other small mobile handhelds that function this well for this price. In contrast to systems like the PS1, N64, and Dreamcast, which operated flawlessly at a 3-5x upscale, it was able to play every PS2 and GameCube game we tested at two to three times their native resolution. At 2-3x, the majority of 3DS and Wii games also experienced minimal to no slowdowns. It’s superior to most with the Sega Saturn and has a greater selection of Switch games than the Pocket 5 (though if that’s a big deal, you should just get a Switch). Setting adjustments will still be necessary for more difficult systems, but the better chip means You won’t have to make as many changes to each game as you would with less expensive devices.
However, the Odin 2 is a sophisticated piece of hardware in addition to offering raw performance. Despite being bigger than the Pocket 5, it is still much smaller than a portable computer, and its curved back grips make it comfortable to hold. The Hall effect joysticks, analog triggers, face buttons, and d-pad all feel fantastic; the latter are offset, making the device more comfortable than the Pocket 5 for streaming new PC and console games. Additional features like two programmable back buttons, a micro-HDMI out port, a fingerprint scanner, a dedicated return button, and clear front-facing speakers are all pleasant extras.
The 6-inch touchscreen with 1080p is bright and suitable for modern games, but it lacks the Pocket 5’s OLED panel’s depth of color. The battery life is excellent: with lighter tasks, we were able to get over 20 hours of juice, compared to over eight hours with systems like the PS2. Additionally, the device supports 65W fast charging. Since it runs on a slightly modified version of Android, the stock interface should be familiar to most users, and cloud streaming and native Android games function as intended.
Since our last update, AYN has released a few different Odin 2 versions, such as the larger, OLED-equipped Odin 2 Portal and the PS Vita-like Odin 2 Mini. Since they share a chipset, these ought to be equally potent. Both should be more specialized, but For $120 less, you can get the Retroid Pocket 5 almost as good as the Mini, and the Odin 2 Portal is about the same size as the Steam Deck but much less functional overall. Out of the three bases, Odin 2 should cast the widest net.
Pros
- Excellent emulation and Android gaming performance
- Comfortable
- Great battery life
Cons
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Steam Deck is more capable for $100 extra
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Setting up emulators can still be laborious
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Docked experience isn’t seamless
A high-end portable device for vintage portable games
Analogue Pocket
Measurements: 5.86 x 3.46 x 0.86 inches; weight: 0.61 pounds; OS: Analogue OS; Display: 3.5-inch LCD, 1,600 x 1,440 resolution, VRR 30Hz-62Hz; Chipset: Altera Cyclone V FPGA, Altera Cyclone 10 FPGA; RAM: 3.4MB BRAM, 2x 16MB 16-bit cellular RAM, 64MB 16-bit SDRAM, 256KB 16-bit asynchronous SRAM; Battery: 4,300mAh
The best Game Boy is the Analogue Pocket. With its vertical appearance, it resembles a high-end, updated version of Nintendo’s iconic handheld, and it even supports add-ons like the Game Boy Camera. Two more face buttons, a pair of rear triggers, a microSD card, a USB-C connector, and a rechargeable battery with a six to ten hour playback time are all features that the Pocket has over the original. Above all, it boasts a stunning 3.5-inch screen that has multiple filter settings and can be made to resemble an old Game Boy panel. It is also backlit and extremely sharp (615 ppi). With an optional dock, the device can also output to a TV.
The Pocket is made to play real cartridges, not just ROM files, in contrast to the vintage handhelds discussed above. Through its cartridge slot, it can play games from the Sega Game Gear, TurboGrafx-16, Neo Geo Pocket, and Atari Lynx. It also works with Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games.
The Pocket mimics its target systems on a hardware level by using field-programmable gate array (FPGA) motherboards, just like previous analog devices. This implies that the Pocket’s “emulation” of earlier titles is almost flawless in practice, with a degree of responsiveness and visual accuracy that is unmatched by software-based emulation. You can basically play it as intended by simply inserting a Game Boy or GBA cartridge. However, the Pocket can also run ROMs off a microSD card, allowing it to play systems like the SNES and Sega Genesis, thanks to a significant post-launch update and a vibrant user base.
Priced at $220, the Pocket is not inexpensive, and its shoulder buttons are not as responsive as the superior d-pad or face buttons. The Pocket, which has only grown more adaptable over time, is still the most stylish way to play games that you own for the Game Boy, Game Gear, or GBA.
Pros
- Plays Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and GBA cartridges with near-perfect emulation
- Gorgeous display
- Impressive build quality
- Expandable via adapters
- Supports software emulation
Cons
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Stock issues and shipping delays are common
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Shoulder buttons feel a little spongy
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Tiny volume buttons
Sony PlayStation Portal
image by Spawn poiint
The strange add-on known as the PlayStation Portal is made specifically to stream games from a PlayStation 5. It doesn’t support classic emulation because it doesn’t have any built-in apps. We are unable to promise how well it will work because it depends totally on the caliber of your home Wi-Fi. Additionally, it is incompatible with Bluetooth earbuds.
PlayStation aficionados who desire a second screen for local PS5 streaming may find it appealing because of its excellent DualSense-style controls and good 8-inch display. Although it’s a positive move, Sony recently introduced the option to stream a number of games via the cloud. However, in order to benefit from this feature, you must have a costly PlayStation Plus Premium subscription. Most folks would be better off keeping their $200 because, generally speaking, there isn’t anything here that you can’t do with a smartphone and a mobile gaming controller.
Logitech G Cloud
If the Logitech G Cloud had been around $150 less expensive when it first came out, it would have been a fantastic Android device. Compared to the screen on the AYN Odin 2, its 7-inch 1080p display is brighter, more colorful, and generally more aesthetically pleasant. Its battery lasts for a respectable 10 to 12 hours between charges, and its design is comfortable to handle for extended periods of time. Unfortunately, the G Cloud still costs between $260 and $300 on average, which is excessive given that the Retroid Pocket 5 is more powerful at a lower cost.
Facts on the industry for handheld gaming
image by The techchap
The market for gaming handhelds can be divided into three major segments. X86-based portable gaming PCs, such as the ASUS ROG Ally X or Steam Deck, are at the top. Since they aim to mimic the experience of a gaming PC with moderate specs, these are the most powerful handhelds available. The majority of them utilize Windows, although the Steam Deck runs Linux. This is the kind of device you would acquire if you want to play new, contemporary PC games on the road (and require something more powerful than a Switch). Additionally, they are able to simulate the greatest variety of vintage consoles. However, they can have a short battery life and are usually the biggest and most difficult to hold devices. Of course, they’re also most costly, with prices ranging from $400 to over $1,000. “Mobile handhelds” such as the Retroid Pocket or Logitech G Cloud are at the lower end of the price range. These gadgets, which can cost anywhere from less than $50 to about $400, frequently run Linux or Android. Although they lack the capabilities to play contemporary console or PC games, they are typically smaller than a portable PC and can still be used for cloud streaming and mobile gaming. Many gamers actually purchase them to emulate classic games using programs like RetroArch, even though the majority are marketed toward those purposes. It can be difficult to get emulators to function properly, and it’s illegal to access the BIOS and ROM files needed to play games in this manner.
For example, the most popular Switch and 3DS emulators were shut down. (Trending Gadgets Digests) does not support pirated content.) However, if you don’t want to use your phone exclusively, a mobile handheld can be a more convenient and cost-effective way to play the classics. This is because it’s more reasonable to back up files of games you already own for personal use only.
The final tier will be referred to as “handhelds that do their own thing.” This is a general term for portable devices that run highly customized software and are designed to offer a distinctive gaming experience, such as the Switch or Playdate. They frequently have unique game libraries rather than being perfect for emulation or playing the newest multiplatform games. They may not be the most widely appealing as a result (Switch excluded), but they’re frequently simpler for people who aren’t as tech-savvy to use.
