Handheld gaming consoles have come a long way over the past decade, and although they can’t be used to make calls or do many other things that a typical smartphone can do, they are now more powerful than ever and are capable of handling even the most high-end, graphically demanding triple-A blockbuster video games.
People who want to play on the go choose handheld gaming consoles over smartphones and tablets because they don’t want all the distractions these devices normally plague them with while they play their favourite games.
With that said, let’s now dive straight in and take a closer look at some of the world’s best handheld gaming consoles that millions of players can’t seem to get enough of in 2025.
Why are more people than ever choosing to play their favourite games on a handheld console?
The number one reason why so many online gamers across the globe prefer using dedicated handheld consoles to play games is portability. Players can whip out their handheld console at any time of the day, no matter where they are, to have a short or long gaming session.
Thanks to these portable and robust devices, there’s no need for players to use bulkier, more restrictive devices such as gaming consoles like the PlayStation 4/5 or Xbox One or Series X/S, laptops, desktop computers or smart TVs.
However, players can still use bigger smart TV screens to watch the action from their handheld gaming console, meaning you don’t always have to watch the action unfold on a smaller screen as you can watch it play out on your television.
Therefore, handheld consoles are portable and convenient, making online gaming far more accessible. Some of them are relatively affordable, depending on the brand and model and how new the device is, and they are super easy to use.
Can you play games found on iGaming sites using a handheld console?
Yes and no. For example, if your handheld gaming console has a web browser and stable Wi-Fi connection, then you should be able to log in to a legally permitted iGaming site, such as the official 10Bet (https://www.10bet.co.za/games/) online sports betting and casino website, to play hundreds of fast-loading, computer-generated and live dealer games from various multi-award-winning, top-tier online casino software providers and game development studios.
However, playing content like this isn’t typically how most people would play. Instead, players who sign up to trusted brands like 10Bet usually play games on their smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer, not on a dedicated handheld gaming console.
What are the best handheld gaming consoles in 2025?
There are many great handheld gaming consoles to choose from in 2025, and the best way to narrow down your search is to start by devising a reasonable spending budget.
When you know roughly how much you have to spend on a new handheld console, it can eliminate the pricier models and enable you to focus on devices that aren’t dirt-cheap, such as mid-range models.
Without further ado, here are the names of the five best handheld gaming consoles to suit all types of budgets and gaming preferences. Examples include the following trusted devices:
- Valve Steam Deck – BEST BUY FOR ANYONE ON A BUDGET
- MSI Claw 8 AI+ – BEST HIGH-END HANDHELD GAMING CONSOLE
- Asus ROG Ally X – BEST OVERALL HANDHELD GAMING CONSOLE
- Ayaneo Flip DS – BEST COMPACT HANDHELD GAMING CONSOLE
- Lenovo Legion Go – BEST BIG SCREEN
Others worth considering are the Nintendo Switch Lite and the Logitech G Cloud. That’s not forgetting to mention the Analogue Pocket, the Evercade EXP, the Razer Edge, and the Super Pocket.
Before deciding which of these trusted handheld consoles to buy, the best thing to do is find out what each device is capable of and whether it can handle the games you think you will want to play on that device.
Final thoughts
Also, remember to search our website to try and find the latest expert reviews, and then compare several of our honest and unbiased reviews to determine which handheld gaming console would be a more suitable fit for you based on your personal preferences.
Besides handheld gaming console reviews, don’t forget to check out some of our other reviews, which cover just about everything from cars, cameras, displays, and games to headphones, laptops, movies, phones, tablets, wearables, and other tech reviews.
