10 Best Handheld Gaming Pc 2025 in the United States

The Nintendo Switch Lite in Blue is a compact and lightweight handheld gaming console designed for players who seek a portable gaming experience. One of its standout strengths is its ease of use and portability, making it perfect for gaming on the go. With a fun color option, it's visually appealing too. The Switch Lite supports online and local multiplayer, allowing friends to join in on the fun whether they're together or apart.

When it comes to the gaming library, the Switch Lite is part of the larger Nintendo Switch ecosystem, which means players can access a vast range of beloved titles, especially featuring iconic characters like Mario and friends. This aspect makes it a great choice for fans of Nintendo games and family-friendly content.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The Switch Lite lacks the ability to connect to a TV, limiting its versatility compared to the original Nintendo Switch. Its built-in storage may also be on the lower side for gamers who want to download many games, necessitating the purchase of a microSD card for expanded storage. The battery life is decent, but can vary depending on the game being played, which might be a consideration for longer gaming sessions. In terms of performance, while the Switch Lite can handle a wide range of games, it may not provide the same high-end graphics experience as more powerful handheld gaming PCs. Gamers looking for high-performance gaming may find it lacking in that area. Additionally, the smaller screen size may not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer a larger display for immersive gameplay.

The Nintendo Switch Lite is an excellent choice for casual gamers and families who value portability and fun, but it may not meet the needs of those looking for a more advanced gaming experience.

The Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy-Con is a versatile handheld gaming console that excels in offering multiple play styles: TV Mode, Tabletop Mode, and Handheld Mode. With a 6.2-inch multi-touch capacitive touch screen, it provides a good balance between portability and screen size for immersive gaming experiences. The battery life ranges from 4.5 to over 9 hours depending on usage, which is decent for extended gaming sessions on the go.

The Switch's ability to connect over Wi-Fi for multiplayer gaming, and support for up to 8 consoles for local wireless multiplayer, makes it a great choice for social gaming experiences. Weighing just 10.2 ounces, it is lightweight and highly portable, ensuring you can easily carry it around. The inclusion of AA batteries for the controllers is convenient, making it easy to replace them when needed.

A key strength of the Nintendo Switch is its massive popularity. Additionally, it may not match the processing power and graphical capabilities of more recent gaming PCs, which could be a limitation for users seeking top-tier performance and graphics. In summary, the Nintendo Switch is an excellent choice for casual gamers, families, and those who value versatile gaming options and social play.

The Valve Steam Deck Handheld Gaming Console with a 1TB SSD is a notable entry in the handheld gaming PC category, especially for PC gamers. It is powered by a custom AMD APU optimized for handheld gaming, promising to run even AAA titles smoothly. The inclusion of a 1TB internal storage, expandable through a micro SD slot, ensures ample space for a large library of games.

The 7-inch touchscreen display, which operates at 1280 x 800 resolution, provides a decent visual experience, though it lacks anti-glare features which might affect visibility in bright environments. The unique addition of two trackpads under the control sticks makes it possible to play games that traditionally require a mouse and keyboard, broadening its usability. However, the device is relatively heavy for a handheld at 4.09 pounds, which might affect portability for some users.

The Steam Deck also offers the flexibility of docking to a monitor or TV, doubling as a PC, which is a significant benefit. This console is an excellent choice for gamers who already have a large Steam library and look for seamless transition and versatility between handheld and traditional PC gaming. However, its weight and lack of anti-glare might be drawbacks for some users.