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

Sure thing. Here’s the messy, human-like version:

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Okay, so I’ve been noodling around with these new handheld gaming things. You know the Steam Deck, right? Well, turns out it’s got a buddy/competitor now — the Asus ROG Ally. I’ve got some thoughts. Maybe too many, but whatever, you’re here now.

First off, if you’re like me and get twitchy about not having everything at your fingertips (hello, control freaks), you might be bummed with Steam Deck limiting you to its own stuff. Asus ROG Ally, though? Totally different story. It’s a fully functional portable PC. No Linux gymnastics to do. Magic, right?

So, Steam Deck isn’t the lone ranger anymore — Asus ROG Ally crashed the party. First real player against Valve’s star handheld gaming PC. And yeah, the Ally’s running on Windows 11. Already kinda winning there because it’s, I dunno, accessible. None of that “you gotta be a tech wizard” nonsense of needing Steam’s own world to play your stuff. The Ally just says, “Go ahead, load up Epic, Xbox Game Pass, EA Origin — whatevs!”

Now about power — not like, mystical power, but tech power. The Ally’s got this AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and an AMD Radeon graphics setup. “Wow” moment here because this thing runs like a charm. Played a bunch, and it didn’t sound like an airplane taking off or melt in my hands. (Weirdly impressive.) Oh, and the screen? Gorgeous HD and less hand-cramping heavy than the Steam Deck. So I didn’t feel like I’d get carpal tunnel after a session.

But hold up, all isn’t rosy in paradise. Yeah, the Ally is light, which is awesome for marathon gaming, but it does feel kinda, uh, plasticky? Compared to the Steam Deck’s premium feel. Oh, and the stand… yeah, it’s a joke. Like, did they just forget it on the blueprint?

Battery life, though. I can’t even. Compared to the Deck? The Ally’s a bit of a napper. Like, two hours in gaming mode. C’mon. Though it does charge quick, so that’s something. Best have it plugged in if you’re settling in for the long haul.

Few more nitpicks — call me picky. At $699.99, where’s my carrying case, Ally? Seriously, Steam Deck gives you one on the house. And those back buttons? A smidge too low, but hey, maybe my fingers are weird.

So which to get — Steam Deck or ROG Ally? Depends, honestly. Not dodging the question, promise! But if you want accessibility and a bigger library, grab the Ally. If premium feel and longer battery life are your jam, the Steam Deck’s your friend. Both are golden in their own weird, quirky ways. You’ll have fun either way, probably.

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There you go.