Portable gaming systems are making a comeback this year, but it's a far cry from their heyday a couple of decades ago.
This year marks the first time that all three major gaming hardware companies—Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft—have introduced handheld devices to the market. And they are not the only ones.
A survey conducted over the holidays on behalf of the Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC) found that 16 per cent of children asked for gaming handhelds such as the ROG Ally and Steam Deck handheld as Christmas gifts. Meanwhile, 46 percent requested a home console, including the Nintendo Switch 2.
ESAC President Paul Fogolin said that while portable devices make up a relatively small piece of the pie, the survey results speak well for the growing segment because most of these devices are brand new. In particular, the desire for the Steam Deck also signaled a growing interest in PC gaming.
However, all of the aforementioned devices are very different, and which one is best for a gamer who wants to game on the go (or anywhere other than the living room) depends on several factors. Here's what you need to know about them.
Nintendo Switch 2
Release: June 2025
Price: $629.99, $699.99 included. World of Mario Kart
The Nintendo Switch 2 was released early Thursday morning, eight years after the first version debuted. Victor Lucas, a video game critic based in Vancouver, explains what's changed with the updated gaming console.
What is it? In many ways, the Switch 2 is a direct hardware update to the original Switch, which became extremely popular thanks to its ability to play like a handheld device but also connect to your TV via a dock.
The significant increase in power over its predecessor brings it closer to current home consoles from Sony and Microsoft. Its Joy-Con controllers now connect magnetically to the tablet, and it can play games (including older Switch 1 games) via digital download or physical game cards.
Flaws? Like most new gaming hardware, the Switch 2 is expensive, especially if you want a bundle with World of Mario Kart. The Joy-Con buttons and joysticks are smaller than average and can be awkward to use during long gaming sessions.
Who is this for? For fans of Mario, Zelda and other Nintendo games, this is an easy choice since you won't find them anywhere else. The Switch 2 is a solid new device, but if you're looking for a more affordable option, previous Switch consoles still support the vast majority of games in their library.
Microsoft Xbox ROG Ally and ROG Ally X
Release: October 2025
Price: $799 for Ally, $1,299 for Ally X.
What is it? Microsoft's first gaming laptop is not a smaller version of the Xbox Series S/X home console. This is a gaming PC running a special version of Windows, created in collaboration with computer manufacturer Asus.
It's optimized primarily for gaming, has a form factor that mimics a full-size Xbox controller, and is more comfortable to hold, although it's heavier than the Switch 2.
With the ability to play PC games from other platforms, including Steam and Epic Games, players have access to the largest library of games anywhere they go.
Flaws? Despite Microsoft's marketing line that almost everything is Xbox these days, you won't be able to play some older Xbox console games on Ally. It can play everything on PC Game Pass, as well as Play Anywhere games that run on PC or Xbox console.
You may also encounter strange compatibility issues; for example, some games will still prompt you to press keys on your keyboard even if there is no keyboard. It's also the most expensive handheld device from the big three gaming companies.
Who is this for? Anyone who wants to play their Xbox and PC games on the go and doesn't want to dive into the more complex waters of PC-centric portables. Just be prepared to pay a hefty price tag, especially for the Ally X, which makes a strong case for being the most powerful portable PC right now.
Sony PlayStation Portal
Release: November 2023
Price: $270, but often sells for around $240.
What is it? PlayStation Portal is the odd duck on this list. This sleek tablet device is streaming-only, meaning you can't download and play games directly from the system.
Instead, it's primarily designed to tether to the PlayStation 5, allowing you to play anywhere in the house, or even away from home as long as you're connected to Wi-Fi while your home console is running or in rest mode.
The portal has been around since 2023, but a new update released earlier this fall added cloud streaming, allowing you to play a limited selection of games without owning a PS5 console—as long as you have a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription, which costs $25 a month or $225 a year.
Flaws? Since you're only using the device for streaming, you'll need a strong internet connection to play. Because you're not playing from a hard drive, the game's image quality and frame rate may fluctuate, just like a video streaming app.
While the Portal's main buttons and joysticks are easy to use, the power and volume buttons are located on the back, creating awkward ergonomics.
Who is this for? At under $300, that makes it more than half the price if you still want to get into the current crop of gaming ecosystems—as long as you don't care about inconsistent quality thanks to streaming technology.
Other laptops
WATCH | Steam Deck Portable PC Trailer:
Since the launch of the Switch in 2016, exclusive PC gaming brands have released their own handhelds that can play PC games.
Chief among them is Valve's Steam Deck, which features a gaming-friendly dedicated operating system and relatively affordable prices. Other companies, Lenovo or MSI, offer newer processors or different form factors.
The high-end version of the Steam Deck, equipped with an OLED screen and selling for $819, is probably the most popular in this segment. But its performance lags behind the new Xbox ROG Ally X.
Retro handheld computers
You've probably noticed that the new generation of gaming laptops aren't all that small. They have seven-inch or larger screens, full-size controller grips, and will likely require an expensive carrying case.
Small and independent creators have attempted to fill the gap among enthusiasts driven by nostalgia. The Analogue Pocket looks like a high-end version of the Game Boy Pocket; The AYN Thor is a dual-screen device similar to Nintendo's 3DS.
However, these devices are often expensive, limited in availability, and require a certain level of technical know-how to unlock their full potential, which often involves (unofficially in many cases) playing classic games through legally gray emulation.
Otherwise, you'll find yourself scouring retro game stores for old cartridges or digging through your childhood collection while visiting family over the holidays. They are generally best used by DIY enthusiasts.
