Elite Gaming Handhelds
Tier 3 ($299+) - Top Performing Gaming Handhelds
1) Top Selection - Steam Deck OLED
Steam has revitalized handheld gaming and now makes gaming, new and retro, a portably pleasant experience! The new OLED panel has a beautiful 7.4" HDR 1,200x800 resolution display that also improves battery life! Steam also has very good customer support and an active community! If you want a device that nearly does it all, I choose Steam Deck OLED.
2) Best Android OS Handheld - Odin 2
The Snap Dragon 8 Gen 2 make the ODIN2 one of the best performing handhelds in 2024! Nearly all the limitations discussed in The Most Competitive Retro Gaming Handhelds the Odin 2 now surpasses. It's powerful enough to handle all retro gaming with plenty of room for upscaling on it's Full HD 1080p 6" display! I've also seen channels running 3DS and Switch games on it. If your primary focus is game emulating and android based games this device is almost overkill (but we appreciate that!) [Also you could stream games through moonlight/ steam link from your PC! ]
3) Best Direction - ASUS ROG Ally
The ASUS ROG ALLY is a legit handheld PC with serious power! It operates Windows 11, features an AMD Ryzen Z1 processor, and a 7" Full HD 1080p touchscreen!
Want something more entry level? Easier on the wallet?
Check out Tier 1 - Best Budget Retro Gaming Handhelds
Check out Tier 1 - Best Budget Retro Gaming Handhelds