Best Gaming Handhelds 2026: Steam Deck, ROG Xbox Ally, Switch 2 and More

Handheld gaming PCs and consoles have never had more choice, and they're one of the most popular gifts this year. Here's which gaming handheld to buy in 2026, depending on what you play: Steam games, Windows and Xbox Game Pass, or Nintendo. One warning first: prices moved a lot in 2026 because memory got much more expensive, so always check today's price before you buy.

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Quick pick

• Mostly Steam games, best value: Steam Deck OLED.
• Windows, Xbox Game Pass and every PC store: ROG Xbox Ally or ROG Xbox Ally X.
• Mario, Zelda and Pokémon: Nintendo Switch 2.
• Biggest screen and detachable controllers: Lenovo Legion Go 2.
• Intel's new Arc G3 Extreme chip: Acer Predator Atlas 8 or MSI Claw 8 EX AI+.

Steam Deck OLED: best for Steam players

Valve's Steam Deck OLED runs SteamOS, so your Steam library works with almost no setup, and sleep and resume work like a console. Reviewers still call it the best value for Steam players. It's sold through Steam rather than most regular stores, and Valve raised its price in 2026, so check the Steam Deck page for the current price. Most owners add a fast microSD card for more storage.

ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X: best for Windows and Game Pass

ASUS and Microsoft's ROG Xbox Ally handhelds run Windows with an Xbox full-screen experience, so you get Xbox Game Pass, Steam, Epic and other PC stores on one device. The Ally X is the more powerful model with more memory and a bigger battery; the regular Ally is the cheaper way in.

Nintendo Switch 2: best for Nintendo games

If they want Mario Kart, Zelda or Pokémon, there's only one choice. Nintendo sells two bundles with a full game download and 3 months of Nintendo Switch Online: Switch 2 + Mario Kart World ($549.99 MSRP) and Switch 2 + Nintendo Switch Sports Resort ($529.99 MSRP). Remember that Switch 2 storage needs microSD Express cards. More ideas in our gifts for gamers guide.

Lenovo Legion Go 2: biggest screen

The Legion Go 2 has the largest screen of the group and detachable controllers, like a supersized Switch. It's also one of the most expensive, and its price has varied a lot between stores in 2026.

Intel handhelds: Acer Predator Atlas 8 and MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

Intel's new Arc G3 Extreme chip powers two new handhelds. The Acer Predator Atlas 8 launches November 1 at Best Buy for $1,299.99, about $500 less than MSI's Claw 8 EX AI+ with the same chip. Full details in our Acer Predator Atlas 8 article.

Accessories every handheld owner needs

• A fast microSD card (microSD Express for Switch 2).
• A hard carrying case and a screen protector.
• A 65W or stronger USB-C charger or a power bank for travel.

My take

For most people the choice is simple: Steam Deck OLED if they live on Steam, ROG Xbox Ally if they want Game Pass and every PC store, Switch 2 if they want Nintendo games. Because prices jumped around this year, check two or three stores before buying, and watch for Black Friday deals. Which handheld would you pick?