Handheld gaming has never been hotter. The recent launches of the Nintendo Switch 2, Valve’s Steam Deck, and Microsoft and Asus’s new Xbox Ally have opened up multiple avenues for gaming on the move. However, out of all these new alternatives, which one is the best? Let’s compare and see how these handhelds stack up.
Hardware Showdown: Switch 2 vs. Steam Deck vs. Xbox Ally
Nintendo’s Switch 2 has a custom Nvidia ARM processor, a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD, and up to 120Hz refresh rate. It’s thinner, quicker, and more powerful than the original Switch, with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 5,220-mAh battery. The dock is capable of 4K output and even features a fan for cooling, making it a proper hybrid for both TV and handheld gaming.
Steam Deck uses AMD’s Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU with as much as 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM. The OLED model comes with a 7.4-inch display at 90Hz, while the LCD model has a 7-inch display at 60Hz. Storage capacity is from 256GB to 1TB, and the device is highly famous for its ease of repair and upgrade.
Xbox Ally and its more expensive cousin, Ally X, are powered by AMD Ryzen Z2 processors and Windows 11. Ally X upgrades to 24GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an 80Wh battery, while the base-model Ally includes 16GB of RAM and 512GB storage. Both have 7-inch 1080p touchscreens and are optimized for 15–20 watts of power consumption to balance speed with longevity.
They all possess distinct personalities: the Switch 2 is about efficiency and exclusives, the Steam Deck is about flexibility and unadulterated PC power, and the Xbox Ally is about putting the full Windows experience in your pocket.
Game Libraries: Exclusive Worlds and Endless Choices
Nintendo Switch 2 is the sole destination to enjoy Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and future first-party blockbusters. It also receives remastered titles such as Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, as well as a GameCube virtual console. The drawback is that Nintendo titles hardly ever go on sale, with fresh releases frequently costing up to $79.99.
Steam Deck and Xbox Ally provide you with access to the vast universe of PC gaming. With the Steam Deck, you can connect to thousands of games of all types, ranging from indie sensations to huge AAA titles, and reap the benefits of regular discounts. The Xbox Ally, which is Windows-powered, takes this one step further by providing access to Steam, Xbox Game Pass, the Epic Games Store, and even PlayStation ports. What this amounts to is that you can play nearly anything you already possess without having to buy again.
If Nintendo first-party wizardry is your desire, Switch 2 is the only choice. But if you value variety and bang for buck, PC handhelds simply can’t be beat.
User Experience: Plug-and-Play vs. PC Power
Switch 2 makes it simple. Joy-Cons magnetically attach, local multiplayer is straightforward, and TV playing docked is a snap. Accessory features such as voice chat over the built-in voice chat, party games leveraging the camera, and a mouse-enabled Joy-Con enhance the experience. The operating system is solid and family-friendly, albeit parts of it—such as friend codes—remain stuck in time.
Steam Deck and Xbox Ally go all in on the complete PC experience. You can set graphics settings, install mods, and switch between different storefronts. The Steam Deck brings in the flexibility of touchpads and customizable controls, and the Xbox Ally brings it all together with a full-screen Xbox-style interface. These computers are powerful, but they do take a bit more time to get set up, particularly if you’re going to be using cloud gaming or remote play.
For people who only wish to dive right into a game, the Switch 2 is the most convenient. For gamers who like to tinker and customize, the Steam Deck and Xbox Ally provide more flexibility.
Price and Value: What Are You Paying For?
Switch 2 begins at $450, or $500 with Mario Kart World. It has Joy-Cons and a dock but only 256GB of storage, and it isn’t inexpensive to upgrade using Nintendo’s microSD Express cards. Games for the Nintendo console tend to appreciate and don’t go on sale that frequently.
The Steam Deck starts at $399 for the 256GB LCD version. The OLED versions are $549 for 512GB and $649 for 1TB. With Steam’s constant sales and frequent hardware promotions, a library does not cost much to build.
The pricing of the Xbox Ally range has not been determined, but it will be positioned near the Steam Deck. The Ally X will be more expensive due to its superior specs, but both will have expandable storage and access to the huge, frequently less expensive PC game library.
If budget is a major consideration, Steam Deck and Xbox Ally offer you more value for money, both in terms of hardware versatility and game cost. Switch 2 is a worthwhile purchase if Nintendo exclusives and hybrid build matter most to you.
Portability and Design: On-the-Go Comfort
Switch 2 is the lightest and smallest of the trio, weighing 534 grams. Its flat design is convenient to carry, and the enhanced kickstand holds multiple positions for tabletop use. Detachable Joy-Cons enable local multiplayer to be easy, and the console feels reassuring, although some players would like it to have analog triggers.
The Steam Deck, at 640 grams for the OLED version, is heavier and larger, but with ergonomic handles that make extended play sessions a pleasure. It comes with a carrying case and can be repaired, which will appeal to players who prefer to tinker.
The Xbox Ally is heavier again, but its grips curve like standard Xbox controllers, so it feels comfortable to console gamers. Its quick-to-navigate full-screen interface and its blend of portability and performance are balanced well. Battery life continues to be refined, but the Ally family is designed for extended use.
Families and travelers will most likely prefer the Switch 2 for its portable nature and removable controllers, whereas gamers for whom comfort and customization are imperative might consider the Steam Deck or Xbox Ally.
The Future of Handheld Gaming: Where Do We Go From Here?
The launches of Switch 2, Steam Deck, and Xbox Ally signal a new beginning for handheld gaming. Nintendo is still the pioneer with its hybrid approach, but PC-driven handhelds are rapidly catching up with increased power, greater versatility, and larger collections. With better technology and new players entering the fray, only hot battles can be expected ahead.
Gamers are now presented with a decision: Do you desire exclusivity and simplicity, or do you desire liberty and diversity? Whatever your future escapade is, be it racing with Mario or having a huge Steam library, one thing is certain—the revolution of handheld gaming is upon us, and it’s just getting better.
