You won’t believe how popular handheld gaming is. The launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, Valve’s Steam Deck, as well as the Xbox Ally from Microsoft and Asus, has opened up a whole new world of gaming for fans on the move. Yet with so much choice, who is the real winner? Let’s have a look at their respective performances to find out which one is the best handheld.
Hardware Showdown: Switch 2 vs. Steam Deck vs. Xbox Ally
Switch 2 of Nintendo is equipped with a custom Nvidia ARM processor, a 7.9-inch 1080p LCD, and a possible refresh rate of 120Hz. It is smaller, faster, and stronger than the first Switch, with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 5,220-mAh battery. The dock can emit 4K signals and also has a fan for heat dissipation, hence it is a real hybrid for both TV and portable 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.
The more affordable Xbox Ally and its pricier sibling, Ally X, are AMD Ryzen Z2-powered devices with Windows 11 as their operating system. Ally X upgrades to 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and 80Wh battery, whereas the base-model Ally includes 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. For both, we have 7-inch 1080p touchscreen displays, and they are optimized for 15–20 watts of power consumption, which is a good compromise between performance and battery life.
They are all very different: the Switch 2 is for efficiency and exclusives, the Steam Deck is for flexibility and pure PC power, and the Xbox Ally is for having the complete 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.
