Breaking down the top 5 leading gaming handhelds right now 2025:
The market for leading gaming handhelds has never been more competitive. In 2025, devices ranging from Intel-, AMD- and NVIDIA-powered units to hybrid consoles deliver desktop-quality experiences on the move. We tested five of the top handhelds released in the past year—evaluating ergonomics, display performance, thermal management and overall value—to help you choose the leading gaming handhelds for all your gaming needs.
1. MSI Claw 8AI+
Price: £929.57 – View on Amazon.co.uk
MSI’s Claw 8AI+ combines an Intel Core Ultra 7 “Arrow Lake” CPU with integrated Arc 140 graphics in an 8″ chassis featuring a 120 Hz IPS display and Thunderbolt 4 support.
Why We Like It
With dual‑fan cooling and dockable Thunderbolt functionality, the Claw 8AI+ offers desktop-class performance in handheld form. It ranks among the leading gaming handhelds for pros who demand high refresh rates and expandability.
Key Features
- Processor & GPU: Intel Core Ultra 7; Intel Arc 140
- Display: 8″ IPS, 120 Hz, 1920×1080
- Memory & Storage: 32 GB LPDDR5X; 1 TB NVMe SSD
- Connectivity: Thunderbolt 4, USB‑C PD, Wi‑Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours gaming
Editorial Verdict
As one of the leading gaming handhelds, the Claw 8AI+ delivers unmatched raw power and versatility for enthusiasts.
Price: £929.57 – View on Amazon.co.uk
2. Lenovo Legion Go S
Price: £415.78 – View on Amazon.co.uk
The Lenovo Legion Go S features an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go APU in a 7.8″ handheld with detachable “Halo” controllers and a 144 Hz screen.
Why We Like It
Its detachable controllers and efficient Ryzen chip make it one of the leading gaming handhelds for both comfort and performance. Custom power profiles extend battery life without sacrificing speed.
Key Features
- Processor & GPU: AMD Ryzen Z2 Go; RDNA 3
- Display: 7.8″ IPS, 144 Hz, 1920×1200
- Memory & Storage: 16 GB LPDDR5; 512 GB NVMe SSD
- Connectivity: USB‑C PD, Wi‑Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 3.5 mm jack
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours gaming
Editorial Verdict
Balanced and versatile, the Legion Go S secures its spot among the leading gaming handhelds for users who value flexibility.
Price: £415.78 – View on Amazon.co.uk
3. ASUS ROG Ally
Price: £449.99 – View on Amazon.co.uk
The ROG Ally harnesses AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU in a 7″ form factor with full‑size sticks and optional AeroActive cooling.
Why We Like It
With aggressive cooling and granular performance tuning via Armoury Crate, the Ally is one of the leading gaming handhelds for serious gaming sessions.
Key Features
- Processor & GPU: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme; RDNA 3
- Display: 7″ IPS, 120 Hz, 1920×1080
- Memory & Storage: 16 GB LPDDR5; 512 GB SSD
- Connectivity: USB‑C PD, microSD slot, Wi‑Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
- Battery Life: 4–5 hours gaming
Editorial Verdict
The combination of custom cooling and responsive controls makes the ROG Ally one of the leading gaming handhelds for performance-focused players.
Price: £449.99 – View on Amazon.co.uk
4. Valve Steam Deck OLED (512 GB)
Price: £500.00 – View on Amazon.co.uk
Valve’s OLED Deck refresh adds a 7″ 90 Hz OLED screen and upgraded NVMe storage to its proven SteamOS handheld.
Why We Like It
Deep Steam integration and a vibrant OLED display keep the Deck among the leading gaming handhelds, delivering seamless access to thousands of titles.
Key Features
- Processor & GPU: Custom AMD Zen 2; RDNA 2
- Display: 7″ OLED, 90 Hz, 1280×800
- Memory & Storage: 16 GB LPDDR5; 512 GB NVMe SSD
- Connectivity: USB‑C PD, Wi‑Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0
- Battery Life: 2–3 hours gaming
Editorial Verdict
For PC gamers seeking the leading gaming handhelds, the Deck’s software ecosystem remains unmatched.
Price: £500.00 – View on Amazon.co.uk
5. Nintendo Switch 2
Price: £455.00 – View on Amazon.co.uk
Switch 2 offers hybrid console/handheld play on a 7.9″ 1080p LCD, powered by a custom NVIDIA Tegra T239 chip.
Why We Like It
Exclusive Nintendo titles and 4K docked output place Switch 2 among the leading gaming handhelds for variety and flexibility.
Key Features
- Processor & GPU: NVIDIA Tegra T239; Ampere GPU (1.72 TFLOPS)
- Display: 7.9″ LCD, 1080p @ 120 Hz
- Memory & Storage: 12 GB LPDDR5X; 256 GB UFS 3.1
- Connectivity: Wi‑Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI 2.1
- Battery Life: 5–6 hours gaming
Editorial Verdict
With its hybrid design and exclusive lineup, Switch 2 remains one of the leading gaming handhelds for casual and dedicated players alike.
Price: £455.00 – View on Amazon.co.uk
Feature Comparison Table
| Model | CPU & GPU | Display | RAM & Storage | Battery Life & Cooling | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSI Claw 8AI+ | Core Ultra 7 + Arc 140 | 8″, 120 Hz IPS, 1080p | 32 GB LPDDR5X; 1 TB SSD | 8 h; dual‑fan | £929.57 |
| Lenovo Legion Go S | Ryzen Z2 Go + RDNA 3 | 7.8″, 144 Hz IPS, 1920×1200 | 16 GB LPDDR5; 512 GB SSD | 6 h; passive vents | £415.78 |
| ASUS ROG Ally | Ryzen Z1 Extreme + RDNA 3 | 7″, 120 Hz IPS, 1080p | 16 GB LPDDR5; 512 GB SSD | 4–5 h; AeroActive fan | £449.99 |
| Valve Steam Deck OLED | Zen 2 + RDNA 2 | 7″, 90 Hz OLED, 1280×800 | 16 GB LPDDR5; 512 GB SSD | 2–3 h; passive | £500 |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Tegra T239 + Ampere | 7.9″, 120 Hz LCD, 1080p | 12 GB LPDDR5X; 256 GB UFS 3.1 | 5–6 h; passive | £455 |
Best and Runner‑Up
Best Overall: MSI Claw 8AI+
The MSI Claw 8AI+ delivers unrivalled performance thanks to its Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU, Arc 140 GPU and dual‑fan cooling system. Its Thunderbolt 4 port supports external docks and high‑speed peripherals, effectively transforming this handheld into a desktop replacement when needed. With an 8″ 120 Hz display and generous RAM/storage configuration, it handles modern AAA titles at high settings without compromise. While its price tags it as a premium option, serious gamers and content creators will appreciate the expandability and raw power that few competitors can match.
Pros: Exceptional CPU/GPU performance; Thunderbolt expandability; premium build quality
Cons: Higher cost; bulkier form factor may not suit all hands
Runner‑Up: Lenovo Legion Go S
The Lenovo Legion Go S strikes a compelling balance between price, portability and power. Its Ryzen Z2 Go APU delivers smooth frame rates on a vibrant 7.8″ 144 Hz screen, and the detachable Halo controllers offer console‑style ergonomics. Lenovo’s custom power‑management profiles extend battery life up to six hours—longer than many rivals—without a significant performance trade‑off. Priced at £415, it undercuts many high‑end handhelds while still packing premium features like Wi‑Fi 6E and NVMe storage.
Pros: Detachable controllers for comfort; strong battery life; competitive pricing
Cons: Less raw performance than the MSI Claw; fewer aftermarket accessories
Fancy taking your gaming experience the even higher heights? Why not check out Best Gaming Laptops UK (2025)?
Prices are updated at publication and may have changed since.
