Whether you’re commuting across the UK, relaxing at home, or queuing for your favourite Christmas launch, handheld gaming continues to be one of the most popular ways to play. This year’s lineup has something for everyone — from family-friendly favourites to powerhouse portable PCs. Here’s our definitive guide to the top 5 handheld games consoles available in the UK right now.
🥇 1. Valve Steam Deck – Best All-Round PC Gaming Portable
The Steam Deck has been a game-changer for handheld gaming, offering a full Steam library experience in your hands. It runs SteamOS and plays both indie favourites and blockbuster titles with ease. Its excellent battery life, mature software support, and community help make it ideal for gamers who want traditional PC games on the go without breaking the bank.
Best for: Steam gamers, vast library access, mature handheld experience
Why it’s great: Fantastic value, solid performance, widespread community support
Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB Handheld Gaming Console
Product information
$754.99
Product Review Score
4.19 out of 5 stars
92 reviewsProduct links
🥈 2. ASUS ROG Ally – Best Handheld Gaming PC
If you want real PC power in handheld form, the ROG Ally delivers. It runs Windows — meaning you can access game stores like Xbox Game Pass, Steam, and Epic Games directly. With a high-refresh 1080p display and strong internals, it’s excellent for modern AAA titles. Just be mindful that battery life doesn’t always match lighter systems.
Best for: Power users and PC gamers
Why it’s great: Unmatched flexibility, full Windows library, great screen
ASUS - ROG Ally X 7" 120Hz FHD 1080p Gaming Handheld - AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Processor - 24GB with 1TB SSD - Black
Product information
Product Review Score
4.36 out of 5 stars
47 reviewsProduct links
🥉 3. Lenovo Legion Go – Best Display & Immersive Experience
For gamers who care about screen real estate and visuals, the Lenovo Legion Go stands out with a larger, vibrant display and detachable controllers. It’s perfect for long sessions of story-driven games or retro titles with detailed graphics. Like other high-end handheld PCs, it’s powerful and versatile — but also pricier.
Best for: Visual immersion and hybrid play
Why it’s great: Large, beautiful screen; detachable controls
Lenovo Legion Go Handheld Gaming Console | 8.8 inch 2K Display | Detachable Controllers | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme | 16GB RAM | 512GB SSD | Windows 11 Home | 3 Months Xbox Games Pass
Product information
$1,001.27
Product Review Score
4.46 out of 5 stars
207 reviewsProduct links
🎯 4. Logitech G Cloud Handheld Gaming Console – Best for Cloud & Lightweight Play
Not strictly a traditional console, the Logitech G Cloud is all about cloud gaming and simplicity. Lightweight and comfy to hold for hours, it’s ideal for streaming Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce NOW, or other services — especially if you’ve got a steady UK broadband connection. Even with a lower local game library, its ease of use and price make it a great everyday handheld.
Best for: Cloud gaming, casual players
Why it’s great: Light, affordable, great for Xbox and streaming
Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld, Portable Gaming Console with Long Battery Life, 1080P 7-Inch Touchscreen, Lightweight Design, Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Google Play - White
Product information
$388.42 $377.68
Product Review Score
4.38 out of 5 stars
89 reviewsProduct links
🎲 5. Nintendo Switch Lite – Best Budget & Traditional Gaming
For many, Nintendo remains the heart of handheld gaming — and the Switch Lite keeps that legacy alive. It’s perfect for Nintendo’s beloved first-party games like The Legend of Zelda and Mario Kart. While it doesn’t dock to a TV, its dedicated game library and classic control design make it irresistible for fans of handheld exclusives.
Best for: Nintendo fans & traditional console gaming
Why it’s great: Compact, affordable, great library of exclusive titles
Nintendo Switch Lite - Turquoise
Product information
$254.38
Product Review Score
4.76 out of 5 stars
71 reviewsProduct links
🧠 Quick Tips for UK Buyers
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Budget vs. capability: Devices like the Switch Lite are wallet-friendly but limited to specific ecosystems, while PC handhelds like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally give wider game access at a higher price.
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Cloud gaming: If you have reliable broadband, cloud handhelds like the Logitech G Cloud offer great flexibility without heavy hardware.
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Future proofing: Newer devices such as the Legion Go offer power and features but may be overkill if you mainly play Nintendo or older titles.
🎯 Final Thoughts: The handheld gaming landscape in 2025 offers something for everyone — from powerful PC-class systems to cosy Nintendo gaming on the go. Choose based on how and where you play!
View our handheld consoles category by clicking here.
