Handheld game consoles, ranked by critic score
Handheld game consoles and gaming handhelds, judged on performance, screen, battery life and comfort in the hand.
Of the 2 handheld game consoles we score so far, the highest-rated by professional reviewers is the Nintendo Switch 2: critic score 86 out of 100 from 6 reviews, 6 of them positive. Most praised: speed. Most common complaint: price.
Image: Nintendo6 professional reviewers tested the Nintendo Switch 2, and 6 recommend it. Most praised: speed. Most common complaint: price.
The catch: Battery life is short, and games and storage cost a lot.
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes a score.
Not the Nintendo Switch 2? Pick by situation
How do they compare?
| Product | Score | Reviews | Agreement | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch 2 | 86 | 6 | High | Best overall |
| Asus ROG Xbox Ally X | 81 | 8 | High | Best premium Windows handheld |
Common questions
Which handheld console do critics rate highest?
Of the 2 we score, the Nintendo Switch 2, with a critic score of 86 from 6 professional reviews. Most praised: speed. Most common complaint: price.
Nintendo Switch 2 vs Asus ROG Xbox Ally X: which is better?
Critics score the Nintendo Switch 2 86 and the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X 81. We list the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X under “Best premium Windows handheld”. Its main drawback: it is very expensive, and battery life is short in demanding games.