This ain't your parents' Game Boy: New gaming handhelds are powerful, pricey — and far from pocket-sized

Portable gaming systems are making a comeback this year — but the landscape looks very different from their heyday a couple of decades ago.

This year marked the first time all three major gaming hardware companies — Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft — have handheld devices on the market. And they're not the only ones.

A holiday survey conducted on behalf of the Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC) found that 16 per cent of kids asked for gaming handhelds — like the ROG Ally and the Steam Deck portable computer — for Christmas gifts. Meanwhile, 46 per cent requested a home console, including the Nintendo Switch 2.

ESAC president Paul Fogolin said while handhelds represent a relatively small slice of the pie, the survey results spoke well to the growing segment, since most of these devices are very new. Desire for the Steam Deck, in particular, also signalled a growing interest in PC gaming.

That said, all of the aforementioned devices are very different, and which one works best for the gamer who aspires to play while on the go (or anywhere other than the living room) depends on several factors. Here's what you need to know about them.

Released: June 2025

Price: $629.99, $699.99 bundled with Mario Kart World

What is it? In most respects, the Switch 2 is a straight hardware update to the original Switch, which became immensely popular thanks to its ability to play as a handheld but also connect to a TV via a dock.

A significant power boost over its predecessor brings it nearly in line with Sony's and Microsoft's current home consoles. Its Joy-Con controllers now connect to the tablet with magnets, and it can play games (including your older Switch 1 games) via digital download or physical game cards.

Drawbacks? Like most new gaming hardware, the Switch 2 is expensive, more so if you want the bundle with Mario Kart World. The Joy-Con's buttons and joysticks are smaller than average and can get uncomfortable to use in longer play sessions.

Who's it for? For fans of Mario, Zelda and other Nintendo games, this is the easy choice as they aren't available anywhere else. The Switch 2 is a solid new device, but if you're looking for a more affordable option, the previous Switch consoles still play the vast majority of games in its library.

Released: October 2025

Price: $799 for the Ally, $1,299 for the Ally X

What is it? Microsoft's first-ever gaming handheld is not a shrunken-down version of the Xbox Series S/X home console. It's a gaming-focused PC running a special version of Windows, produced in partnership with computer maker Asus.