In recent years, there has been a surge in the number of leading tech manufacturers in the gaming industry launching handheld consoles, for reasons that we will be discussing here.

We will also be revealing the names of some of the best dedicated handheld gaming consoles that are currently on the market, such as the newly released Nintendo Switch 2 hybrid video game console, which first arrived in early June 2025 and has already received overwhelmingly positive reviews and impressive sales figures.

Why has there been a recent resurgence of handheld gaming consoles?

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There are many reasons for the recent resurgence of dedicated handheld gaming consoles entering the market, but one of the main reasons is the growing demand for portable gaming devices like this that give players a more convenient way to play their favourite games on the go.

The demand for dedicated handheld gaming consoles has fostered innovation and competition and created a fertile environment for this multi-billion-dollar sector of the gaming industry.

Besides the demand for these types of gaming devices, there are many other reasons for the recent surge.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of why so many new handheld consoles developed by the industry’s most notable tech companies have arrived in recent years:

• Various technological advancements have enabled tech companies to create far more powerful handheld gaming consoles that are capable of handling even the most high-end, graphically demanding triple-A blockbuster video games, meaning there’s no longer any need for powerful hardware, such as a PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series S/X, gaming desktop computer or laptop. They feature the latest HD screens, and the most sophisticated CPUS and GPUS, which enable players to experience console-quality gaming experiences from the palm of their hand
• Dedicated handheld gaming consoles offer players a more convenient and portable way to play games, just like mobile casinos that can be accessed from most modern smartphone and tablet devices have made online casino games more accessible to millions of players worldwide
• Battery life has significantly improved, which has eliminated the need for constant recharging
• Many avid gaming enthusiasts who were brought up on traditional handheld consoles, such as the PSP, Gameboy, Atari Lynx, and Sega Game Gear, to name a few, are keen to relive their experiences from a bygone era by investing in modern handheld gaming consoles. Major tech companies have even re-released some of the much older, more iconic classic titles, capitalising on players who are looking for a retro gaming experience
• Gaming culture is constantly shifting and evolving, and right now, handheld consoles are appealing to more players than many other devices as people look for exciting and convenient new ways to play their favourite titles
• Handheld consoles are also much cheaper than traditional consoles and PCs, meaning they have provided an accessible and affordable entry point into the gaming world

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To sum up, the gaming industry’s recent resurgence of handheld consoles has been brought about by a perfect blend of contributing factors that cater in many ways to a broad range of gaming enthusiasts, from those seeking portable, on-the-go gaming experiences to those seeking a more affordable way to play the industry’s biggest titles.

These devices also cater to those who are simply looking for convenient gaming options or retro gaming experiences, and to those who want to experience the world’s best video games using the latest, most highly sophisticated technology.

The other thing about handheld gaming consoles, as opposed to gaming from a smartphone, is that you don’t get all the distractions that mobile gamers usually have to put up with, such as push notifications, voice calls, constant app updates, and so on.

Handheld gaming consoles are also far more secure than any other type of gaming device due to their very nature and the cutting-edge built-in security features they have.

What are the top handheld gaming consoles in 2025?

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Each handheld console offers players a unique, immersive, engaging, and entertaining gaming experience, and the good news is that there are plenty of these state-of-the-art devices to choose from.

In no particular order of importance, some of the hottest handheld consoles currently trending in the gaming sector include the following impressive models:

• Nintendo Switch 2
• Nintendo Switch OLED
• Lenovo Legion GO
• Asus ROG Ally
• Valve Steam Deck OLED

You also have the Anbernic RG35XX, the Super Pocket, and the Ayaneo Flip DS, plus many others. Some of these handheld consoles are far more powerful than others, so if you want to try portable gaming, always remember to read the specifications for each device and the expert reviews before investing in one.

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Final thoughts

Sales of these devices are continuing to soar, and besides the hardware that goes into making these devices, various other key technological innovations have also helped take handheld consoles to extraordinary new heights and push the boundaries of what is possible with them, such as faster internet speeds (5G), cloud gaming/computing technology, live streaming capabilities, artificial intelligence, enhance cybersecurity features, and many other technologies.

Over the coming years, we are likely to see even more market-leading tech companies entering the market with their unique take on what a handheld gaming console should be.

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