Halo on Nintendo hardware has always felt like one of those “never gonna happen” crossover fantasies, but a modder just went ahead and did it anyway. Halo: Combat Evolved is now running natively on a Switch, no cloud streaming, no weird workaround, just straight-up gameplay on Nintendo’s handheld. And the wild part is how smooth it looks. This isn’t a proof‑of‑concept hack that barely boots, and it’s shockingly playable.

This would have been considered rather blasphemous a few years ago, but now it feels par for the course, especially with a Halo game expected to arrive on PlayStation this year, well, that is, unless Xbox changes strategies. Whilst this isn’t anything official, but rather what I (incorrectly) presumed was the result of the recent release of Proton 11 beta.

Proton 11, for those unaware, is Valve’s latest version of its compatibility layer, which allows Windows games to run on Linux. In this latest beta, Valve has added support for ARM64, meaning ARM-based devices can now run Windows games too.

YouTuber and modder @Generalkidd showed on X (formerly Twitter) Halo: Combat Evolved running on the original Nintendo Switch, a console that has long been known for its modding potential. Users have previously installed Linux on the hardware to get software running that normally wouldn’t, including early attempts at running Steam.

I assumed that, given that the Nintendo Switch is an ARM-based console, using Proton 11 beta was how Halo was running on the console; however, I was quite wrong on that.

Instead, @Generalkidd took a different approach to get Halo: Combat Evolved running on the Nintendo Switch, and in doing so, caught the attention of Halo Studios’ Community Director. Responding with a GIF that says “I like you, but you’re crazy,” playfully acknowledging just how weird it is to see Halo on a Nintendo Switch.

To get the game running, @Generalkidd is using the original Xbox version of Halo: Combat Evolved through an ARM64 build of Xemu, an original Xbox emulator. Performance isn’t great at the moment, but the fact that it runs at all is really impressive.

I actually have a modded Nintendo Switch. I set it up a while back so I could remote play from my Xbox in bed, before I had anything like an Xbox Ally X, and it worked quite well for that use case.

That said, I can’t see myself jumping through the hoops needed to get the original Halo: Combat Evolved running on my Switch. That’s just me, though, so let me know whether you’d do something as crazy as this or if, like me, you prefer watching others take on projects like this.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and be sure to take part in our poll!

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

If you weren’t already aware, Xbox consoles, particularly the Xbox Series X|S, are surprisingly capable emulation machines. Through Xbox Dev Mode, they can already emulate platforms such as the Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 1, and PSP.

That capability exists largely thanks to work from Xbox Emulation Hub. The group focuses on porting popular emulators to UWP, Microsoft’s Universal Windows Platform. UWP allows developers to build apps that run across Windows 10, Windows 11, and Xbox, making it possible for these emulators to function on console hardware at all.

It seems the team is now setting its eyes on the Nintendo Switch, as a recent poll in its Discord server asked what should be released next, with Ryujinx, the popular Nintendo Switch emulator, winning the poll.

Xbox is no stranger to emulation. Microsoft itself uses emulation to enable original Xbox and Xbox 360 games to run on newer hardware through backward compatibility.

Beyond that, users who place their console into Xbox Dev Mode can run UWP apps, including emulators. This opens the door to a wide range of systems already being emulated on Xbox through community-maintained UWP ports.

Despite popular belief, emulation itself is not illegal. Legal issues typically arise around how software is distributed, particularly when copyrighted games or system files are shared, or when access to emulators is monetised in ways that violate licensing terms. Something that Nintendo have sought legal action over in the past, when popular Switch emulators were locked behind a paywall.

Attention has now turned to the Nintendo Switch. Recent activity from the Xbox emulation discord indicates that work on the Nintendo Switch is underway, although nothing has been formally released yet. The team have also teased a Nintendo 3DS emulator too, which I’m sure could ruffle some feathers at Nintendo.

Of course, any progress remains dependent on development hurdles and if it does release, usage will depend on whether users can legally source their own games…

For now, it's an ambitious goal, and the main developers motivation seems tied more on testing themselves on whether it can actually be achieved or not.

Would you use Nintendo Switch emulation on Xbox if it became available through Dev Mode? Let me know in the comments and make sure to take part in our poll below:

I've been thinking about this a lot over the festive period, not least because handheld gaming has quietly become my primary way to play again, but something about this year in the handheld gaming space hit differently.

Not since the Nintendo DS days has handheld gaming been such a daily driver for me as it was with the Steam Deck and then the Xbox ROG Ally X this year, to the point I've actually only turned on my Xbox Series S for the kids.

There's just something great about being able to sit with family, be social, maybe have a show on in the background, and generally multitask. Sneaking in a few hours of gaming without disappearing into another room. Life is busy, and handhelds just fit into the cracks of real life better than a console or PC for me.

2025 really was the year of handheld gaming, with more options than ever to choose from; the space has exploded. Steam Deck momentum has carried a wave of new devices, the ROG Ally became an Xbox, Lenovo fired out more variants than anyone asked for, and the Switch 2 finally arrived with some actual horsepower behind it.

It felt like every month carried another announcement and spec sheet, another potential "Steam Deck killer," but the truth is that no handheld on the market will compete with the Nintendo Switch or the Steam Deck in a real way until they fix this one glaring problem — the naming conventions are an absolute mess.

The Switch is simple. Other gaming handhelds need to take note.

The Nintendo Switch, and this year the Nintendo Switch 2, are a mass market hit. Clarity helps a lot, you know what a Switch is. You know what a Switch Lite is, and you know what a Switch OLED is. All very self-explanatory titles. Even parents who don't know the difference between RAM and a sandwich toaster can walk into a shop and buy the right thing.

RELATED: Lenovo Legion Go 2 vs Legion Go S: Which is better?

Compare this simplicity to the PC handheld lineup right now? If you dropped the whole range of options in front of someone who isn't chronically on Reddit, they'd have no idea which is the "good" one. The Legion Go S alone has multiple variants with different chips, RAM, storage, and different operating systems, all at similar price points.

The SteamOS version is fantastic, the Windows version? Not so much (go read our Legion Go S review vs our Legion Go S Steam OS review to learn why). How on earth is a normal consumer meant to know this?

And then, there is Xbox

The Xbox Series S and X are named to be clearly segmented (although some may argue the two-tier system IS confusing for the average Mom popping into Target). But most people get that the Xbox Series S is the entry-level, and X is the high-end model.

So why didn't Xbox apply this naming style to the Xbox ROG Ally line-up? The Ally X is the premium model; the white one should have been the Xbox Ally S to more clearly differentiate them. It fits the brand, and it clearly communicates the difference. And what is the difference between the Rog Ally X and the Xbox Ally X besides the shape?

RELATED: ROG Ally X vs Xbox ROG Ally X

Then again, I am talking about the same brand that saw fit to have an Xbox Elite, and Xbox Elite Series 2 and Xbox Elite Series 2 Core controllers....

Consumers shouldn't need a spreadsheet to buy a gaming handheld, and right now, Steam Deck is doing the best

Right now, many handhelds sit in the $500 to $800 range, and you would hope that anyone spending that kind of money on a device would be doing a modicum of research. But it is a problem that two devices can sit on a shelf in a similar price bracket, yet one may have double the RAM, a better chip or OS, and unless you've spent hours researching, you'd never know.

That's not how you grow a market and take on the Nintendo Switches of the world. If anything, the Steam Deck is miles ahead in this regard.

I've recently picked up the Xbox ROG Ally X, and I'm enjoying it. Access to more libraries is great, and the hardware is definitely up to the task of more power-hungry games than my Steam Deck LCD was, but I'm constantly fiddling with settings. I'm dealing with updates all the time (some of which are halfway through a game, leading to me losing progress). I'm often troubleshooting with it. With the Steam Deck, I rarely had to mess around with it.

SteamOS is the only PC handheld experience that truly feels like a console out of the box, and Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) has a long way to go before it competes in this regard. I'd say the Steam Deck is the most mainstream of all the gaming handhelds and is actually built for consumers and not just hardcore enthusiasts (though there are certainly many that tinker and do impressive things with their Steam Deck, but it's optional).

2025 was huge for handheld gaming, but 2026 will make or break it.

This year was packed with huge milestones for handheld gaming. Lenovo, with its SteamOS partnership, Switch 2 is finally hitting the market, and Xbox is rolling out the FSE to try and smooth out the kinks for Windows-based handhelds (it hasn't worked... yet). And also everyone and their uncle arguing over if the Xbox ROG Ally is an Xbox or not (it's not, guys, sorry).

If handheld PCs want even a sliver of the success of the Switch, then going forward, the industry needs clearer naming conventions and product tiers, clearer marketing, and much clearer explanations of what each device can actually do and run. The appetite is certainly there for handheld gaming to become huge again, and the lifestyle fit is undeniable. But people need to understand what they are buying.

Did you buy a gaming handheld last year, or are you holding out to see what's coming next? Do you even care about these handhelds at all? Let me know in the comments and vote in the poll!

This past weekend was full of major game announcements at presentations like Summer Game Fest and Microsoft's Xbox Games Showcase, with one of the biggest of all — the reveal of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 — capping off the main show of the latter conference. Indeed, the next chapter of the Black Ops story is already on the way, and it's coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, PS5, and PS4.

Curiously, though, one platform it's apparently not releasing on is the newly launched Nintendo Switch 2 and the older Nintendo Switch, as neither were mentioned. This may not seem surprising at first since Call of Duty has never come to Switch before, but back in 2023, Microsoft entered a binding agreement with Nintendo to bring the series to the handheld "the same day as Xbox, with full feature and content parity."

Black Ops 7 missing Switch 2 and Switch would seemingly breach that pact, leading many to question what Microsoft and Xbox's plan is to honor its agreement and bring Call of Duty to these platforms. And now, thanks to a new report, we have an answer.

"We're committed to getting the franchise on Switch," a source told Eurogamer. "Both teams [are] working on it. Will share details when ready."

Though a short statement, it clearly reaffirms the commitment from Microsoft, Xbox, and Call of Duty's developers to release the biggest FPS series in the world on Nintendo systems.

The two teams mentioned in the comment weren't directly named, but are assumed to be Treyarch and Raven Software; the former leads development on Black Ops Call of Duty games, while the latter has collaborated with both Infinity Ward (Modern Warfare, Ghosts, Warzone) and Treyarch on several occasions. Both studios worked together on Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and last year's Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and are developing Black Ops 7 as well.

Notably, though, the response still didn't clearly clarify if Black Ops 7 specifically is coming to Switch or not. Given that a Nintendo version of the game wasn't announced, I'm assuming it's not at launch, at the very least. Perhaps an announcement for one will come later this year, however. It also wasn't said if past Call of Duty titles will eventually get Switch releases, either.

• DEAL: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 1-month memberships are $17.69 at CDKeys, giving you access to Microsoft's service for a cool discount

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 marks the first time Black Ops games have released consecutively, and will continue the narrative that began with Black Ops 2 and has progressed with Black Ops 6. Set in the near future of 2035, it will follow the story of David Mason — the son of Black Ops protagonist Alex Mason — and his team as they attempt to thwart the returning Black Ops 2 antagonist Raul Menendez.

It's been said that Black Ops 7 will deliver "the full Call of Duty package," including the aforementioned campaign that will notably be playable in co-op, a fresh multiplayer experience, new maps to play on, and a new Zombies mode to try and survive in as long as you can.

As for its release date, we know Black Ops 7 is coming in 2025, and if I had to guess, I'd say we're probably looking at a launch in the September-November range. You'll be able to play it on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, PS5, and PS4 (and maybe Switch, too, at some point). On day one, you can also play with Xbox Game Pass.

Today, the popular gaming accessory manufacturer SteelSeries has announced a new gaming headset for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch called the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless.

This headset is a successor to the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Wireless and plans to outshine its predecessor (and even improve upon the critically acclaimed SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro) with all kinds of new tech designed to enhance the auditory experience of gaming.

Here is everything you need to know about the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 and where you can buy one.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless is a wireless gaming headset designed to elevate the audio quality of your gaming sessions to new heights of enjoyment, thanks to advanced features.

These features include (as stated by SteelSeries' official press release):

• Custom Nova Speaker Drivers – Specially designed powerful Neodymium Magnetic speaker drivers were customized in-house to provide the ultimate gaming audio, with rich bass and a unique custom design for maximum detail. Immerse in the soundscape, taking what's already awesome to the next level with 360° Spatial Audio. (Fully compatible with Tempest 3D Audio for PS5 / Microsoft Spatial Sound and more)
• The Mobile Arctis App – A revolutionary mobile app that allows gamers to control their audio in real-time with over 200+ game-specific audio presets meticulously crafted and custom-tailored to each game by audio engineers, esports pros, and game developers. Gamers can change their audio presets on the fly in real time and without leaving the game, providing a distinct competitive advantage. Hear what others don't with precisely honed audio profiles for top games like Call of Duty, Fortnite, GTA, and more.
• Quick-Switch Wireless – Switch instantly between high-speed 2.4GHz gaming wireless for gaming and Bluetooth 5.3 for everything else with the onboard quick-switch button. Mobile connections remain on standby when gaming, so players will receive call notifications, plus separate EQ profiles let gamers save 2.4GHz gaming and BT on-the-go settings independently.
• Cross-Platform Gaming – Game on any platform, easily swapping the small USB-C dongle between all systems, supporting Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC, Meta Quest, handhelds, as well as phones and tablets that support USB-C.
• 15-Minute Fast Charge = 9-Hour Play Time – Game all day. Optimized USB-C fast charge gives you up to 9 hours of use after just 15 minutes, which is up to 3x more than typical headsets. A standard single charge offers up to 30+ hours in 2.4G / 40+ hours in Bluetooth.
• ClearCast 2.X Microphone – The new Arctis Nova 3 Wireless Series microphone with high bandwidth tech takes voice quality to the next level – 2X the bandwidth, 2X the comms with 32KHz/16bit audio.
• Lightweight | Durable | Comfortable Design – Tough, flexible design with dual-hinged arms for durability, plus removable ear cushions with breathable memory foam for total comfort. The 260g lightweight Nova 3 Wireless Series design features height-adjustable arms, plus a stretchy secondary fabric headband to distribute pressure evenly for all-day comfort. Available in black, white, aqua, and lavender.

With such powerful tech, the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless will no doubt quickly become one of the best Xbox headsets on the market.

If you're interested in checking out this headset, it's available for purchase on SteelSeries' website and select retailers worldwide for MSRP of $109.99.

We'll also be releasing a full, detailed review of the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless headset by Zachary Boddy, so stay tuned for when their insights drop in the coming weeks.

Current gaming handheld prices in the U.S.

I'm specifically keeping an eye on Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, MSI Claw 8 AI+, and Nintendo Switch handhelds and how their current prices at U.S. retailers compare to their MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price).

These gaming handhelds are listed in alphabetical order.

Handheld prices updates

Since keeping track, I've already seen the MSI Claw 7 AI+ go up from $799 to $829 at Best Buy. It's also now listed as $899 at the MSI website.

Meanwhile, The Claw 8 AI+ has gone up $100 and now sells for $999.99 at the MSI website. It's very possible these increased prices will show up at other U.S. retailers in the coming days if the tariff situation doesn't change.

Additionally, the starting price of the Legion Go S (SteamOS) has also gone up by $50.

As of today, it looks like the starting ASUS ROG Ally Z1 (non-Extreme) no longer has a listing page at Best Buy. You can still purchase open box options at Best Buy, though.

Gaming handheld production locations

Many OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) have multiple production locations, sometimes in different countries around the world.

The following chart shows where the majority of production takes place for these devices, but there could be more locations other than what's listed.

By the way, imported gaming handhelds are typically classified under HS Code 95045000, as "video game consoles and machines. "

NOTE: On April 9, Trump announced a 90-day pause on most tariffs and lowered most countries' rates to 10%. However, China's 125% tariff was still in effect. The tariffs shown below are where the rates will be after the 90 days are up if nothing changes.

*The current tariff situation is very volatile and subject to change from day to day. I'll try to keep up with the latest tariffs as much as possible.

**There is a free trade agreement between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada (USMCA). However, products not covered by the agreement are affected by tariffs. Handhelds should be covered by USMCA.

What do tariffs do, anyway?

We're likely going to see significant price increases on electronics in the U.S. (including the best gaming handhelds) since the Trump Administration has greatly raised tariffs on over 70 countries, including the places where these devices are manufactured.

You can follow our live coverage of the "trade wars" for the latest on tariffs, PC, laptops, GPUs, and gaming.

But what is a tariff, anyway, and how does it affect you?

Every country has tariffs — basically a tax paid by companies importing goods into the country.

There are different tariff percentages for different products, and tariffs can also be different from one country to the next.

The higher the tariff, the more a company has to pay in order to import a product. A company will then have to figure out how to regain that tariff cost, otherwise it isn't worth it for the company to import the product.

For instance, companies could charge their customers more for imported goods, or companies could strategically swallow all or part of the tariff cost if they think they can make up the money in some other way (like with digital transactions for a gaming system).

If a company decides to have customers help pay for the tariff costs, then the price of a product goes up.

This being the case, gaming handheld prices in the U.S. will likely increase significantly due to the large tariffs on China, where most mainstream handhelds are produced.

Gaming handhelds and tariffs FAQ

The next-gen Nintendo Switch 2 is set to release on June 5, 2025 and features improved specs from the original hybrid handheld console.

Meanwhile, the ASUS ROG Ally has been around since 2023, and is basically a small Windows 11 gaming laptop with controllers attached. It only comes in a white casing.

There's also the newer ROG Ally X that I frequently recommend as the best PC gaming handheld on the market right now. It only comes in black.

Of course, a new ROG Ally Xbox handheld is also in the works, but spec or release details haven't been revealed yet, so I won't be covering it on this page... YET.

If you're having a hard time deciding between a Switch 2 and an ROG Ally, you've come to the right place.

I've compared these two relatively different handhelds against each other in various categories to help you figure out which one best fits your ideal gaming experience.

Switch 2 vs ROG Ally Specs

First, take a look at the Switch 2, ROG Ally, and ROG Ally X specs, and then we'll dive into different categories and compare these handhelds against each other.

Now that you've had a moment to glance at the specs, I'll go over what these differences and similarities mean for you as a prospective owner.

Switch 2 vs ROG Ally: Price

Originally, Nintendo's press release stated that the Switch 2 would have a $449.99 MSRP and that there would also be a Mario Kart World bundle option for $499.99, which gives you the game for $30 off.

Switch 2 preorders are set to go live on April 9 (outside the U.S.), with the handheld launching on June 5, 2025. If you're interested, you can sign up for Switch 2 notifications at Best Buy.

A Switch 2 purchase comes with a TV docking station, a charger, and a separate controller accessory. The ROG Ally doesn't come with anything other than the charger.

A note on tariffs in the U.S.

Nintendo is delaying Switch 2 preorders in the U.S. after the Trump administration placed heavy tariffs on Vietnam, where Nintendo does a lot of its hardware manufacturing.

It's possible that the cost of the Switch 2 could also go up as much as 50% in the U.S. due to these tariffs, which could increase the Switch 2 price to as much as $675.

The ROG Ally is largely manufactured in China rather than Vietnam. At the time of writing, the U.S. has placed 34% levies on China versus 46% on Vietnam.

Now, it's worth noting that any tech (including ROG Ally handhelds) manufactured outside of the U.S. will most likely become more expensive in the U.S. at some point if these tariffs stay in place.

However, it's currently unclear when Ally price increases could take effect. It's possible these changes might not happen until U.S. retailers use up the Ally stock they already have and are faced with getting more stock in under the new tariffs.

While PC gaming handhelds hold a special place for many gamers, they are far more of a niche product than the far more mainstream Nintendo Switch 2. As such, there is currently less analyst data and information to pull from.

I'll update this section when I learn more.

What about ROG Ally pricing?

While Nintendo Switch 2 is somewhat expensive, the base Switch 2 is $50 less than the starting ROG Ally AMD Z1 (non-Extreme) configuration, which sells for $499.99 at Best Buy and is especially ideal for cloud gaming and Xbox Game Pass.

If you're going to spring for an ROG Ally, I recommend you go for the Z1 Extreme configuration that sells for $649.99 at Best Buy, since it offers better performance for local gaming.

If you want the very best PC gaming handheld available right now, there's also an improved ROG Ally X with a black casing that has a starting price of $799.99 at Best Buy.

It costs more because it has larger memory and storage capacities, as well as double the battery capacity of the white Ally.

ROG Ally has seen far more sales than Nintendo

I've been tracking handheld deals for a few years now, and these ASUS handhelds have all regularly gotten steep discounts (up to $200 off so far) at Best Buy during special sales events like Prime Day and Black Friday.

If you buy an ROG Ally during one of these deals, you can easily get the handheld for less than the Switch 2 MSRP.

Meanwhile, the original Switch handhelds have hardly ever gone on sale, and even then, they were only a little bit off. As such, I doubt the Switch 2 will ever see anywhere near as good of sales as ROG Ally devices.

WINNER: The initial Nintendo Switch 2 reveal price is cheaper and comes with more items in the box including a TV docking station. However, ROG Ally handhelds frequently get really good discounts that can make them less expensive than Switch 2 MSRP. However, it looks like tariffs will greatly increase the price of Switch 2 and ROG Ally in the U.S. (by as much as 50% for Switch 2), which would make these handhelds extremely expensive.

Switch 2 vs ROG Ally: Performance

Since the Switch 2 hasn't released yet, it's hard to know for sure how well it performs compared to the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X. But I've made educated guesses based on its known specs.

While the exact information about the Switch 2's "custom NVIDIA processor" has not been released yet, NVIDIA has revealed that the Switch 2 has Tensor Cores that "power AI-driven features like Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) and support Ray Tracing.

NVIDIA says this gives the Nintendo Switch 2 "10x the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch."

Plus, the Switch 2 supports VRR (variable refresh rate) in the form of NVIDIA G-Sync to improve motion clarity by eliminating screen tearing.

This will make the Switch 2 offer significantly better visuals (up to 4K) and smoother game performance than the original Switch. However, I'm sure we'll still see some stuttering and choppiness on these devices.

Meanwhile, the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme configurations have proven to have some of the very best handheld performance on the market (outside of the insane next-gen MSI Claw 8 AI+).

The Z1 non-Extreme Ally, is also good, but is better suited to xcloud gaming since it isn't as powerful.

Both the ROG Ally and Ally X support VRR (unlike Lenovo Legion Go), in the form of AMD FreeSync, allowing the system to hit a respectable FPS (frames per second) depending on the kind of game being played.

I've personally enabled AFMF 2 on my ROG Ally and increased my ROG Ally VRAM to more than double frame rates in my games, which is how I was able to get an average 88 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077.

There can still be stuttering and some choppiness on Ally handhelds, but of the PC handhelds out right now, ROG Ally performance is very good. It's likely better than Switch 2.

What about storage and memory?

Switch 2 memory hasn't been revealed yet, but considering the original Switch only had 4GB LPDDR4 RAM, it could be a relatively small capacity.

Meanwhile, the original white ROG Ally comes with 16GB LPDDR5X while the Ally X comes with 24GB LPDDR5X RAM. Typically, the more RAM you have, the faster your system can access game data.

Additionally, the Switch 2 comes with 256GB storage, which is really small compared to what typically comes in PC handhelds, but much larger than the tiny 32GB storage of the original Switch.

You can add additional storage to the Switch 2, but the handheld is only compatible with microSD Express cards and cannot work with traditional microSD.

The ROG Ally comes with a 512GB SSD, while the ROG Ally X can come with either a 1TB or 2TB SSD. Both Ally's can make use of traditional microSD cards.

I was easily able to upgrade my original ROG Ally SSD, to get more room for game files, so that's also an option.

Nintendo historically hasn't liked when people customize its hardware, so it likely won't be as easy to make upgrades like this on the Switch 2.

WINNER: It's very possible that the Switch 2 and ROG Ally could offer similar performance overall. However, the fact that ROG Ally and ROG Ally X come with more memory and storage likely makes them the better performers.

Switch 2 vs ROG Ally: Touchscreen & display output

Both the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X have the same 7-inch LED touchscreen that can reach up to a 1080 resolution and up to 120Hz refresh rate. It's not the very best handheld display out there, but colors and contrast are respectable, while details are crisp.

When placed into a separately purchased ROG Ally docking station (like the one in my JSAUX 6-in-1 Multifunctional Docking Station review), you can display your games on a monitor or TV, just like the Switch 2 can.

The Switch 2 has a larger 7.9-inch, 1080p, 120Hz touchscreen that will feel massive next to the Ally display.

Since I haven't been able to test a Switch 2 display yet, I'm not sure how its color, contast, and crispness actually look in person, but it's all likely decent.

Additionally, when in the included dock, the Switch 2 supports up to 4K output on compatible TVs and monitors, for an even crisper viewing experience than ROG Ally output provides.

Neither the ROG Ally nor Switch 2 comes in an OLED option, yet. However, it's very possible this could change down the road.

WINNER: The Nintendo Switch 2's display is larger. Plus, it can support 4K when docked to a TV, which the ROG Ally and Ally X cannot.

Switch 2 vs ROG Ally: Buttons and joysticks

Like most gaming handhelds, the Switch 2 and ROG Ally have the same basic control layout — They both feature ABXY buttons, menu buttons, a home button, some sort of D-Pad, bumpers, and triggers.

We already knew that the ROG Ally and Ally X didn't have Hall Effect joysticks, but now we know that Switch 2 doesn't have Hall Effect joysticks either (thanks, Nintendo Life). It would be better if these devices did have Hall Effect since this eliminates drift problems.

Nintendo has stated that "Joy-Con 2's controllers have been designed from the ground up." The original Switch suffered extensively from drift issues, so it will be very disappointing if this problem crops up again.

Unlike ROG Ally, the Switch 2 is a very versatile device that comes with detachable JoyCon 2 controllers that connect via magnets. It also has a built-in kickstand to prop it up in tabletop mode, which ROG Ally does not.

You can even turn the JoyCon 2 halves sideways and use them as individual controllers for quick and easy multiplayer on the go.

Plus, the Switch 2 comes with an accessory that lets you unite the two halves into a more traditional controller while the handheld is docked.

The ROG Ally has back buttons unlike the Switch 2, which can be mapped to different controls. In fact, the Ally's Armoury Crate software makes remapping all of the buttons easy.

Neither handheld has touchpads, but the Switch 2 now has a feature that could give similar fine control in games.

Since the DS and Wii days, Nintendo has regularly included some sort of control gimmick on its gaming systems (motion controls, stylus and dual screens, etc.) — The gimmick for Switch 2 is "mouse controls."

Users can hold these controller halves sideways on a surface and slide them around to move the onscreen camera or cursor. Pressing down on the bumper is like left-clicking.

Until I can try this feature out for myself, I won't know for sure how well it works or how comfortable it is to use.

Because of this, it's possible the Switch could be better suited to playing games designed around heavy mouse usage.

That said, you can always connect a mouse and even a keyboard to the ROG Ally and Ally X if you want to play games that don't have controller support.

It seems likely that anyone who wants to use Switch 2 mouse controls on a couch will want to invest in a lapboard like the one in my NerdyTec Couchmaster CYCON² review, though. Otherwise, the experience might feel somewhat uncomfortable.

In the end, what we have here are tradeoffs.

The ROG Ally has a more traditional layout with non-detaching contollers and easily remappable buttons. It's also easy to connect a mouse and keyboard to it.

However, the Switch 2 can easily be shared with another person thanks to its magnetic JoyCon 2. Plus, it offers mouse controls, which could make it easier to play some games that weren't made for controllers.

WINNER: It's hard to know for sure until I test the Switch 2 controls. That said, the ROG Ally might be better for people who want more customization options while the Switch 2 offers more versatility for multiplayer and mouse-heavy games.

Switch 2 vs ROG Ally: Compatible games & Operating system

This is the category that most likely determines whether you want an ROG Ally or a Switch 2. Let's start by discussing operating systems.

Nintendo has barely given us any glimpses of the Switch 2 software and interface, but it's likely very similar to what we saw on the original Switch.

In case you don't know or don't remember, the OG Switch is rather limited and doesn't offer a lot of customization. That is, unless you hack it.

But Nintendo is very against that, and hacking can void any active warranties.

For instance, it is possible to access a hidden web browser and find ways to watch Netflix on Switch, but these methods aren't official and come with risks. Considering Nintendo's tight control over its hardware, the interface and limitations could be similar on Switch 2.

That said, Nintendo is making it easier to communicate with friends than it was on the first Switch by providing a new GameChat feature.

You can connect a webcam to one of the handheld's two USB-C ports and talk to friends while you share your screens with each other.

On the other side of things, the ROG Ally and Ally X are both Windows 11 devices that run and operate a lot like a small gaming laptop.

There are plenty of ways to customize ROG Ally and increase its performance if you like doing that sort of thing.

I also love that it has a quick side menu that lets me adjust refresh rate, resolution, TDP, and more while I'm in my games.

Instead of being beholden to an ROG Ally communication tool, I can easily talk with my friends via Discord while we dive into Baldur's Gate 3 together.

As such, Ally users will have a lot more freedom than Switch 2 users, since they can easily access the internet, customize settings, run various programs, and open different gaming services (Battle.net, Epic Games, Xbox Game Pass, etc.) on these ASUS devices.

The downside is that Windows 11 comes with a lot of bloat and might require far more troubleshooting.

Plus, Microsoft's operating system doesn't have as simplified of an interface as the Switch 2 undoubtedly has. But Microsoft seems to be working on that.

A wide range of games on handheld

Generally, if a game runs on a gaming laptop, it can likely run on ROG Ally. This means you can access everything from small indie games like Balatro to massive titles from big-budget studios like Assassin's Creed Shadows.

Just note that some more graphically demanding PC games might not run quite as smoothly on Ally as they would on a gaming desktop.

Meanwhile, the Switch 2 is a console, which means it can't just play PC games out of the box; it needs special Switch versions.

Of course, Nintendo has several iconic characters and franchises with exclusive games on Switch, including Mario, Pokémon, Zelda, Metroid, Donkey Kong, Pikmin, and more.

Now, it is possible to play Nintendo games on PC handhelds, but emulating these games on ROG Ally is technically illegal.

It's worth noting that the Switch 2 is compatible with most OG Switch games. Plus, we already know about several new Switch 2 games coming out this year, so the library of games for Switch 2 is huge.

The Switch 2 is a great family night and game night machine thanks to its many couch co-op and multiplayer games (some of which can host up to eight players on the same device).

Many people label the Switch 2 as a kiddie handheld, but this is a mistake.

Sure, there are plenty of family-friendly titles, but there are also plenty of mature games like FromSoftware's upcoming Switch 2 exclusive, The DuskBloods — a gritty vampire multiplayer.

Additionally, several large PC games have come to the first-gen Switch that I never would have expected to see on that handheld.

With the Switch 2 being such a popular device, we're going to see even more ports and Switch 2 versions, like the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition.

One frustrating thing about Switch 2 is that players will need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to play most online multiplayers. This isn't something you deal with on ROG Ally or other PC handhelds.

On the bright side, this subscription does give you access to official NES and SNES emulators, which are fun to revisit or check out for the first time.

If you're interested, you can even upgrade your membership with the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, to access N64, Sega Genesis, GameBoy Advance games, and more. GameCube games will also be coming soon.

WINNER: Both devices provide access to a wide range of games, but they offer different focuses.

The Switch 2 has a more limited operating system, but has more couch co-op and game night options. Meanwhile, the ROG Ally makes it easier to enjoy online multiplayers and the latest AAA adventures while also giving access to expected PC features.

Switch 2 vs ROG Ally: Battery life

As with any gaming device, the system settings and type of game being played affect how long a handheld can run for. More graphically demanding games drain batteries faster.

An official Nintendo Switch 2 spec page says that the next-gen handheld can last between two and 6.5 hours, but doesn't state the battery capacity.

I'll have to verify Switch 2 battery life when I get my hands on one.

I've personally found that the ROG Ally's 40Whr battery can last between 45 minutes to four hours while the ROG Ally X's 80Whr battery can last between two and 8.5 hours.

WINNER: If what Nintendo said is accurate, then the ROG Ally X has the best battery life. However, the Switch 2 runs longer than the original ROG Ally.

Switch 2 vs ROG Ally: Hand comfort

There's one clear and obvious winner when it comes to ergonomics and hand comfort, and that's the ROG Ally X.

You see, even though the Switch 2 is the lightest device (1.18 pounds with the JoyCon 2 controllers on), the JoyCon 2 are flat and have absolutely no grips.

Like the original Switch JoyCon, the Switch 2 JoyCon 2 controllers will be uncomfortable to hold for long gaming sessions.

That's why I've already ordered a Satisfye ZenGrip 2 for my Switch 2.

Of course, you could always use the included Switch 2 grip accessory to unite the JoyCon 2 into a more traditional controller. This accessory offers far better grips for you to hold onto during tabletop or docked modes.

Otherwise, you might want to purchase the Switch 2 Pro Controller, which is sold separately and has a comfortable design that's similar to the Xbox controller.

Meanwhile, the original white ROG Ally has somewhat decent grips, but the large back buttons get in the way of my finger placement.

The ROG Ally X was designed with several improvements including smaller back buttons that don't get in the way of my fingers as much. Plus, the handheld is thicker, which feels better in my hands even though it's a little heavier (1.49 pounds) than ROG Ally (1.34 pounds).

WINNER: Between Switch 2, ROG Ally, and ROG Ally X, the ROG Ally X has the most comfortable grips followed by ROG Ally. Still, the included Switch 2 controller accessory can make the detached JoyCon 2 a lot more comfortable to hold.

Switch 2 vs ROG Ally: Which should I buy?

If you're more of a PC gamer who wants more control over their device, then you're going to want to get the Z1 Extreme ROG Ally.

Anyone specifically looking for a premium handheld playing experience should consider springing for the newer ROG Ally X since it has improved controls, more memory, greater storage, and twice the battery capacity of the original Ally.

The Ally's interface isn't as simple as SteamOS or Nintendo's, but it does give you greater freedom to use the device for several different things, not just gaming.

You can even purchase a docking station and play your ROG Ally or Ally X while it's connected to a TV or monitor.

However, if you are more interested in Nintendo franchises or want a device that works as more of a couch co-op game night machine, then the Switch 2 will be the handheld to go with.

Several single and multiplayer games will be playable on Switch 2, ranging from silly platformers to intensive adult games.

You just might have to wait a while before the latest PC games get ported to Switch 2 (if they do), even then there will be plenty of exclusive titles to keep you entertained.

Out of an abundance of morbid curiosity, I found myself watching the Nintendo Switch 2 live stream yesterday, despite being a somewhat lapsed Nintendo fan.

As a kid growing up in the 90s, I was among many of my British peers who were priced out of the market by Nintendo's expensive games and consoles. Sega's offering was generally more affordable, accessible, and had an impressive slate of exclusive content in its own right (Gunstar Heroes forever). As such, I have very little nostalgia for Nintendo this side of Pokémon and Metroid, but poor management of the modern games has diminished those aspects of Nintendo for me as well.

In any case, I should preface this by saying this is just my opinion, as someone who isn't compelled by the latest iteration of Mario Kart or Kirby.

My backlog on Xbox and Steam is vast enough that I'll never be short of things to play — but I was curious how Nintendo might push innovation in the handheld form factor, particularly given how Microsoft is exploring its own Xbox handheld both internally, and with a partner via Project Kennan.

What I felt after watching the Nintendo Direct was ... well, a tad bemused, really. A device that might have been impressive performance-wise a few years ago, with "new" features that are available today on competing products, while also pushing the industry to adopt up to $90 games as standard, it simply reminded me how much I take my Xbox for granted.

$90 games are going to become the norm... not for me!

Perhaps the biggest controversy of the Nintendo Switch 2 argument is the revelation that Nintendo's flagship games will retail for $80 RRP. That's a huge mark up from the $70 standard today, and will push games over $100 in some territories due to currency conversions, tariffs, and whatever else.

As someone with no nostalgia about most of Nintendo's franchises, there's not a universe that exists where I feel Kirby, Mario Kart, Pokémon, Zelda, or whatever else is worth $80.

I've paid over $90 for Collector's Editions for the few franchises I truly adore, like Diablo, World of Warcraft, The Witcher, and the like, but for the standard version, with no additional content or merch?

For the price of three flagship Nintendo games, you could buy an entire year of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

XGPU has every single recent Microsoft property available, as well as Xbox Cloud Gaming access, premium extras in free-to-play games, PC Game Pass included, hundreds of third-party games, and much, much more.

Steam is also consumer-first with its approach to pricing, with notoriously generous sales events, and a generally lower standard cost for premium games — although some publishers have been making an effort to match that.

Nintendo games are notorious for almost never going on sale, too. But hey, the market dictates, and many don't seem to care about that, but global purchasing power isn't exactly going up right now.

Beyond the point-of-purchase price, every modern Microsoft game comes with Xbox Play Anywhere as standard, meaning that you buy it once, and get a version playable across both console and PC. More and more, those games are also being greenlit on Xbox Cloud Gaming as well.

You get so much more for your $70 premium purchase of an Xbox game than you do of an $80 or $90 Nintendo Switch 2 game ... although let's be real, if Nintendo makes this the standard entry price for premium games, it's only a matter of time before Xbox, PlayStation, and other publishers follow suit.

In that world, Xbox and PC Game Pass become even more attractive options, though, reminding me how much value we're actually getting. It's easy to take that for granted.

Yesterday's tech, today!

The Nintendo Switch 2 is going to be priced similarly to an Xbox Series X, trading performance for portability.

The $499 bundle comes with Mario Kart World, and will most likely be the stock that most retailers carry — there will be a $449 option without a game, but as of writing, the Xbox Series X 1TB version is currently $439 at Amazon, making it even cheaper.

The Xbox Series S is even cheaper, at $284 on Amazon, and will run most games comparably to the Nintendo Switch 2.

It won't be long until we start seeing commentators who decried 30 FPS in games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring on the Xbox Series S as being "totally fine" on the Nintendo Switch 2. But sure, you can't take your Xbox Series X or S with you to play on a plane or on a train, so perhaps it's better to compare the Nintendo Switch 2 to a Steam Deck or ASUS ROG Ally when speaking raw form factor.

The Steam Deck probably isn't as powerful as the Nintendo Switch 2, particularly so when docked, but the ASUS ROG Ally with the AMD Z1 Extreme is likely at least comparable.

We won't know for sure how powerful and comparable these devices are in real-world tests until the Nintendo Switch 2 launches, but it's worth noting the ASUS ROG Ally is almost two years old at this point, and the Steam Deck is three years old.

The ASUS ROG Ally is $499 on Amazon as of writing, and comes with the full force of Steam, Xbox Game Pass, and third-party PC launchers for things like Genshin Impact.

It has the full power of Windows 11, with thousands of compatible accessories, mods for games, and broad configurability. The Steam Deck offers similar, and comes in far cheaper than the Nintendo Switch 2 as well.

It's true that the Nintendo interface is going to be far more usable than Windows on the ROG Ally, though, and that's something Microsoft is working hard to rectify. But at least for now, Nintendo has a usability edge for youngsters and older gamers who aren't necessarily interested in dealing with Windows or SteamOS' idiosyncrasies — all packed into one portable, TV dockable console-style device.

For all of its usability, the Nintendo Switch operating system is notoriously "no frills," I would say. Things like cloud saves and back-ups didn't launch with the original system, and even then, it wasn't for every game.

I seriously take for granted Xbox and Steam's free, blanket cloud saves system when I use other devices. I also take for granted Xbox's easy social features.

Xbox's big innovation, "party chat," from yesteryear, is finally now available on the Nintendo Switch 2, complete with an optional camera feature with auto green screen. Xbox delivered this with the Xbox One and Kinect back in 2013 with Skype integration, of course. The Xbox Series X|S also has full Discord integration, which offers the same feature set, albeit without direct game integrations.

When taken separately, the Nintendo Switch 2 is likely not as open or versatile as a ROG Ally and not as powerful or an Xbox Series X or even S — but it has packed portability and usability into a single package more elegantly than most competitors out there.

RELATED: The Nintendo Switch 2 has game sharing and a camera, sound familar?

For sure, Nintendo deserves a huge amount of credit for the innovations of the Nintendo Switch, which has driven it to tens of millions in sales and has become one of the most popular video game consoles of all time.

But, in 2025, there are so many more, often better, more affordable options that will offer at least a near-identical gaming experience — and oftentimes, a better experience.

But, is that enough?

But ... it's true that Xbox has no fun "exclusive" content argument now.

The thing is, though, consumers don't necessarily buy technology because of what's "best on paper," they buy what feels good to them.

Nintendo has curated a level of consistency that few other game publishers can pray to muster, cashing in compound nostalgia interest that has built up over decades. There's a fun factor to Nintendo's products and games that is hard to put into words.

Xbox had Skype with camera integration back in 2013, but they never took that extra step to make it "fun," like Nintendo has, integrating it directly into games. And that's before we even really talk about the games — depending on your individual preferences, that might make the "premium" price tag more than worth it.

My Xbox Two Podcast co-host says it best, "value isn't sexy," and therein lies the truth about Xbox Game Pass' proposition in the wider market. The install base for Game Pass seems to have stalled somewhere in the mid 30 millions, which isn't bad by any means. But, given that it cannibalizes $70 retail sales of games like Call of Duty, its "viability" is often called into question.

As Xbox's social accounts remind users that some of those Nintendo Switch 2 games are heading into Xbox Game Pass, it kind of reminds us that Game Pass doesn't seem to be the big draw that Xbox previously hoped it would be.

If Xbox's declining hardware sales are anything to speak of, users seem content to stay on PlayStation 5 and other competing platforms over the "value" being offered by the cheaper Xbox Series S, and Xbox Game Pass $20 subscription model.

Time is finite at the end of the day, and perhaps having access to hundreds of games is a tad overwhelming for aging variety gamers who now have kids, careers, and an increased desire to simply collapse after work instead of engage with a video game.

Furthermore, a lot of the "exclusive" content that Xbox offers through Game Pass is increasingly available on other platforms.

There are strong rumors that Halo and Gears of War are coming to PlayStation and most likely the Nintendo Switch 2 as well, down the line. Forza Horizon is no longer exclusive to Xbox either.

Xbox's iconic franchise associations have been sacrificed to help the business keep pace, following years of poor business decisions from the top down. Nintendo would never make such concessions, which is why it's most likely going to get away with selling games for $80+ and selling a very iterative device for $450.

You're not just paying for the console, you're paying for the "fun," the identity, and the "feeling" Nintendo offers. Microsoft has never understood that, and probably never will. I'll forgive them for it, but the wider market speaks for itself.

As its name suggests, the Nintendo Switch 2 is a next-gen hybrid handheld console that features improved specs compared to the original Switch.

Meanwhile, the Steam Deck is the most popular PC gaming handheld that runs SteamOS, so you can easily access your library of Steam games.

These devices might both be handhelds with somewhat similar layouts, but they offer wildly different playing experiences.

On this page, I discuss their pros and cons to help you figure out which device is best for you.

Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: Specs

Before I dive into different categories and compare the Switch 2 against the Steam Deck, take a look at their specs.

Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: Price

For a long time, analysts predicted that the Switch 2 would sell for $399.99 or higher. It turns out the actual price initially announced for this next-gen Switch is $449.99.

This price will likely go up in the U.S. due to tariffs put in place by the U.S. (more on that later).

This is roughly $150 more than the initial Nintendo Switch and the starting Steam Deck LCD.

Preorders are set to go live on April 9 (outside the U.S.), with the handheld launching on June 5, 2025. If you're interested, you can sign up for Switch 2 notifications at Best Buy.

You get more with a Switch 2 purchase than you do with a Steam Deck, since you receive the handheld itself, a docking station, and a controller accessory.

A note on tariffs in the U.S.

Nintendo is delaying Switch 2 preorders in the U.S. after the Trump administration placed heavy tariffs on Vietnam, where Nintendo does a lot of its hardware manufacturing.

It's possible that the cost of the Switch 2 could also go up as much as 50% in the U.S. due to these tariffs, which could increase the Switch 2 price to as much as $675.

Of course, tariffs will affect any tech manufactured outside of the U.S., including the Steam Deck, which is largely manufactured in China.

It's worth noting that the U.S. has placed 34% levies on China and an even greater 46% on Vietnam. As such, it's very likely that the cost of products coming from Vietnam (like Switch 2) will increase higher than the cost of products coming from China (like Steam Deck).

We currently don't know if or when Steam Deck prices will increase, but it's best to expect the cost to go up unless these tariffs change.

I'll update when I learn more.

Steam Deck configurations and pricing

The Steam Deck comes with a carrying case, but you'll need to purchase a docking station separately if you want one.

As of right now, there are three different Steam Deck configurations to choose from.

The least expensive features an LCD display, a 256GB SSD, and sells for $399.00.

Meanwhile, there are also two Steam Deck OLED configurations: The first has a 512GB SSD and sells for $549.00, while the second has a 1TB SSD and sells for $649.00 at Valve.

Valve used to sell more LCD configurations, but these can only be purchased second-hand or from third-party sellers at this point.

Of course, you'll want to look at factors other than the price to determine which of these devices best fits your gaming needs.

WINNER: The Steam Deck LCD sells for $399.00 and has a lower price point than the $449.99 Switch 2. Both Steam Deck and Switch 2 pricing will likely go up in the U.S. due to tariffs, but it's likely that Steam Deck will still have a lower starting price.

Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: Performance

It's hard to say for sure what Nintendo Switch 2's performance is like, given that the device hasn't been released yet.

What's more, Switch 2 processor details have not been revealed other than the fact that it uses a custom NVIDIA chip. I have reached out to NVIDIA to see if I can learn more and will update this page if I do.

The rumor going around is that the Switch 2 will perform similarly to the original Xbox One and PS4, which would put it generally around the same performance level as a Steam Deck.

The day after the Switch 2 Direct, NVIDIA officially revealed that the Switch 2's GPU has "dedicated RT Cores and Tensor Cores for stunning visuals and AI-driven enhancements." This hybrid handheld also uses Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) AI upscaling and Ray Tracing to improve resolution and game details.

Additionally, NVIDIA reveals that the Switch 2 offers "10x the graphics performance of the Nintendo Switch."

Meanwhile, the Steam Deck utilizes a semi-custom AMD APU (accelerated processing unit) with a custom Zen 2 CPU (central processing unit) with four cores and eight threads, and an RDNA 2 GPU (graphics processing unit).

It's unclear how much RAM it will have.

Additionally, the Switch 2 comes with 256GB storage, which is a lot more than the original Switch's measly 32GB, but small compared to the Steam Deck OLED's 512GB and 1TB offerings.

That said, Switch games don't take up a lot of space, so it's likely that Switch 2 games take up more space, but not as much as a PC game would.

It's worth mentioning that the Switch 2 can only use microSD Express Cards in its reader, so if you want to expand your storage, you'll have to get a compatible flash-memory card.

The Steam Deck is admittedly less powerful than other PC gaming handhelds like ASUS ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw 8 AI+, but it works well overall.

As I said before, its performance is often compared to the Xbox One and PS4, which is good, just not the best.

I'll go more into this later on the page, but suffice it to say that many games have been optimized to play well on Steam Deck, and these tend to offer a very nice experience on the handheld.

Having the option to get a 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD on the Steam Deck provides a lot more flexibility.

You can also upgrade the SSD or insert a microSD card to get more game storage space.

One other thing worth mentioning is that Valve specifically designed the Steam Deck to be upgradeable. I myself have easily upgraded my Steam Deck SSD, and there are a bunch of other upgrades you could make as well.

But Nintendo historically does not like users making customizations on its hardware and usually hasn't made DIY upgrades easy.

WINNER: It's hard to declare a winner here until I can get the Switch 2 and test its performance for myself. It's possible it could be more powerful than Steam Deck, considering its other specs.

Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: Display

The display is one area where the Switch 2 largely trounces the Steam Deck.

While the original Nintendo Switch only had a 6.2-inch display, the Switch 2 actually features a much larger 7.9-inch LCD touchscreen.

The screen also supports VRR (variable refresh rate) to help eliminate screen tearing, supports HDR10, can reach up to 120Hz refresh rate, and can reach up to a crisp 1080p (FHD) resolution.

When you put the handheld in the included dock, it can output to 4K when displayed on a compatible TV or monitor.

There is currently no OLED option for Switch 2, but I'll be shocked if we don't get a Switch 2 OLED in the next few years.

Meanwhile, the Steam Deck can come in either a 7-inch LCD display or a 7.4-inch OLED display.

Both display types can only reach as high as 800p, which isn't nearly as crisp as the Switch 2's 1080p.

On top of that, the Steam Deck does not support VRR and its refresh rates are much lower — Up to 60Hz on LCD, up to 90Hz on OLED.

WINNER: Even though the Steam Deck can come with an OLED display, the Nintendo Switch 2's larger display is better overall since it supports VRR, has a higher refresh rate, and a higher resolution.

Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: Buttons and joysticks

In a general sense, the Steam Deck and Switch 2 have a very similar overall control layout. They both have ABXY buttons, menu buttons, a home button, some sort of D-Pad, bumpers, and triggers.

However, there are some very distinct differences between the two.

For one thing, the Steam Deck features inline joysticks while the Switch 2 has offset joysticks. There are a lot of opinions about which design is better, but in general, I'd say offset feels more comfortable.

It's also worth noting that the Steam Deck does not have Hall Effect joysticks. Nintendo also recently confirmed that the Switch 2 won't have Hall Effect joysticks either, but they have been "designed from the ground up" (thanks, NintendoLife).

Given the original Switch's drift issues, I really hope Nintendo has managed to create a better joystick experience.

Another thing is that the Steam Deck has touchpads on either side, to give players more fine control in games.

The Switch 2 stands out with its JoyCon controllers that detach when you press a button and magnetically snap back into place when held close to the main device.

When turned sideways, either controller half can be used as its own controller, which allows for easy multiplayer on the go.

If you're playing with the Switch docked to your TV, you can use the included accessory to unite the detached controller halves into a more traditional controller.

Additionally, Nintendo has also revealed a new Pro Controller for the Switch 2, which has a relatively similar design to the Xbox Series X Controller.

Nintendo's Switch 2 gimmick is mouse mode

Nintendo almost always provides some sort of new control gimmick with each of its consoles, and in the case of the Switch 2, the gimmick is mouse controls.

When held sideways against a surface, players can slide these JoyCon and use the bumper as a left-click button, which could make it easier to play mouse-click-heavy games like Civilization VII.

It's hard to say for sure how effective and useful this mouse mode is until I can try it myself. Honestly, it will partly depend on how well developers plan around it in their games.

At any rate, you could compare the Switch 2 mouse controls to Steam Deck touchpads in some ways since they both give players more minute control over their in-game movements.

WINNER: Honestly, it's too early to tell. The Steam Deck and Switch 2 are so different in this area that it's hard to declare a winner. There's no denying that the Switch 2 offers more versatility, but it's hard to tell how well these features work at present.

Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: Compatible games & Operating system

Valve's Steam Deck runs SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system with a simplified interface. The handheld can also be put in a desktop mode and used like a Linux computer.

SteamOS is designed to access your library of Steam games, which can be vast and varied.

I can find everything from cozy indie games like Stardew Valley to massive, graphically intensive adventures like Assassin's Creed Shadows on Steam.

However, not all Steam games run well on Steam Deck due to the handheld's relatively modest internals.

You'll want to check the "Steam Deck Compatibility" section on Steam game pages. If a game has a green checkmark, it means the game is verified to work well on the handheld.

Even then, some developers do not go through the trouble of optimizing their games for Steam Deck or they might just not have the inclination to get it verified, so it's possible some games can run beautifully on Deck without explicitly being marked as verified.

Out of the box, the Steam Deck is only designed to access Steam, but you can use programs like Decky Loader to get access to Battle.net, EA app, Epic Games, and more.

So far, Nintendo has only shown a small glimpse of the Switch 2 interface, but it generally looks like it might be pretty similar to the original Switch.

One of the biggest differences revealed so far is that players will be able to adjust TV resolution in display settings, which wasn't possible before.

Hopefully, that means Switch 2 owners will have even more customization options than the first Switch offered.

Some people see the Switch 2 as a kid's console, but it offers everything from family-friendly multiplayer games like Mario Kart World to mature solo adventures.

Many PC titles that I'd never expect to see on Switch eventually got Switch versions, and we've already seen that starting to happen for Switch 2.

Additionally, we already know that Elden Ring's FromSoftware is exclusively launching its new gritty vampire game, DuskBloods, on the hybrid handheld.

On top of that, Nintendo has stated that most Switch games can run on Switch 2, but there are some exceptions. But that means the new system is already mostly compatible with a massive library, and more games have already been announced.

The original Switch has plenty of couch co-op games, with some party titles able to host as many as eight players (if you have enough controllers to go around).

As such, it's a great family night or game night console as well as a good place to play single-player games.

Something to be aware of is that most games require a Nintendo Switch Online subscription in order for you to play online, which is frustrating since there's nothing like that on Steam Deck.

Just so you know, this membership also gives you access to classic NES and SNES games for a fun nostalgic hit.

If you are willing to pay a bit more, you can spring for the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which gives access to games on N64, Sega Genesis, Game Boy Advance, and more. Plus, GameCube games like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker will be added in later.

WINNER: This feels like comparing apples and oranges. Both the Steam Deck and Switch 2 have a vast and varied library of games. However, the Switch 2 offers more couch co-op games, while the Steam Deck is especially great for solo or online multiplayer adventures.

Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: Battery life

This is another hard area that's hard to compare until I test the Switch 2 myself. Nintendo has not revealed the capacity of its Switch 2 battery, but the company does claim that it can last between two and 6.5 hours.

I'll have to verify this by conducting a test later.

Meanwhile, we know that the Steam Deck LCD has a 40Whr battery that lasts between two and eight hours while the Steam Deck OLED has a 50Whr battery that lasts three to 12 hours.

As with any portable gaming device, battery life changes depending on settings and what games you're playing.

WINNER: If what Nintendo said is correct, then the Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED batteries can last longer overall. I'll update after performing my own testing.

Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: Hand comfort

Honestly, neither the Steam Deck nor the Switch 2 is going to be great in this area.

The Steam Deck has a more ergonomic design, overall, but it's relatively heavy, and the grips aren't the best shape. Many people still experience wrist and hand pain while holding this device.

Meanwhile, the Switch 2 JoyCon controllers have absolutely no grips on the back, which is why many people have already preordered accessories like the Satisfye ZenGrip for it.

However, when you take the JoyCon off and connect them to the included controller attachment accessory, you get a lightweight gamepad with better grips than Steam Deck.

WINNER: This is a bit of a tie due to tradeoffs. The Steam Deck grips aren't amazing, but they're better than the non-grips on the Switch 2 JoyCon. However, the Switch 2 comes with an accessory that lets you connect the detached controllers to a more traditional accessory while also providing better grips.

Switch 2 vs Steam Deck: Which should I buy?

This decision is really going to come down to a matter of preference.

The Nintendo Switch 2's hybrid design and included dock allow it to function as both a handheld and a console without having to buy additional accessories.

However, there's a reason why Valve's handheld has been so popular since it came out. It's less expensive than other PC handhelds and offers great performance with compatible games.

If you like the idea of playing your PC games, then you will likely be better served with a Steam Deck. It won't be compatible with all Steam games, but it will work beautifully with verified titles.

Meanwhile, if you are really invested in Nintendo games or want a system that is far more conducive to split-screen party games, then the Switch 2 will be the better fit.

Its hybrid design and included dock allow it to function as both a handheld and a console without having to buy additional accessories.

Following up on a recent tease, Activision revealed Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 on Tuesday, confirming that two more iconic games in the Tony Hawk franchise are being remade for modern hardware.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 is being developed by Iron Galaxy Studios, the team that worked on the PC version of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2.

The game includes the classic soundtrack with artists like CKY and Gang Starr, alongside new tracks that haven't been revealed just yet. All the classic levels that players would expect have been remade, while there's also some new parks to explore.

Unlike its predecessor remake, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 includes full cross-play, meaning up to eight skaters can play together no matter their preferred platform.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 is set to release on July 11, 2025, with preorders for the game getting access to a Foundry level demo in June.

Meanwhile, the Digital Deluxe edition arrives three days earlier, letting you start playing on July 8. In a fun collaboration with fellow Xbox publisher Bethesda Softworks, this version of the game also includes the Doom Slayer and Revenant as skaters.

Players can also enjoy some DOOM music while grinding, as well as playing around with five skateboards decked out in DOOM Eternal artwork.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 is coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC (via Steam, the Xbox PC app, and Battle.net), PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.

Buying the game on Xbox or Battle.net supports cross-buy, meaning you'll be able to access a copy on both platforms at no extra cost.

Naturally, as an Xbox first-party game, the standard edition of the game is coming to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on day one.

The Xbox lineup remains stacked for 2025

Following the recent launch of Obsidian Entertainment's role-playing game Avowed, Compulsion Games' Southern Gothic adventure South of Midnight coming in April. DOOM: The Dark Ages is also slated to arrive in May, meaning Xbox players have plenty to enjoy all throughout the first half of 2025.

While the highly-anticipated Fable from Playground Games was recently delayed into 2026, there's still a large number of Xbox games slated to launch in the second half of the year.

Obsidian Entertainment is set to deliver a double-feature with the launch of The Outer Worlds 2, a follow-up to the team's 2019 science-fiction role-playing game.

This fall, Xbox Game Studios is also publishing Ninja Gaiden 4, a co-development effort from Team Ninja and PlatinumGames that's been six or seven years in the making.

With the confirmation that Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 is set to arrive in July, that's now three confirmed Xbox games launching in the back half of the year.

Towerborne from Stoic Studio is also slated to enter Xbox Game Preview this year, after joining early access on Steam in 2024. Another Call of Duty game is also all but-confirmed to arrive, even if it hasn't been officially announced yet, essentially bringing the total to five games for the second half of the year.

There's still room for some other projects to be announced, such as the heavily-rumored remake of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, but we'll have to wait and see what happens in the coming months.

No matter what, the Xbox division has become a publishing powerhouse, moving from one release to the next at a steady pace without any real awkward gaps. I'm expecting the teams to maintain this cadence in 2026, which should see a similarly packed release slate.

Analysis: I'm in

I don't quite have the same childhood connection to Tony Hawk games that I know so many others do, but I'm still in.

We don't get many great skateboarding games, so having this remake fit into the 2025 Xbox portfolio is a smart move.

The Doom crossover is not just extremely cool, it feels laser-targeted to my interests. I'll absolutely be jumping into the Digital Deluxe edition in order to go skating with Doom Slayer and rocking out to some heavy metal.

It's also good timing with DOOM: The Dark Ages coming up in May, so the franchise will still be on a lot of minds a couple of months later.

As an aside, it's good to see something not named Call of Duty being published by Activision right now.

It's my understanding that the Xbox team wants Activision to work on other projects and branch out from Call of Duty with franchise revivals and new IP, but a lot of that work is easier said than done and is still fairly early on.

At the time it launched, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 was the fastest-selling game in the series, selling over a million copies in its first two weeks. I'll certainly be curious to see how this game performs by comparison.

Black Friday deals are already live, and among them, we're seeing discounts for various gaming handheld devices. I've tested every major PC gaming handheld on the market today, and I can tell you that right now is a great time to pick up one of these portable gaming machines whether it's the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Legion Go, Nintendo Switch, or another device.

To help you come to a decision this deal season, I'll go over five reasons why now is such a good time to buy a handheld and then conclude with two reasons why you might want to hold off a little longer.

UPDATE Nov. 25, 2024 @ 10:00 a.m. PT: I have updated this page to include the latest ROG Ally Black Friday deals. Additionally, I have added an FAQ section that answers common questions about Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Legion Go, and Nintendo Switch.

Pro 1 - There have been a lot of price drops recently

The majority of gaming handhelds on the market right now are at least a year old, some are midway through (or near the end of) their generation cycle. This being the case, most devices can be found selling at a discount rather than at their launch MSRP, especially during Black Friday sales events. In our experience, Best Buy usually has the best gaming handheld deals.

During Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Days, we've seen gaming handhelds drop in price by $100 or more, making them far more affordable, and the same is bound to happen again. It's a great time to get your first handheld or upgrade to a better one.

TRADE-IN OFFER: By the way, from now through December 31, 2024, Best Buy is offering up to $230 in savings when you trade in your ROG Ally for an ROG Ally X. More specifically, you'll get a $50 coupon toward your ROG Ally X purchase and then a gift card up to $180 for your traded-in handheld, depending on the model and condition it is in. So, that's yet another way for you to get a more affordable new gaming handheld this year.

Pro 2 - You can play your PC games on the go (or in bed)

I've been playing PC games since I was a kid in the 90s, which means I have a rather large library of PC games on various services. The awesome thing with gaming handhelds is that they allow me to play most of these games anywhere I go without having to lug around a relatively bulky gaming laptop. It's very convenient.

As a matter of fact, whenever I go on vacation or take a work trip, my ROG Ally is one of the first things I pack. It keeps me entertained during road trips, on long flights, or simply when I have downtime in my hotel room. On my last trip, I ended up playing Ghost of Tsushima on the first flight and Celeste on the second. Of course, another handheld perk is that I can comfortably play them every night in my bed before going to sleep. It's a great way to unwind after a stressful day.

• RELATED: Steam Deck vs ROG Ally | ROG Ally X vs ROG Ally | ROG Ally vs Legion Go | MSI Claw vs Steam Deck

HANDHELD RECOMMENDATION: If you mostly only want to play games in your Steam library or want a device that acts more like a game console, then you might want to get the Steam Deck with its simplified SteamOS interface. However, if you want a more powerful handheld for running graphically intensive games that also operates more like a regular laptop with access to other services like Battle.net, Epic Games, and more (out of the box), then you should consider ROG Ally or Legion Go.

Pro 3 - There are plenty of options, each with a different focus

It seems like every few weeks, a new gaming handheld is teased, announced, or released. The nice thing about the best gaming handhelds on the market is that they each have different perks, which means they have different use cases.

One person might find the Steam Deck suits them best thanks to its lower price point and simpler interface. Meanwhile another person will prefer the ROG Ally X due to its far more powerful processor that can handle more graphically intensive games. Here are the best handhelds available now and how they stand out from others.

Steam Deck is affordable and easy to use

ROG Ally is a small Windows 11 gaming laptop with the best performance and specs

• RELATED: ROG Ally X vs ROG Ally — Which is the better gaming handheld? | ROG Ally review | ROG Ally X review

Legion Go is a Windows 11 handheld with a massive screen and detachable controllers

• RELATED: Lenovo Legion Go review

AYANEO Flip DS has two screens for multitasking between programs

• RELATED: AYANEO Flip DS review | AYANEO Slide review

MSI Claw was the first main AI PC gaming handheld

Nintendo Switch is ideal for co-op multiplayers

• RELATED: Nintendo Switch review | Switch OLED review | Switch Lite review

Pro 4 - Handhelds can function as a full computer (and cost less)

Several people have swapped out their computer for a Windows 11 gaming handheld like the Legion Go or ROG Ally. While handhelds are expensive, they cost less than gaming laptops and gaming desktops. As long as you have the right accessories, you can use these devices just like a regular gaming laptop. These are the core accessories to consider for turning your handheld into your main PC.

• Docking station: These nifty peripherals allow you to connect your handheld to a monitor. You'll just want to make sure that you get one that offers at least a 65W power flow to support the handheld's power consumption needs and that the docking station has a USB-C cable that's long enough to reach the handheld's port without straining. I highly recommend the JSAUX 6-in-1 Multifunctional Docking Station since it has a good selection of ports, 100W input power, and a cable that's long enough to reach even the tall Legion Go.
• Monitor: Of course, you're going to need a TV or a monitor to connect your gaming handheld to if you don't have one already. If you want suggestions, check out our best gaming monitors or our list of the best gaming TVs.

• Xbox controller: If you do play your gaming handheld while docked to a screen, you might want to consider getting a controller with Bluetooth. There are plenty of options, but I personally recommend getting one of the best Xbox controllers.
• Mouse & Keyboard: If you use Bluetooth, a wireless USB-C dongle, or a USB-A to USB-C adapter, you can use a mouse and keyboard directly with a handheld without needing a dock. Check out our lists of the best PC gaming mouse or our list of the best gaming keyboards for suggestions.

Pro 5 - They offer fantastic performance for a portable device

Out of the box, the Steam Deck can play any Steam Deck verified games in your Steam Library (and even several non-verified ones). Meanwhile, Windows 11 handhelds like ROG Ally, Legion Go, and MSI Claw are small computers that can run games on any service including Steam, Epic Games, Battle.net, and more.

While you shouldn't expect the same visual experience as a high-tier gaming desktop, a gaming handheld can typically play the latest games at respectable FPS and with good motion clarity. You might just need to tweak some system settings or game settings before you find the optimal way to play.

PRO TIP: ASUS has specifically made it possible to significantly increase the ROG Ally and ROG Ally X's performance. If you get one of these devices, I highly recommend you turn on AFMF and increase VRAM.

Con 1 - We're mid-gen with newer devices around the corner

The flip side of my initial pro for getting a gaming handheld this Black Friday is also my first con. We know that Lenovo, ASUS, MSI, Zotac, Acer, and Nintendo are all planning on releasing new gaming handhelds relatively soon (such as Legion Go S, ROG Ally 2, MSI AI Claw 2, Zotac Zone, Acer Nitro Blaze 7, and Nintendo Switch 2).

There might even be options from additional companies that we don't even know about, like a recently confirmed Xbox handheld (although, that one is a few years out). If you want to have the latest and greatest options, you might want to wait until these devices come out and buy one then.

• RELATED: How to reset and sell Steam Deck | How to reset and sell ROG Ally

That said, we won't know the performance, special features, or price of these handhelds until they are announced, and there's no telling when they will actually release. As such, if you really want a gaming handheld, it might be better to get one of the better-rated ones now, especially if you can get one at a great deal price. And then decide down the road if you want to trade it in for a better one.

Con 2 - Battery life still isn't great

Just like with gaming laptops, all gaming handhelds have pretty bad battery life, regardless of which device you're talking about. The Steam Deck is arguably one of the best in this area and can last two to eight hours, depending on what game you're playing and what settings are set to.

Meanwhile, the original ROG Ally, Legion Go, MSI Claw, and many AYANEO devices usually run out of battery between one and four hours, depending on how intensive a game is. The ROG Ally X is a step up in this regard, with double the battery capacity of the original Ally, but it will still only last roughly two hours when on max TDP and playing demanding games.

BATTERY TIP: I get around this issue by either using one of the best handheld power banks, playing while the handheld is plugged in, or else connecting my handhelds to a docking station, but if that doesn't sound appealing, then you might not want a gaming handheld.

How to get the best Black Friday gaming handheld deals

During the week of Black Friday, many gaming handhelds will see impressive discounts. The problem is, some companies will claim a device went on sale and then list it at a higher price than it was a week ago. To get the best deal, it's helpful to use a deal tracking service.

For instance, before buying anything off of Amazon, I personally use CamelCamelCamel to check and see if the deal price being shown is actually a good discount based on past sale prices. This will be especially helpful when considering Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck deals. Steam might also lower the price of its handheld at the official Steam website, nearer to the actual Black Friday day.

The ROG Ally and ROG Ally X are mainly only sold at Best Buy and the ASUS website. This makes it easier to find the best deals possible. In my experience, Best Buy tends to have the best ROG Ally Black Friday deals. And this year, we're even seeing an ROG Ally X Black Friday deal.

Legion Go is available for purchase at the Lenovo website and Best Buy. You'll want to check either of these places to find the better deal for this larger gaming handheld.

WARNING: There are a lot of scammers out there waiting to take advantage of shoppers. If you see a gaming handheld selling for far less than its used MSRP then it is very likely a scam. To keep yourself safe, it's best to stick to trusted retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.

I wouldn't want to be without my beloved gaming handhelds

One thing is for sure, ever since I got my Steam Deck and then my ROG Ally, I've been able to play my PC games more comfortably wherever I am.

Most nights, I curl up with one of my handhelds and play the latest titles or my favorite classics while cozy and in bed. If I want to be near my husband while he's in the living room, I can play on the couch next to him while he watches a show or plays on the Xbox Series X. I've even toted my handhelds around the kitchen while I'm cooking or working on various projects.

One of the best things about having a gaming handheld is that I can entertain myself while playing everything from indie classics to the latest big titles while traveling. This includes playing for graphically intensive games like Ghost of Tsushima, Cyberpunk 2077, and even Baldur's Gate 3 while on airplanes and road trips. Handhelds really are very convenient for portable PC gaming.

Gaming handheld FAQ

The nice thing about having a gaming handheld like Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Legion Go is that they can work as a replacement for a more expensive gaming laptop.

However, doing any sort of screen capture isn't quite as convenient on these little devices. That's why AVerMedia released the X'TRA GO GC515 Charging Dock, an accessory that can capture handheld game footage on its own without needing to be connected to a computer.

I've spent the last couple of weeks using the AVerMedia X'TRA GO GC515 with my various gaming handhelds (ROG Ally, ROG Ally X, Legion Go, Steam Deck, and Nintendo Switch) to see how well it works. Here's what I've discovered.

AVerMedia X'TRA GO GC515W: Price and availability

As you likely already know, there are dozens and dozens of gaming handheld docks on the market today, whether you're looking for an accessory for Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Legion Go, or one of the many other handhelds.

Many of these docks can be purchased for between $25 and $50, so the AVerMedia X'TRA GO's $199.99 MSRP will seem rather high at first. However, the reason for this higher pricing is that it is one of the only docks (if not the only dock) that can capture handheld game footage without needing to be connected to a computer.

Instead of simply being a pass-through dock, X'TRA GO features a capture card inside. If you insert a microSD card into it, the accessory can capture your game footage with just the press of a button while propping your handheld up.

If desired, you can also connect it to your laptop or desktop and then have better control over screen capture options using a program like OBS Studio. The X'TRA GO also comes in either black or white, which helps it match or stand apart from your gaming handheld of choice.

You can purchase the X'TRA GO at Amazon or the AVerMedia website. If you're lucky, you might be able to find it on sale during specific discount events throughout the year, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Prime Day. So far, the best sale I've seen has made the X'TRA GO dock drop down to $179.99 at Amazon. It's definitely pricier than many of the best external capture cards, but these other options don't display your handheld, and they often don't offer extra ports like the X'TRA GO does.

AVerMedia X'TRA GO GC515W — What's in the box?

The AVerMedia X'TRA GO GC515 docking station and recorder comes with an HDMI 2.0 cable, a USB-C to USB-C cable, a USB-C to USB-C PD cable, and a quick start guide.

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AVerMedia X'TRA GO GC515W: What I like

I experienced a bit of confusion when first setting up the AVerMedia X'TRA GO GC515, but after some troubleshooting, I was able to get it set up. Due to this, I've included setup instructions in the section after this to help you.

The AVerMedia X'TRA GO is a fantastic gaming handheld accessory that easily allows me to capture game footage without having to rely on a computer. The rubber stand area is large enough to fit my Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch OLED, ROG Ally, and Legion Go. Similarly, the included USB-C cable is long enough to plug into each of these devices, although I have found the Legion Go is easier to connect to if I plug the USB-C cable into the bottom port rather than the handheld's top port.

One of the things I love most about the X'TRA GO GC515 is how compact it is. External capture cards aren't that big, to begin with, but even encased in a plastic dock, this accessory still only takes up roughly 5.5 inches by 4 inches of space on my desk.

Plenty of charging ports, three monitors, and two host devices

The ports make it easy to connect the dock to my handheld, a couple of accessories, and, optionally, my computer. I took some time to tuck my cables carefully behind the accessory, and I got a relatively clean setup overall.

The ports are all clearly labeled, so it's easy to know where to plug things in. A handheld icon over one USB-C port lets me know I need to use this connection for my gaming handheld, while a separate USB-C port with a laptop icon above it makes it clear that this connection is optionally there for my PC. Meanwhile, the slider on the right switches the device between Capture Mode and Card Reader Mode.

The X'TRA GO does not come with a power cable/adapter, and it needs a 65W power flow to work properly. Because of this, I ended up using my ROG Ally charging brick, which supplies enough to charge up my ROG Ally or Legion Go, even when I'm playing at their max TDP.

Playing directly on my handhelds while in this dock felt a bit awkward, so I preferred to either use my favorite Xbox controller via Bluetooth or connect a mouse and keyboard USB-A dongle to the dock and control my games that way.

USER TIP: If you want to use the GC515 with a Nintendo Switch, make sure to use the Nintendo Switch's power brick and HDMI cable.

Easy capture and beautiful footage

It took me a bit of troubleshooting, but now that everything is set up, recording with the X'TRA GO is a breeze. To begin with, I plugged in all of the necessary cables (without connecting to a computer), and then I inserted a Samsung Evo Select 1TB microSD card into the dock. If you don't have a good memory card already, I suggest looking at our list of the best gaming handheld microSD cards.

From there, I was able to quickly capture footage simply by pressing the large AVerMedia button on the front of the accessory. An LED light indicator below this button flashes red, letting me know when a recording is in progress. It then turns blue if I end the recording by pressing the button again.

I did a few different recording sessions while connected to each of my handheld devices. This is how I discovered that the dock saves recordings as MP4 files and can record at either 120FPS at 1080p or up to 60FPS at 4K. When I checked these recordings, they were all clean, crisp, and had very smooth capture quality. The audio was also pretty good.

After this, I connected the docking station to my ROG NUC 970 mini gaming PC and downloaded AVerMedia Streaming Center from AVerMedia.com so I could fine-tune my GC515's settings. Once done, I used OBS Studio to gain more control over my recordings or streaming sessions while playing a few different games, including Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Cyberpunk 2077, and Baldur's Gate 3.

RELATED: Best settings for playing Dragon Age: The Veilguard on gaming handhelds.

There is a bit of a delay when displaying the image on your computer monitor, but that's pretty common. Pass-through resolution looks really nice since it supports up to 4K at 60Hz or 1080p at 120Hz as long as you have a compatible monitor.

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How to set up X'TRA GO GC515 with OBS for streaming

There are a number of different streaming apps out there, but our preferred is the free and open-source OBS Studio. Here is how to get the GC515 and your gaming handheld set up with this program.

1. Download the AVerMedia Streaming Center from AVerMedia.com and install it on your computer. If it doesn't detect the GC515, unplug and then replug the power cable to the dock and then press the Refresh button. You might also want to try restarting your computer.
2. Connect the X'TRA GO to your gaming handheld (and optionally your computer) as instructed in the Quick Start Guide.
3. Turn on your docked gaming handheld.
4. Adjust resolution and refresh rates on your handheld device (something that is possible with Windows handhelds but not Nintendo Switch).
5. Use the switch on the back to put the X'TRA GO in the correct mode. Left is Capture Mode, and the right is MicroSD Card Reader Mode.
6. Connect a keyboard and mouse or a controller to the gaming handheld either through the USB-A ports on the GC515 or via the handheld's Bluetooth.
7. Download OBS (if you don't already have it) and install it on your computer.
8. Open OBS on your computer. If this is your first time, you'll need to determine some settings. I selected:
   1. Usage Information: Optimize for streaming, recording secondary
   2. Video Settings: 1920x1080, Either 60 or 30, but prefer 60 when possible
   3. Stream Information: Twitch with a connected account.
9. In the Sources box near the bottom of the screen, click on the + button.
10. Select Video Capture Device. By default, it should have GC515 X'TRA GO selected.
11. Adjusted settings if desired or press OK to close the window.
12. If you're ready to stream or record, simply make sure the gaming handheld is on and running whatever game you want it to. Then click on Start Streaming or Start Recording in the Controls box (found in the bottom right corner of OBS).
13. When you're done, select Stop Streaming or Stop Recording.

USER TIP: You might need to adjust your handheld's display settings in order to display the signal properly on a connected PC/monitor.

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AVerMedia X'TRA GO GC515W: What I do not like

As I previously alluded to, the biggest problem with the X'TRA GO is that the stand area cannot be adjusted. Because of that, handhelds are held up at different angles depending on how thick the casing is.

Nintendo Switch has a lot of wiggle room and tends to tilt back, while Legion Go barely fits and thus sits straight up. However, the X'TRA GO is not wide enough to hold the thicker ROG Ally X in place. I was still able to use the GC515 to record or stream from this improved ASUS gaming device, but not with the Ally X installed on the stand.

While not absolutely necessary, I was also surprised to see that this charging dock doesn't have an RJ45 port. True, the focus is that you can use the accessory without having to connect to a computer, but Ethernet ports are very common with other docking stations on the market, and I would definitely prefer a faster-wired internet connection for my online games.

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AVerMedia X'TRA GO GC515W: Competition

There are a lot of options to choose from when looking for the best laptop docking stations or the best Thunderbolt 4 hubs, but each device offers different connection possibilities. As such, you'll want to consider what it is you specifically want from a docking station and then find one that matches your needs.

If you already have a handheld docking station as well as a computer and simply want a capture card, you might want to look at our Elgato HD60 X review. This device is easy to set up, has HDR processing abilities, and offers VRR passthrough. It has an MSRP of $179.99 but can be found selling for as low as $129.99 on Amazon during deal periods.

If you simply need a docking station and don't care about capturing footage, then I recommend going with a JSAUX accessory. You can look at my JSAUX 6-in-1 Multifunctional Docking Station review ($38.99 at Amazon), ideal for ROG Ally, ROG Ally X, and Legion Go, or my colleague's JSAUX Steam Deck dock review ($39.99 at Amazon) for two awesome suggestions.

Now, if you want more of an all-out hub to connect to your computer, I suggest looking at our CalDigit TS4 review. This dock has a healthy amount of ports in a compact casing. As part of its port selection, it has both an SD Card reader and a microSD card reader. The CalDigit TS4 has an MSRP of $449.95 but can often be found on sale at Amazon for $399.95.

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AVerMedia X'TRA GO GC515W: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if...

✅ You want a device that records gameplay: Not only is the X'TRA GO a docking station, it also doubles as a recording device. Because of this, you don't need to have a laptop or computer connected to your handheld in order to stream gameplay.

✅ You'd like a docking station that works with all current major gaming handhelds: The X'TRA GO is compatible with Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Legion Go, MSI Claw, or other USB-C gaming device.

✅ You're looking for a device that is compact and looks nice: Despite offering a good range of ports and doubling as both a docking station and recording device, the X'TRA GO doesn't take up a lot of room. It also has a pleasant design that looks good in any gaming den, office, or living room.

You should not buy this if...

❌ You want a wired internet connection: Since the X'TRA GO GC515 doesn't have an Ethernet port, it cannot supply a stable wired connection to your gaming handhelds on its own.

❌ You don't need a docking station that records: If you don't think you'll want to record or stream your gaming sessions, then you'll be better served with a simpler gaming handheld docking station. They're a lot cheaper than this unique device too.

The AVerMedia X'TRA GO GC515 is the most convenient way to record or stream crisp game footage from a gaming handheld. You can easily use this device to capture footage without a computer and then upload your captures online or share them with friends as desired. If you want to have more control over your streaming, then I recommend setting it up with a PC and using OBS Studio.

While the port selection is healthy, it would have been better if the X'TRA GO had an RJ45 port to provide a wired internet connection for my online games. Additionally, having an adjustable stand area would make it so different gaming devices could be held up at better viewing angles and might even make it so that the ROG Ally X could fit. These problems are very minor, though, so I definitely recommend the X'TRA GO to gaming handheld owners who want to stream or record gameplay.

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What you need to know

• LEGO Horizon Adventures is an upcoming LEGO version of PlayStation and Guerrilla Games' Horizon franchise. 
• Co-developed by Guerrilla Games and Studio Gobo, LEGO Horizon Adventures features classic LEGO humor and shenanigans, with brick-based recreations of machines like the Tallneck and Thunderjaw. 
• LEGO Horizon Adventures is launching later in 2024 on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Nintendo Switch, but not Xbox consoles or PlayStation. 
• Speaking with Stephen Totilo for Game File, the developers stated that they "don't really have anything to announce about Xbox right now."

We have some non-answers regarding chosen platforms for one of PlayStation's upcoming games. 

LEGO Horizon Adventures, a LEGO-fied version of PlayStation' Horizon games that's being co-developed by Guerrilla Games and Studio Gobo, is currently in development for PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Nintendo Switch, the latter of which is remarkably unusual for non-MLB PlayStation Studios games. Despite being far more multiplatform than normal, the game has not been announced for Xbox consoles.

Speaking with Stephen Totilo for his one-man newsletter Game File (where he also talks about the making of upcoming PlayStation 5 title Astro Bot), Guerrilla Games narrative director James Windeler noted that the game was meant to push PlayStation 5 hardware and "look as amazing as it can possibly be" on the system. 

When asked by Totilo about why it was coming to Nintendo Switch, Windeler explained that the decision helped the team to go after a "family-friendly audience and a younger audience" than would otherwise have been possible. Upon being asked about Xbox however, Windeler simply said that "You know, we don't really have anything to announce about Xbox right now."

LEGO Horizon Adventures is slated to launch later in 2024

Like other LEGO games, LEGO Horizon Adventures features co-op, with full cross-platform play on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Nintendo Switch. Players can collect LEGO versions of characters like Aloy and Varl, taking on machines such as the Thunderjaw.

There's no release date right now, but when the game was unveiled earlier in the year as part of Summer Game Fest 2024, it was announced to be coming later in the year. 

Analysis: Not too surprising, but curious all the same

While the way the non-answer is given is amusing, it seems perfectly obvious what's really going on. For PlayStation, this kind of game only really makes sense if it has a wide audience, something that can't quite be guaranteed from even PlayStation 5 and PC players, but the company also can't bring it to PlayStation 4 because it needs to push its own newer hardware. As a result, the best option to be found is through also bringing it to Nintendo Switch. 

As for Xbox, while it definitely won't be included at launch, I don't think an eventual port is completely impossible. PlayStation does already bring MLB games to Xbox, so porting games like LEGO Horizon Adventures after the initial wave of players have already been garnered elsewhere makes a degree of sense.

No matter what else happens, the list of PlayStation Studios games on Windows PC is growing faster than ever, and it's abundantly clear PlayStation (like Xbox) is no longer completely constraining itself to one piece of console hardware.

As an aside, kudos to Totilo for the work he's putting into Game File. In his most recent newsletter, he also talks with Team Asobi about the upcoming awesome-looking Astro Bot, and I encourage reading it. 

What you need to know

• Someone managed to get Windows 11 to run on a Nintendo Switch.
• The Nintendo Switch running Windows 11 was jokingly called the "world's slowest PC," as it takes several seconds to respond to any input and is overall a sluggish setup.
• Putting Windows 11 onto a Nintendo Switch is a fun experiment but there will never be an official way to replicate the feat.
• Microsoft may, however, create its own Xbox handheld at some point or optimize Windows 11 for small screens.

A Nintendo Switch running Windows 11 isn't a topic I expected to cover in 2024, but that's exactly what has happened. Before you get too excited, this was a fun experiment, not an attempt to make the ultimate portable gaming PC. The feat was shown off by X (formerly Twitter) user PatRyk. The novel concept earned quite a bit of media attention, especially considering the performance of the Switch when running Windows 11.

PatRyk joked that the Switch running Windows 11 was the "world's slowest PC" and that it took around three hours to install the operating system onto the Switch. Interacting with Windows 11 is laughably sluggish, which is to be expected considering the setup.

PatRyk clarified that an ARM64 version of Windows with KVM enabled was used to get Windows 11 onto the Nintendo Switch.

Just a joke... unless?

I'd say that no one would think this setup is official or the next dream device for portable PC gaming, though that's not entirely true. Some seemed confused and called the Nintendo Switch running Steam "official." Of course, PatRyk never said that was the case and mocked those who tried to claim it was.

While the Nintendo Switch running Windows 11 is not going to be anyone's handheld console of choice, there are some hints that Microsoft wants to make its own portable console. The tech giant also seems keen to get Windows 11 to work better on handheld consoles like the Lenovo Legion Go or ASUS ROG Ally.

Microsoft recently sent out a survey asking people their opinions on gaming handhelds. Many believe an Xbox handheld is likely. Some, including our Managing Editor Jez Corden, claim such a device is "absolutely necessary" for Microsoft.

Several of the best gaming handhelds run Windows 11. The operating system isn't optimized for smaller screens, but that could change. A Microsoft hackathon project showed some ways that a Gaming Shell could work on Windows. That was just a hackathon project, but some interesting concepts were demonstrated.

I doubt we'll ever see a Nintendo Switch run Windows, but we could very well see an Xbox handheld and handheld gaming consoles running an optimized version of Windows 11 that plays nicely with small screens.

What you need to know

• The Steam Deck and the ROG Ally (and all PC-based handhelds) will soon know what the competition is up to. 
• Nintendo has confirmed that it will reveal information on its successor to the Switch before the end of this fiscal year. 
• Before the next Switch is announced, we'd expect to see upgraded versions of at least the ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go. 

In the most casual way possible, the kings of handheld gaming, Nintendo, has today revealed that information on the successor to the Nintendo Switch will be revealed before the end of this fiscal year. So that's not necessarily before the end of the 2024 calendar year, since Nintendo's fiscal year runs to March 2025. 

Why is this important to us? After all, we don't cover Nintendo in these parts. It's important because the Switch is the most popular handheld gaming console on the planet, and in PC gaming land we're just getting started. It's always prudent to keep one eye on the competition, and we recognize the Switch as one of the best gaming handhelds you can buy today. 

The one thing we do know is that the Nintendo Direct planned in June won't be talking about hardware. Presumably that'll be another chance for Hollow Knight: Silksong fans to be disappointed, instead. 

The Switch, and certainly its successor, is also going to be an important battleground for Microsoft's Xbox and its new focus on cross-platform availability for its first-party games. Grounded recently hit the Switch, Minecraft (and its spin-offs) has been successful on the Switch, so it's absolutely going to be relevant. And of course, it's a handheld, which means that handheld buyers may still end up deciding between it, and one of the Windows (or Linux) powered PC consoles. 

The Switch was first revealed back in 2015, nine years ago, which feels like a lifetime. It's true that one of the benefits of going in on PC gaming handhelds is that there will be a more frequent upgrade cycle, so the hardware limitations on newer games can be negated as things progress. Let's face it, the Switch doesn't come close to the Steam Deck or the ROG Ally on hardware. 

Upgrades expected to the ROG Ally, at least, before the Switch successor appears

With PC makers like ASUS and Lenovo in on the handheld action, you can guarantee that things won't sit still for long. We already know that ASUS has a sequel to the ROG Ally in the works, and likewise Lenovo is also getting to it with a successor for the Legion Go. 

This is something that Nintendo will never do, and frankly, never has done. The company generally succeeds behind its first-party games, not on boasting about performance. Next to Xbox, PlayStation and PC gaming, the Switch is greatly underpowered. 

But Nintendo always draws eyeballs, and until hell freezes over and Mario comes to PC, it's going to be the biggest threat to PC-based handheld consoles. Some will have both, but realistically, that's not how average people buy their tech. 

So, we'll be keeping a close eye on this one. It's an exciting time in the handheld gaming space, and it doesn't look like it's slowing down. 

What you need to know

• Grounded is an excellent, content-packed survival game from Obsidian Entertainment and Xbox Game Studios, originally released for Xbox, Windows PC, and Game Pass.
• Today, the co-op survival game also releases on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch platforms alongside its final (massive) content update.
• Grounded Fully Yoked Edition supports full online cross-play across platforms, letting players explore the Backyard together.
• In addition to the huge amount of content already in the game, the Fully Yoked update adds an absurd number of features to the endgame.

It's a big day! The third of the four Xbox games confirmed to be releasing on other platforms finally drops today, and it's one that should make survival fans very excited. Grounded is one of the greatest survival games we've seen in years and has steadily grown with new content and features. Now, it's available on PlayStation and Switch alongside the release of its last (and one of its biggest) content updates on Xbox and PC.

Starting today, Xbox, PC, PlayStation, and Switch players can all explore the hostile and secret-filled Backyard together.

Grounded Fully Yoked Edition is the quintessential version of the game, including all of the previously released content. That means everyone across platforms will have the exact same game to play, and PlayStation and Switch players will even get immediate access to the breadth of community-built Playgrounds already in Grounded.

If you're not familiar with Grounded and are learning of it because of its release on more platforms, I'll give you a quick summary. In Grounded, four children are shrunk down to the size of insects and have lost their memory of how it happened. They must work together to survive the dangers of the Backyard they're trapped in, following the trail of a mysterious scientist that may have the answers they need to get back home.

You'll harvest resources from the Backyard, research how to craft and build everything you need to survive, battle and interact with a huge variety of insects and creatures, and unlock the near-endless number of secrets in the Backyard. There's full online cross-play for up to four players and dozens of hours of content to explore. The 1.4 Fully Yoked update adds even more.

You can read my original post on Grounded's 1.4 Fully Yoked update for a more in-depth breakdown, but suffice to say this update massively expands and evolves Grounded's endgame. There are new endgame upgrades and gear, which you'll need to take on all the new bosses and unravel the final, deadly secret buried at the heart of the Backyard. It's exactly what Grounded was missing, and is the perfect way to cap off a vibrant history of updates and community support.

I can't overstate how much I love Grounded. You can read my original Grounded review for my full thoughts on the initial release, but the game has grown so much in the succeeding 18 months. Now, its 20 million players are about to get a lot more potential friends.

If you're interested in checking it out for yourself, Grounded Fully Yoked Edition is now available for $39.99 at PlayStation Store, $39.99 at Nintendo Store, and $39.99 at Microsoft Store (Xbox & PC). If you'd prefer a physical copy, you still have a little more time (until Apr. 28, to be precise) to pre-order the Grounded Fully Yoked Collector's Edition from Limited Run Games, ranging from $39.99 to $124.99 at Limited Run Games.

There's not a doubt in my mind that Grounded is one of the best Xbox games across Xbox consoles, Windows PC, and Xbox Game Pass, and I'm honestly really excited that more players are getting the chance to experience it. The small team at Obsidian responsible for the game did a wonderful job creating a beautiful Backyard filled with life and secrets. I never thought I'd have so much fun running away in terror from spiders.

What you need to know

• Grounded is one of the four Xbox games announced as heading to PlayStation or Switch in February.
• As the hit survival game from Obsidian Entertainment nears its multiplatform release, the studio has shared the details on its final content update.
• Grounded 1.4, or the "Fully Yoked" update, will launch on all platforms simultaneously with a huge amount of new endgame content.
• That means new bosses, new secrets and easter eggs, and even an alternate reality "New Game+" mode for hardcore players.
• Xbox Game Studios has also partnered with Limited Run Games to release a physical and collector's edition of Grounded for Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch platforms, which you can preorder now.

It's hard to believe that it has already been nearly 18 months since I reviewed Grounded's 1.0 release, especially considering how much the game has evolved since that launch. Obsidian Entertainment's unique survival-crafting game has gone from success to success, enjoying over 20 million players across Xbox consoles and Windows PC. Now, it's gearing up to release on two new platforms, and coinciding with that monumental launch is the Grounded's final major content update.

The Fully Yoked update is a gargantuan addition to the already extensive Grounded gameplay pool, with a ton of new features, quality-of-life improvements, and endgame content. Obsidian has detailed the update on its website, giving players a sneak peek into what Grounded's final form looks like. If that wasn't enough, Xbox Game Studios partnered with Limited Run Games to release physical versions of Grounded across console platforms, including a collector's edition, which you can go preorder at Limited Run Games.

Endless endgame with Fully Yoked

The Fully Yoked update focuses almost entirely on Grounded's endgame. That means long-term and hardcore players will have a whole lot more content to explore — practically endless, in fact. For one, all three of the ant colonies in the Backyard (Red, Black, and Fire) will now have a new Ant Queen boss for players to challenge. Also, players who have bested the Broodmother, Mantis, and Wasp Queen can search for a new hidden Javamatic challenge. Emerge victorious in this fight, and you'll unlock Grounded's New Game+ mode.

The REMIX.R is a secret creation of Wendell that sends players into an alternate dimension. This remixed backyard features different creature spawns, new secrets and easter eggs, and an overall considerably higher level of difficulty. Creatures in the Backyard are now infused with Raw Science to be faster, stronger, smarter, and possessed of new abilities. Of course, that means there's also new ways to improve your character.

Infused creatures can drop trinkets with random, unique properties to enhance your character, and you can also look out for Ominent Badges and BURG.L Chip trinkets, too. New Molars will appear around the Backyard in random locations for more character upgrades, and the Yoking Station can be purchased from the Advanced System Library to upgrade your weapons to new max levels, as long as you can find the necessary unique materials across the remixed Backyard.

That's not all, of course. There are four new achievements, one new mutation, twelve new Ant Queen buildings, baby ant pets, and so much more Obsidian isn't divulging to players. It's a huge follow-up to the Make It or Break It update, which brought endless creative possibilities to Grounded.

Physical and collector's editions for every platform

The Fully Yoked update is a big deal, even before you consider that it's the last planned content update for Grounded. However, Obsidian Entertainment is also making this the "definitive edition" of the game. Grounded Fully Yoked Edition is the version launching across PlayStation and Nintendo Switch simultaneously with the update's Xbox and Windows PC release. It's a milestone worth celebrating, and that's why Xbox Game Studios worked with Limited Run Games on a long-awaited physical edition for Grounded.

You can now preorder Grounded Fully Yoked Edition for $39.99 at Limited Run Games for Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch platforms. It's a region-free disc in the traditional slipcase for those platforms, perfect for any physical collection. Of course, hardcore collectors or passionate Grounded fans can also consider the Grounded Fully Yoked Collector's Edition, which you can preorder now for $124.99 at Limited Run Games for Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch platforms.

Grounded Fully Yoked Collector's Edition includes:

• Physical Grounded Fully Yoked Edition for Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch
• Grounded Fully Yoked Collector's Edition box
• 4 x 6in art frame with 10 swappable art cards
• USB cassette tape soundtrack
• CD soundtrack
• BURG.L branded seven-dice set
• Official Grounded artbook
• Grounded stickers
• Mant mini figures
• Hoops' sweatbands

Both versions of Grounded's physical editions are available to preorder until Apr. 28, 2024, so don't wait too long to pull the trigger (preorders will help determine how many physical units are made)! It's always great to see more games get physical editions, especially for Xbox, and supporting this launch will likely help future Xbox games get the same treatment.

The end of new updates, but not the end of Grounded

On one hand, it's sad that Grounded is officially nearing its final content update. The small team at Obsidian Entertainment, helmed by Adam Brennecke, has done excellent work breathing so much life into its survival-crafting vision, even spawning similar games from inspired studios. In its current form, Grounded boasts countless dozens of hours of content, and that number becomes near infinite when you consider the growing community of Playgrounds creators building brand-new Grounded experiences in the game.

That being said, it's great to see Grounded on the precipice of being played by people who otherwise never would've experienced this wonderful game. PlayStation and Switch players are in for a real treat with Grounded. It may be the end of the game as far as content support from Obsidian is concerned, but it's far from the end of Grounded's community. The Grounded 1.4 Fully Yoked update releases for free across Xbox, Windows PC, and Xbox Game Pass alongside the Grounded Fully Yoked Edition launch across Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch — and it's all happening on Apr. 16, 2024.

The update includes a ton of new content, but it'll also include other great new features like full online cross-play between Xbox, Windows PC, PlayStation, and Switch. Complete Japanese voiceover support is also landing with this update, letting Japanese players experience the game in its entirety without needing Japanese subtitles. Grounded has long been one of the best Xbox games on the platform, but it's about to become one of the best survival games on all modern gaming platforms.

If you have kids, you probably have a few Nintendo Switches, tablets, and maybe even some extra phones lying around the house, so your kids can play Fortnite, Roblox, or Candy Crush when they want to. For me though, my oldest is now 9 years old, and in a world where most careers require proficiency with computers and especially Windows, it's a good time to introduce him to PC gaming. 

The question is, would a $400 ROG Ally Z1 non-extreme be a better investment than a PC gaming rig that would be about the same price, and would kids be able to figure it out? Let's take a look. 

The PC handheld market is here to stay. 

The Nintendo Switch changed things. It showed there is a large market of people, especially in Japan that has now purchased over 32 million units of the Switch, who want to be able to game on the go. The Steam Deck took its time to come to market but was a commercial and critical success which led to the release of the ASUS ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and the upcoming MSI Claw. There are even reports that the ASUS ROG Ally 2 is releasing this fall. 

Outside of gamers and corporate office environments, PC towers are starting to become extinct, and it's likely with the rising generation being so connected to tablets, phones, and other touchscreen devices that PCs in the future might have fewer physical accessories and have more digital input options like touch screens, voice activation, and AI contextual input. 

Schools have yet to give a proper curriculum around computers, programming, and cybersecurity in my opinion. A lot of those important lessons will need to come from in the home. While you could invest in a gaming PC for your kids, having the mobile/handheld form factor of the ROG Ally with the flexibility to be a full-on PC is a great 1-2 combo that could help kids enjoy their introduction to PC gaming without being overwhelmed. 

If Windows 11 is too difficult for them to manage at the offset, EmuDeck has a Patreon-exclusive feature to boot the ROG Ally into Steam Big Picture mode, and we have a guide on how to do that. The ROG Ally pairs well with Xbox Game Pass as well and should come with a free 3 months, but if you want to pick some up, check out the best deals on Game Pass below. 

Everything considered, the ROG Ally is a great gaming device and has enough power to play most games that come out today. The Z1 non-extreme on sale for $400 at Best Buy is a great pickup. I've thoroughly enjoyed mine and I think most kids will enjoy one as well. 

What you need to know

• Earlier today, we got confirmation that Grounded and Pentiment were coming to Nintendo Switch, while a leaked trailer indicated that Hi-Fi Rush was coming to PlayStation 5. 
• Sea of Thieves is also confirmed to be coming to PlayStation 5.
• Microsoft has confirmed which games are headed to what platforms when, with all four games coming to PlayStation 5, while Grounded and Pentiment are also launching on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. 

We've finally got clear information for what's happening when with the Xbox multiplatform strategy. 

After some announcements during the Nintendo Direct and an early uploaded video on Wednesday, Microsoft shared via Xbox Wire that Grounded, Hi-Fi Rush, Pentiment, and Sea of Thieves are coming over to other consoles, in line with Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer's prior comments about four Xbox titles being ported to other consoles. 

Grounded and Pentiment are being ported to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch, while Sea of Thieves and Hi-Fi Rush are only being ported to PlayStation 5.Here's the release dates for each of the ports:

• Pentiment - Feb. 22, 2024
• Hi-Fi Rush - March 18, 2024
• Grounded - April 16, 2024
• Sea of Thieves - April 30, 2024

Both Grounded and Sea of Thieves will support cross-play on all platforms, so players can hang out together or fight each other no matter where they're playing. 

Ahead of these launches, Grounded crossed 20 million players, while Sea of Thieves has achieved over 35 million players since launch. Additionally, Xbox and Bethesda are partnering with Limited Run Games to make physical versions of Pentiment and Hi-Fi Rush, with more information coming soon. 

Rare also shared a studio message regarding bringing Sea of Thieves to PlayStation 5, which you can check out below: 

2024 is big for Xbox launches

In addition to these multiplatform launches, there's a number of games coming exclusively to Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Xbox Game Pass later in the year. Ninja Theory's Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 is scheduled to arrive on May 21, 2024, while Obsidian Entertainment's Avowed and MachineGames' Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are both coming later in 2024. 

Some big expansions are also on the way, with Starfield's Shattered Space DLC slated to launch at some point this year. 

Outside of exclusives, a new Call of Duty game will almost certainly be launching later this year, and players can expect the Call of Duty franchise to enter Xbox Game Pass as Microsoft continues to integrate Activision Blizzard. Blizzard Entertainment's 2023 RPG Diablo 4 is also coming to the service on March 28, 2024. 

Analysis: An interesting year ahead

I'm extremely curious to see which of these ported games (if any) sell well. For my money, I expect Sea of Thieves to explode even further, but we'll see how everything else does. It's an interesting time in the gaming industry, and the success or failure of this initiative will likely be telling this time next year (or earlier) if Xbox is considering bringing any further games to other platforms. 

What you need to know

• The PowerA Fortnite collection launches today with designs inspired by beloved Fortnite characters, Midas and Peely. 
• The collection, for Xbox and Nintendo Switch features controllers, protective cases and earbuds, and each item includes a code for bonus in-game cosmetic items.
• The PowerA Fortnite Midas controller costs $39.99. and with the other items is avaiable now at Amazon, PowerA and GameStop.  

Whether you play Fortnite yourself, or you're dodging your kid's incessant V-bucks requests like friendly fire, it's a game that's hard to ignore. Fortnite isn't just a Battle Royale game, it's a masterclass in how to keep your fans engaged with regular rollouts of content.

Some of the most memorable Fortnite seasons have introduced beloved characters for players to unlock, some of the most popular being Midas (the man with the golden touch) and Peely the human banana. Yes really. Well today PowerA has parachute dropped a payload of some seriously cute merch as part of a collab with Fortnite, as a homage to these characters. Featuring an Xbox controller and a bunch of Nintendo Switch merch, here's what you can grab easier than a chicken dinner. 

New Midas controller for Xbox

Officially licensed for use with Xbox, the Advantage Wired controllers are pretty decently priced at $39.99, and last year I reviewed the Advantage wired with Lumectra giving it 4 out of 5 stars. The brand new Midas edition has all the features of the original range, with two mappable buttons on the rear, impulse triggers, and 3-way trigger locks — but it comes with an enigmatic black and gold design and Midas's face emblazoned across the front shell.

Perhaps the most exciting part, is the inclusion of some in-game goodies. With the Midas controller, you'll get a code for the Storm King Fist rare pickaxe, because who doesn't want to flex their rare goods in game?

Nintendo Switch gets some a-peel-ing merch too

PowerA makes some really attractive accessories for the Nintendo Switch too, not only that but their controllers are wireless and free from the shackles of Microsoft's control. The Peely accessories for Switch are giving me cute overload, and will be even better if you're a big fan of everyone's favorite human Banana. The range starts as low as $19.99 for some wired earbuds, and includes a case for $22.99. Every item in the range comes with codes for bonus virtual items too, and with the controller, you get the Prickly Axe, another rare item from a previous season. 

All of these PoweA controllers are customizable within the PowerA Gamer HQ app and come with two year warranty. 

What you need to know

• Xbox made a pile of announcements today on the Official Xbox Podcast.
• Game Pass has reached 34 million subscribers.
• Four smaller/GaaS games will be coming to other platforms.
• New hardware will be announced this holiday season.
• The next-generation Xbox will be the largest technical leap ever.

Microsoft and Xbox unleashed a massive wave of news today. Alongside announcing that four games would be coming to PlayStation and Switch, they also revealed that they have hit a staggering 34 million subscribers on Game Pass. What's more, we're getting a look at some new hardware this fall.

Published via the Official Xbox Podcast, Phil Spencer, Sarah Bond, and Matt Booty took the stage to reveal all this information to the Xbox fanbase. After a rabid week of fans hounding Xbox for information over unsubstantiated leaks and rumors, the Xbox heads looked to set the record straight. First, Sarah Bond told us that Xbox would reveal some new hardware this fall. 

She said, "There's some exciting stuff coming in hardware that we're going to share this holiday." This could mean a mid-gen hardware refresh or something like the speculated handheld device we recently reported on. It could also be less interesting new controllers or accessories. However, that wasn't the only exciting news they shared in the hardware world.

Following that statement, she immediately voiced that Xbox was also delivering next-generation hardware. "We're also invested in the next-generation roadmap, and what we're focused on there is delivering the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation. Which makes it better for players and better for creators and the visions that they're building."

Leaked documents from Microsoft stated that next-gen hardware for Xbox won't happen until 2028, with some hybrid/cloud-based systems coming in between now and then. However, Microsoft responded to the leak by noting the information was old and hinting it was outdated.

I know many people thought the generational leap from Xbox One X to Xbox Series X felt more minor than the jump to Xbox One from Xbox 360. While multiple factors are working for and against that leap, stating they're looking to take the largest ever is something to get excited about. Especially as a multi-platform gamer who mains on PC, I love to see console hardware that cooks on my TV.

I remember when the Xbox Series X came out, and nothing compared to it on the PC market within the same price range. I'm eager to see what that generational leap is and how much it'll save me before I am over-upgrading my PC again. How about you?

What did everyone think about the announcements from Xbox today? Are you excited for the hardware to come? Let us know below or on our social media pages!

I'm a big gaming handheld enthusiast, and as such, I own every major device currently on the market, including Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Legion Go, and various AYANEO products.

More often than not, I play on my couch or in bed with my handheld in hand, but sometimes, I prefer to connect these devices to a TV or monitor and play with an external controller. In these situations, having a reliable dock is important.

Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck are the most popular gaming handhelds on the market right now, so it's no surprise that a number of third-party docks are made for either handheld.

What is surprising is that Unitek decided to make a TV dock specifically marketed to swap between both handhelds and thus save you some room on your TV stand. This dock can even display your laptop, ROG Ally, tablet, or phone on a TV or monitor. But is the Unitek TV Dock Station for Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck worth buying? Let's find out.

Disclaimer: This review was made possible thanks to a review unit provided by Unitek. The company did not see the contents of this review before publishing.

Unitek TV Dock for Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck: Price and availability

Considering it connects to two devices and offers multiple ports, the Unitek TV Dock Station is well-priced at $50.99. As of the last time I checked, this product was not listed on the Unitek website (although there is a Nintendo Switch dock there that looks very similar). From what I can tell, the only place to purchase the Unitek TV Dock for Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck is at Amazon, where, at the time of writing this, there was a 20% off coupon available for it. So, there's a chance you could grab it at a discount.

This really isn't a bad price at all considering that many Nintendo Switch docks and Steam Deck docks sell for roughly $50 on their own. So getting something that can display both in one device at the same price point is really nice. 

Unitek TV Dock for Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck: What I like

As I previously mentioned, I own a few gaming handhelds, and because of that, I've had both a Nintendo Switch dock and a PC gaming handheld dock on my TV stand for the last year. You can imagine how cluttered this has made my entertainment space, with various cables running everywhere. Once I got the Unitek TV dock for review, I could consolidate from two docks down to just one dock with its cables, which freed up an extra power outlet spot as well as one of my TV's HDMI slots. Altogether, it helped my TV stand look cleaner and more organized.

The Unitek Dock is slightly longer and wider than a standard phone, measuring 7.44 by 3.86 by 2.44 inches. Brick-like in design, when the hinge is closed, it offers a compact shape that's easy to travel with. If I take it anywhere, I'll need to cover the rear ports so that nothing gets in there and damages them in transit.

Speaking of ports, plenty are available to make connecting my various gaming accessories easier. In the case of my Steam Deck, I plugged in wireless dongles for both a mouse and keyboard and could play games that way. There are three USB-A 3.0 ports, a 100 Mb/s Ethernet port, an HDMI 2.0 port, and a USB-C PD charging port on the back of the Unitek TV Dock. Above these ports are four larger slots that can hold Nintendo Switch game cartridges.

I love the Unitek TV Dock for Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck's simple design. Unlike some other gaudy and flashy gaming handheld docks out there, this one looks good on any TV stand and simply glows a constant white in an X and O shape on either side. It would have been nicer if the lights could get turned off, but I'll take it over rapid and tacky-looking RGB that distracts from your TV — where your attention should be.

A hinge along the top of the casing pivots open to reveal a Switch docking area with a USB-C connection. The hinge opens and shuts easily, doubling as a stand to prop the Switch up when the handheld is inserted. Rubber pads on this hinged part prevent Nintendo's system from moving around while installed, which is a nice, secure touch. During the hours I tested this dock, I never had problems installing or removing the Switch from its designated spot. The USB-C connection is sturdy and gets protected by closing the hinge when the Switch is removed.

Meanwhile, a USB-C port on the right side of the Unitek TV Dock is labeled as Host B. This is where you plug in the included USB-C cable and run it to your Steam Deck, ROG Ally, or other compatible device capable of video output. A small A/B button is located next to this port and swaps power between the Switch USB-C connection and this Steam Deck port. 

For power, I plugged the Steam Deck adapter into the Unitek Dock, which served both the Switch and my Steam Deck well. While the Unitek TV Dock does come with a USB-C cable, it doesn't come with an HDMI cable, so you'll need to supply one yourself. At first, I attempted to use the HDMI cable that came with my Switch, but it wasn't powerful enough to display the Steam Deck, so I had to swap it out for another one.

After pushing the A/B button, it does take a few seconds before the dock swaps between either handheld, but the A/B button is easy to access, and the dock functions well when a system is displayed.

The Unitek TV Dock for Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck can display up to 4K at 60Hz and supports HDR. This is interesting, considering Switch and Steam Deck are 60Hz devices, but neither can authentically support 4K. As such, during my testing, I never had any video quality issues; my Switch and Steam Deck games displayed constantly and at a resolution level that I'd expect from either device.

Something to note is that only one device will receive a charge at a time — the one currently selected for display. So, for instance, if I set the Unitek TV Dock to display my Steam Deck, then it will receive a charge, while the Switch doesn't receive any juice. Swapping to the Switch will see power sent to Nintendo's hybrid system. As such, you might need to unplug the unused device and plug it into a different power source when not in use to keep it charged up and ready to go.

Unitek TV Dock for Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck: What I don't like

Since the Unitek Dock doubles as a Switch stand, I expect it would be able to prop up the Steam Deck or ROG Ally as well, but this is not the case. The slot isn't large enough for these thicker handhelds, which just slide out of place if I try to put them against the stand. 

What's more, the USB-C port could get damaged if I set something other than the Switch on it. So, the Steam Deck (or another device) either needs to lie flat somewhere next to the Unitek Dock, or you can provide your own stand to keep it propped up. This really isn't the worst thing in the world, but it's still something to be aware of. 

Unitek TV Dock for Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck: Competition

To be honest, the Unitek TV Dock's dual gaming handheld connection design is rather unique. However, there are plenty of gaming handheld docks out there intended for just one system.

Over the years, the team here at Windows Central has taken a look at quite a few gaming handheld docks. One of our favorite brands is JSAUX. Just a quick look at this JSAUX Steam Deck dock review shows that it is affordable at $50 and provides a good range of ports to meet your gaming needs. JSAUX offers various dock options for Steam Deck, so you can choose one with more ports if that serves your needs better. 

Unitek has also released a gaming handheld dock with built-in fans to help keep your device cool. You can learn more by looking at my Unitek Cooling Dock review, but the gist is that it costs $61.99 to buy from Amazon and it offers RGB lighting. There are also ports on both the front and back of this dock to help you connect your various accessories to it.

Unitek TV Dock for Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if...

• You own a Nintendo Switch as well as another device that you want to display on a TV or monitor. 
• You'd like a dock that provides plenty of ports for your Switch, Steam Deck, or other devices. 
• You're looking for a TV dock that looks good and is easy to transport. 

You should not buy this if...

• You don't intend to play your gaming handhelds on a TV or monitor. 
• You specifically want a dock that offers cooling fans.
• You'd prefer a setup where both connected handhelds are charged simultaneously. 

There's no denying that the Unitek TV Dock Station for Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck is a somewhat niche accessory, but it's one that will be very useful to those who want it. I've long dealt with having both a Switch docking station and a PC gaming handheld docking station on my TV stand, but now I've consolidated to just one. It makes the area cleaner and tidier with fewer cables going everywhere. So, if you often want to connect multiple devices to your TV, and one of them happens to be a Switch, then I definitely recommend this accessory to you. 

The Unitek TV Dock is well-priced, looks good, and functions well too. There are plenty of ports for connecting various devices to either handheld (or any other device you connect). It would have been nicer if the white lights on the front of the dock could be turned off, and I do wish that the dock could prop up my Steam Deck, but these aren't deal breakers by any means.

The Xbox community is an interesting place to be right now. That's putting it as politely as I can. The impending "business update" promised by Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, the constantly swirling rumors of Xbox first-party titles heading to the PS5 and Nintendo Switch, and honestly, a number of folks out there on social media that really aren't helping themselves or the overall situation. 

But here's the deal. It shouldn't be a big deal. I'm old enough to have lived through the 'console wars,' and I'm tired of it. I've been console gaming for over 30 years now. I'm tired, cranky, and certainly have a different outlook on gaming than I once did. You are not the box under your TV, and you shouldn't succumb to tribalism over a piece of hardware. Be it a console, a PC, or the smartphone in your pocket. 

"When everybody plays, we all win." 

Phil Spencer has been saying it all along. He even printed it inside the Xbox 20th Anniversary controller.

Truer words never spoken

More people playing great games is a good thing. It's never, ever been a bad thing. Why should your choice of console or PC be a barrier to having a good time with your friends, family, or complete strangers over the internet? 

I'm going to use a personal example here. My son and I have had a lot of fun playing Minecraft Dungeons together. He would play on his Nintendo Switch, and I would play on my Xbox, but we could both play the same game, separately or together. At the time it came out, he didn't have an Xbox of his own. So, if this Microsoft-owned game had been an Xbox exclusive, we would have missed out on this time. 

But in the wider picture, how many others would have missed out had they not been able to play this game on their Switch or PS5? This is the key to the message. Even though he now has an Xbox Series S, my son still gravitates towards his Switch more often. This is in no small part because it's portable, and he can play it sitting in bed, on the sofa, or he can take it out of the house and play on it with his friends when they're together. 

In what universe is it a bad thing if more people, kids, and adults alike, get to experience great games? I bought a PS5 at launch but sold it recently because I just wasn't using it. Why's that? Because I have an Xbox Series X and a PC, and Sony is putting more and more of its games on the latter now. I can still enjoy some of those games (still waiting for Spider-Man 2, by the way, Sony) without the need to worry so much about which box I need to buy. This is a good thing. 

Microsoft has been expanding Xbox beyond the console for years anyway

Microsoft has its own hardware but is predominantly a software and services company. It's obviously doing a lot right, given its recent ascendancy to the lofty heights of a $3 trillion market cap and the title of the most valuable company on the planet. 

Take a step back and look at recent years, too. Microsoft didn't buy Activision to sell more Xbox consoles. The expansion of Xbox beyond the physical console has been happening for years, too, first to the PC, then to the cloud. Xbox isn't dying; it's positioning itself for the future. A future where more people than ever before can play its games. 

I'm not necessarily saying that everything Xbox makes should suddenly be thrown onto PS5 and Switch. After all, we're not getting Spider-Man or Gran Turismo, Zelda or Mario on Xbox any time soon, are we? Exclusives are still going to be a thing in gaming. I can't see a world in which either of the two Japanese console makers will start considering fewer exclusives. Nintendo's entire business strategy seems to be built on playing on the nostalgic fandom it has acquired over the decades. 

Microsoft is a smart, successful company. These kinds of decisions don't happen overnight. If, indeed, Xbox is going to start shipping more of its first-party titles to competing consoles, then it must mean they see an avenue for success. A successful Xbox means more money, more great games, and more jobs for people to make those games. 

Other console players having games to play shouldn't impact your own enjoyment

This may be my parent-head kicking in, but your own happiness and enjoyment of your games should not be linked to whether they're exclusive to the piece of hardware you decide to play them on. If you're having a good time, that's what matters, but also that others are having a good time, too. 

I hate tribalism. I hate that one side has to be better than the other. The reason I've stayed invested in the Xbox platform despite buying the other consoles is that I enjoy Xbox the most. I enjoy it more now because increasingly I don't have to play Xbox games on the box under my TV. I can play them on my laptop, my gaming PC, my Steam Deck, or even my phone. 

That's why I'd always recommend Xbox to others, too. I just think it has the better overall platform. You're not as locked into a device as you are with the others. I enjoy that freedom. 

Whatever you enjoy, more people potentially being able to play more great games definitely shouldn't impact your own experience. In theory, it should make the future better. It's certainly not a reason to throw away a thing you bought, and definitely not a reason to get angry on the internet. 

Always remember the wise words of Phil Spencer that inspired this very post. When everybody plays, we all win. 

We've tested a bunch of GameSir controllers at Windows Central, from console to PC to mobile gaming, they have the value end of the controller market in a chokehold, and they rarely miss when it comes to providing feature-packed peripherals at a low price point. The T4 Cyclone Pro will be no different, so there will be few surprises in this review — though I will continue to sulk about the lack of a wireless option on Xbox from GameSir. More so as the marketing around this controller was confusing, which I'll get to later...

We know they can do it, we already have the wired GameSir G7 SE controller and Microsoft has loosened the reigns on the permissions, so let's just hope we get some good news next year. 

Disclaimer: This review was made possible by a review unit provided by GameSir. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro controller: Pricing and availability

GameSir is a Hong Kong-based company that specializes in gaming peripherals and accessories. The GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro is a wireless controller that works with Switch, PC, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. It's available in Midnight (black) and Daybreak (white).  While the T4 Cyclone Pro is Xbox layout, you can also purchase the GameSir T4 Cyclone for a Nintendo layout and sacrifice some of the pro features.

The GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro is available to buy from GameSir’s official website and Amazon, where it is currently 10% off when adding a coupon before checkout. The controller retails for $49.99, which is a reasonable price considering its performance and features. It comes with a user manual, the controller itself, a 2.4 GHz dongle for use with a PC, and a USB-C charging cable.

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GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro controller: Build quality and design

The GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro has an understated, simple and classic controller design mimicking the standard Xbox wireless controller, which is a great source of inspiration. However, it comes up that tiny bit smaller in stature and a little lighter in weight by around 2 ounces, it's also a tad smaller than the GameSir G7 so don't be expecting a wireless copy of that if you buy this. The shape itself though feels immediately familiar. GameSir always manages to build controllers that don't feel like they cost less than $50, so I applaud them for this.

The build is of a high-quality black plastic that feels smooth, durable and comfortable with a stippled plastic texture on the rear which feels nice to hold. The black plastic does have some drawbacks though in that it's a total fingerprint and dust magnet, as shown in this photo I took when it was barely out of the box. 

The dust magnet aspect isn't a deal breaker for me, and won't be for many. How many people will be regularly photographing their controllers up close? If you are particular though, this may nark you so keep a microfibre cloth handy! 

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GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro controller: Ergonomics and comfort

I've always enjoyed the comfort of GameSir's textured handles, and when reviewing the GameSir T4 Kaleid it was definitely on my list of positives, but I've just come fresh out of reviewing the BINBOK Ultra Pro controller which has rubberized grips and now I'm probably feeling more critical.

The texture on the rear of this controller was so subtle, it was hard for me to pick up on camera so I've had to use a stock photo to show a clear image of it. Nitpicking the depth of the embossed texture may seem over the top here, and the textured plastic is still perfectly fine, Xbox uses the same on their standard offering. Not everyone is a fan of rubberized grips so this may come down to preference. The shape and size of the controller itself it ergonomically sound, the rear buttons are easy to hit with the middle fingers, and the layout of the buttons are all perfectly distanced. No grumbles there. 

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GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro controller: Controls and performance

The controls are where the GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro really comes to play, with a quality belying it's cheaper price. As with their other offerings this year, we're getting Hall-effect sticks as standard (and as we should with a Pro controller). These babies are smoooooth. Once you've experienced Hall-effect it's really hard to go back to standard analog sticks. The magnet mechanism that powers the sticks just feels more sensitive, and while yes they claim to have no stick-drift and a longer life span, I'm very much concentrating on the here and now, and it feels great. 

One noticable omission from the GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro is the anti-friction rings that were included on the G7 SE controller. GameSir is notorious for having all of the essential components for making the perfect controller but seemingly not knowing how to combine them all in one single model. For example:

• GameSir G7: Microswitch buttons, yay! Wired, meh.
• GameSir G7 SE: Added Hall-effect sticks, yay! Took away the buttons and replaced with membrane. Also wired.
• GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro: Hall-effect sticks, tick! Hall-effect triggers, tick! Microswitch buttons? Tick! And WIRELESS? Tick! But... took away the amazing anti-friction rings, and it doesn't work on Xbox.

That's just including those 3 models in particular, but you can see my frustration. Each controller GameSir has made this year inches towards perfection but doesn't quite cross the finish line and it sometimes feels like self-sabotage. Ok that's a lot of feelings over some anti-friction rings, lets move back to what is great about this controller.

The ABXY buttons that all the marketing teases as 'Xbox layout' (sorry I had to go there one more time) are as satisfyingly clicky as you would expect, and have the same 0.6 actuation distance as my beloved GameSir T4 Kaleid.  Some have commented that the buttons can feel a little too low, for me it's perfect. If you prefer the Nintendo layout, but don't want to purchase the lower-priced T4 Cyclone with it's membrane buttons, you can use the GameSir software to change these.

The Mode button on the Cyclone Pro controls the turbo, trigger modes, rumble, lighting, and face button layouts if you want to change settings on the fly. Just like on the T4 Kaleid, it’s not an intuitive process, so keep the instruction manual on hand, or save yourself the bother and use the mobile app.

The rear mappable buttons are just something I expect on a controller now, and why I ultimately hope Microsoft will start including them as standard on their base range. My main game of choice is Diablo 4 which while not something that requires extreme precision controls, does require a lot of repetitive button presses and I find the option to remap some of the moves to a more comfortable position for my hands invaluable.

Another sneaky use for the back buttons is helping my son play racing games. My youngest loves Forza, Hot Wheels and the like but isn't quite old enough to get around a track without crashing into a few trees (though neither am I and I don't have age as an excuse). I've sometimes mapped the brakes to the rear on controllers like these so I can give him a hand when he lets me 'help' him hold it with him.

The triggers on the controller can be switched between analog and hair-trigger depending on the game you are playing, but there's no physical button for this like with some controllers. You'll either need to hold the M button and the triggers for 2 seconds or again, use the app.   

GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro controller: Remapping and software

The remapping software for the GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro is accessed through your smartphone, a departure from the PC software used with the GameSir T4 Kaleid. While some may find this change unwelcome, I personally prefer using my smartphone for remapping, especially since I primarily tested it on the Steam Deck.

If a phone app is the primary method for customizing a controller, it should ideally replace the need for additional instructions. Unfortunately, the app lacks crucial information. Initially, I struggled to connect my controller to the app. Despite the clear requirement for Bluetooth pairing, pressing the Bluetooth button on the controller didn't initiate pairing mode. The app itself provided no instructions for this, leading me to consult the paper instructions, which advised holding the home button and A for 5 seconds. This process wasn't intuitive, and it raises questions about why such guidance couldn't be a pop-up message within the app during the pairing attempt.

Once past these initial hurdles, the app is relatively straightforward to use, allowing users to remap buttons and adjust vibration settings with ease. Some Play store reviews criticize the app for occasionally forgetting settings once closed. Contrary to these claims, my experience was positive, and I found the app more reliable than its PC counterpart. However, I wanted to note these potential issues for other users.

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GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro controller: Competition

I've just come fresh out of reviewing the BINBOK Ultra Pro controller, which is a lesser-known brand and slightly more expensive. But my experience with it has made me a tad more critical of this GameSir offering simply because it was so incredibly comfortable. It incorporates rubber grips similar to the Xbox Elite controllers and it supports Windows PC, Steam Deck, macOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch. It does come at a slightly higher of $56.99 though, and it omits those all important Hall effect sticks. Not to mention, it's not exactly a looker. It's worth some consideration though as the size and feel of it will probably be more comfortable to those with larger hands. In fact, I've given them both the same score as it's really just a preference battle between them.

The PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller offers another option for those uninterested in' pro' features. Retailing at $49.99, it often goes on sale for considerably less, especially in various colors. The Nano variant, sometimes priced at less than $30 during sales, caters well to a younger audience (and I have a few versions for the kids).

Lastly, the 8BitDo Ultimate controller is $49.99 with an additional charging dock. While aesthetically pleasing, it only adds rear buttons as extra features. 

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GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro controller: Final thoughts

You should buy the GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro controller if ...

You should not buy the GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro controller if ...

The GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro did impress me, as I expected it would. I've come to expect a certain standard of quality with GameSir's controllers and they haven't let me down yet. That being said I was disappointed in the advertising for this controller. To quote the press release specifically, it said "The T4 Cyclone has an ABXY Switch layout and the T4 Cyclone Pro has an Xbox ABXY layout, so these highly popular controllers cater for everyone." To include Xbox multiple times in the wording of the PR seems at odds with a controller that is not compatible with Xbox, given that GameSir has made some fantastic Xbox controllers too.

Knowing that Xbox has loosened the reins of its proprietary wireless technology, and we've already seen the PowerA MOGA XP-Ultra this year as a result, I sincerely hope that GameSir has something up its sleeve for Xbox too, even if it's simply making a wireless version of the GameSir G7 SE. While the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro is an interesting contender, it's a prestige item at a $200 price point and we desperately need other brands like GameSir to give us more budget wireless options. I hope they are reading this and nodding their heads in agreement!

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BINBOK is a global gaming gear manufacturer from China specializing in controllers, keyboards, and mice. Founded in 2019, it claims to offer high-quality products with innovative features at a reasonable price, and this controller certainly is innovative in its design.

It's like no controller I've ever tested before, and I asked myself many times during testing, can a controller have too many buttons? 

BINBOK, not a brand I was familiar with at all, faces hefty competition from the likes of GameSir, PowerA, and Xbox itself. However, this controller more than holds its own against competitors.

It's not the most attractive controller I've tested, but I'd go as far as to say it's the most ergonomically comfortable. With micro switch buttons and a blend of digital and analog triggers, this is a brand worth your attention. 

Disclaimer: This review was made possible by a review unit provided by BINBOK. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

BINBOK Ultra Pro controller: Pricing and availability

BINBOK is a Chinese company with a global online store that allows the Ultra Pro Controller to be shipped to various countries, including the US. However, you may not find BINBOK products in many physical stores, as the brand is still relatively new and unknown in the gaming market.

Amazon seems to be the best online alternative for buying BINBOK products and accessories, as it offers free shipping and returns for Prime members. The BINBOK Ultra Pro Controller retails for $56.99, slightly more expensive than similar wireless controllers from PDP, PowerA, and GameSir.

However, the Ultra Pro Controller offers some unique features that justify its price, such as the programmable buttons, the LED lights, the motion control, and the dead zone mode. The controller comes with a manual, the controller itself, a 2.4 GHz dongle for use with a PC, thumbstick caps, and a USB-A to USB-C charging cable. 

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BINBOK Ultra Pro controller: Build quality and design

Upon unboxing the BINBOK controller, my initial reaction was, "You have a face only a mother could love." Admittedly, I'm pretty particular about controller aesthetics, favoring designs like those of Xbox's myriad of special editions. The controller, made of durable, scratch-resistant plastic with rubberized grips, features a wide center front shell. While not the most attractive, the matte grey and black color scheme speaks to the controller's robust build quality. It's akin to a Tesla truck — perhaps not a beauty, but built to endure.

However, the inclusion of RGB lighting feels mismatched with the industrial vibe. While it's a selling point, the lighting's breathing animation and color cycling seem inconsistent with the controller's overall aesthetic. The lighting lines have a breathing animation that you can turn on and off and cycle through the colors and various gradients with a dedicated button.

Speaking of buttons, there are a lot of them. This is the first controller I've had to look at the instructions for more than once. There are buttons for the lights, each platform compatibility, the optional dead zone settings, and the six-axis shooting. You get it. There are a lot. I studied the instructions several times when wanting to switch the controller from my Steam Deck to the Switch. Though I'm sure, this comes more naturally with daily use. I do wonder if they could have simplified the design somewhat.

The controller's weight is similar to the Xbox Wireless controllers, which I enjoy, but overall, the aesthetic design of this controller is an acquired taste. That doesn't mean it's not a great controller, as the controls and how it feels in the hand make this shine.

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BINBOK Ultra Pro controller: Ergonomics and comfort

One of the most important aspects of any gaming controller is the comfort. If it's uncomfortable to use, it just gets discarded to the back of a drawer only to come out when you have a Player 2 you don't trust with the controllers you like. That will not be the fate of this BINBOK controller, as it's the most comfortable controller I've tried this year.

The precise curve of the rear is hard to describe, but it's just in the right place and feels great. Stay with me here; I'm still talking about a controller, I promise. The BINBOK Ultra Pro controller excels in the comfort category. I'd say it stands toe to toe with the Xbox Elite Series 2 and Elite 2 Core, which are considerably more expensive. Like the Elite, it has interchangeable thumbstick caps to customize your preferred feel.

The rubberized, hard-wearing grips set it apart in this price range, challenging competitors like GameSir and PowerA to prioritize user comfort.

The BINBOK Ultra Pro controller also has a unique feature that allows me to switch between digital and analog triggers. The extra choice in the trigger department is unusual initially, but the placement and positioning of the buttons are surprisingly comfortable and convenient. You simply need to choose which you prefer. Digital triggers are either on or off, meaning they only register whether you have pressed them (great for drifting in Mario Kart or casting in Diablo 4).

Analog triggers are sensitive to the intensity you press them (perfect for gradual braking and accelerating in Forza). Depending on the game, one type of trigger might be better suited than the other. I found the option of a digital trigger for my resource spender in Diablo 4 easier on the index finger.

It's a convenient feature included here that means you don't need to swap controllers between games. 

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BINBOK Ultra Pro controller: Controls and performance

The BINBOK Ultra Pro Controller has a very satisfying and responsive feel to its controls, especially the mechanical ABXY buttons. These buttons are clicky and tactile, giving you clear feedback and fast activation. They are also durable and reliable, using microswitches instead of rubber domes. The mechanical ABXY buttons are a standout feature of this controller. If you like your buttons clicky, you will love them. 

The BINBOK Ultra Pro Controller also has the Nintendo layout for the ABXY buttons, which means that the A and B buttons are swapped with the X and Y buttons, compared to the Xbox or PC layout. This might confuse some users, myself included, who always find switching between the consoles painful, but it is convenient and intuitive for Nintendo Switch games.

The layout becomes less of an issue the more you use the controller, as it automatically adjusts the button mapping when you connect to a PC or Steam Deck anyway, so I could carry on using the layout I preferred without looking at the buttons themselves. There is no dead zone mode on the controller by default, but it can be turned on using a switch on the back of the controller. The dead zone mode reduces the input delay and makes the sticks feel more responsive. 

While the controller impresses with mechanical buttons, the absence of Hall Effect sticks stands out. Its omission is notable in a market where even budget controllers are adopting this technology. For a controller claiming "Pro" status, including Hall Effect sticks would have elevated its performance, aligning with contemporary expectations.

This isn't just down to preventing stick drift, as honestly, I change up my controllers so regularly this doesn't affect me as much as the standard user, but Hall Effect feels much smoother and more sensitive in general than the ALPS sticks used here. Considering we already have the magical mechanical buttons, I think BINBOK could have gone the extra mile with this detail, especially as most of the other controllers on its website do have Hall Effect. 

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BINBOK Ultra Pro controller: Competition

There's no shortage of options for controllers, both wired and wireless, for all platforms. For the sake of simplicity, I'll focus on what I consider to be the direct competitors in a similar price range to the BINBOK Ultra Pro controller that have the same compatibility (sorry, Xbox fans, you'll have to sit this one out.)

Another contender currently under my scrutiny is the GameSir T4 Cyclone Pro wireless controller. Priced at $49.99, it competes closely with the BINBOK regarding compatibility, supporting Windows PC, Steam Deck, macOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch. Coming from a well-established brand, it features 'pro' elements like Hall Effect triggers and sticks. Its impressive 30-hour battery life on a single charge is noteworthy, a significant advantage over the BINBOK. However, it sacrifices the rubberized grip for a textured plastic design, choosing between the two a matter of personal preference.

The PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller offers a more budget-friendly option for those uninterested in' pro' features. Retailing at $49.99, it often goes on sale for considerably less, especially in various colors. The Nano variant, sometimes priced at less than $30 during sales, caters well to a younger audience (and I have a few versions for the kids).

Lastly, the 8BitDo Ultimate controller is $49.99 with an additional charging dock. While aesthetically pleasing, it only adds rear buttons as extra features. The BINBOK stands out in terms of comfort and functionality, making it a preferred choice.

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BINBOK Ultra Pro controller: Final thoughts

You should buy the BINBOK Ultra Pro controller if ...

You should not buy the BINBOK Ultra Pro controller if ...

Ultimately, the BINBOK Ultra Pro controller impressed me despite its less-than-stunning looks, and it's one of the few genuinely innovative controllers I've tested with its double-trigger design. The comfort factor is what truly sells it (and not the RGB, which I still think could have been left out entirely), and BINBOK is undoubtedly a brand I'll be paying more attention to in the future.

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What you need to know

• The Game Awards 2023 took place today, Dec. 7, showcasing several new game announcements and revealing award winners. 
• Following Baldur's Gate 3 getting crowned Game of the Year, the game shadow dropped on Xbox Series X|S. 
• The popular RPG that takes place in the Dungeons and Dragons world already released for PC and PlayStation earlier this year so this is very exciting news for Xbox fans. 
• Oddly enough, the Xbox shadow drop wasn't mentioned at all during The Game Awards 2023.

After Baldur's Gate 3 won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2023, the game shadow dropped on Xbox Series X|S. This is very happy news for Xbox fans who had to watch like sad puppies sitting outside in the rain while PC and then PlayStation 5 enjoyed the game earlier this year. But now your time has come, Xbox fans!

The weird thing about this Xbox Series X|S shadow drop is that it wasn't mentioned at all during The Game Awards 2023. It was tweeted later by Larian Studios after the show had ended. This an odd turn of events considering that Larian Studios previously stated in November via a tweet that the "exact release date" for Xbox would release at The Game Awards.

Regardless, the game is now officially out for Xbox Series X|S players to enjoy, so you can go and see what all the hype has been about. 

You can view an official Baldur's Gate 3 trailer above. Unfortunately, Baldur's Gate 3 is not on Xbox Game Pass, but that isn't surprising. We're covering The Game Awards 2023 live, this year like usual so tune in with us on our live blog for commentary and news on the latest information from the event.

What is Baldur's Gate 3 about?

If you haven't played what is now officially the best game of the year, then you should consider checking it out. Baldur's Gate 3 is a role-playing game with plenty of strategic elements. Players start off by crafting a unique character and can choose from 11 races and 12 classes while doing so. The choices you pick in the character creator determine what kind of dialogue is available to you in the game and how NPCs treat you. 

This adventure plays a lot like the table RPG Dungeons and Dragons where a narrator explains the scenarios you find yourself in, but you are free to explore and get to determine what actions you take. You will then need to roll a die (or dice in some situations) to see if your actions are successful and reap the rewards or consequences of your decisions. What really makes Baldur's Gate 3 stand out is how far-reaching some of the effects of your decisions are. It's a truly complex game that allows you to play the way you want and doesn't shoehorn you into making any specific choices. 

As far as actual gameplay goes, players get to control their party of characters freely around the overworld, but when you come upon an enemy the game shirts to turn-based combat. In combat, there are dozens of options available to you and you can get incredibly creative with your movements. 

So what's the story about? Basically, you've been captured by evil Mind Flayers who have put a worm into your eye that should turn you into another mindless Mind Flayer. However, for some reason, you keep your free will and gain powers by using the worm. Eventually, you join up with other similarly infected individuals while trying to decide whether or not to find a way to remove the worm or utilize its powers. But along the way you travel around a rich fantasy world and come upon a wide range of locations, characters, and enemies. 

I'm sure this title will upset some people but it's true: no video game trilogy in history comes close to Metal Gear Solid 1, 2, and 3, and that's just a fact society at large needs to accept. 

Penned by the legendary Hideo Kojima and his team at Konami, Metal Gear Solid changed the video game industry by proving video games could be serious and challenge Hollywood on its monopoly for cinematic quality. The legendary stealth games still hold up to this day, and carry some eerily poignant warnings and predictions on society, geopolitics, and economics many of which came to pass in this near-future reimagining of the world. Play as Solid Snake throughout decades of alternative U.S. history, operating in the shadows against a global conspiracy to enslave humanity. 

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What makes Metal Gear Solid so good?

I'm a huge Metal Gear Solid fan as you might have surmised by the opening, so when I heard Metal Gear Solid was getting its very own collection last summer I was naturally excited. The third game, Metal Gear Solid 3, is one title I consider among the best games of all time, and it is getting a full-blown Metal Gear Solid 3 remake too. But what we have in this collection are ports of the classic PlayStation 1, and PlayStation 2 versions of the game, brought across to modern systems. 

Not all ports are created equal, of course. Depending on access to original source code, licensing issues over the years, and other factors, video game content doesn't always translate well when ported from system to system. Some have complained that Metal Gear Solid 1 in this collection, for example, doesn't adopt some modern standards like 16:9 aspect ratios or higher-def textures or frame rates. The PC version has some unofficial mods that can improve your experience, but honestly, if you ever played the original, it's weirdly nostalgic to just go back and experience it largely the way it was, in all of its 4:3 glory. 

In Metal Gear Solid 1, you play as shadowy operative Solid Snake on a mission for the U.S. government, infiltrating a base taken over by terrorists. The U.S. is trying to keep the incident secret, and as such, you operate alone, with minimal support. Your job is to assassinate the perpetrators and rescue some hostages, but it becomes apparent quite quickly that not is all as it seems. 

Metal Gear Solid 1 was absolutely legendary for its time. Taking full advantage of the PlayStation 1's digital audio suite (something we now take for granted), Metal Gear Solid 1 had full high-quality voice acting and cinematic sound, and was certainly among the first games I played that had this kind of delivery. It blew my mind as a little kid, and still gives me goosebumps even now when certain music kicks in. Metal Gear Solid was also my first introduction to a lot of anime-styled tropes and conventions, blending American-style action movies with borderline supernatural elements in a way that shouldn't work, but simply does. I won't spoil the game for those that haven't played, but MGS1 needs to be experienced to be believed. The game was also brimming with weird quirks and tiny details that Kojima is now renowned for, and holds up incredibly well even today. 

Metal Gear Solid 2 heavily subverted expectations. Launching on PS2, MGS2 continued the game's conspiratorial themes with plot twists right out of the gate. Kojima didn't shy away from confusing and betraying expectations for fans of the original game, making MGS2 potentially the most controversial in the series. 

Metal Gear Solid 3 brought things back to basics in some ways, but also serves as a prequel. Taking place during the height of the Cold War, Metal Gear Solid 3 is among the most beautiful and poignant games I've ever played, and remains one of my personal favorite games of all time all these many years later. 

Whether you're a hardcore fan of the original games, or a newcomer, Metal Gear Solid holds up, and you can own this piece of gaming history for less thanks to Cyber Monday. 

When I'm not using my Xbox, ROG Ally, or Steam Deck, I'm probably playing my Nintendo Switch. I've regularly used my Switch since it launched and have since also acquired a Switch Lite and Switch OLED. I don't even know how many accessories I've tested for these gaming handhelds over the years or how many games I've played on them — but it's been a lot. So, I decided it would be a good idea to round up the very best Nintendo Switch deals for items that I personally have used and approve of. This list includes specific console deals, game deals, and accessory deals too. 

Quick Links

• Nintendo Switch: Super Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle — $299.99 at Best Buy
• Switch OLED: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Bundle — $349.00 at Walmart
• Switch Lite: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Bundle — $199.00 at Walmart
• SanDisk 128GB MicroSD Card — was $21.49 now $12.99 at Best Buy
• Immortals Fenyx Rising — was $29.99 now $14.99 at Best Buy
• Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope — was $39.99 now $22.84 at Amazon
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe — was $69.99 now $47.99 at Amazon
• Rocketfish Joy-Con Racing Wheel — was $9.99 now $5.99 at Best Buy
• Satisfye ZenGrip Pro — was $54.99 now $44.99 at Amazon
• PowerA Wireless Controller — was $44.99 now $34.99 at Best Buy
• HyperX Cloud III Wireless— was $169.99  now $101.99 at Best Buy

More great Black Friday deals

• Walmart: Early Black Friday deals on practically everything
• Dell: Top deals on laptops, gaming PCs, accessories, and more
• Alienware: Up to $800 off gaming laptops and desktops
• Best Buy: Big savings on video games, accessories, and more
• HP: Up to 84% of select HP Windows PCs and accessories
• Lenovo: Up to 50% of gaming towers, laptops, and accessories
• Newegg: Save on PC gaming accessories, components, and more
• Razer: Up to 43% off laptops and accessories with free gifts
• More individual deals:
  • Xbox Series X + Diablo IV + free $75 Target gift card for $634.99 $449.99 at Target
  • Samsung T9 4TB Portable SSD for $439.99 $249.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Stereo Headset — 20th Anniversary for $69.99 $46.86 at Walmart
  • Xbox Series X + Diablo IV + Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III for $639.99 $489.99 at Walmart
  • TP-Link Deco X55 Wi-Fi mesh 3-pack for $229.99 $179.99 at Amazon
  • Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma for $149.99 $89.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Series X + $50 Best Buy gift card for $549.99 $399.99 at Best Buy for Plus/Total members
  • HyperX Cloud III Wireless for $169.99 $129.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Series S + 3-months Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $299.99 $249 at Walmart
  • Lenovo LOQ Tower (17IRB8) + 3-months Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from $1,029.99 $674.99 at Lenovo
  • HP OMEN 27qs for $429.99 $299.99 at Best Buy

Switch it up for the holidays

I absolutely love gaming of any kind and as such I own every major console and gaming handheld on the market. So naturally, in addition to my Xbox Series X|S, ROG Ally, and Steam Deck I spend a lot of time with my Nintendo Switch. 

I'm sure I've put much more than 1,000 hours of gaming time on my Switch and Switch OLED. They are fantastic devices that I love for their hybrid nature that lets me play in handheld mode or on a TV whenever the mood strikes me. It's one of the reasons that I included the Switch on our list of the best gaming handhelds. The Switch is approaching its seventh year on the market, and during the course of its run I've been able to check out and use a large number of accessories and games. It's nice to see the very best options on sale right now. 

If you're just starting out and trying to decide which Switch to get, I highly recommend getting the original Nintendo Switch or the slightly fancier Switch OLED rather than getting the Switch Lite. I can't even tell you how many friends I've had who go for the Switch Lite because it's cheaper and then end up getting a larger Switch later because their family wants to play together on TV. Remember, the Switch Lite doesn't have the internals necessary for TV docking. Thankfully, there are some awesome Cyber Monday deals going on right now that give you a free game with your Switch or Switch OLED purchase, so make sure to get one of those bundles if you do get anything. 

As far as games go, there is such a huge library of the best Nintendo Switch games right now to choose from. The most popular game by far is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which can host up to four players on one Switch as long as there are enough controllers to go around. It's a silly racer that allows people to trip up their opponents while traveling through cartoony worlds. 

Finally, if you're an adult I highly recommend getting the Satisfye ZenGrip Pro for your Switch. Due to the fact that none of the Switch iterations have ergonomic grips these handhelds can be very uncomfortable to hold. Personally, my pinkies tend to go numb if I hold them for too long. But the Satisfye accessory fixes that by providing a simple plastic grip that easily slides on and off the system. 

The Nintendo Switch is the most popular modern gaming handheld by a vast margin — and one of the most popular handhelds of all time. It has more competition than ever before in 2023, though, making what used to be an easy purchase decision more nuanced and complicated. So hold off on clicking that little "buy" button on the Nintendo Switch in your cart, because one of its best competitors may end up being the better gaming handheld for you: the Windows-powered ASUS ROG Ally.

More great Cyber Monday deals

• Walmart: Black Friday deals on practically everything
• Dell: Top deals on laptops, gaming PCs, accessories, and more
• Alienware: Up to $800 off gaming laptops and desktops
• Best Buy: Big savings on video games, accessories, and more
• HP: Up to 84% of select HP Windows PCs and accessories
• Lenovo: Up to 50% of gaming towers, laptops, and accessories
• Newegg: Save on PC gaming accessories, components, and more
• Razer: Up to 43% off laptops and accessories with free gifts
• Top individual deals:
  • Samsung T9 4TB Portable SSD for $439.99 $249.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Stereo Headset — 20th Anniversary for $69.99 $45.18 at Walmart
  • TP-Link Deco X55 Wi-Fi mesh 3-pack for $229.99 $179.99 at Amazon
  • Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma for $149.99 $89.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Series X + $50 Best Buy gift card for $549.99 $399.99 at Best Buy for Plus/Total members
  • Xbox Series S (512GB) + Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3-months) for $299.99 $249.99 at Best Buy
  • Lenovo LOQ Tower (17IRB8) + Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3-months) from $1,029.99 $674.99 at Lenovo
  • HP OMEN 34c for $479.99 $329.99 at Best Buy
  • Microsoft Audio Dock for $249.99 $48.61 at Amazon
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless for $349.99 $297.49 at Amazon
  • Keychron C3 Pro keyboard for $49.99 $27.74 at Amazon
  • WD_BLACK C50 Expansion Card for Xbox (1TB) for $149.99 $124.99 at Best Buy
  • ASUS ROG Ally (AMD Ryzen Z1) for $599.99 $449.99 at Best Buy
  • LG Class A2 OLED (48-inches) for $1,299.99 $549.99 at Best Buy
  • ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (Ryzen 9 7940HS, RTX 4060) for $1,599.99 $1,199.99 at Best Buy

ASUS ROG Ally versus Nintendo Switch

At first glance, it may seem like attempting to compare the ASUS ROG Ally to the Nintendo Switch is a fool's errand, given the obvious (and massive) differences between the two, but the reality is that both of these unique consoles are some of the best gaming handhelds you can buy today. ASUS and Nintendo may have very different ways of building a gaming handheld, but that just makes it more important to ensure you're making the right purchasing decision.

To make this as simple as possible, I'm going to split this comparison into three parts: hardware, software, and games. In all three categories, the ROG Ally and Switch differ in a variety of aspects that may influence which handheld is the best for your needs, and the results here may surprise you. Here's a quick summary of the most important info, but you can keep scrolling for more information.

• Price — The Nintendo Switch starts at $199.99 for the stripped back Lite model with 32GB and storage and goes up to $349.99 for the OLED model with 64GB of storage. The ASUS ROG Ally starts at $599.99 (on sale now for $449.99 at Best Buy) for the AMD Ryzen Z1-powered model with 512GB of storage and goes up to $699.99 (on sale now for $619.99 at Best Buy) for the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme-powered model with 512GB of storage
• Hardware — The Nintendo Switch is smaller, lighter, and thinner than the ROG Ally, and the removeable Joycons feature advanced motion controls. The ROG Ally is more ergonomic, features more controls, is significantly more powerful, boasts louder speakers, and has a higher resolution and more responsive display
• Battery life — The Nintendo Switch OLED boasts approximately 4-5 hours of battery life when gaming. The ASUS ROG Ally struggles to reach much higher than 2 hours of gaming before tapping out
• Software — The Nintendo Switch runs a custom OS that is very closed down and specific to the Switch hardware, ensuring compatibility and responsiveness. The ROG Ally runs Windows 11 Home 64-bit, giving users far more freedom and control over the experience at the cost of more issues and awkward scenarios
• Games — The Nintendo Switch features a vast library of exclusive Nintendo titles, indie games, and older AAA titles. The ROG Ally dwarfs that library with access to most of PC gaming, including various marketplaces, subscriptions like PC Game Pass, cloud gaming, and emulators

When it comes to hardware, the ROG Ally and Switch are different in everything but general form factor: a small screen set between split controls. The Switch is sleek and slim, and is the smallest out of the biggest mainstream gaming handhelds you can buy today, while the ROG Ally is much larger, being roughly 30% heavier and 50% thicker. Despite the differences, though, the ROG Ally is actually more comfortable in some respects, thanks to the sizeable grips on either side (versus the totally flat Joycons of the Switch) and more ergonomic placement of the controls. You also get some pretty impressive speakers on the ROG Ally and customizable RGB lighting.

Let's talk about those controls, though: the Switch's Joycons are removeable (and replaceable, giving you a degree of customization), and boast an accelerometer and gyroscope for advanced motion controls, which can be used to great effect in some games. However, the Joycons aren't very comfortable to use attached or unattached to the Switch, and are notorious for developing stick drift issues over time. On the other hand, the ROG Ally's controls are built into the headset, mostly mirroring the layout of a standard Xbox controller. You get deeper triggers and better button actions than the Switch, plus some additional customizable buttons on the back for extra control.

Between those controls is the display. Depending on your model, the Switch may have a 6.2-inch, HD 720p IPS LCD display or a 7-inch, HD 720p OLED display. The former is below average compared to other gaming handhelds, but the OLED display on the most expensive model (which is still cheaper than the ROG Ally) is a fantastic screen with great colors. However, the Switch is always limited to 60Hz, and many of its games don't even reach that. The ROG Ally boasts a crisper 7-inch, FHD 1080p IPS LCD display that looks amazing and boasts a 120Hz refresh rate with variable refresh rate (VRR), helping games take better advantage of the ROG Ally's hardware to look as good and play as smooth as possible.

Finally, let's talk about those internals. The Switch is... Okay. The custom NVIDIA Tegra processor has been a solid platform for Nintendo for years now, but it's really showing its age in 2023 with modern AAA games. The ROG Ally is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 (or more powerful Z1 Extreme), which is designed for gaming handhelds and delivers significantly more power to play all the best PC games. The ROG Ally completely blows the Switch out of the water when it comes to sheer power, and is better prepared to play games for years to come without resorting to the cloud streaming that is becoming more common on Switch with more graphically intensive games. It can play more games, with better visuals, higher resolutions, and higher framerates.

Hardware-wise, the ROG Ally mostly bests the Nintendo Switch on paper, but that's just one part of the experience. The differences in software are going to be more subjective, depending on your desires in a gaming handheld. The Switch runs an entirely custom OS built just for Nintendo's handheld console — it's responsive and easy to use, perfectly tied to the Switch's hardware and capabilities for a reliable and predictable experience. It's also light on features and gives you very little control over it.

The ASUS ROG Ally runs full-blown Windows 11, with all of its features, freedom, and oddities in tow. You can customize basically every aspect of the ROG Ally's software experience, and the Windows foundation opens the door to run practically any game, application, or program you want without much fuss. The user has a lot of control here, but it's not without imperfections. Windows 11 doesn't work the best on this form factor, so you sometimes have to fight the operating system to do what you want, and even when it works it can be awkward.

While the Switch mirrors other consoles in that when you open a game you expect it to work immediately, the ROG Ally suffers from the same affliction that every other gaming PC does — that things sometimes inexplicably break and you're forced to troubleshoot and fix them. If that happens, we have plenty of guides on common problems in Windows 11 and how to fix them, but some people just don't want to deal with those issues in the first place, even if it means giving up a lot of freedom (I personally game a lot more on my Xbox Series X than my more powerful gaming PC for this reason). Of course, you can just rip Windows 11 off the ROG Ally and replace it with your favorite Linux distro, too, which is not an option you have with the Switch.

Finally, let's talk games. The Nintendo Switch and ASUS ROG Ally do share quite a lot of games, but ultimately these platforms are very different. Nintendo develops and publishes a ton of exclusive games only on Switch, such as Mario, Pokémon, Super Smash Bros., Animal Crossing, Zelda, Pikmin, and more. You won't be able to officially buy and play any of these games on the ROG Ally. The Switch is also a fantastic place to play hundreds of amazing indie games, but practically all of those games will be available on the ROG Ally, too.

That's because the ROG Ally has almost unfettered access to all of PC gaming — the largest pool of video games in the world. Sure, downloading Steam, the world's biggest single video games marketplace, is a no-brainer, but you can also download other launchers like GOG, Epic Games, and Battle.net. You can play hundreds of games through the PC Game Pass subscription. You can stream countless games from Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce Now, or any other cloud gaming platform. You can even emulate thousands of classic games, including those from Nintendo's older platforms. There's always that caveat, though, that games in the Nintendo Switch store are more or less guaranteed to play and play well on the Switch, but you absolutely don't have that guarantee on the ROG Ally.

When it comes to games, the ROG Ally has the Switch soundly beat overall. Of course, that depends on how important Nintendo's exclusive franchises are to you. If you need your gaming handheld to be able to play the latest Mario or Zelda games, the ROG Ally simply won't be able to do that for you (legally). That's the power of exclusivity in the gaming world.

So, which is the better handheld? Well, both the ASUS ROG Ally and Nintendo Switch are brilliant in their own ways, and cater to different crowds. I'll finish off by summarizing the main points here to help you make your final decision, and you can keep scrolling for additional information and context.

• Recommended battery bank: Anker 25,600mAh Power Bank (87W, four USB ports, 65W wall charger) for $149.99 $99.99 at Amazon
• Recommended SSD upgrade: WD_BLACK SN770M M.2 2230 (1TB, NVMe PCIe Gen 4x4) for $129.99 $79.99 at Best Buy
• Recommended docking station: Syntech Mini Dock (6-in-1 w/ Power Delivery) for $49.99 $29.99 at Amazon
• Recommended screen protector: ivoler Tempered Glass (3-pack) for $6.99 $5.91 at Amazon

Which gaming handheld should I get?

Right now, there are essentially four major gaming handhelds on the market: the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go. The above compares the ROG Ally and Switch at depth, but I'll briefly break down all four devices below.

Steam Deck is for the Linux fans, those on a budget, and gamers who primarily use Steam

Nintendo Switch is great for kids, Nintendo fans, or people on a budget

ROG Ally is the most balanced gaming handheld for those who want to play every game they want

Legion Go is ideal for people who want a versatile entertainment device

Gaming handheld FAQ

Nintendo Switch has been insanely popular over the last few years, but each holiday season the only real deals for this system have been an original Nintendo Switch bundled with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and an NSO membership. But now, the first ever Nintendo Switch OLED bundle from Nintendo is here and it gives you the popular Super Smash Bros. Ultimate game along with a three-month Nintendo Switch Online membership all for free. Oh, and that Switch OLED has a much better screen than an original Switch. In all, that's about $68 in free stuff. 

So, if you're already planning on grabbing a Nintendo Switch OLED this holiday season, make sure it's this bundle, which costs the same as the handheld on its own but gives you a much better deal. 

Deals STILL AVAILABLE!

• Walmart: Cyber Monday+ deals on practically everything
• Dell: Top deals on laptops, gaming PCs, accessories, and more
• Alienware: Up to $800 off gaming laptops and desktops
• Best Buy: Big savings on video games, accessories, and more
• HP: Up to 84% of select HP Windows PCs and accessories
• Lenovo: Up to 50% of gaming towers, laptops, and accessories
• Newegg: Save on PC gaming accessories, components, and more
• Razer: Up to 43% off laptops and accessories with free gifts

• 🚨Our HOTTEST and MOST CLICKED deals:
  • 🔥Hulu + Disney Plus (w/ ads)🔥 | $15.98 $2.99/month for one year
  • 🔥Microsoft Surface Go 3 (Plat)🔥 | $339 $261 at Microsoft
  • Xbox Series S (512GB) + Game Pass Ultimate | $299.99 $249 at Walmart
  • Xbox Series S (1TB) | $349.99 $299.99 at Dell
  • Xbox Series X (1TB) | $549.99 $449.99 at Best Buy
  • 1TB Xbox Expansion Card | $149.99 $139.99 at Best Buy
  • ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14| $1,599.99 $1,199.99 at Best Buy
  • 🔥Game Pass Core (12 months)🔥 | $59.99 $44.99 at Target
  • Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3 mo) | $41.59 $31.49 at CDKeys
  • Surface Pro 9 (Certified Refurb) | $939 $639 at Microsoft
  • ASUS ROG Ally + Game Pass Ultimate| $599.99 $449.99 at Best Buy
  • Lenovo LOQ Tower + Game Pass Ultimate | $1,029.99 $649.99
  • MSI Katana 15 | $1,364.99 $1,287.00 at Amazon
  • Meta Quest 3 (512GB) | $649.99 at Newegg

Why the Nintendo Switch OLED: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate bundle is such a big deal

For the last few years, I've been covering the Nintendo Switch and its various services and accessories. This means that in that time, I've kept an eye out for the best Nintendo Switch Cyber Monday deals each holiday season. The truth is, there are very few Switch deals and the ones that do exist are very few and far between. 

As you can see in my Nintendo Switch OLED vs Nintendo Switch comparison (at iMore), even though this newer version with a gorgeous OLED screen and improved kickstand over the original Nintendo Switch came out two years ago, we haven't seen any Switch OLED holiday bundle deals until now. So this makes the Nintendo Switch OLED: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate bundle a big deal. This bundle actually leaked a little while ago, but it took a lot longer than expected for it to show up at retailers.  

As the name implies, the purchase gives you a special edition Nintendo Switch OLED (complete with detachable controllers and a TV dock) but it has themed imagery on it from the Smash Bros. beat 'em up game. With the console, buyers also get the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate game (valued at $60) and a three-month Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) membership (valued at $8) for free. 

For those who might not know, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is an insanely popular multiplayer and one that I put on our list of the best Nintendo Switch games (when I worked at our sister site, iMore). Meanwhile, the NSO membership makes it so you can play against other people online and gives you access to a library of classing NES and SNES titles. In total, you're getting around $68 worth of free extras when you purchase this limited-edition Switch OLED. 

It's the perfect gift for any Nintendo fans in your life who love playing against others. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate allows players to battle against each other while they play as iconic characters from various game franchises. The really cool thing is that this is a couch co-op game, and up to eight people can play on one device as long as you have enough controllers to go around. As you can imagine, this makes it a fantastic party game for friends and family alike. 

Pair your Nintendo Switch OLED with the best accessories

The Nintendo Switch is filled with many exciting party games where the whole family can relax and have fun together. One such title is Nintendo Switch Sports, a successor to Nintendo's Wii Sports franchise, which features a collection of entertaining sports games like soccer, tennis, bowling, volleyball, and more.

Sadly, though, Nintendo Switch games have a notorious reputation for rarely having any discounts for their MSRP at most retailers. This fact, in turn, makes this Black Friday deal an early Christmas miracle. Walmart is currently selling Nintendo Switch Sports at a 20% discount, taking its price tag down from $49.99 to $30.00, the lowest price it's ever been. 

Why you should buy Nintendo Switch Sports

Our own Rebecca Spears reviewed Nintendo Switch Sports on our sister site iMore and described it like this: "As a party game to play with friends and family and bring a group together, this is a good pick. For those who have played this style of game before, it is familiar with just enough twists of new elements. It's easy to learn to play without being too boring for experienced players."

Going from that statement, Nintendo Switch Sports has a lot of positive qualities going for it. The motion controls via the Joy-Cons are easy to learn, the online multiplayer mode is family-friendly, and there is an ample abundance of fun sports games to partake in.

Classic sports games from previous Wii Sports titles like tennis, bowling, and sword fighting (known as Chambara in this game) return, along with new ones like soccer, volleyball, and badminton. Each of these games is a joy to play with, whether you're a beginner or a veteran sports player. In addition, you can customize your Miis with new accessories earned by playing online.

The digital version of Nintendo Switch Sports is enjoying a rare Black Friday sale at Walmart, discounting its MSRP from $49.99 to $30.00. Best Buy is also hosting a similar discount for the physical version of Nintendo Switch, bringing it down from $49.99 to $39.99.

So, if you're looking for a chill and entertaining collection of sports that both kids and adults can enjoy together on one of the best gaming handhelds, look no further on this Black Friday deal.

However, if you don't own a Nintendo Switch and aren't planning on purchasing one anytime soon, check out our reviews for gaming handhelds capable of running the best PC games. See our Steam Deck review, ASUS ROG Ally review, or Lenovo Legion Go review and decide if either piques your interest.

Let's start with the obvious, $200 is a pretty standard price for the Nintendo Switch Lite, but the real Tom Nook of this deal is that you're getting Animal Crossing New Horizons for free. During the pandemic, I was sent home with no work and no facility to even work from home for weeks on end, and this game, and the community I met playing it, single-handedly saved my sanity during that time. The best part is that for $199.99 at Walmart you can get a Nintendo Switch Lite Animal Crossing: New Horizons Timmy & Tommy Aloha Edition, which includes the console and the game. This is a great deal, considering that the standard console alone costs $199.99 and this is a special edition. The game normally costs $59.99. Go fast though, as this has already gone out of stock once, and it's temporarily back.

More great early Black Friday deals

• Walmart: Early Black Friday deals on practically everything
• Dell: Top deals on laptops, gaming PCs, accessories, and more
• Alienware: Up to $800 off gaming laptops and desktops
• Best Buy: Big savings on video games, accessories, and more
• HP: Up to 84% of select HP Windows PCs and accessories
• Lenovo: Up to 50% of gaming towers, laptops, and accessories
• Newegg: Save on PC gaming accessories, components, and more
• Razer: Up to 43% off laptops and accessories with free gifts
• More individual deals:
  • Xbox Series X + Diablo IV + free $75 Target gift card for $634.99 $449.99 at Target
  • Samsung T9 4TB Portable SSD for $439.99 $249.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Stereo Headset — 20th Anniversary for $69.99 $46.86 at Walmart
  • Xbox Series X + Diablo IV + Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III for $639.99 $489.99 at Walmart
  • TP-Link Deco X55 Wi-Fi mesh 3-pack for $229.99 $179.99 at Amazon
  • Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma for $149.99 $89.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Series X + $50 Best Buy gift card for $549.99 $399.99 at Best Buy for Plus/Total members
  • HyperX Cloud III Wireless for $169.99 $129.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Series S + 3-months Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $299.99 $249 at Walmart
  • Lenovo LOQ Tower (17IRB8) + 3-months Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from $1,029.99 $674.99 at Lenovo

Is Animal Crossing New Horizons worth the hype?

In short, yes. The long answer? It’s more than just a game — it’s a cozy and supportive community that helped me cope with the isolation and stress of the pandemic. And you can be a part of it too. Animal Crossing New Horizons is a game where you can create your own island paradise, customize your character, and make friends with adorable animal villagers. You can explore, fish, catch bugs, decorate, craft, and more. There is always something new to discover and enjoy on your island.

But what makes this game so special is the online community that you can join. You can visit other islands online with up to seven friends, or invite strangers from around the world. You can play together, help each other, and exchange gifts. You can also join special events and seasonal activities throughout the year.

This isn't a game I would have ever purchased of my own accord. I’m not a ‘cozy gamer’, I’m a blood, magic, monsters and swords kind of gamer. The pandemic happened though, and after being sent home from work because it was unsafe, and our office at the time not being set up for home working, I was in a difference headspace.

My partner who still got to go to work every day actually bought Animal Crossing New Horizons for himself, and I “gave it a try for an hour.” The game had a simple premise, move to an island, build a home, then build other homes for more inhabitants.

Needless to say that “try for an hour” turned into days, then weeks, then months of actual play time on the game. I went from playing on my own and laughing at my little collectable outfits (including the covid mask pictured above), to meet a whole group of other people on a parenting website who were playing the game. I joined a Whatsapp group, and over the course of the pandemic, our socializing was meeting up on each other’s islands to help complete in-game events, and collect all the craftable furniture.

There’s a lot of ‘collecting’ in Animal Crossing New Horizons, and you can get as deep into it as you choose. Whether it’s collecting all the bugs for your museum, catching the biggest and rarest fish, or trying to find the elusive tarantula island (ok I know I said this wasn’t a horror game, but that particular area is questionable). If you’ve never picked it up before, and even if it’s not your usual kind of game, I guarantee you will be hooked within the first few hours by its charm, whimsy, and odd humor. Just check out this letter I received from one of my animal neighbors.

Getting Animal Crossing New Horizons with a Nintendo Switch Lite (and a special edition Aloha one no less) is an absolutely brilliant deal, it's simply hours upon hours upon days upon months of entertainment, for $199. But go quick, this particular edition is limited to Walmart only and goes out of stock fast.

Even now, absolutely nothing on the ROG Ally or any other of the PC handhelds can beat Nintendo's first-party bangers, but if you are looking for something a bit more mature, be sure to check out our guide to all of the handhelds including ROG Ally.

Whether you're shopping for a gift for someone else or yourself, the holidays are a great time to pick up a gaming console. While plenty of portable PCs hit the market in 2023, such as the Lenovo Legion Go, the simplicity of the Nintendo Switch makes it the right choice for a lot of gamers. It's also a perfect secondary console if you already have an Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PS5, or a gaming PC.

Right now, you can get a bundle through Best Buy or Amazon that includes a digital copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and three months of Switch Online at no additional cost when compared to a Nintendo Switch on its own. That means you can grab the most popular Switch game, the console itself, and play online for three months for $299.99.

More great early Black Friday deals

• Walmart: Early Black Friday deals on practically everything
• Dell: Top deals on laptops, gaming PCs, accessories, and more
• Alienware: Up to $800 off gaming laptops and desktops
• Best Buy: Big savings on video games, accessories, and more
• HP: Up to 84% of select HP Windows PCs and accessories
• Lenovo: Up to 50% of gaming towers, laptops, and accessories
• Newegg: Save on PC gaming accessories, components, and more
• Razer: Up to 43% off laptops and accessories with free gifts
• More individual deals:
  • Xbox Series X + Diablo IV + free $75 Target gift card for $634.99 $449.99 at Target
  • Samsung T9 4TB Portable SSD for $439.99 $249.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Stereo Headset — 20th Anniversary for $69.99 $46.86 at Walmart
  • Xbox Series X + Diablo IV + Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III for $639.99 $489.99 at Walmart
  • TP-Link Deco X55 Wi-Fi mesh 3-pack for $229.99 $179.99 at Amazon
  • Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma for $149.99 $89.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Series X + $50 Best Buy gift card for $549.99 $399.99 at Best Buy for Plus/Total members
  • HyperX Cloud III Wireless for $169.99 $129.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Series S + 3-months Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $299.99 $249 at Walmart
  • Lenovo LOQ Tower (17IRB8) + 3-months Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from $1,029.99 $674.99 at Lenovo
  • HP OMEN 27qs for $429.99 $299.99 at Best Buy

The best Nintendo Switch game?

Picking the best Nintendo Switch game is difficult because gaming tastes very so much from person to person. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom had lofty expectations and arguably exceeded them. Super Mario Bros. Wonder brings the best of 2D Mario gaming to the Switch. Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Splatoon 3, and plenty of other titles are worth picking up. But none of those games have sold as many copies as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

It's easy to see why Mario Kart 8 Deluxe tops the charts when it comes to Switch sales. Nintendo has mastered kart racing over decades of Mario Kart titles. The game is straightforward and easy enough for newcomers and kids to enjoy but has enough nuance that veteran gamers can spend countless hours mastering shortcuts and playing online.

Is the Mario Kart 8 Booster Course Pack worth it?

I would recommend Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to anyone who enjoys racing games. But you're cutting yourself short if you get the game without the Booster Course Pack. For $24.99 you get an additional 48 courses, including several of the best tracks in the game. That doubles the number of tracks you can enjoy.

On top of all those tracks, the roster of racers increases dramatically with the DLC. Fan-favorites like Funky Kong and Diddy Kong are added to the game with the DLC, as are Petey Piranha, Wiggler, and many more. A total of 50 characters are in the game if you spend the extra $24.99.

If you are like a lot of us here at Windows Central, you have a Nintendo Switch as a secondary or tertiary gaming console. If you do, then I highly recommend picking up one of Ubisoft's best releases in the last few years. The original Mario + Rabbids game was a triumph in turn-based tactics games introducing the, at the time, struggling genre to a whole new audience of up-and-coming gamers. 

I enjoyed my time with the first game but feel like the sequel, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, improves on the formula in almost every way. If you haven't had the chance to pick up this treasure of a game yet, it is hard to beat this amazing sale price of $14.99 at Best Buy. The best part? This is the Cosmic Edition on sale so you get the base game plus the Galactic Prestige Collection, with 3 exclusive weapon skins for your team.

More great Nintendo deals

• Amazon: Up to $30 off Switch games
• Best Buy: Save on Turtle Beach headsets
• Walmart: Save on refurbished consoles
• GameStop: Pre-owned consoles for less

• Bundles: Mario Kart 8 bundle for $299
• Switch OLED: Smash Bros. OLED from just $34 at Walmart
• Refurbished: Save 20% on refurbished consoles at Walmart
• Controllers: Save on controllers at Best Buy
• Headsets: Savings on headsets at Walmart
• Storage: Save $77 on 512GB microSD card
• Video games: Save big on games at Amazon

A turn-based strategy game for all ages

In Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, you get to travel from planet to planet as you work to save the Sparks as an evil entity threatens the entire galaxy. As Ubisoft struggles to break free of making the same types of games in every one of their franchises, the Mario + Rabbids series provides a shining example of how games don't need to be check-list, open-world, micro-transaction ridden bloated experiences. Of course, it is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, being a Mario game.

Unfortunately, even though the game was reviewed well with an 87 Metacritic score, there has been a sentiment that the game hasn't sold very well, which is a true shame as the game really is great. Now is the best time to remediate that and pick up a copy. I'm grabbing a second copy so my kids don't have to keep borrowing mine. If you're a fan of turn-based strategy games and want your kids or nieces and nephews to get introduced to one of the best genres in gaming, this is a great pickup for a stocking stuffer this holiday season. 

As Super Mario Bros. Wonder enjoys its game of the year nomination, and the old classic, Super Mario RPG remake, released this week, it's the perfect time to grab this awesome Mario game as well.

Not only is BestBuy offering the best price on Mario+Rabbids Sparks of Hope that we can find right now, but you can usually order it online and pick it up in two hours. Returns are also hassle-free, easy, and instant. 

Moreover, the Best Buy membership can get free two-day shipping, more significant discounts, and a generous 60-day return window. Don't know about how that works? Read our My Best Buy memberships explained: Plus and Total price, rewards, and more for more info!

If you don't have a Nintendo Switch and don't plan on getting one, take a look at some of our reviews for some more powerful gaming handhelds that all have some great features. Jump on over to our Steam Deck review, ASUS ROG Ally review, or Lenovo Legion Go review and see if any of them are right for you.

There are several gaming handhelds on the market right now, including the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, Ally X, Nintendo Switch, and Lenovo Legion Go 2.

Overall, I've found that the ROG Ally X is the best device of them all due to its powerful performance, VRR support, good pricing, and other conveniences. Of course, the upcoming Xbox Ally X could dethrone it. But each of these devices does offer its own perks and useful features.

Here are the best gaming handhelds available now whether you're looking for something that provides access to exclusive games, is good for kids, plays PC games easily via Windows, or has long battery life for trips.

The quick list

Here's a quick look at the best gaming handhelds available right now. Additional information for each device is available further down this page and you can click the 'read more below' link to be taken directly to these details.

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Best overall gaming handheld

My recommended Xbox Ally X configuration:

Due to its performance and features, the ROG Xbox Ally X (Xbox Ally X) has become the device I reach for the most, even though I have access to several gaming handhelds.

It outranks the Steam Deck performance-wise, with the latest graphically intensive games being more likely to run on Xbox Ally X. Sometimes, the Steam Deck can't even run a game that I can play on the ASUS ROG's next-gen handheld.

Its balance of solid performance, decent price, meaty grips, and customization features makes it the device I recommend above all others.

As you can see in my Xbox Ally X review, this Windows 11 handheld is rather impressive with a much better screen than the Steam Deck (higher resolution and VRR support) and the ability to access any game or game streaming service that's offered on a gaming PC such as Battle.net, Epic Games, Xbox Game Pass, and more right out of the box.

It offers larger RAM and SSD capacities compared to the original Ally, as well as twice the battery capacity for longer gaming sessions.

The downside to the Xbox Ally X is that, just like with any other Windows 11 device, it tends to come installed with tons of bloatware, which you'll want to turn off to get the best playing experience.

This also means you need to be ready to troubleshoot Windows 11 issues if there is a problem, which can be daunting for some people and can make this device more complicated to use. The SteamOS-running Steam Deck offers a far simpler interface in comparison.

But we can help you with our 12 essential Windows 11 tweaks for Xbox Ally as well as our extensive Windows 11 troubleshooting guides.

That said, you could put SteamOS on the Xbox Ally X if you really want to. This would give you better performance than Steam Deck, but with that wonderful SteamOS interface. Just note that you cannot undo this action.

VRR (variable refresh rate) support and the powerful AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor provide solid performance and motion clarity with significantly higher graphics than Steam Deck offers.

Most gaming handhelds strain my wrists and make my pinkies go numb, but I've never experienced that, not even once, when holding the Xbox Ally X's bigger grips.

ASUS' gaming software, Armoury Crate SE, comes installed on the Xbox Ally X and makes it easy to adjust various game settings such as FPS (frames per second), resolution, RGB lighting, performance modes (TDP), and more in a side menu that gets brought up by pressing an Armoury Crate button.

That way, I can make changes without having to exit a game. Armoury Crate is very helpful, but sometimes it can be rather clunky and slow to respond.

I love that I can manually adjust VRAM on Xbox Ally X to improve performance. If you get this handheld, I also recommend that you enter AMD Software and enable HYPR-RX graphics suite to turn on graphics-enhancing features.

While the ROG Ally X's 80Whr battery is much larger than many other handheld batteries and can last for a few hours, it typically runs out of juice within about two hours if I'm playing more graphically demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077.

The base Xbox Ally has a starting price of $599.99, but it isn't very powerful and only offers performance that's around the same level as the Steam Deck. I recommend springing for the $999.99 AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Xbox Ally X if you're looking for a handheld that can play AAA games.

There's no denying that the Xbox Ally X is expensive, but it also doesn't cost as much as the Legion Go 2 or the MSI Claw 8 AI+, two other premium Windows 11 handhelds on the market. If you like the idea of the Xbox Ally X, but want to save some money, I recommend checking out the previous-gen ROG Ally X. For more info, you can check out my ROG Ally X review.

In the end, among the gaming handhelds on the market, the Xbox Ally X offers the best balance of solid performance and features without being too costly.

If you want a dependable device that can play a wide range of games and is comfortable to hold, this is the handheld to get.

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Best budget handheld

My recommended Steam Deck LCD and Steam Deck OLED configuration:

I was fortunate enough to be one of the first people to receive my Steam Deck LCD after orders officially opened, and since then, I've put dozens, if not hundreds, of hours into this gaming handheld.

Of course, I'm not the only one who loves Valve's device, as is obvious if you read my colleague's Steam Deck review or go online and look at the large fan base that it has.

It's somewhat old at this point, which is why it shouldn't be too surprising that its lower specs cannot run many of the latest AAA games.

I've personally had issues trying to get it to run STALKER 2, Dragon's Dogma 2, Avowed, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, to name a few.

Still, it's an amazing gaming handheld if you tend to play classics or less processor-straining titles.

Plus, there's the new Steam Deck OLED, which improves the screen, storage, battery life, and other features if you're willing to spend a bit more money.

You can see all of the differences between the two versions in my Steam Deck OLED vs Steam Deck LCD comparison.

The Steam Deck uses the Linux-based SteamOS, a semi-custom processor with limited power, and a lower-resolution 1280x800 display.

It's worth noting that the LCD panel version suffers some significant IPS glow, so certain imagery looks more muddled and pixilated, whereas the OLED version looks a whole lot crisper and more vibrant.

However, both Steam Deck models do provide a stable and reliable way to play Steam Deck verified games from your Steam library and are some of the easiest devices to use right out of the box.

The LCD version's battery life isn't amazing, only being able to reach up to eight hours depending on settings, but it's competitive against several other gaming handhelds on the market right now.

Meanwhile, the Steam Deck OLED has a slightly better battery life of between three and 12 hours, so you can play it longer.

What's more, Valve was very conscious in trying to make sure that owners could upgrade the system with better RAM, storage, fans, and other hardware if they were inclined to do so.

As such, many people have customized their Steam Deck to fit their gaming needs better. In fact, if you want, we can help you learn how to install Windows on Steam Deck or even how to upgrade Steam Deck SSD.

There used to be three Steam Deck LCD configuration options, but now there is only one available on Steam's website.

Currently, you can get the Steam Deck LCD with 256GB SSD for $399.00, Steam Deck OLED with 512GB SSD for $549.00, or Steam Deck OLED with 1TB SSD for $649.00 from Steam itself. Older versions can be found selling on Amazon, eBay, and more.

Although these devices are pricey, most of these options cost less than other PC gaming handhelds on the market.

In the end, Steam Deck provides a reliable and steady PC gaming experience at a more affordable price, even if it doesn't have the most impressive specs.

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Best mid-range gaming handheld

My recommended Legion Go S (SteamOS) configurations:

In the first half of 2025, Lenovo released a Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S, and as you can see in my colleague's Legion Go S (Windows) review, we really weren't impressed with it.

However, when the Legion Go S (SteamOS) followed a few months later, it managed to satisfy where the other hadn't. So what's so good about it?

The Legion Go S offers the same great operating system offered on Steam Deck and accompanies that with a more ergonomic shape and a better screen.

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Best Intel gaming handheld

My recommended MSI Claw 8 AI+ and Claw 7 AI+ configurations

The original Intel Core Ultra Series 1 MSI Claw A1M that launched in March 2024 was considerably less powerful than the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme ASUS ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go.

However, MSI has since launched the next-gen Claw 8 AI+ A2VM and smaller Claw 7 AI+ A2VM, and these two handhelds blast their AMD-toting rivals out of the water in terms of performance.

As seen in my MSI Claw 8 AI+ review, I've been able to experience this far-improved handheld firsthand and can attest to the incredibly smooth handheld gameplay it provides.

Of course, we've been told that Z2 Extreme handhelds are on their way, so we'll have to test upcoming next-gen Legion Go and next-gen ROG Ally devices against the Intel Core Ultra 256V MSI Claw AI+s when they do.

The Claw 8 AI+ has an 8-inch IPS touchscreen that supports VRR and can reach up to a 120Hz refresh rate.

While motion clarity isn't always perfect, this handheld offers less stuttering and can reach higher FPS in intensive games than ROG Ally and Legion Go.

As an example, the Claw 8 AI+ was able to get an average of 59 FPS (frames per second) in Cyberpunk 2077 benchmark testing at Steam Deck graphics defaults, while the Legion Go only did a 36 FPS average, and the ROG Ally X got a 29 FPS average.

The larger 8-inch IPS touchscreen also offers a respectable color gamut and crisp FHD (1920x1200) resolution, which shows off game visuals nicely.

I also appreciate that this handheld actually has Hall Effect joysticks and triggers, which is something that both the Steam Deck and ROG Ally handhelds don't offer. The buttons and controls are responsive and feel good to press.

Unlike the other handhelds on this list, this is the only one that features two Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports, so you can charge it up at faster speeds and use the other port for an accessory at the same time.

There are three main areas where the MSI Claw 8 AI+ might give you reason to choose a different device.

Firstly, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is expensive. It has an $899.99 MSRP, which is $100 more than the starting ROG Ally X price. I

Secondly, while the 80Whr battery is larger than many other handhelds out there (and can last longer too), it still usually runs out of juice within two-ish hours when playing more graphically demanding games. So, gaming sessions might feel cut short.

Thirdly, the handheld's MSI Center M software is simple and easy to navigate, but it doesn't offer as many customization features as ROG Ally and ROG Ally X. I don't even have the option to manually adjust VRAM.

In the end, the MSI Claw 8 AI+ is a fantastic premium gaming handheld that offers better battery life and intensive gaming performance than other handhelds out there. If you have the money and prefer to play AAA titles on the go, this is the device for you.

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Best gaming handheld for couch co-op

My recommended Nintendo Switch 2 configurations:

Demand for the Switch 2 is very high, which has led to it regularly being out of stock at most retailers. Scalpers are also taking advantage of the situation and selling the device at exorbitant prices. Please be careful and only purchase from trusted retailers or sellers.

While not a PC gaming handheld, the original Nintendo Switch has been one of the most successful portable gaming consoles in history thanks to its huge library of games, affordable price point, and innovative hybrid design that makes it both a gaming system for TV and a handheld device.

Now, its sequel, the Nintendo Switch 2 has freshly launched in 2025, bringing with it several improvements over the original device.

The Switch 2 is marketed as a gaming system for all ages, and as such, there are several fun, exclusive Nintendo games for it, including multiplayer split-screen games that you can play with family and friends from one device (as long as you have enough controllers to go around).

Simply pull the two controllers off from either side of the screen, turn them sideways, and you already have two controllers to use.

Since the Switch 2 comes with a dock, you can connect it to your TV right out of the box for easy multiplayer game nights, too. Some games can host as many as eight players from one Switch 2.

Nintendo's successor handheld supports a higher 1080p resolution than its 720p predecessor in both handheld mode and docked mode. The larger 7.9-inch LCD display isn't as good as the previous Switch OLED with its 7-inch panel, but colors still come through nicely with plenty of crisp detail.

My guess is we'll see a Switch 2 OLED drop within the next couple of years.

It's important to note that the Switch 2 is backwards compatible with most Switch games, so you can enjoy the original hybrid console's massive library as well as the new games designed specifically for its successor.

Of course, graphics within Switch and Switch 2 games aren't super intensive to begin with, but they usually are optimized to look good on the simpler system, like with the cell-shading art style of Nintendo's award-winning The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Of course, more intensive single-player titles like Cyberpunk 2077 have also been optimized for Switch 2, if that's more your style of game. You can get it for $69.99 at Best Buy, if you're interested.

Additionally, since the Switch 2 is so insanely popular, there are tons of accessories available for it to help improve your gaming experience.

The Switch 2 sells for $449.99 at Best Buy, but I highly recommend buying the Switch 2 + Mario Kart World bundle for $499.99 at Best Buy since this gives you one of the best Switch 2 multiplayer games at a $30 discount compared to buying it separately. It's a great way to jump-start your Switch 2 library of games.

As you can see, the Nintendo Switch 2 is less expensive than many of the other handhelds on this page, but only if you can find it while it's in stock. You might want to jump on a waiting list or use a deal tracker to know when the Switch 2 is back in stock.

If you don't mind being one generation behind, you might want to consider buying an original Switch or Switch OLED. It will cost less and is more likely to be in stock right now.

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Best screen in a gaming handheld

My recommended Lenovo Legion Go configuration:

I've spent several hours using the Lenovo Legion Go to see how it compares to its closest competitors — the Steam Deck and ROG Ally X.

As you can see in my Legion Go 2 review, it's proven to be a very enjoyable device that offers unique abilities from the other handhelds.

So what exactly makes the Legion Go 2 so enticing?

For one thing, it offers the largest display of any PC gaming handheld right now at 8.8 inches with an impressive 1920x1200 resolution and excellent 144Hz refresh rate. Meanwhile, the OLED display offers a fantastic color gamut and contrast.

In comparison, Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Nintendo Switch 2 all have seven-inch IPS displays that aren't nearly as vibrant.

Unlike the original handheld, the Legion Go 2 supports VRR, which makes it provide a more stable frame rate and improves motion clarity compared to the original Legion Go.

This was also corrected in the new Legion Go S, but I still recommend the original Legion Go over the Legion Go S because it offers better performance and more features while costing less.

Now, this larger screen means that it's currently the largest gaming handheld of them all, as you can see in my Legion Go size comparison.

That said, it will be outdone soon with the reveal of the comically huge 11-inch Acer Nitro Blaze 11.

The Legion Go 2 is tall and thick, so if you want to plug it into a docking station, you need to make sure it is designed to fit Lenovo's handheld.

This handheld stands out thanks to its innovative features that we've never seen before on a gaming handheld, such as a mouse wheel and right and left-click buttons.

These functions, combined with the touchpad, make it easier to interact with certain games or surf the web.

Additionally, the TrueStrike controllers can come off like the Switch 2 JoyCon can.

When I was sick with COVID and too weak to hold the handheld, I was able to grasp the detached controllers in my hands, lie down on my bed, and play with the screen propped up on its kickstand.

The right controller can also be put in FPS mode and placed within a small dock to act more like a mouse. I like using this setup when playing first-person shooters or games that rely on a lot of mouse clicks.

Performance-wise, the Legion Go 2 likely operates similarly to the ROG Xbox Ally X since it uses an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme chipset. But there will likely be differences since the Xbox Ally X's chip is an AI processor. I'll report back when I learn more.

The Legion Go 2's higher prices aren't too surprising given the huge screen, innovative controls, and strong processor, but it will definitely put a dent in your wallet.

Still, if you want a larger screen with a high refresh rate, then this will be the most appealing option.

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Best for cloud gaming

My recommended Logitech G Cloud configuration:

If you're looking to save money on a handheld gaming device, but still want to play the latest games then the Logitech G Cloud is the choice for you.

As our own Zachary Boddy mentioned in their Logitech G Cloud review, this cloud gaming handheld holds a place between the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck.

That's because it runs on Android with a Snapdragon 720G, so it can play games streamed from distant servers with decent visuals, but it doesn't have high local processing power itself.

Of course, your gaming experience with any cloud gaming device is dependent upon several aspects usually beyond your control, such as your internet speed, Wi-Fi connection, and how well the host server is operating.

Because of this, there are many points at which your gaming session can be negatively affected when playing via the cloud.

Still, if everything is working well, then the Logitech G Cloud can be an excellent device to play on.

G Cloud comes with game streaming apps like Xbox Game Pass, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and Steam all installed and ready to go. You'll just need to supply the subscriptions.

The button layout and design feels great in your hands and works well with games that support controllers.

Since it isn't bogged down with as many components, Logitech's device is a whole lot lighter and more comfortable to hold than other handhelds.

Additionally, it can last up to 12 hours on one charge, which is longer than any other device on this list.

Plus, it only costs $349.99, but usually sells for $299.99, making it easier to afford.

If you want to save money and understand that the cloud gaming experience isn't always consistent, then this can be a good gaming handheld for some people.

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Best dual-screen gaming handheld

My recommended AYANEO Flip DS configuration:

AYANEO is a handheld brand that focuses on unique designs and experiences unlike those seen by the likes of Valve, ASUS, Lenovo, or even Nintendo.

For example, there are a lot of Windows 11 gaming handhelds on the market, but the AYANEO Flip DS stands out as being the first dual-screen Windows handheld among them.

I personally did our AYANEO Flip DS review, so I know firsthand how useful this device is when it comes to multitasking.

I can play my main game up top on the larger 7-inch, 120Hz 1080p IPS touchscreen and then use the smaller touchscreen to adjust settings and open other programs.

I even made it so I was watching Shrek via Netflix on the top screen while playing Cyberpunk 2077 on the small display. There are plenty of different ways to make use of these dual-screens.

I also appreciate that this device features two USB-C ports, which allow me to charge the device back up with one port while keeping the other free for any accessories that I might want to use.

After all, while the Flip DS offers good gaming performance, it doesn't have the best battery life since it is powering two screens, so I ended up playing it while plugged in most of the time.

Arguably, the biggest downside to the Flip DS is that it is extremely expensive and doesn't have as powerful performance as other mainstream handhelds on the market.

The $1,222.99 MSRP makes it cost far more than any other handheld on this page. It can often be found on sale for around $1,151, but that's still really pricey.

Of course, you're paying extra for the convenience of having that second screen, which isn't common at all.

Recently AYANEO announced that production for the Flip DS has paused, but AYANEO says it will still "produce an additional batch of several hundred."

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Other gaming handhelds to mention

This page would get way too long if I listed every gaming handheld out there, but there are still some more that are worth mentioning.

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Upcoming handhelds

There are several gaming handhelds in the works, but these are the ones you really ought to know about.

Three Acer Nitro Blaze handhelds

Acer is coming rather late to the PC gaming handheld party, but the company is on its way.

So far, we know of at least three Acer handhelds that are in the works including the Nitro Blaze 7 shown off in Fall 2024, and then the Nitro Blaze 8 and enormous Nitro Blaze 11 revealed during CES 2025.

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A note on tariffs and handheld price increases in the U.S.

UPDATE April 8, 2025:

The Trump Administration has placed high tariffs on goods from various countries. This means that many tech devices, including handhelds, manufactured elsewhere and brought into the United States, will likely see notable price increases in the coming weeks and months.

Most of the gaming handhelds on this page including Steam Deck, ROG Ally, MSI Claw, Legion Go, and Nintendo Switch 2, are largely manufactured in either China or Vietnam.

At the time of writing, the U.S. has 46% levies on Vietnamese goods, which is really high. Meanwhile, the U.S. levies on Chinese goods were at 34% until today, when Trump increased that to a staggering 104%.

As such, it's very likely that all or most of the gaming handhelds on this page will become significantly more expensive in the U.S. unless something changes.

For instance, the Nintendo Switch 2 was revealed with a $449.99 MSRP. However, analysts expect the handheld's price will increase by as much as 50% in the U.S. due to tariffs. That means it could be as much as $675, which is insane.

We've also already seen the MSI Claw 7 AI+ go up from $799.00 to $829.00, which is only a 3.75% increase right now, but will likely go up more.

I'll keep an eye on handheld price increases and will update this page as I learn more.

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How we test gaming handhelds

Whenever we at Windows Central review gaming handhelds, we run the devices through rigorous testing to see how well they perform.

If they are more complex devices with powerful graphics cards (basically small gaming laptops), we benchmark their capabilities against other similar devices.

This includes getting our own experience of playing graphically or computationally demanding games on them as well as running tests like PCMark Modern Office, 3DMark Time Spy, CrystalDiskMark, Cinebench, and more.

How well we score a device depends on several factors, including how smoothly the device performs, how convenient it is to use, how much it costs, and how customizable it is.

Choosing the best overall gaming handheld was actually a rather close call because each device currently available has some impressive perks as well as some sort of major limitation. Tradeoffs everywhere.

However, the ROG Ally X still managed to beat the others due to its solid performance, good pricing, and fantastic customization options.

The screen and performance are significantly improved over Valve's handheld, and it looks good too.

Meanwhile, the Steam Deck is the second device we recommend since it provides an easy and stable playing experience.

By far, the Steam Deck is the easiest to use right out of the box and is also one of the easiest to upgrade and customize.

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If you've looked at the specs for the Lenovo Legion Go, then you know that it is a rather large gaming handheld. So much so that it is currently the biggest mainstream handheld, just edging out the Steam Deck. But seeing the cold, hard numbers isn't always the easiest way to visualize the size difference between devices. 

So, I've compiled a few images that help illustrate the width and height differences between the top gaming handhelds — specifically the Legion Go, Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, and Nintendo Switch OLED. 

The Legion Go is the largest handheld compared to the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Switch OLED. It measures 11.8 inches long when the controllers are attached. This makes it slightly longer than the next largest gaming handheld: Valve's chunky Steam Deck, which measures 11.7 inches long.