Portable gaming devices are experiencing a resurgence this year, with a diverse array of options available compared to their earlier prominence. In a recent holiday survey conducted by the Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC), it was found that 16% of children requested handheld gaming devices like the ROG Ally and Steam Deck for Christmas gifts, while 46% asked for home consoles, including the Nintendo Switch 2.
ESAC President Paul Fogolin highlighted the increasing interest in handheld gaming, noting that although handhelds represent a smaller portion of the market, the demand for newer devices like the Steam Deck indicates a growing trend towards PC gaming.
Each device, including the Nintendo Switch 2, Microsoft Xbox ROG Ally, and Sony PlayStation Portal, offers unique features catering to different gaming preferences, making the choice of the best device dependent on various factors.
The Nintendo Switch 2, released in June 2025, is an upgraded version of its predecessor, offering enhanced power and compatibility with older Switch games. However, it comes at a higher cost and may not be suitable for extended gaming sessions due to smaller buttons and joysticks.
On the other hand, the Microsoft Xbox ROG Ally and ROG Ally X, released in October 2025, provide a gaming-focused PC experience with access to a vast library of games from various platforms such as Steam and Epic Games. While it offers powerful performance, it comes with a premium price tag and compatibility limitations.
Sony’s PlayStation Portal, released in November 2023, is a streaming-only device designed to connect to a PlayStation 5 console, enabling remote gameplay within and outside the home environment. Despite its affordability, it requires a stable internet connection for optimal performance.
Apart from these major players, there are other PC handhelds like the Steam Deck offering custom operating systems and varying price points. Retro handheld devices, catering to nostalgia-driven enthusiasts, provide a throwback gaming experience but may require technical expertise and additional investments for classic game access.
In conclusion, the current market offers a diverse range of portable gaming devices, each catering to different gaming preferences and needs, providing gamers with a multitude of options to choose from.