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Comparative Analysis of Handheld Gaming Consoles in 2024

GOOVER DAILY REPORT July 21, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Evolution of Handheld Gaming Consoles in 2024
  3. Features and Comparisons of Top Handheld Consoles
  4. In-depth Analysis: Lenovo Legion Go vs. ASUS ROG Ally
  5. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • The report titled 'Comparative Analysis of Handheld Gaming Consoles in 2024' provides an in-depth examination of leading handheld gaming consoles and handheld gaming PCs available in 2024. It focuses on the key features, pros, and cons of devices like the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go, giving particular attention to Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally. The report traces the evolution of handheld gaming devices, highlighting their portable yet powerful nature, and offers detailed comparisons based on technical specifications, design, usability, and market availability. Key insights include the standout performance of the Steam Deck due to its superior processing power and display, the affordability and versatility of the Nintendo Switch, the high-resolution display and gaming compatibility of the ASUS ROG Ally, and the hybrid design and robust screen of the Lenovo Legion Go.

2. Evolution of Handheld Gaming Consoles in 2024

  • 2-1. Overview of handheld gaming console landscape

  • The concept of playing video games on the go has significantly evolved over the years. In 2024, handheld gaming devices offer an experience that far surpasses what was available in the 90s. The revolution began with the introduction of the Nintendo Switch a few years ago, establishing a new era in the gaming industry. Major companies like PlayStation, ASUS, and Lenovo have since entered the market, each vying for a share with their unique offerings. Handheld gaming consoles and handheld gaming PCs allow gamers to play their favorite console and PC games efficiently while away from home. Unlike traditional home consoles, these devices are compact and portable, featuring high-performance components that typically require larger setups. These advances address the demand from avid gamers for portable gaming solutions.

  • 2-2. Key players and their flagship models

  • The handheld gaming console market in 2024 features several prominent players, each with its flagship models. The Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go are leading devices in this category. The Steam Deck is recognized as the best overall handheld gaming PC, equipped with a powerful 4-core Zen 2 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 7.4-inch, 800p HD+ OLED display. On the other hand, the Nintendo Switch remains a bestseller due to its affordability and functionality, with a notable feature being its detachable controllers and ability to operate in multiple play modes. The ASUS ROG Ally, featuring an 8-core Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and a 1080p@120Hz display, is lauded for its high performance, particularly in handling AAA PC games. The Lenovo Legion Go, Lenovo’s first entry into the market, combines aspects of both handheld gaming PCs and consoles, offering an 8.8-inch QHD+ display and detachable controllers, making it a hybrid device that caters to various play styles. Each device has its pros and cons, but collectively, they represent the cutting edge of portable gaming technology in 2024.

3. Features and Comparisons of Top Handheld Consoles

  • 3-1. Steam Deck features and pros/cons

  • The Steam Deck is considered the best overall handheld gaming console. It features a powerful 4-core Zen 2 processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB built-in storage, and runs on SteamOS (a Linux-based operating system). The display is a 7.4-inch, 800p HD+ OLED screen with HDR and a refresh rate of up to 90Hz. It is compatible with WiFi 6 and includes Bluetooth v5.3 connectivity. The device also has built-in trackpads to emulate a mouse, and it can output videos at up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@120Hz when docked. Pros include its ability to run dozens of AAA PC games seamlessly, expandable storage via a MicroSD slot, and high-quality display. Cons are its relatively high price, the need to buy the dock station separately, and the lack of built-in NFC for amiibos.

  • 3-2. Nintendo Switch features and pros/cons

  • The Nintendo Switch, specifically the OLED model, is recognized as the best budget handheld gaming console. It features a Tegra X1+ chip, removable controllers, and three different play modes (handheld, tabletop, and docked). The device has a built-in Ethernet port, NFC for amiibos, and a MicroSD slot for expandable storage. The OLED display offers vibrant graphics, and it is priced at around $350 US, which is $200 cheaper than some competitors. Key pros include the free dock station, built-in NFC sensor, and versatile gaming modes. However, it struggles to handle most AAA PC games, has a lower video output of 1080p@60Hz when docked, and is incompatible with the latest WiFi 6E.

  • 3-3. ASUS ROG Ally features and pros/cons

  • The ASUS ROG Ally is praised as the best deal in handheld gaming PCs. It runs on a superfast 8-core Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and features a 7-inch, 1080p@120Hz display. It comes preinstalled with Windows 11, making it compatible with a wide range of games and applications. The device supports WiFi 6E, Bluetooth v5.2, and has a built-in ROG XG Mobile interface for external GPUs. Pros include its vibrant display, compatibility with the latest networking technologies, and ability to handle many AAA games smoothly. Cons include less than desired battery life, lack of built-in trackpads, and the necessity to purchase the ROG dock with HDMI output separately.

  • 3-4. Lenovo Legion Go features and pros/cons

  • The Lenovo Legion Go is distinguished for its value in the handheld gaming PC category. It features an 8-core Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, an 8.8-inch QHD+ display with a refresh rate of 144Hz, and detachable controllers. It also supports WiFi 6E and Bluetooth v5.2. Unique features include a built-in trackpad and a kickstand for various play modes (handheld, tabletop, and docked). Pros highlight the device's vibrant and large display, super-smooth gaming experience, and expandable storage via a MicroSD slot. Cons include poor battery life, bulkiness, and the absence of a dock station, which Lenovo has not yet released.

  • 3-5. Retroid Pocket 4 Pro as a highly portable option

  • The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is known for its high portability. It has a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry in a pocket. The device features a 4.7-inch IPS display with a resolution of 750p HD+ @60Hz and runs on MediaTek's Dimensity 1100 chip with an Android 11 system and 8GB RAM. Pros of Retroid Pocket 4 Pro include its affordability, long battery life of up to 15+ hours, and expandable storage via MicroSD. Additional advantages are its ease of setting up third-party gaming emulators, built-in Bluetooth v5.2, and compatibility with WiFi 6E. Cons include its less comfortable fit for larger hands, display ghosting issues, and limited external monitor resolution of 720p/1080p.

4. In-depth Analysis: Lenovo Legion Go vs. ASUS ROG Ally

  • 4-1. Technical specifications comparison

  • The technical specifications of the Lenovo Legion Go and the ASUS ROG Ally differ significantly, with unique strengths for each device. The Lenovo Legion Go boasts an 8.8-inch IPS touch display with a 2560x1600 resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and sharp detail. It also features detachable controllers, which are highlighted as an innovative but imperfect feature. The device is powered by AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processors, has up to 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD for storage, and supports up to 16GB of faster LPDDR5x RAM. The ASUS ROG Ally, on the other hand, has a smaller 7-inch IPS touch display with a 1920x1080 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is built around the same AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processors but uses a slightly more traditional form factor with attached controllers. Storage options include up to 512GB of SSD, with a starting model at 256GB. The ROG Ally also utilizes LPDDR5 RAM but is noted for its more compact and portable design.

  • 4-2. Design and usability

  • Design-wise, the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally cater to different user preferences. The Lenovo Legion Go features detachable controllers, similar to the Nintendo Switch design, and has a robust built-in kickstand for easy tabletop use. The device is sleek and comes in a Shadow Black color but is relatively heavier at 1.88 pounds with controllers attached. The ASUS ROG Ally has a more compact and lighter design at 1.34 pounds, making it more portable and easier to handle for extended periods. The ROG Ally does not support detachable controllers but features a solid gaming-centric design that includes RGB lighting for added aesthetics. The usability of the Lenovo Legion Go is enhanced by its 8.8-inch large display, which offers better immersion but makes the device bulkier. Meanwhile, the ROG Ally's smaller screen size aids in portability without significantly compromising on display quality.

  • 4-3. Market availability and pricing

  • As of now, market availability and pricing present a significant difference between the two handheld gaming PCs. The ASUS ROG Ally is available for purchase at Best Buy in the United States, with a high-end model priced at $700, which includes the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip and 512GB of SSD storage. A lower-end model is planned with a Ryzen Z1 processor and 256GB of storage, expected to be priced at $600. In contrast, the Lenovo Legion Go has not yet been released for sale. It is anticipated to start at $700 for the base model, likely to include a Ryzen Z1 CPU, 16GB RAM, and 256GB of storage, with higher configurations expected to cost more. This availability discrepancy makes the ASUS ROG Ally a more immediate option for consumers.

  • 4-4. Performance evaluation

  • Both gaming handhelds, the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally, are praised for their performance capabilities powered by AMD Ryzen Z1 processors. The Lenovo Legion Go holds a slight advantage with its faster LPDDR5x RAM, which could provide better data efficiency and potentially improved battery life. The 144Hz refresh rate of the Legion Go's display also promises smoother gameplay, although this could impact battery longevity due to higher power consumption. However, the ROG Ally's performance remains robust and comparable, offering efficiency and manageability with its 120Hz refresh rate display and smaller form factor. Both devices run on Windows 11, providing broad compatibility with various gaming platforms but also introducing some usability challenges due to the operating system’s limited optimization for touchscreens. In gaming tests, both systems are expected to perform similarly, with titles running smoothly at medium to low settings and resolutions.

5. Conclusion

  • The report offers a thorough comparison of the top handheld gaming consoles and PCs in 2024, helping readers understand the strengths and weaknesses of each device. The Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally are highlighted as leading contenders, showcasing unique features and strong performance capabilities. While the Steam Deck is recognized as the market benchmark for its overall performance and game library, the newer Lenovo Legion Go presents competitive characteristics for a variety of user needs. The analysis enables informed decision-making for gamers based on preferences such as display quality, portability, and gaming functionality. Notably, limitations like battery life and the need for additional accessories are acknowledged, along with future prospects for further advancements in portable gaming technology. The practical applicability of the findings suggests these devices cater to diverse gaming lifestyles, promising an immersive gaming experience whether on the go or in a stationary setting.

6. Glossary

  • 6-1. Steam Deck [product]

  • A handheld gaming console by Valve with an OLED display, known for its robust performance and extensive game library. It is considered a benchmark in the handheld gaming market.

  • 6-2. Nintendo Switch [product]

  • A hybrid gaming console by Nintendo that offers both handheld and home console experiences. Known for its versatility and exclusive game titles.

  • 6-3. ASUS ROG Ally [product]

  • A handheld gaming PC by ASUS featuring Ryzen Z1 CPUs, a Full HD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and exceptional portability and performance.

  • 6-4. Lenovo Legion Go [product]

  • A handheld gaming PC by Lenovo with an 8.8-inch display, detachable controllers, and a high refresh rate, making it a compelling alternative to other devices. It stands out for its vivid screen and Windows 11 compatibility.

  • 6-5. Retroid Pocket 4 Pro [product]

  • A highly portable handheld gaming console mentioned as an option for gamers seeking an ultra-portable device.

7. Source Documents