Your browser does not support JavaScript!

The Ultimate Guide to Handheld Gaming Consoles in 2024

GOOVER DAILY REPORT July 13, 2024
goover

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Overview of Top Handheld Gaming Consoles
  3. Detailed Comparison: Performance and Features
  4. User Experience and Reviews
  5. Market Availability and Pricing
  6. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • This report explores the top handheld gaming consoles for 2024, providing a detailed examination of the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go. Each console is evaluated based on performance, display quality, controller design, and overall user experience. The Steam Deck is recognized for its powerful performance and high-quality OLED display. The Nintendo Switch is celebrated for its affordability and versatility, offering multiple play modes. The ASUS ROG Ally stands out for its powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and 120Hz display. The Lenovo Legion Go is noted for its large, high-resolution screen and innovative detachable controllers. Consumers are provided with comprehensive information to guide their purchasing decisions based on their gaming preferences and needs.

2. Overview of Top Handheld Gaming Consoles

  • 2-1. Steam Deck

  • The Steam Deck is regarded as the best overall handheld gaming console for 2024. It is powered by a 4-core Zen 2 processor, equipped with 16GB RAM, and offers 512GB of built-in storage. The handheld gaming PC runs on a Linux-based operating system and features a 7.4-inch OLED display with an 800p resolution and HDR support, allowing for richer color details and deep blacks. The Steam Deck supports up to 90Hz refresh rate, includes a MicroSD slot for storage expansion, and is compatible with WiFi 6E for faster downloads. Additionally, it features built-in trackpads to emulate a mouse on shooter games and can output videos at up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@120Hz when docked. However, it is relatively pricey, and the dock station needs to be purchased separately. Furthermore, it does not include a built-in NFC for amiibos.

  • 2-2. Nintendo Switch

  • The Nintendo Switch OLED is celebrated as the best budget handheld gaming console. Priced at $350, it is at least $200 cheaper than the Steam Deck. The Switch OLED features a Tegra X1+ chip, removable controllers, and offers three different play modes: handheld, tabletop, and docked. The console includes a built-in Ethernet port, NFC for amiibos, and a MicroSD slot for storage expansion. Its OLED display provides more vibrant graphics compared to the original LCD display of the Steam Deck. The Switch OLED also comes with a free dock station, supports Bluetooth v5.0 connectivity, and can run various PC or cross-platform video games. However, it struggles with most AAA PC games, has lower video output specs when docked (1080p@60Hz maximum), and is not compatible with WiFi 6E.

  • 2-3. ASUS ROG Ally

  • The ASUS ROG Ally is praised as the best deal for a handheld gaming PC. It runs on a powerful AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads, and offers a vibrant 7-inch, 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The ROG Ally comes pre-installed with Windows 11 and is compatible with WiFi 6E for faster downloads. It includes a built-in MicroSD slot for storage expansion and Bluetooth v5.2 connectivity for wireless headsets. The device also features the ROG XG Mobile interface for external GPUs and handles many AAA games smoothly at 1080p resolution. However, its battery life is less than desired, it lacks built-in trackpads for mouse emulation, and the ROG dock with HDMI output is sold separately.

  • 2-4. Lenovo Legion Go

  • The Lenovo Legion Go is highlighted as offering the best value among handheld gaming PCs. Launched in late 2023, the Legion Go features a high-performance 8-core Ryzen Z1 Extreme chip, an 8.8-inch QHD+ display, and a 144Hz refresh rate. It supports various play modes including handheld, tabletop, and docked, thanks to its detachable controllers and rear kickstand. The device is compatible with WiFi 6E, includes Bluetooth v5.2 for wireless headsets, and has a built-in MicroSD slot for storage expansion. The right controller can be used in FPS mode with an optical sensor for mouse-like precision. Despite these features, the Legion Go has poor battery life, is relatively bulky, and Lenovo has not yet released a dock station for the device.

3. Detailed Comparison: Performance and Features

  • 3-1. Processing Power and Performance

  • The Steam Deck, featuring a 4-core Zen 2 processor and 16GB of RAM, handles dozens of AAA PC games efficiently. On the other hand, the ASUS ROG Ally is powered by the 8-core Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, which benefits from 8.6 Teraflops for superior processing power, making it more capable of handling heavy PC games smoothly. The Lenovo Legion Go also utilizes the Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, similar to the ASUS ROG Ally, and offers robust performance. In contrast, the Nintendo Switch operates using the Tegra X1+ chip, which, while effective, struggles with many AAA PC games.

  • 3-2. Display Quality and Specifications

  • The Steam Deck features a 7.4-inch, 800p display with a 90Hz refresh rate, providing rich color details and deep blacks due to its OLED technology. The Nintendo Switch OLED has a similar OLED display, valued for its vibrant graphics and affordability. The ASUS ROG Ally is equipped with a 7-inch, 1080p display at 120Hz, while the Lenovo Legion Go boasts a larger 8.8-inch QHD+ display at 144Hz. The Legion Go offers superior resolution and refresh rates, making it ideal for detailed and smooth graphics. The brightness on the Legion Go’s display averages 476 nits, with high color saturation (151.8% of the sRGB color gamut and 107.5% of the DCI-P3 color space), making it exceptionally vivid and bright.

  • 3-3. Controller Design and Usability

  • The Steam Deck comes with built-in trackpads to emulate a mouse, enhancing user control, especially in shooter games. The Nintendo Switch OLED features removable side controllers for easy portability and diverse gaming modes. The ASUS ROG Ally, however, lacks built-in trackpads but integrates well with external GPUs via the ROG XG Mobile interface. Lenovo Legion Go’s detachable controllers include a right controller that can act as a mouse, adding unique usability. However, detaching them can be challenging. Furthermore, it includes a robust kickstand compared to the Nintendo Switch, ensuring stability when used on a flat surface.

4. User Experience and Reviews

  • 4-1. Lab Test Results

  • Our extensive lab tests provided insightful data on the performance and display quality of the Lenovo Legion Go compared to other leading handheld gaming consoles. Using our trusted Klein-10 colorimeter, we found that the Legion Go's display averaged 476 nits of brightness, just below its advertised 500 nits but still impressively bright. The color saturation test revealed that the Legion Go’s screen achieved 151.8% of the sRGB color gamut and 107.5% of the more demanding DCI-P3 color space. It also scored 0.21 on the Delta-E color accuracy test, indicating exceptional color accuracy close to ideal. These results confirm the Legion Go's display as both bright and vibrant, providing a superior viewing experience.

  • 4-2. Unique Selling Points of Each Console

  • The Lenovo Legion Go stands out due to several unique features that differentiate it from competitors like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally. One of the most noticeable differences is its large 8.8-inch display, which surpasses the 7-inch screens of its rivals. The higher resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 and a 144Hz refresh rate enhance the gaming experience with sharp, vibrant, and smooth visuals. Another significant feature is the Legion Go’s detachable controllers, which, although criticized for being difficult to detach and for the right controller's pseudo-mouse functionality, still offer versatile gaming configurations. Additionally, the Legion Go runs on Windows 11, providing access to a broad range of Windows-compatible games and programs, and includes an intuitive Legion Go launcher for quick access and customization. Lastly, the built-in kickstand spans the entire backside of the device, providing stable support that enhances the gaming experience, especially for users who prefer lengthy gameplay sessions.

  • 4-3. Consumer Feedback and Preferences

  • Consumer feedback highlights the Lenovo Legion Go’s exceptional display quality and innovative features. Users appreciate the large, high-resolution screen with vibrant colors and smooth performance. The detachable controllers receive mixed reviews due to their detachment mechanism and the right controller's mouse functionality, which some find less intuitive. Nevertheless, the option to use them detached appeals to gamers looking for flexible play styles. The wide kickstand is praised for its stability, contrasting with the Nintendo Switch's thinner version. Overall, the Lenovo Legion Go’s versatility and performance are well-received, making it a favorite among those seeking a robust alternative to the Steam Deck.

5. Market Availability and Pricing

  • 5-1. Current Market Availability

  • As of now, the Asus ROG Ally is available for purchase, whereas the Lenovo Legion Go is not yet on the market. The ROG Ally is being sold at Best Buy in the U.S.

  • 5-2. Pricing Comparison

  • The Asus ROG Ally is priced at $700 for the high-end model which includes the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and 512GB of SSD storage. A lower-end variant with a regular Ryzen Z1 CPU and 256GB of storage is expected to start at $600 but is not yet available. On the other hand, the Lenovo Legion Go is expected to start at $700, with anticipated lower-end configurations featuring a Ryzen Z1 CPU, 16GB RAM, and 256GB storage, though the specific details have not been disclosed yet.

6. Conclusion

  • In conclusion, the 2024 handheld gaming console market offers diverse options tailored to different gamer preferences. The Steam Deck excels in performance and display quality but comes at a higher price point. The Nintendo Switch remains a budget-friendly option with versatile playing modes, appealing to casual gamers and families. The Lenovo Legion Go introduces innovative features like its detachable controllers and 8.8-inch QHD+ display, making it a compelling choice despite some criticisms. The ASUS ROG Ally balances portability with high performance, featuring a robust AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and 120Hz refresh rate. However, each console has its limitations, such as the Steam Deck's price and the Lenovo Legion Go's bulky design. Future prospects include the potential for better battery life and more robust accessory support across all models. Practical applicability suggests choosing a console based on individual gaming needs, especially considering factors like performance, display quality, and price.

7. Glossary

  • 7-1. Steam Deck [Product]

  • A handheld gaming console known for its powerful performance and high-quality display, making it a standout option for gamers seeking a premium experience.

  • 7-2. Nintendo Switch [Product]

  • A popular handheld gaming console praised for its affordability and versatility, appealing especially to casual gamers and families.

  • 7-3. ASUS ROG Ally [Product]

  • A handheld gaming console that balances portability and performance, powered by AMD Ryzen Z1 processors, notable for its 120Hz display.

  • 7-4. Lenovo Legion Go [Product]

  • A handheld gaming PC with features such as detachable controllers, a large high-resolution screen, and higher RAM, making it stand out despite some controller issues.

8. Source Documents