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Comparative Analysis of Handheld Gaming Consoles in 2024

GOOVER DAILY REPORT July 14, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Overview of the Handheld Gaming Console Market in 2024
  3. Detailed Comparison of Key Handheld Consoles
  4. User Preferences and Market Reception
  5. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • The report titled 'Comparative Analysis of Handheld Gaming Consoles in 2024' investigates the various handheld gaming consoles available in 2024, focusing on the Steam Deck OLED, Nintendo Switch OLED, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go. The primary goal is to assist potential buyers by comparing these devices based on features, specifications, and user experiences. Notable points include the Steam Deck’s performance and display quality, the affordability and versatility of the Nintendo Switch OLED, the high processing power and display refresh rate of the ASUS ROG Ally, and the innovative design and display of the Lenovo Legion Go. Trends such as demand for high-performance specifications and versatile gaming modes are also discussed.

2. Overview of the Handheld Gaming Console Market in 2024

  • 2-1. Dominant brands and popular models

  • The handheld gaming console market in 2024 is dominated by several key brands, including Steam Deck, Nintendo, ASUS, and Lenovo. Each brand offers unique models catering to various preferences and needs of gamers. The Steam Deck, with its powerful 4-core Zen 2 processor, 16GB RAM, and 800p display, is considered the best overall handheld gaming console. Nintendo's Switch, especially the Nintendo Switch OLED, remains a strong contender known for its affordability and versatile gaming modes. ASUS ROG Ally, featuring an 8-core Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and a 1080p@120Hz display, is praised as the best deal for its powerful performance at a competitive price. Lenovo, with its Lenovo Legion Go, marks its entry into the market with a hybrid model offering detachable controllers and a high-performance 8-core Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor.

  • 2-2. General market trends and consumer preferences

  • Several trends have emerged in the 2024 handheld gaming console market. The demand for high-performance specifications such as powerful processors (like Ryzen Z1 Extreme for ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go) and high refresh rate displays (up to 144Hz for Lenovo Legion Go) is evident. Consumers also show a preference for versatility and portability, with models like the Nintendo Switch offering multiple play modes and detachable controllers. Furthermore, the integration of advanced connectivity options such as WiFi 6E and Bluetooth v5.2 across various devices is becoming standard. Unique features like trackpads and MicroSD support for storage expansion further influence consumer choices.

3. Detailed Comparison of Key Handheld Consoles

  • 3-1. Steam Deck OLED - Specifications and Features

  • The Steam Deck OLED is an upgrade of the original Steam Deck (LCD), making it even better with advanced features. It runs on a Linux-based operating system and is powered by a 4-core Zen 2 processor, with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of built-in storage. The Steam Deck OLED boasts a 7.4-inch, 800p HD+ OLED display with HDR, offering richer color details and deep blacks. The display supports up to 90Hz refresh rate. It includes a built-in MicroSD slot for expandable storage, is compatible with the latest WiFi 6E for faster downloads, and includes Bluetooth v5.3 connectivity for wireless accessories. Notable features include built-in trackpads that can emulate a mouse for shooter games and video outputs that support up to 8K@60Hz or 4K@120Hz when docked. However, it is relatively pricey, and the dock station must be purchased separately. Additionally, it lacks a built-in NFC for amiibos.

  • 3-2. Nintendo Switch OLED - Pricing and Features

  • The Nintendo Switch OLED retains its status as the bestselling handheld gaming console due to its reasonable pricing and robust performance. Priced at $350 USD, it features a vivid OLED display, marking a significant improvement over the original Switch's LCD screen. Key features include detachable Joy-Con controllers, built-in NFC for amiibos, and three different gaming modes: handheld, tabletop, and docked. The Switch OLED also includes a kickstand for tabletop mode, a built-in MicroSD slot for storage expansion, and compatibility with various PC and cross-platform games. Additionally, it comes with a dock station for free. However, it struggles with AAA PC games, supports a maximum video output of 1080p@60Hz when docked, and is incompatible with WiFi 6E.

  • 3-3. ASUS ROG Ally - Performance and Display

  • The ASUS ROG Ally is a powerful handheld gaming PC equipped with an 8-core Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, providing superior processing power. It features a 7-inch, 1080p display with a 120Hz refresh rate, enhancing the gaming experience with smoother visuals. The device runs on Windows 11 and supports WiFi 6E, ensuring faster download speeds, and includes Bluetooth v5.2 for wireless connectivity. It also has a built-in ROG XG Mobile interface for connecting external GPUs, and a MicroSD slot for expandable storage. Although the ASUS ROG Ally is known for its high performance, it has a relatively short battery life and lacks built-in trackpads, requiring external purchases for certain functionalities like docking.

  • 3-4. Lenovo Legion Go - Design and Display Quality

  • The Lenovo Legion Go stands out with its large 8.8-inch QHD+ display that supports a 144Hz refresh rate and offers a resolution of 2560x1600. This makes for a highly immersive gaming experience, enhanced by vibrant colors and good contrast. The Legion Go comes with detachable controllers, which can be used in various modes similar to the Nintendo Switch, and includes a built-in trackpad that can function as a mouse. It runs on Windows 11 and is powered by the AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor with options for up to 1TB of internal storage. Connectivity features include WiFi 6E and Bluetooth v5.2. However, the device is bulkier compared to its competitors and has relatively poor battery life. Despite its high-performance specs, it has not yet been released for sale.

4. User Preferences and Market Reception

  • 4-1. Consumer feedback on Steam Deck alternatives

  • The Steam Deck, especially with its new OLED version, is considered the best handheld gaming console by many. However, 2023 saw the rise of several competitors like the ASUS ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. According to a review by Tom's Guide, these alternatives provided a real challenge to the Steam Deck, even though they didn't manage to surpass it. The reviewer highlighted that both the Asus and Lenovo devices are excellent systems, suggesting that they are worthy of consideration for consumers seeking alternatives.

  • 4-2. Lenovo Legion Go - A strong contender?

  • The Lenovo Legion Go was particularly praised for its unique features and performance. One standout feature is its large 8.8-inch display, which surpasses the 7-inch screens of the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally. The Legion Go boasts a 2,560 x 1,600 resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. During tests, it averaged 476 nits of brightness and showed vibrant colors with a 151.8% sRGB color gamut and 107.5% DCI-P3 color space coverage. Despite some criticism for the detachable controllers' functionality, the Legion Go was recommended for users looking for a robust Steam Deck alternative.

  • 4-3. Performance and usability of the ASUS ROG Ally

  • While the Lenovo Legion Go stood out in many aspects, the ASUS ROG Ally was also a major competitor in the 2023 handheld console market. It's powered by Windows 11, allowing for a wide range of compatible games and applications. However, the review from Tom's Guide indicated mixed feelings about Windows 11, noting it as both a strength and a weakness for the device. Despite this, the device's overall performance and usability make it a strong choice for gaming enthusiasts.

5. Conclusion

  • The competitive landscape of handheld gaming consoles in 2024 showcases significant advancements in display quality and processing power. The Steam Deck OLED remains a leading option due to its powerful specs and vibrant OLED display, although alternatives such as the Lenovo Legion Go and ASUS ROG Ally present strong challenges with features like high refresh rate displays and detachable controllers. The Nintendo Switch OLED offers a balance of affordability and functionality, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious gamers. While each device has its strengths and weaknesses, these insights are crucial for consumers aiming to make informed decisions and stay abreast of evolving trends in the handheld gaming market. Future prospects include the potential for even more advanced connectivity features and further enhancements in display technology, catering to the growing demands of gamers worldwide. Limitations of the report include the rapid evolution of technology, which may quickly render current findings obsolete, and the focus on only a few key models, suggesting that future analyses should include a broader range of devices to provide a more comprehensive view.

6. Glossary

  • 6-1. Steam Deck OLED [Product]

  • The Steam Deck OLED is noted for its powerful specs and vibrant OLED display, offering a premium handheld gaming experience. It is one of the leading devices in 2024, standing out for its performance.

  • 6-2. Nintendo Switch OLED [Product]

  • The Nintendo Switch OLED balances affordability with features, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious gamers. Its versatile design and vibrant display are significant selling points.

  • 6-3. ASUS ROG Ally [Product]

  • The ASUS ROG Ally is recognized for its powerful processor and high refresh rate display. It is a strong competitor in the handheld gaming market, offering excellent performance and portability.

  • 6-4. Lenovo Legion Go [Product]

  • Lenovo Legion Go is distinguished by its large display with high resolution and refresh rate. It features detachable controllers and runs on Windows 11, making it a versatile option for handheld gaming.

7. Source Documents