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The handheld console has become the gaming industry’s next significant battlefield, with Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox both reportedly working on cutting-edge new devices to tap into the lucrative handheld market, reach new players who prefer playing on the go, and rival the success of the Nintendo Switch.
In other words, Sony and Xbox don’t want to fall any further behind their competitors in the handheld/portable console gaming sector and are looking to take their slice of the pie.
Why are handheld gaming consoles so popular in 2025, and what are the best models?
Dedicated handheld gaming consoles are more popular than ever in 2025 for various reasons. They have come a long way in just a few short years and can now handle even the industry’s most graphically demanding, high-end video games for hours at a time.
Other key technological developments, such as live streaming capabilities, faster internet speeds, enhanced cybersecurity, and cloud gaming/computing technologies, have also helped improve gaming on handheld devices.
They are ideal for people who like to play on the go but don’t want to be interrupted by constant smartphone notifications, and they eliminate the need for bulkier, far more restrictive devices such as traditional consoles, desktop computers and laptops.
In other words, they offer gamers a portable, convenient, secure, and user-friendly way to play on the go. They have made gaming more accessible for a certain type of player and are now more affordable than ever.
Is it possible to play games on an iGaming website using a dedicated handheld gaming console?
While some handheld consoles come with built-in web browsers that allow you to access today’s safest iGaming sites, such as the official 10Bet (https://www.10bet.co.za/) website, where you can play thousands of computer-generated and live dealer games, including slots, traditional table & card games, arcade games, and crash games, most people who play on iGaming websites use PCs or mobile devices instead of handheld consoles or traditional consoles.
What are the best handheld gaming consoles in 2025?
There are currently several cutting-edge handheld gaming consoles on the market to suit all types of gaming needs and spending budgets. However, the most popular handheld consoles are the following:
- Nintendo Switch
- Nintendo Switch Lite
- Lenovo Legion GO
- Asus ROG Ally X
- Valve Steam Deck
- Ayaneo Flip DS
- MSI Claw 8 AI+
You also have the Logitech G Cloud, the Razer Edge, the Evercade EXP, the Super Pocket, and the Analogue Pocket, to name just a few.
Before purchasing any of these handheld gaming consoles, remember to conduct plenty of research to find out what each device is capable of to suit your gaming needs. Also, read the expert reviews to see what their thoughts are on the device you are considering buying.
Why are Sony and Xbox releasing handheld consoles in the coming years?
Sony and Xbox are developing their own handheld gaming consoles to tap into the growing portable gaming market and reach new audiences. They will both leverage the latest technological advancements to create even more powerful/capable devices that stand out from their rival’s handheld consoles that are currently on the market.
According to sources, AMD’s RDNA architecture will enable Sony and Xbox to produce highly sophisticated, smaller, and far more efficient portable gaming devices, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in this sector and making handheld gaming even more viable and accessible.
They will also be making these devices to enhance existing player experiences. For example, Xbox users (Xbox One, or, for example, the Xbox Series S/X) will be able to switch seamlessly between playing on their traditional gaming console at home and on the go with a new portable device, thanks to cross-platform technology.
What are the main benefits of handheld gaming consoles besides portability?
Besides being able to play your favourite games on the go from the palm of your hand, handheld gaming consoles have several other benefits. For example, they are quick and easy to set up and use and have simple, intuitive, and user-friendly interfaces and systems.
Players can use handheld gaming console platforms to play some of the industry’s hottest titles, connect with other like-minded players, and become part of the wider online gaming community.
Today’s best handheld gaming consoles are more powerful than ever, and the average battery life has significantly improved, meaning people can play their favourite titles uninterrupted for hours at a time on just one full charge.
Final thoughts
As more players switch off their bulkier PCs and consoles and turn to handheld consoles to play games, we will likely see even more portable gaming devices entering the market over the coming years. The two most hotly anticipated handheld consoles, though, are the ones that Sony and Xbox will be releasing.
It will be interesting to see how good these devices are when they are eventually released. Until then, we will just have to wait and see.