With a multitude of gaming handhelds debuting in the market, we summarize the most promising upcoming handhelds set to launch in 2024 that you should watch closely.
The rise in popularity of handheld gaming devices has surged since the Nintendo Switch’s release, with the Steam Deck further igniting this trend.
Navigating the vast array of devices available can be confusing, from powerful portable gaming PCs to budget-friendly emulation devices. Here, we highlight several upcoming devices that are yet to hit the market and what you can expect from them.
Upcoming Ayaneo Handheld Consoles
Ayaneo was among the pioneers in introducing a Windows-based portable gaming console following the Nintendo Switch. The company has established a niche by delivering high-quality portable gaming devices equipped with impressive specifications, often launching these products first on IndieGoGo before making them available in their official store.
Ayaneo Pocket EVO
Unlike the Pocket S, the Ayaneo Pocket EVO is not a Windows-based device but another Android gaming handheld, showcasing a groundbreaking 7-inch OLED 1920 x 1080 full-screen display.
While the screen is innovative, the chassis draws inspiration from Ayaneo’s previous models, crafted with rounded edges and an ergonomic design similar to the Ayaneo S. The larger RGB hall-sensing joysticks provide enhanced motion and feedback.
This handheld features the Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 gaming platform and boasts a massive battery capacity of over 8000mAh, marking it as one of the largest among Android devices.
The Pocket EVO is available now through the IndieGoGo page, with an Early Bird price of $389 for the 128GB version and $589 for the 1TB variant. The official retail price is set at $499 and $759, respectively.
Ayaneo Next II
The Ayaneo Next II features an 8-inch LCD display and is one of several upcoming Windows handheld gaming consoles from the brand. A teaser shared by the company hinted at Steam Deck-like trackpads to facilitate touch-dependent gaming.
Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7000 series processor and discrete Radeon 780M graphics, this console will serve as a Windows alternative for Steam Deck users, although specific configurations are still awaited.
Ayaneo Pocket DMG
The Ayaneo Pocket DMG draws retro inspiration from the 8-bit gaming era and the classic Game Boy design. This premium handheld features four action buttons (A, B, X, and Y) alongside an analog stick, indicating its advancement beyond typical 8-bit nostalgia.
Powered by the Snapdragon G2X chipset with an OLED display, the Pocket DMG is anticipated to ship to IndieGoGo backers in October 2024. The retail price starts at $299, with early backers priced at $419, and will set MSRP at $449 post-launch.
Ayaneo Pocket Micro
Similar to the Pocket DMG, the Ayaneo Pocket Micro takes its cues from the Nintendo Game Boy Micro, featuring a machined aluminum design and a 3.5-inch IPS display, making it perfect for running Game Boy Advance games.
Powered by the Helio G99 chip, it is adequate for playing titles from the Game Boy Advance up to PS2 games. The Pocket Micro is available on the IndieGoGo page, starting at an early bird price of $189, while a limited-edition retro color variant will be priced at $249.
Other Windows Handhelds
Devices such as the Asus ROG Ally, MSI Claw, and Lenovo Legion Go were backed by leading PC manufacturers but didn’t reach the Steam Deck’s popularity, primarily utilizing Windows 11.
Developers are working on new iterations of these devices to address prior limitations while retaining the Windows operating system.
Lenovo Legion Go 2
Even though the Lenovo Legion Go just launched in October 2023, unconfirmed reports regarding its sequel have surfaced. During the Lenovo Innovate 24 Conference, Clifford Chong from Lenovo hinted at the next-gen handheld’s development.
While specific features and a release date remain undisclosed, it was confirmed that upgrades will focus on enhancing the user experience.
Various sources, including Windows Central, mention a potential ‘Lenovo Legion Go Lite’ version aimed at affordability, featuring a 7-inch model with additional cooling options.
MSI Claw 8 AI+
MSI has announced the upcoming MSI Claw 8 AI+, the first handheld powered by Intel’s new Lunar Lake CPU. This upgrade could notably enhance the device’s performance alongside its newly integrated 80 Wh battery.
Set to launch with an 8-inch FHD+ display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and variable refresh rate (VRR) support, these improvements were later confirmed by Lowyat.net following MSI’s briefing.
Details regarding additional features, including dual Thunderbolt 4 ports and improved storage capacity, have also emerged, suggesting a significant advancement over its predecessor.
Zotac Zone
Renowned for its mini PCs, Zotac is now entering the handheld space with the ‘Zotac Zone.’ This Windows-based device, showcased at Computex 2024 and later at Gamescom, is poised to deliver high performance.
The upcoming handheld will utilize an AMD Ryzen 7 8840U APU, complete with 16GB of LPDDR5X memory and a 512GB NVMe SSD, featuring 7-inch AMOLED 120 Hz display and hall effect sticks.
Zotac announced a launch price of $799 for the Zone and has opened pre-orders, although an official release date is still pending.
Unnamed Xbox Handheld
Although Microsoft has not officially confirmed its plans for a handheld gaming console, speculation has been rampant about a portable Xbox device. Interest grew after Xbox Head Phil Spencer mentioned at GDC 2024 that the hardware team was exploring “different hardware form factors.”
Despite expectations of a teaser during the Xbox Showcase on June 9, the handheld was absent. However, Phil Spencer later stated the desire for a handheld, indicating further exploration in this area.
Acer Nitro Blaze 7
Acer has recently introduced its first ‘handheld gaming PC,’ the Nitro Blaze 7, featuring a 7-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen display. Interestingly, it is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS CPU instead of the initially anticipated Intel hardware.
While further details are limited, early images display a standard layout for the controls. The operating system likely mirrors Lenovo and Asus by utilizing Windows 11.
Non-Windows Handhelds
The Steam Deck achieved great success without relying on Windows for compatibility. Upcoming handhelds following this model employ Android or Linux as their operating systems. Here are notable examples to keep an eye on.
Steam Deck 2
While Valve has not publicly set a release date for the Steam Deck’s successor, comments from developers indicated it may not launch soon. However, Valve affirmed their commitment to a “multi-generational product line” that will be supported moving forward, suggesting a sequel is in development.
This upcoming console might adopt a different name, potentially Steam Deck Pro, and expectations are that it will maintain a competitive price point.
Nintendo Switch 2
Anticipation for the Nintendo Switch 2 is building, as leaks suggest a device featuring a custom Nvidia SoC codenamed ‘Drake,’ along with an 8-inch LCD display and an Ampere-based GPU for high-end functionalities like DLSS. However, performance improvements may be modest.
Additional rumors suggest redesigned Joy-Cons that attach magnetically, reinforcing the hybrid nature of the upcoming console. Sources indicate an expected announcement in early 2025, potentially with a release in March.
Sony PSP 2
Demand grew among PlayStation fans for a proper handheld successor after disappointment with the PlayStation Portal. Recent leaks indicate that Sony is developing a new PSP model, with initial reports suggesting a focus on creating a device capable of running a library of PS4 titles.
Although no official confirmation has emerged, reliable insiders indicate it is still in the “high-level design phase,” pointing to a lengthy wait until full specs and a release date are unveiled.
Mio Mini Flip
Following the A30, Miyoo’s next handheld, the Mini Flip, is designed to resemble the Game Boy SP, featuring joysticks for enhanced gameplay.
Powered by the RK3566 chip, the Mini Flip is capable of supporting games up to the PlayStation 1 generation and even light PSP titles. Expected at the end of July 2024, it will also support USB-C charging, offering an upgrade over prior models.
Orange Pi Neo
The Orange Pi Neo, developed by Orange Pi in collaboration with the Arch Linux project Manjaro, aims to create a handheld that rival the Steam Deck. It will feature an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U in its base model, while a more robust version with the 8840U chip is planned.
While the Orange Pi Neo has already launched in China, a date for its US and European market introduction remains unconfirmed.
Z-Pocket Game A1 Unicorn
The A1 Unicorn is part of a new wave of emulation-focused handhelds designed to replicate classic screen ratios seen on earlier devices like the Game Boy and Neo Geo Pocket. It features a square 4-inch display with a resolution of 720 x 720 pixels, powered by a Helio G99 processor and accompanied by 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.
This device incorporates a shield-type D-pad, popularized by Sega consoles, which may enhance its appeal among fighting game enthusiasts.
Retroid Pocket Mini
Retroid is set to release its new handheld, the Pocket Mini, following a teaser announcement on social media. The device features vibrant colors and RGB-illuminated sticks, likely running on a Snapdragon chip and a version of the Linux OS.
Additional specifications, including a 3.7-inch AMOLED screen with a 1280 x 960 resolution, are expected to be disclosed at a later date. The Pocket Mini will start shipping in late September 2024.
Retroid Pocket 5
Retroid teased the next iteration, the Pocket 5, designed to expand upon its predecessor’s features. While specifics remain sparse, it will feature a 5.5-inch AMOLED screen and may also employ the Snapdragon 865 chip.
Set for a late October 2024 launch, the Pocket 5 will come in various color schemes, melding aesthetics with functionality.
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