Despite the competition from many new handheld gaming devices vying for the top spot, the popularity of these devices continues to rise. We have compiled a list of the most promising contenders that are worth keeping an eye on, including the Steam Deck.
The introduction of the Nintendo Switch has led to a surge in popularity for handheld gaming devices, which has only been amplified by the release of the Steam Deck.
The variety of devices available in the market can be overwhelming, encompassing both high-performance portable gaming PCs and simpler devices designed for emulation. In the following article, we will discuss a few of these upcoming devices and provide insight into what you can anticipate from them.
Upcoming:Ayaneo handhelds
Additional Windows handheld devices
Handheld devices that are not compatible with Windows.
Upcoming Ayaneo Handheld Consoles
Ayaneo was one of the early pioneers in the market, being one of the first companies to introduce a Windows-based portable gaming console after the launch of the Nintendo Switch.
Ever since, Ayaneo has established a unique market for itself by offering top-of-the-line portable gaming devices with excellent build quality and impressive specifications. They have also gained recognition for frequently releasing new devices, often first through IndieGoGo before making them available on their official store.
Ayaneo Pocket S
Up until now, all Ayaneo devices have utilized Windows 11 as their preferred operating system. While this does provide ample opportunities for gaming, Windows can be quite bulky and ineffective for a compact handheld device.
The Ayaneo Pocket S stands out by being powered by Android. It will be equipped with the latest Snapdragon G3X Gen 2 chipset, making it the first handheld to do so. Additionally, Ayaneo guarantees that the device will feature a 6000mAh high-density battery and a 6-inch ultra-retina IPS display screen.
The IndieGoGo campaign for the Pocket S is currently underway, offering backers the opportunity to secure a device for as low as $399 with Early bird prices.
Ayaneo Next II
The Ayaneo Next 2 is just one of the many handheld Windows gaming consoles that the company has in the works. It stands out for its 8-inch LCD display, a feature that is not common among similar devices. In a previous release, the company teased the Next 2, revealing its trackpads that resemble those found on the Steam Deck. These trackpads allow for seamless gameplay for touch-based games.
This console will also include an AMD Ryzen 7000 series processor and will feature dedicated Radeon 780M graphics. Although the specific specifications for the Next 2 are not yet known, it will provide Windows users with an alternative option for the Steam Deck.
Ayaneo Pocket DMG
Ayaneo’s current product line includes several devices that pay tribute to the 8-bit era of gaming. The design of the Ayaneo AM02 Mini PC, for example, draws inspiration from the Nintendo NES. The Ayaneo Pocket DMG appears to be following suit by incorporating elements from the iconic Game Boy.
The Pocket DMG is expected to be a top-of-the-line handheld, surpassing even Ayaneo’s other high-end device, the Analogue Pocket. It will include four action buttons labeled A, B, X, and Y, as well as an analog stick, suggesting that the device will offer more than just 8-bit capabilities.
The internal hardware selection has not been disclosed, which means that the complete specifications of the device are still unknown.
Other Windows Handheld Devices
Despite being supported by major PC manufacturers like Asus, MSI, and Lenovo, the popularity of devices such as the ROG Ally, Claw, and Legion Go fell short when compared to the Steam Deck. A key similarity among these devices was their operating system, as all three utilized Windows 11.
Despite facing challenges with their handhelds, several of these companies continue to develop successor devices in order to overcome flaws and maintain the use of the Windows OS.
Asus ROG Ally 2
The initial release of the Asus ROG Ally handheld took place in June of 2023, establishing itself as one of the earliest contenders in the battle for PC gaming handheld supremacy against the Steam Deck. Despite being a formidable rival in the current market, it does have its flaws, including frequent problems with the MicroSD card reader.
The upcoming Asus ROG Ally 2 aims to address any existing problems with its predecessor. In a recent interview with Arnold Su, Vice President of Consumer and Gaming PC, System Business Group at Asus India, it was revealed that the release of the Ally 2 may be earlier than anticipated.
During the interview, Arnold Su disclosed that Asus is planning to release a second-generation handheld device later this year that will still include Windows capabilities. The Vice President also mentioned that the upcoming device will have a stronger emphasis on gaming, although no further details have been disclosed about the highly-anticipated successor.
Lenovo Legion Go 2
Despite being on the market for merely six months, the Lenovo Legion Go is already generating rumors about its potential successor.
After attending the Lenovo Innovate 24 Conference, multiple sources confirmed the existence of the Legion Go 2. The device was brought up in a casual conversation between tech journalists and Clifford Chong, the Lenovo Gaming Category Manager at the conference.
Chong disclosed that the company intends to utilize the knowledge they have acquired since the release of the current Legion Go and implement it in the next iteration, aiming to enhance the user experience with additional features.
Currently, there is no information available on a release date or any other definitive details regarding this upcoming handheld.
Non-Windows Handhelds
The Steam Deck has achieved significant success without depending on Windows for compatibility. Similarly, other upcoming handhelds are adopting this approach and utilizing Android or Linux to operate the devices. Here are some noteworthy ones to watch out for.
Steam Deck 2: A New Gaming Console
Despite not officially confirming a release date for a successor to the Steam Deck, an interview with the creators of the Deck suggested that the Steam Deck 2 may not be released in the near future.
Despite this, Valve has officially announced that they are currently developing a “multi-generational product line.”They have reassured customers that this line will be continuously supported for the foreseeable future and that they are committed to making future versions even more advanced and versatile than the original Steam Deck. This essentially confirms the existence of Steam Deck 2.
However, it is possible that this upcoming handheld gaming console may have a different name, and it cannot be dismissed that it could be called Steam Deck Pro.
Regardless of its name, we are anticipating that Valve’s new console will be competitively priced, much like the original Steam Deck.
Nintendo Switch 2
The Nintendo community is eagerly anticipating the official announcement of the Switch 2, which has gradually sparked excitement. Rumors surrounding the device have remained consistent, suggesting that it will include a custom Nvidia SoC codenamed ‘Drake’, an 8-inch LCD screen, and an Ampere-based GPU.
The Switch 2 will be capable of utilizing advanced features such as DLSS, according to these specifications. However, sources caution that the enhancements to performance will be moderate and that buyers should anticipate an evolution rather than a complete overhaul.
Some speculate that the Switch 2 will have redesigned Joy-Cons that can attach magnetically, providing further evidence that it will continue to be a hybrid device.
According to reports, Nintendo’s partners are anticipating a major announcement to be made in the beginning of 2025, with speculation that the release date will be in March of that year. However, it is important to keep in mind that until Nintendo makes an official confirmation, this information should be viewed with caution.
Miyo Mini Flip – Portable Gaming Device
The announcement of the upcoming release of the Miyoo Mini Flip has generated excitement among the community of retro gaming console enthusiasts. As its name implies, the Mini Flip will feature a flip-out clamshell design. The console’s display is anticipated to be a 3.5-inch LCD panel, similar to those found on other popular gaming handhelds from Miyoo, such as the Miyoo Mini Plus.
Although there is limited information available regarding the specifications and release date for the Miyoo Mini Flip, it is anticipated to support 8-bit/64-bit games. This suggests that it will likely have a reasonable price and slightly upgraded hardware compared to its previous versions.
Orange Pi Neo
The Orange Pi Neo, a handheld device developed by the hobbyist electronics company Orange Pi, has collaborated with the Arch Linux distribution project Manjaro to produce a new gaming handheld that rivals the powerful Steam Deck.
The initial version of the Orange Pi Neo will be equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor, but a higher-priced model with a more robust 8840U chip will also be released in the future. The 7840U has already been utilized in several handheld devices and is known for its impressive capabilities.
Given Manjaro’s involvement, it is reasonable to assume that the Orange Pi Neo will come equipped with a Linux-based operating system. While the device has already been released in China, there is currently no confirmed launch date for the USA and Europe.
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