Handheld gaming has come a long way from the days of early consoles and simple graphics. Many gamers choose handhelds over their desktop platform versions which should offer more power. But with the releases of Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, and MSI Clock, the “game” is quite literally changing. And for the better – that is, if you dig the mobile gaming experiences.
The Rise of Modern Handheld Gaming
The rise of modern handheld gaming can be traced back to the late 1970s and early 1980s with the release of early handheld electronic games like Mattel’s Auto Race and Merlin by Parker Brothers.These early devices featured simple, single-game experiences.
But it was Nintendo’s Game Boy in 1989 that truly revolutionized the industry.
In 2004, Nintendo once again redefined handheld gaming with the Nintendo DS.
Today, the handheld gaming market continues to evolve, offering a diverse range of experiences from classic retro titles to cutting-edge AAA releases, catering to a wide range of players and preferences.
Steam Deck: Bringing PC Gaming on the Go
The Steam Deck is one of the biggest entries into the handheld market ever. Its now one of the most popular handhelds on the market. Having come out during the Pandemic while supply chains hampered its deliverability and availability, it was highly sought after.
While the Nintendo Switch is smaller, the Steam Deck offers superior ergonomics and a vastly larger game library, including the ability to emulate Switch games.
The Steam Deck is significantly more affordable than competitors like the ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. It also avoids recurring subscription fees for online play and offers access to cheaper games through Steam sales and bundles.
The Steam Deck’s Linux-based operating system is optimized for gaming, providing a seamless experience compared to Windows-based handhelds that may require tinkering.
Asus ROG Ally: A Powerhouse for Windows Gaming
The audio quality is fantastic—easily the best in the industry. The display is good, though not quite as impressive as the OLED screens on some other handhelds. However, the variable refresh rate more than makes up for this by making gameplay feel much smoother.
Battery life isn’t great, but that’s to be expected from a Windows handheld. Performance-wise, though, it’s excellent. I can get around 90-100 frames per second on Dying Light 2 with medium settings, which is even better than what I get on the Legion Go. The ROG Ally is incredibly well-optimized and feels very future-proof.
The controls are extremely reliable and easy to use. The build quality is also impressive; it’s durable and has held up well, even after a few accidental drops.
MSI Clock: A New Competitor in the Handheld Arena
In the rapidly evolving world of handheld gaming, MSI has thrown its hat into the ring with the MSI Clock. Building on their reputation for powerful gaming laptops and high-end PC hardware, MSI now aims to deliver that same power in a portable package. The MSI Clock packs a punch in both performance and design, appealing to gamers who want serious gaming capabilities on the go. With its sleek look and robust specs, it stands out as a worthy competitor to popular devices like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally.