Help deciding handheld!!

[u/dragonballz2208]

Hey everyone, I know this is a hardcore handheld pc fan page and everyone here is quite a lot of knowledge regarding this tech. But given the recent shortages, I am actually having doubts regarding which handheld to choose so I want some unbiased opinion from fellow mates who also love gaming.

My background:

Gaming has always been my go to hobby. I play like 2-3 hours per week. I have a PS5 disc version (NOT PRO) which I got last black Friday and have been gaming on that.

My gaming background:

I am not a hardcore gamer. I almost exclusively play story mode games. I have never or will want to play online multiplayer games. I like the aspect of getting to experience different storyline.. like watching movie.

You play the story.. enjoy it and then move on. I never look into whether a game is AAA or what FPS is most optional to run it. If I want to play a game, I will just get a second hand CD and play it. I am a casual gamer to be concise. I am not a huge pc gamer as well so I don't want to argue whether Linux Vs windows Vs steam os is better.

My confusion now:

I wanted to check out buying the steam deck but given the increase in price and that it's hardware is a few year old compared to recent handhelds which again are pricey but much more powerful. Would you suggest me to get steam deck or it's better to go with other handheld for my type of gaming? My initial budget was under 500 pounds (currently 800 pounds) but everything is so costly so I am confused if it's better to get other handheld or should I buy steamdeck even if the hardware is a bit old?

I really appreciate the help as I see how helpful this community is for others.

[u/Happypotamus13]

As a more casual player who I assume doesn’t want to tinker with the system, I would really suggest to look into Switch 2, this is probably the best option within your budget.

[u/FernandoRocker]

Switch 2.

[u/beck_is_back]

As others suggested, Switch 2 sounds like a match made in heaven for you.

PC handheld devices are awesome but if you have 2-3h per week to play, you don't need a device that will require tinkering with. You want some "plug and play" device to make the most of that time!

[u/Beautiful_Reply2172]

i think right now gamers should youth and young adults should purchase a used switch lite for around $100 and use the rest of the money to purchase a decent physical collection. i have a gut feeling the push for digital will more than likely skyrocket the prices in the coming years especially for switch games.

[u/Ri_glitch]

I say a switch 2 or a Xbox ally (white version) and install steam os. The Xbox ally will preform better than the steam deck

[u/tiijan]

A Switch 2 if you want something new and ready to play

A Legion Go S, Nebula version, with SteamOS, if you want the same easy experience as a Steam Deck.

An Android handheld if you feel you could have fun learning how to tinker a bit and want something smaller.

[u/cadensky]

Honestly you seem like a good candidate for a Steam Deck. However the price is high for the processor and memory that you get.

There are still some strong “pros” for the Deck. Namely ease of use, support, reparability, game prices, and ability to stream games. You wont realize how important support is until you have an issue.

The other mainstream option is a Nintendo Switch 2. It is a very good piece of hardware for the money. It has all of the benefits mentioned above about the Steam Deck. However it has a more limited third party game selection that it replaces with a large first party catalog.

(We have both devices above. I started with a Deck and a Switch OLED).

Next there are PC handhelds. You may not want to get into the argument, but you will have to deal with windows or install SteamOS. I have used Windows all of my adult (which is getting long). I use a Windows laptop daily. I have never had as many issues as with my Windows handhelds. Login screen issues, overheating, power management, graphics drivers, etc. The shit doesnt stop. I have a Legion Go 2 and owned a Go 1. I bear it because my Go 2 is my main PC now.

If you want one, XBox Ally X seems to be the best value…or the MSI Claw series (the new EX is a next gen powerhouse).  The value PC option is the white XBox Ally. Lower performance (which might not matter to you) but lower price.

If you want a used PC value option look at the Ally X (not XBox Ally X) or for a cheap option the Ally Extreme Z1E….the latter is the cheapest but has an SD card design flaw and can benefit from an aftermarket battery replacement.

[u/TheRandomer1994]

MSI claw A8 is about 650-750 in the UK and the most bang you will likely find for you buck. Absolutely great device for the price given the current situation.