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🎮 Ranking the Best Handhelds of 2025
TechRadar released its latest ranking of the best handheld gaming systems, offering a clear guide for gamers in 2025. Leading the pack are the Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck OLED, joined by niche contenders like the ROG Ally X, Anbernic RG Slide, and PlayStation Portal. The Switch 2 earned praise for its design and performance but drew criticism for its short battery life, while the Steam Deck OLED was lauded for its PC gaming experience. This roundup helps gamers decide which platform suits their style and budget amid an increasingly crowded handheld market.
📚 Citation: McCann, J. (2025, July 1). Best handheld games consoles in 2025: the top systems we’ve tried. TechRadar. https://www.techradar.com/best/best-handheld-games-consoles
🎯 Prime Day Deals Target ROG Ally and More
GamesRadar previewed upcoming Amazon Prime Day 2025 discounts for handheld gaming hardware. Focused primarily on the ASUS ROG Ally series, the coverage suggests the Z1 Extreme model may drop to $399, while the premium Ally X could see a rare dip to around $699. The article notes strong interest in the Ally X and growing accessory bundles for Steam Deck, Legion Go, and Logitech G Cloud. These insights matter to anyone planning handheld purchases, revealing pricing strategies ahead of the mid-July sale surge.
📚 Citation: Roberts, J. (2025, June 30). Prime Day Asus ROG Ally deals 2025: what to expect and early savings. GamesRadar. https://www.gamesradar.com/hardware/handhelds/prime-day-asus-rog-ally-deals
🛍 Switch 2 Restocks Hit Major U.S. Retailers
Tom’s Guide and The Verge reported new Nintendo Switch 2 restocks across the U.S., especially at Best Buy on July 1. Nintendo’s latest handheld-console hybrid is now available in bundles featuring Joy-Con wheels and titles like Donkey Kong Bonanza and Cyberpunk 2077. The Verge noted that over 3.5 million Switch 2 units sold in just four days, making it the fastest-selling console to date. These restocks are key for shoppers still trying to secure the console and signal sustained high demand in the gaming market.
📚 Citations:
Andronico, M. (2025, July 1). Nintendo Switch 2 restocks live – retailers to check now. Tom’s Guide. https://www.tomsguide.com/live/news/nintendo-switch-2-restocks-news-and-updates
Webster, A. (2025, July 2). Switch 2 restock returns to Best Buy stores. The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/tech/695273/nintendo-switch-2-in-store-restock-best-buy
🕹 RG Slide: A Stylish Throwback with a Catch
The Verge previewed the Anbernic RG Slide, a nostalgic handheld that revives the sliding-screen format made popular by the PSP Go. Built around a 4.7″ 120 Hz screen and an octa-core chip, the RG Slide packs impressive specs into a retro form factor. Reviewers praised its smooth screen and build quality, but the 380 g weight makes it one of the heavier handhelds in its class. This release reflects growing interest in retro-inspired hardware, though practicality could be an issue for modern users.
📚 Citation: Bishop, R. (2025, June 27). Anbernic’s sliding screen handheld might be too chunky and heavy for your pockets. The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/news/686862/anbernic-rg-slide-handheld-emulator-console-psp-go
🔧 Polygon Reviews the Switch 2: Familiar Yet Refined
Polygon’s full review of the Nintendo Switch 2 describes the console as a smart, steady evolution rather than a radical reinvention. With new features like GameShare and virtual-led game cards, along with enhanced performance for legacy titles, the device feels modern while staying user-friendly. Critics highlighted its smooth UX and excellent portability, though noted it isn’t competing on raw power with PC-based handhelds. This review confirms Nintendo’s incremental approach continues to succeed by emphasizing usability and fun over specs.
📚 Citation: Good, O. (2025, June 28). Switch 2 is the continuity candidate that might just win. Polygon. https://www.polygon.com/nintendo-switch-2/606757/review
🛠 Microsoft Drops Its Own Handheld Plans
MeriStation (via AS.com) confirmed that Microsoft has officially canceled its internal Xbox handheld project. Instead, it has thrown its support behind ASUS and the ROG Xbox Ally platform, which runs Windows 11 and integrates Game Pass. While efficient from a business standpoint, critics argue that relying on third-party hardware weakens Microsoft’s ability to innovate directly in the handheld space. This pivot is important because it shows Microsoft is doubling down on services and partnerships over hardware control.
📚 Citation: MeriStation. (2025, June 30). Adiós a la Xbox portátil “de verdad”: Microsoft ha cancelado su desarrollo para centrarse en ROG Xbox Ally según insiders. AS.com. https://as.com/meristation/noticias/adios-a-la-xbox-portatil-de-verdad-microsoft-ha-cancelado-su-desarrollo-para-centrarse-en-rog-xbox-ally-segun-insiders-n
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