To say that 2025 was a busy yr for one of the best handheld gaming consoles can be an understatement. Lenovo dropped two new programs with the Legion Go S and Legion Go 2, whereas MSI launched the up to date MSI Claw A8 (in markets exterior North America). Of course, there was additionally the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and Asus ROG Xbox Ally X. Even if we don’t issue within the Nintendo Switch 2, there have been loads of new handhelds for people to select from.
Most of 2025’s handhelds supplied substantial updates over their respective predecessors. The most notable improve was the inclusion of the brand new AMD Ryzen Z2 and Z2 Extreme chip, which delivered elevated efficiency and battery life for the programs that utilized the processor. There have been additionally minor and main redesigns, such because the Legion Go S and its unibody chassis, the Legion Go 2’s OLED panel, and the ROG Xbox Ally’s controller-like hand grips.
Gaming handhelds are right here to remain, and 2026 ought to be one other large yr for these gadgets. Even if we don’t get as lots of them as in 2025, the newest processors from AMD and Intel might present significant spec bumps for current merchandise. And that’s along with working programs particularly design for handhelds. There’s lots to look ahead to in 2026, so let’s break down what we will (and shouldn’t) anticipate in 2026.
SteamOS and lean Windows on more handhelds
I’ve longed to see SteamOS on a non-Valve handheld, and that finally happened this year with the SteamOS version of Legion Go S. Thanks to the user-friendly interface and easy access to my Steam library (not to mention its ergonomic form factor and strong performance), the Legion Go S is my favorite gaming handheld of 2025. With SteamOS no longer tied to Valve’s ecosystem, I expect to see other handhelds utilize this operating system in 2026.
I also have to mention the Xbox Full Screen (XFS) experience on the Asus ROG Xbox Ally. This Xbox UI is easy to navigate and legitimately gives SteamOS a run for its money. Best of all, the Windows desktop doesn’t run while XFS is open, which allows the system to deliver better performance and battery life. I also expect other Windows handhelds to adopt the XFS in 2026.
More AMD Ryzen Z2 machines (and maybe Panther Lake?)
2025 saw the debut of the AMD Ryzen Z2 and Z2 Extreme chips, along with the first gaming handhelds that utilized AMD’s processors. The chip’s main advantage is better performance and power efficiency. Though you’ll need to tweak system and in-game settings to get optimal performance, we’re impressed by what we’ve seen from Ryzen Z2 Extreme-powered handhelds like the Legion Go 2 and ROG Xbox Ally X.
AMD’s Ryzen Z2 chip doesn’t deliver massive performance gains over its predecessor, but the difference is still noticeable. In 2026, I expect it will become the de facto processor for most handhelds.
No Steam Deck 2
This one is a bit of a cheat since it’s something I don’t expect. Based on sales numbers, the Steam Deck is the most well-liked PC gaming handheld at present out there. You would have anticipated a successor by now, particularly as opponents like Asus, MSI, and Lenovo have launched a number of iterations of their respective handhelds. However, there is no such thing as a Steam Deck 2, and I don’t suppose we’ll see it in 2026.
When we interviewed Valve’s SteamOS designer, Pierre-Loup Griffais, concerning the Steam Deck 2 throughout CES 2025, he stated there won’t be a Steam Deck 2 with Ryzen Z2. The cause is that Valve needs to see larger efficiency and energy effectivity enhancements in an 8-15 watt energy envelope. “We don’t want to be looking at 20-30% improvement or anything like that, because we don’t think that’s meaningful enough for developers and for users,” stated Griffais.
Given Griffais’ feedback, and that Valve shall be lots busy subsequent yr with the debut of the Steam Machine and Steam Frame, the Steam Deck 2 is a protracted shot for 2026.
Outlook
Even without a Steam Deck 2, I expect gaming handhelds will continue being successful in 2026. Fast processors like Ryzen Z2 and user-friendly operating systems like SteamOS lay a solid foundation for whichever new systems we see next year.
As someone who reviews and enjoys playing on gaming handhelds, I’m eager to see what 2026 has in store. Even if it’s not as monumental a year, I still expect great things for folks who love gaming on the go.
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