The Lenovo Legion Go, the Steam Deck, and the Asus ROG Ally are among the handhelds that surpass the Nintendo Switch 2 in processing and graphics power.
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The Nintendo Switch 2 has been on the market since June 2025. Unlike 10 years ago, when the first Switch was released, Nintendo is no longer the only console-quality gaming handheld maker on the market. In fact, an entire portable PC market now exists and has been vying for a piece of Nintendo’s pie since the release of the Steam Deck in 2022. And while the Nintendo Switch 2 stands as the fastest-selling video game console in U.S. history, gamers today have a number of other handheld options that can outperform Nintendo’s new console.
These handhelds also give users access to hundreds of games and other digital stores that are not available on the Switch 2. Their manufacturers will also let you modify your device, unlike Nintendo’s aggressive approach of banning Switch 2 modders.
The following handhelds outclass the Switch 2 in specifications, performance, and even price, in one specific case. Others often have their prices closer to or higher than those of Nintendo’s latest device.ROG Xbox Ally
Asus‘ ROG Xbox Ally, released in October 2025, is no slouch when it comes to portable gaming. This chunky little handheld feels solid and features large-sized controls as opposed to the smaller buttons and joysticks on the Nintendo Switch 2. While the Xbox Ally might feature a smaller 120-hertz screen, it makes up for it by having a larger battery, allowing you to get more gaming time.
You also get wider access to games, because the Xbox Ally is essentially a portable Windows-based PC. It supports games through its partnership with Microsoft via Xbox Game Pass, as well as other digital stores like GOG, Steam, Epic, and more. You can even run various emulators on it, allowing for even more gaming options.
Performance-wise, the Xbox Ally edges out the Switch 2, even though Nintendo’s console runs games in 4K better due to its games being optimized specifically for the console.
