Do you game on a handheld console?

[lilhasselhoffer]

So, old SOB.

I remember the GB. I also had the big plastic case, the plastic light ring, the plastic lense, and the plug in cord for both wall outlets and for cigarette lighters. That thing chewed through AA batteries, but what I haven't seen here is anyone praising the Gamegear. That was the first and most beautiful color screen...that aged like fine milk. I then moved to the GBA SP and eventually the DS. So we are clear, this progression missed the gameboy color, micro, advanced, and the 3DS. That said, it's why people have that nostalgia for Nintendo.


All of this said, the joy of handhelds is for children. I drive now, so no playing games on road trips. I set vacations, and virtually everywhere has WIFI, so if I wanted to play computer games I've got a laptop. Flying is an opportunity...but I usually try to sleep on planes. It's not like I want to lug a computer outside to try and play games beneath a tree...because if I'm there what I want is to leave behind literally everything that makes me use my brain. I...quess I'm just too old to want what a handheld delivers, but not old enough that I can just screw off and fill life with whatever I am feeling like...IE retirement.

All of that said, whenever I'm older I do want to get back to a handheld PC. A part of me wants to sit outside of a school and play video games to taunt the children.

 

[W4llBangdMyself]

I was never really interested in a handheld - small screen, no mouse, low performance... and when I travel and don't have to drive, like public transport, which is rare for me, I rather listen to music than play games. Yes, I like games, but first of all, I like to play with KB/M, not sticks, and second, I don't like games SO MUCH that I'd have to game when on a bus. But I see that someone who spends a lot of time traveling (not being the driver) games on handhelds. That said, I was intrigued by the Steam Deck a little, because of the technology, the software etc, but don't want to waste money on it as ultimately, I would not have a use for it. But now when the ROG Xbox Ally X has been announced, I'm even more intrigued. I might buy that just because of how curious I am about it. I like the looks (seems like I'm the minority in that regard) and am interested to see the "modded" windows in action. Still, since I'm not a console player and don't really like using a gamepad (tried many times, have several Xbox controllers, mainly to play stuff like Totally Reliable Delivery Service and Human Fall Flat with friends), I think that if I buy the Xbox Ally X, I will play with it for a few days and then it'll end up on a shelf to gather dust for the rest of eternity...

 

[bebealex]

I think adding the options of ''I own this one but don't play on it'' would have been interesting.

 

[kanecvr]

I own a Switch, haven't played it since 2022? I previously had a Steam Deck, gave it to a relative after I upgraded to a Legion Go. Sold the Legion Go after I bought a OneXFly 8840U. The Legion Go's screen was marvelous, but the build was way too bulky and uncomfortable.

The Legion go is the perfect size and the detachable controllers are excelent. I find other devices like the ROG Ally to be a bit on the small side.

 

[RaceT3ch]

With the growing popularity of modern handheld consoles, we’re curious—what do you game on when you’re away from your PC? Whether it’s a Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, or another portable device, let us know what keeps you gaming on the go!

If you can, let us know your age, too.

I'm 16 and I don't like to game out and about. If I did though I'd probably want a laptop, keeps it as close as possible to a desktop. Either that or a phone since it's already a part of our lives.

 

[colossusrageblack]

The Legion go is the perfect size and the detachable controllers are excelent. I find other devices like the ROG Ally to be a bit on the small side.

Screen for sure, I think 8" or above is basically a must for PC games, especially since most were never developed with handhelds in mind. The controllers were terribly designed though, with sharp edges where your palms sit, it makes little sense, especially since you have to hold a lot of weight. It looks like Legion Go 2 will solve those problems with the new controls looking rounded off and ergonomic.

 

[Chrispy_]

The most surprising thing here is that 219 people have an MSI claw.

It bombed in the reviews because it has poor performance, short runtime, and half-baked software. If it was bargain-priced, perhaps you could overlook that, but no - it's HELLA EXPENSIVE too.

Claw owners, what are we missing here?

 

[Spacemarkl]

I still own a 16 year old Nintendo DSi, which I bought in Japan. Modded it with twilight menu. Though I barely use it these days. That's why I am hesitant to buy a Steam Deck or similar.

 

[renz496]

If i want to play something "mobile" I just play something on my phone. If i want to play pc games i will do it on proper pc instead of one of this "pc wannabe" device.

 

[lexluthermiester]

If i want to play pc games i will do it on proper pc instead of one of this "pc wannabe" device.

To be fair, thanks to AMD and in some degree Intel, these handheld PCs are getting very competent, hardly wannabe device anymore. High end PCs they are not, but for handheld 720p or 1080p gaming they are getting damn good.

 

[HueSplat]

I have the Zotac Gaming Zone, my daughter has the MSI Claw A1M Ultra 7.
I think they are both pretty neat, I prefer the Claw.
Got both new for pretty much the same price (AU$639 and AU$659 delivered).

I replaced the SSD, slapped PTM7950 and Upsiren UX Pro putty on both.

I enjoyed playing Horizon Forbidden West on both, pretty much minimum settings with XeSS/FSR, still looked fine to me and performed well enough to not impact story or enjoyment.

I played a few hours of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on the Claw and enjoyed it.

I’m planning to play Death Stranding on the Zone after I finish Forbidden West.

Can’t comment on battery for either, only played plugged in.

I have used the Zone a lot more than expected.

 

[lexluthermiester]

It bombed in the reviews because it has poor performance, short runtime, and half-baked software.

It bombed in the reviews because a lot of reviewers(not all) couldn't tell their bum from a hole in the ground and frequently have their heads in both. The Claw is a solid unit for what it is. The reviews were just as heavy on the Anbernic Win600 and that unit was very good. Sure the specs aren't great, but they're good enough to do a fair level of gaming.

 

[jaggerwild]

No, never will!

 

[Event Horizon]

I just don't know where I would use a handheld on a regular basis. My desktop has the desk and couch covered. I would not game in bed or in a vehicle, and I'm too busy with errands or work or touching grass when I go out.

 

[Nikhar]

Still play on my DS Lite — with the good ol' R4i Gold Pro flashcart installed
And my PS VITA OLED — with the always trusty Henkaku custom firmware

I don't have time to play big games when travelling, so when I travel, I rather spend a few minutes playing something from those 2 since they have their own quirks.

Having dual tiny LCD screens to play Pokemon? Weird now, but I love it!
Having dual touch panels on the front and back of a a failed PSP successor? Count me in!

But yeah, people have genuine fun with their PC handhelds... They can make more use of it than I can, so its great that there's options and that they're getting more and more powerful and efficient

 

[redeye]

if i have already voted, how about not showing the poll to me…

 

[lexluthermiester]

if i have already voted, how about not showing the poll to me…

What are you talking about? The poll is closed and you had to actively click something to get into this thread. If you don't want to be here, click on something else instead of bemoaning about it.

 

[redeye]

What are you talking about? The poll is closed and you had to actively click something to get into this thread. If you don't want to be here, click on something else instead of bemoaning about it.

the poll was originally posted may 8. (first post) so forgive me for not remembering that i already voted on this trivial question…

 

[lexluthermiester]

the poll was originally posted may 8. (first post) so forgive me for not remembering that i already voted on this trivial question…

Ah ok. Thinking I'm still missing your complaint but it's all good.

 

[redeye]

Ah ok. Thinking I'm still missing your complaint but it's all good.

ahh, perhaps i should have suggested that tpu show the results , of the poll on the home/front page, if you have previously voted. they keep track of all articles that you have read, so showing results to those that voted in a poll should not be hard, IMO.

 

[JustBenching]

Nintendo switch most of the time, using nvidiastream to stream games from my pc to switch.

 

[renz496]

To be fair, thanks to AMD and in some degree Intel, these handheld PCs are getting very competent, hardly wannabe device anymore. High end PCs they are not, but for handheld 720p or 1080p gaming they are getting damn good.

Performance might be fine but for me the device itself still feel not right. Very expensive, feels heavy on the hand and i have to wonder about fixing those built in controller. I play many games using controller even on pc so due to heavy usage i end up needing to replace them in less than two years. Sometimes less than a year. Personally if i want to play mobile games i just play them on the phone.

 

[lexluthermiester]

Performance might be fine but for me the device itself still feel not right. Very expensive, feels heavy on the hand and i have to wonder about fixing those built in controller. I play many games using controller even on pc so due to heavy usage i end up needing to replace them in less than two years. Sometimes less than a year. Personally if i want to play mobile games i just play them on the phone.

You are in the vast minority on that point. I know of very few people who go through controllers that fast who don't also have very serious anger issues. Perhaps it might be wise for you to go easier on your controllers.

 

[renz496]

You are in the vast minority on that point. I know of very few people who go through controllers that fast who don't also have very serious anger issues. Perhaps it might be wise for you to go easier on your controllers.

Nah it is always the sticks or the trigger that always going out first just like mouse left button. But still even without those controller issue those handheld device still way too heavy and bulky.

 

[Ruru]

PSP of course, the best handheld ever made.

And now with Steam Deck as well, bought an used 64GB LCD model with a good price. Came with a 512GB µSD, I'll buy a 1TB 2230 SSD later this month.