Best handheld PC & console overall design & practicality (a subjective disscusion).

[TimedPing]

Day by day, especially since the release of Nintendo Switch and Steam deck, we see a rampant and growing market of portable handheld "gaming console". Many manufacturer trying trippy design language or introducing unique features, the likes of Asus ROG ally and Original Nintendo Switch/Switch OLED, meanwhile the others like Valve is stay in the classics design realm with the steam deck and most of Aya neo product lineup.

 

Despite the hardware and software variation, when we talking about handheld gaming, the portability and comfort when we use the device, especially in long time duration, is mainly a big point. What do you think is the most practical and comfortable design in this realm? maybe you guys are like me, who prefer PSP and PS Vita design, or maybe the dual screen design like Nintendo 3DS? Or maybe combination of Steam Deck design with slight modification?

 

let me know your opinion down below! Opinion about the hardware and software are also welcomed ☺

[kelvinhall05]

Smaller devices like the PSP/Vita (and I'll even throw in the DS family) are objectively superior for portability. Personally, I find the DS Lite to be exceptionally comfortable to use, even for extended duration (I have little to no experience with the PSP). I've also tried a Switch and Steam Deck, and found the former to be uncomfortable (especially for games requiring both analog sticks), where as the Deck was just excellent all around. That being said, it is quite big and unweildy. Still portable, but my personal definition of portable is "can I slip it in a pocket and forget about it", which it obviously does not fit.

 

However, beyond physical design, the value proposition of the Deck is unmatched; both the raw hardware as well as the excellent software tying it together. Hell, I'm tempted to get my own, but given that I pretty much only play TF2 these days, I don't think it's the right device for me.

[TimedPing]

We have similar opinion on the design there. I would like some manufacturers make similar design language to PSP, with bigger screen, and call me a bozo or something, but I like the low profile analog stick Sony have in their previous console (less bulge if we put it on the pocket lol), but the modern take will utilized the hall effect sensor instead of regular one, and make it little bit bouncy and less harsh sounding (IYKWM).

3 minutes ago, kelvinhall05 said:

However, beyond physical design, the value proposition of the Deck is unmatched; both the raw hardware as well as the excellent software tying it together. Hell, I'm tempted to get my own, but given that I pretty much only play TF2 these days, I don't think it's the right device for me.

About this one, my take on the hardware is atleast same power with steam deck, but with both lower power consumption and heat, maybe performing between Steam deck and Z1 extreme on RoG ally. 6.8-7 inch 1080p/1200p anti-reflective 90hz IPS screen as standard offering on base model will be great for me. Full spec USB4 or Thunderbolt 3/4 is a must, even better if they put dedicated bare PCIe link with Oculink as the connector. The Console will be awesome for light emulation & commuting console.