Best Handheld Gaming Console: The Ultimate SA Buyer's Guide

Tired of being chained to your desk or TV for a proper gaming session? The world of high-performance handhelds has exploded, letting you play your AAA PC library anywhere from a coffee shop in Cape Town to your couch during load shedding. But with powerhouse options flooding the market, finding the best handheld gaming console for your specific needs can feel overwhelming. This ultimate SA buyer's guide is here to help you navigate the choice. 🎮

Razer Kishi V3 Pro Gaming Controller / Supports Android, iPhone & iPad Mini / Full-Sized Console-Style Controller / Fits Phones and Tablets up to 8” / Razer Sensa HD Immersive Haptics / RZ06-05460100-R3M1

R4199.00In Stock

Logitech F710 Wireless Gaming Gamepad / 2.4GHz Wireless / Broad Game Support / Familiar Button Layout / 940-000142

R849.00In Stock

Razer Kishi V3 Gaming Controller / Supports Android and iPhone / Full-Sized Console-Style Controller / Dual mouse-click back buttons / Razer Sensa HD Immersive Haptics / RZ06-03550100-R3M1

R2999.00In Stock

Adata SC735 1TB High-Performance External SSD with USB-C / 1,050MB/s Read & 1,000MB/s Write Speeds / Cable-Free Mobile Phone Compatibility / Gaming Handheld Compatible / Supports Latest Game Consoles / Multi-OS Support / SC735-1000G-CCBK/GY

R2199.00In Stock

Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller - Carbon Black / Hybrid D-Pad / 3.5mm Stereo Headset Jack / Textured Triggers And Bumpers / Compatible for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Android And iOS / QAT-00009

R1599.00In Stock

MARVO GT-84 Wireless Gaming Controller - Strong compatibility: PS4/PS3/Windows/IOS/Android - 6 hour battery life - Double Triggers And Analog Mumpers - 6-axis sensor and dual vibration feedback for an immersive gaming experience - Ergonomically designed for comfort with sweat-proof and anti-slip materials / GT-84

R399.00In Stock

Why a Handheld PC is Your Next Big Upgrade

Forget the walled gardens of traditional consoles. The new wave of handhelds are full-fledged Windows PCs crammed into a portable form factor. This means you get access to your entire Steam library, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, and more… all in the palm of your hands.

Imagine booting up Baldur's Gate 3 on a long bus ride or grinding out levels in Diablo IV while waiting for the braai. That's the freedom a powerful handheld PC offers. It’s not just about portability; it’s about making your entire gaming life more flexible.

The Titans of Handheld Gaming

South Africa now has access to some seriously impressive hardware. Each device has its own unique flavour, so let's break down the main contenders to help you find the best handheld gaming console for your play style.

The ASUS ROG Ally: Power and Polish

ASUS kicked the door down with the ROG Ally. Powered by the formidable AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, it delivers incredible performance that can handle demanding modern titles. Its standout feature is the 120Hz display with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), which makes gameplay feel incredibly smooth and tear-free. For gamers who want a premium, high-performance experience out of the box, the range of ASUS ROG Ally models is a top-tier choice.

MSI Claw 8 AI+ A2VM Handheld Touchscreen Gaming Console / Intel Core Ultra 7 258V / 32GB LPDDR5X RAM / 1TB NVMe SSD / 8" FHD+ (1920 x 1200), 120 Hz, Touchscreen Display / Intel® Arc 140V Graphics / 2 x USB Type-C (Supports Thunderbolt 4 / DisplayPort / Power Delivery 3.0) / 1 x Micro SD Card Reader / 1 x Headphone and Microphone combo jack / 1x Fingerprint Reader / Intel® Killer Wi-Fi 7 BE1750 Wireless LAN / Bluetooth 5.4 / Windows 11 Home (64bit) / 2 × 2W Speakers, Hi-Res Audio ready / 6-Cell, 80Whr Battery / 1 Year Warranty / CLAW-8-AI-A2VM-067ZA

R18999.00In Stock

Logitech F710 Wireless Gaming Gamepad / 2.4GHz Wireless / Broad Game Support / Familiar Button Layout / 940-000142

R849.00In Stock

Razer Kishi V3 Pro Gaming Controller / Supports Android, iPhone & iPad Mini / Full-Sized Console-Style Controller / Fits Phones and Tablets up to 8” / Razer Sensa HD Immersive Haptics / RZ06-05460100-R3M1

R4199.00In Stock

Lenovo Legion Go S 8APU1 Handheld Touchscreen Gaming Console - Black / AMD Ryzen™ Z1 Extreme / 16GB LPDDR5X RAM / 1TB NVMe SSD / 8.8" WUXGA (1920 x 1200), Touch Screen, 100% sRGB(Typical), 500nits(Typical), IPS-Level Display/ Integrated AMD Radeon™ Graphics / 2x USB Type-C support (DisplayPort™ 1.4 / Power Delivery 3.0) / 1 x Card Reader / 1 x Headphone and Microphone combo jack / AMD Wi-Fi® 6E RZ616 Wireless / Bluetooth 5.3 / SteamOS / 2 Stereo Speakers / 4-Cell, Li-ion, 55.5Whr Battery / 1 Year Warranty / 83N6002ESA

R17499.00In Stock

Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL iPad & Android Tablet Gaming Controller / Full-Sized Console-Style Controller / Fits Phones and Tablets up to 10” / Razer Sensa HD Immersive Haptics / RZ06-05470100-R3M1

R5199.00In Stock

MARVO GT-84 Wireless Gaming Controller - Strong compatibility: PS4/PS3/Windows/IOS/Android - 6 hour battery life - Double Triggers And Analog Mumpers - 6-axis sensor and dual vibration feedback for an immersive gaming experience - Ergonomically designed for comfort with sweat-proof and anti-slip materials / GT-84

R399.00In Stock

The Lenovo Legion Go: Big Screen Dominance

If screen size is your priority, look no further. The Lenovo Legion Go boasts a massive 8.8-inch QHD+ (2560x1600) display that makes games look absolutely stunning. ✨ Its other trick? Detachable controllers, much like the Nintendo Switch, which offer incredible flexibility for different gaming scenarios. It even has a kickstand, making it perfect for tabletop play. The Lenovo Legion Go lineup is built for those who refuse to compromise on visual real estate.

The MSI Claw: A New Challenger

Entering the ring with a different strategy, the MSI Claw is the first major handheld to feature an Intel Core Ultra processor. It promises strong performance with AI-powered upscaling technology (XeSS) and boasts some of the most comfortable ergonomics in the game, thanks to MSI's design expertise. As a fresh face in the market, the MSI Claw series presents an exciting new option for gamers looking for an Intel-based powerhouse.

Choosing the Best Handheld Gaming Console for You

Ultimately, the right device comes down to your personal priorities. Ask yourself these questions:

• What games will I play? For the latest AAA titles at high settings, the Z1 Extreme in the ROG Ally or Legion Go is a beast. For indie games and emulation, all three are more than capable.
• Where will I play? If you're always on the move, the lighter ROG Ally might be preferable. If you want a mini-TV experience on your desk or on a plane, the Legion Go's big screen and kickstand are unmatched.
• How important is screen quality? Do you value the buttery-smooth 120Hz VRR of the Ally, or the sheer size and resolution of the Legion Go?

There's no single "winner," only the perfect fit for your gaming habits. We recommend you take a moment to browse all the handheld gaming consoles available to compare specs side-by-side.

Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL iPad & Android Tablet Gaming Controller / Full-Sized Console-Style Controller / Fits Phones and Tablets up to 10” / Razer Sensa HD Immersive Haptics / RZ06-05470100-R3M1

R5199.00In Stock

Logitech F710 Wireless Gaming Gamepad / 2.4GHz Wireless / Broad Game Support / Familiar Button Layout / 940-000142

R849.00In Stock

Razer Kishi V3 Gaming Controller / Supports Android and iPhone / Full-Sized Console-Style Controller / Dual mouse-click back buttons / Razer Sensa HD Immersive Haptics / RZ06-03550100-R3M1

R2999.00In Stock

MARVO GT-84 Wireless Gaming Controller - Strong compatibility: PS4/PS3/Windows/IOS/Android - 6 hour battery life - Double Triggers And Analog Mumpers - 6-axis sensor and dual vibration feedback for an immersive gaming experience - Ergonomically designed for comfort with sweat-proof and anti-slip materials / GT-84

R399.00In Stock

Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller - Carbon Black / Hybrid D-Pad / 3.5mm Stereo Headset Jack / Textured Triggers And Bumpers / Compatible for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Android And iOS / QAT-00009

R1599.00In Stock

Turtle Beach Atom Mobile Game Controller with Bluetooth for Cloud Gaming on Android Mobile Devices with Compact Shape, Console Style Controls, Low Latency Bluetooth - Red / TBS-0766-05

R2499.00In Stock

The Verdict 🚀

The handheld PC revolution is here to stay, and South African gamers have never had better choices. Whether you lean towards the balanced power of the ASUS ROG Ally, the cinematic screen of the Lenovo Legion Go, or the ergonomic design of the new MSI Claw, you're getting a phenomenal piece of kit. This buyer's guide should give you the confidence to pick the best handheld gaming console to finally untether your PC library.