Evetech Logo Mobile/EveZone Logo Mobile

Search Blogs...

Gear Review

Handheld Gaming Comfort Tips for Marathon Sessions

Master our handheld gaming comfort tips to prevent cramps and fatigue. Learn how to optimize your setup with ergonomic accessories for devices like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, so you can enjoy marathon sessions without the pain. Game on, comfortably! 🎮✨

26 Sept 2025 | Quick Read | 👤 ChairCrusade
|
Loading tags...
Handheld Gaming Comfort Tips: Play Longer on Steam Deck/Ally

Love your Steam Deck but your hands don't? We've all been there. That dreaded cramp during a crucial boss fight, or the neck ache after a few hours of Palworld on the couch. Handheld gaming is brilliant, but those marathon sessions can be a literal pain. The good news is that achieving true handheld gaming comfort is easier than you think. With a few smart adjustments, you can keep playing for longer without feeling like you've gone ten rounds with a heavyweight.

Master Your Grip for Peak Performance

The first step to comfortable handheld gaming is addressing how you hold the device. Most handhelds, from the Nintendo Switch to the ROG Ally, prioritise portability over pure ergonomics. This can lead to hand strain, especially for those of us with larger hands. The solution? An ergonomic grip or case.

These accessories add sculpted, controller-like handles to your device, allowing for a more natural and relaxed grip. It’s a simple fix that makes a massive difference during long sessions. You’ll find your reaction times improve when your hands aren’t fighting fatigue. Browse through our gaming accessories deals to find a grip that fits your device and play style.

Your Posture is Part of the Setup

You can have the most ergonomic device in the world, but if you’re hunched over like a goblin, you’re still going to be in pain. Achieving handheld gaming comfort means thinking about your whole body. 💪

When playing on the couch, use pillows to support your back and prop up your arms. You want your elbows to be at a roughly 90-degree angle, taking the strain off your shoulders and neck. If you're at a desk, a simple stand can elevate your device to a more comfortable viewing height. These small adjustments are some of the most crucial tech essentials for any dedicated gamer.

Xbox Wireless Controller – Velocity Green for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows Devices / QAU-00091

Xbox Wireless Controller – Velocity Green for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows Devices / QAU-00091

R1599.00In Stock
Xbox Special Edition Series Controller - Pulse Cipher / Red transparent top case / Rubberised red grips / Metallic red triggers and D-pad / Bluetooth® technology / QAU-00165

Xbox Special Edition Series Controller - Pulse Cipher / Red transparent top case / Rubberised red grips / Metallic red triggers and D-pad / Bluetooth® technology / QAU-00165

R1899.00In Stock
Logitech F710 Wireless Gaming Gamepad / 2.4GHz Wireless / Broad Game Support / Familiar Button Layout / 940-000142

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

R849.00In Stock
FORCE PRO W Wireless Gaming Controller / 2.4 GHz Wireless, Bluetooth, USB 2.0 (USB-C) / Up to 48 hours (w/o lighting & vibration) Battery Life / Compatible Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One X|S, Windows 10/11, Android 8 & later / S10-43G0260-C54

FORCE PRO W Wireless Gaming Controller / 2.4 GHz Wireless, Bluetooth, USB 2.0 (USB-C) / Up to 48 hours (w/o lighting & vibration) Battery Life / Compatible Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One X|S, Windows 10/11, Android 8 & later / S10-43G0260-C54

R2199.00In Stock
MARVO Monka  Contra PS4 Wireless Game Controller / Strong compatibility: PS4/PS3/Windows/IOS13/Android / 6 hour battery life /  6-axis sensor with 3D-Sensor and G-Sensor / Dual vibration feedback for an immersive gaming experience / Ergonomically designed for comfort with sweat-proof and anti-slip materials / GT-96

MARVO Monka Contra PS4 Wireless Game Controller / Strong compatibility: PS4/PS3/Windows/IOS13/Android / 6 hour battery life / 6-axis sensor with 3D-Sensor and G-Sensor / Dual vibration feedback for an immersive gaming experience / Ergonomically designed for comfort with sweat-proof and anti-slip materials / GT-96

R349.00In Stock
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

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

Optimise Your Senses for the Long Haul 🎧

Physical strain isn't the only thing that ends marathon gaming sessions prematurely. Sensory fatigue is real. Staring at a small, bright screen for hours can cause eye strain, while relying on tinny built-in speakers can be surprisingly draining.

Start by adjusting your screen’s brightness to match your room’s lighting and enable any built-in blue light filters. For audio, a quality headset is non-negotiable. It not only provides immersive, detailed sound that helps you pinpoint enemy footsteps but also blocks out distractions, letting you focus without cranking the volume. A good pair from our gaming headset deals can make a world of difference to your focus and comfort.

TIP FOR YOU

The 20-20-20 Rule for Gamers ✨

To combat digital eye strain, every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something at least 20 feet (about 6 metres) away. This simple exercise relaxes your eye muscles, helping you stay focused and comfortable for much longer during those epic gaming marathons. Your eyes will thank you for it!

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

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

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

R849.00In Stock
ASUS ROG Ally X Handheld Touchscreen Gaming Console / AMD Ryzen™ Z2 Extreme / 24GB LPDDR5X RAM / 1TB NVMe SSD / 7" FHD (1920 x 1080), 120 Hz Refresh Rate, Touch Screen, 100% sRGB(Typical), 500nits(Typical), IPS-Level Panel / AMD Radeon™ Graphics / 1x USB 3.2 Type-C  / 1 x Thunderbolt 4 / DisplayPort / USB Type-C (w/ PD 3.0 Charging) / 1 x MicroSD Card Reader / 1 x Audio combo jack / Finger Print Sensor / 802.11 ax WiFi 6 Wireless / Bluetooth 5.2 / Windows 11 Home (64bit) / 2-Speaker System with Smart Amplifier Technology / 4-Cell, Li-ion, 80Whr Battery / 1 Year Warranty /  90NV00H2-M003E0

ASUS ROG Ally X Handheld Touchscreen Gaming Console / AMD Ryzen™ Z2 Extreme / 24GB LPDDR5X RAM / 1TB NVMe SSD / 7" FHD (1920 x 1080), 120 Hz Refresh Rate, Touch Screen, 100% sRGB(Typical), 500nits(Typical), IPS-Level Panel / AMD Radeon™ Graphics / 1x USB 3.2 Type-C / 1 x Thunderbolt 4 / DisplayPort / USB Type-C (w/ PD 3.0 Charging) / 1 x MicroSD Card Reader / 1 x Audio combo jack / Finger Print Sensor / 802.11 ax WiFi 6 Wireless / Bluetooth 5.2 / Windows 11 Home (64bit) / 2-Speaker System with Smart Amplifier Technology / 4-Cell, Li-ion, 80Whr Battery / 1 Year Warranty / 90NV00H2-M003E0

R18999.00In Stock
Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller V2 / Wrap-Around Rubberized Grip / 3.5mm Stereo Headset Jack / Shorter Hair Trigger Locks / Compatible for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Android And iOS / FST-00004

Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller V2 / Wrap-Around Rubberized Grip / 3.5mm Stereo Headset Jack / Shorter Hair Trigger Locks / Compatible for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Android And iOS / FST-00004

R4999.00In 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

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
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

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

Don't Let Load Times Kill Your Vibe

Comfort isn't just physical... it's mental too. Nothing breaks your immersion and tests your patience like a long loading screen. If your handheld has a user-upgradable SSD, like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally, a simple upgrade can drastically improve your experience.

Swapping out the stock drive for a faster, higher-capacity NVMe SSD means you spend less time waiting and more time playing. It’s a quality-of-life upgrade that reduces frustration, making your entire session smoother and more enjoyable. Check out the latest SSD deals in South Africa to slash those load times for good.

Ready to Upgrade Your Comfort? From ergonomic grips to immersive headsets, the right gear makes all the difference in marathon sessions. Explore our massive range of gaming accessories and build the ultimate comfortable handheld setup.

Improve comfort by using ergonomic grips, adjusting screen brightness to reduce eye strain, taking regular breaks, and maintaining good posture. Using a stand can also help.

Yes, ergonomic grips add bulk and contouring to your device, providing better support for your hands. This significantly reduces strain and helps in preventing hand cramps while gaming.

Sit with your back supported and feet flat on the floor. Keep your elbows bent at a 90-degree angle and your wrists in a neutral position. Avoid hunching over the screen.

Take 5-10 minute breaks every hour to stretch your hands and fingers. Ensure your grip isn't too tight and consider using accessories for comfortable handheld gaming like controller grips.

Absolutely. Top accessories include custom grips like the dbrand Killswitch, thumbstick caps for better control, and anti-glare screen protectors to reduce eye fatigue.

Yes. Lower the screen brightness in dark rooms, enable any built-in blue light filters, and follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.