The Next-Gen Handheld Race: What to Expect After the Steam Deck

The launch of Valve’s Steam Deck was a watershed moment for PC gaming. It proved that a powerful, versatile, and relatively open handheld could not only exist but thrive. Now, with the market buzzing and competitors taking notice, the question on every gamer’s mind is: what’s next? The future of handheld gaming looks to be a thrilling race fueled by new hardware, persistent rumors, and a clear demand for high-quality gaming on the go.

The PlayStation 6 Handheld Rumor Mill

Perhaps the most exciting rumor circulating is the potential for Sony to re-enter the dedicated handheld space with a PlayStation 6-era device. According to sources like Moore’s Law Is Dead, this wouldn’t be just a streaming device like the PlayStation Portal. Instead, the rumors point to a powerful, dockable handheld capable of playing PS4 and PS5 games natively.

The alleged specs suggest a custom AMD APU with RDNA 5 graphics, which would put it in direct competition with the next generation of devices from Nintendo and the PC space. The idea of a dockable handheld that offers a seamless transition from portable to TV play is a concept Nintendo has perfected with the Switch. If Sony can deliver a similar experience with the power of the PlayStation ecosystem, it could be a game-changer. While still firmly in the realm of speculation, the persistence of these rumors suggests that Sony is, at the very least, seriously exploring the idea.

The OLED Revolution is Here

One of the most immediate and tangible upgrades we’re seeing across the board is the adoption of OLED screens. Zotac’s upcoming “Zone” handheld is set to feature a 7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, and Lenovo’s Legion Go 2 is rumored to boast a stunning 8.8-inch 144Hz OLED panel. This is a huge leap forward from the LCD screens found in the original Steam Deck and many other first-generation devices.

OLED technology offers perfect blacks, vibrant colors, and incredible contrast ratios, making games look significantly more immersive. Once you’ve experienced gaming on a high-quality OLED display, it’s hard to go back. This is no longer a premium, niche feature; it’s rapidly becoming the standard for the next generation of handhelds.

More Power Under the Hood

The heart of any gaming handheld is its processor, and AMD seems to be leading the charge. The rumored AMD Z2 Extreme processor, expected to power devices like the Lenovo Legion Go 2 and MSI’s updated Claw, promises a significant performance boost over the chips in current-gen handhelds. This means higher frame rates, better support for demanding AAA titles, and more headroom for future games.

We’re also seeing a trend towards more RAM, with 24GB and even 32GB configurations becoming more common. This, combined with larger and faster SSDs, means that these handhelds are becoming true portable PCs, capable of running not just games but a full Windows or Linux desktop environment without compromise.

The Software Ecosystem is Key

Hardware is only half the battle. The success of the Steam Deck is due in large part to SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system that provides a console-like experience. The Proton compatibility layer, which allows Windows games to run on Linux, has been a triumph, with over 40% of the Steam library now verified or playable.

Competitors are taking note. While many are opting for Windows 11 to ensure maximum game compatibility, companies like Zotac are developing their own Linux-based systems. The user experience—how easy it is to launch games, manage settings, and access a desktop—will be a critical battleground. ASUS is even creating an Xbox-like interface on top of Windows for its ROG Ally Xbox Edition, showing a clear understanding that a seamless, console-like UI is crucial for mainstream adoption.

The next few years are going to be incredibly exciting for handheld gaming. The combination of more powerful hardware, beautiful OLED displays, and maturing software ecosystems means that the dream of playing our favorite PC games anywhere, without compromise, is closer than ever to becoming a reality.