# 5 Handheld Consoles Cheaper Than Steam Deck OLED Budget-friendly alternatives for portable gaming experiences. - **Source:** [SlashGear](https://www.slashgear.com) - **Published:** 2026-07-16 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/1a34459f-8324-46d8-9d15-26ba2cbd9a7c ## Overview of Handheld Consoles Handheld consoles and PCs have become increasingly popular today. Devices like the Steam Deck OLED offer a vast library of games. However, the prices of these devices can be inaccessible for many users. ## Cost of Steam Deck OLED The cheapest Steam Deck OLED model with 512 GB storage carries a price tag of $789. The 1 TB model sells for $949. These prices can stretch the budget for many gamers. ## Nintendo Switch 2 The Nintendo Switch 2 is a more affordable alternative compared to the Steam Deck OLED. Priced at $449.99, the device offers a 7.9-inch screen and 1920x1080 resolution. It can also reach up to 4K resolution when docked. ## ASUS ROG Xbox Ally The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally stands out with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage. Priced at $599.99, this device is cheaper than the Steam Deck OLED and is compatible with platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Steam. ## Ayaneo Pocket DS The Ayaneo Pocket DS offers a nostalgic experience with its dual-screen design. The device, which operates on the Android ecosystem, is a more affordable option at $689 compared to the Steam Deck OLED. ## Performance and Storage Comparison While the Steam Deck OLED stands out with 512 GB storage, alternatives like the Nintendo Switch 2 and ASUS ROG Xbox Ally offer similar performance. Expandable storage models provide flexibility for users. ## Display Technology The Steam Deck OLED's OLED screen stands out with color quality, while devices like the Nintendo Switch 2 and ASUS ROG Xbox Ally offer high-resolution LCD screens. Each device offers unique experiences with different display technologies. ## Price-Performance Balance Despite the high price of the Steam Deck OLED, there are more affordable alternatives on the market. These devices offer similar performance and features, standing out as budget-friendly options. ## User Preferences When choosing a handheld console, gamers consider factors such as price, performance, and storage space. Alternatives like the Nintendo Switch 2 and ASUS ROG Xbox Ally are also presented as options alongside the Steam Deck OLED. ## Conclusion and Recommendations While the Steam Deck OLED is a top-tier option for portable gaming, there are more affordable alternatives on the market. Devices like the Nintendo Switch 2 and ASUS ROG Xbox Ally are presented as budget-friendly options for gamers. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.slashgear.com/2212378/handheld-gaming-devices-cheaper-than-steam-deck-oled/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._