I was born at a time when gaming was only just launching into the stratosphere, when consoles were on their first edition, not their fifth, and GameBoys were slowly disappearing from children’s hands.
And slowly but surely, we all began to sit in front of a TV, and later a computer, as we played the likes of Crash Bandicoot, or Sims, and five hours would easily go by in the same position.
But the world and its love for gaming is changing, and now the likes of handheld devices are seeing a huge resurgence, in large part so gaming can fit into our working and travelling habits.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today 
Now you don’t have to be “set up” in one space of your home, the world is your oyster. But there are a host of reasons why you should invest in a gaming handheld in 2024.
Unparalleled portability and convenience
Australians are known for their active and outdoor lifestyles.
Handheld gaming devices offer the perfect solution for those who want to enjoy their favourite games on the go.
Whether it’s a long commute, a flight or a camping trip, these devices ensure that entertainment is always within reach.
No longer are gamers confined to their living rooms; they can now immerse themselves in captivating worlds anytime, anywhere.
A diverse gaming library
Gone are the days when handheld gaming meant sacrificing game quality.
Today’s devices boast impressive processing power and graphics capabilities, allowing them to run a vast array of games, from indie titles to AAA blockbusters.
This means Australians can experience the same high-quality gaming experiences they’ve come to expect on consoles and PCs but in a portable format.
Beyond gaming: A versatile tool
Handheld gaming devices are more than just gaming platforms; they are versatile tools that cater to various needs.
Many models offer powerful hardware capable of running demanding applications, making them suitable for work, study or content creation.
With high-resolution displays and comfortable controls, these devices provide an immersive experience for not only gaming but also streaming, video editing, and productivity tasks.
Accessibility and Affordability
The gaming industry has made significant strides in making handheld devices accessible to a wider audience.
With various models available at different price points, there’s a handheld device to suit every budget.
Additionally, the increasing popularity of these devices has led to greater competition, driving down prices and offering consumers more value for their money.
One of the best options on the market is the recently launched ROG Ally X from ASUS, which is $A1599.
It’s the type of handheld gaming device that meets all of your needs: It’s cost-effective, portable and doesn’t scrimp on the graphics just because it’s smaller.
The device has an excellent feature called Armoury Crate, which is a centralised interface that allows players to access all their gaming platforms from Xbox, to Steam to EA.
Outside of gaming you can also access the Windows 11 desktop and internet as you would a normal PC, so it’s incredibly convenient.
It weighs just 70g more than the previous model, realistic graphics on screen and quick load times to provide an immersive gaming experience.
And the Rog Ally X has been hugely updated with its extra 70g.
Now, you also get the battery and SSD capacity doubled, alongside the memory — which has gone from 16GB to 24GB.
To shop the new ROG Ally X, visit the website here.
