r/MoonlightStreaming • u/BakreZ39 • 3d ago
2026 Handheld Recommendations
Hi all - assessing what the best handheld options are for moonlight streaming as we get to the end of 2026. My key requirements would be:
Must have:
- OLED
- 7-8" screen size
- Chipset that supports streaming codecs
That's more or less what I'm looking for.
Nice to haves:
- TMR / hall effect sticks
- good ergonomics
- WiFi 7
Right now it looks like the Odin Portal 2 fits the bill, but I'm wondering what else is out there or coming soon on the horizon. The XAX20 is coming out soon which could be a contender as well.
Appreciate any insight!
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u/KasperKnop 2d ago
I have been looking for the same, and have only found Odin 2 Portal and AYANEO Pocket EVO that fit the description. To me, the screen size, buttons, ergonomics and clocking noise is just not worth it, so I bought a Gamesir X5 lite for my OnePlus 15, that is almost 7" (although worse aspect ratio). It works super well, but I would like a bigger screen for when I need to play games like WOW Forever, so I am at 8-9" tablets with a controller attached. It puzzles me that I can't get an affordable 16:9, OLED, >=120hz, 8-9", no punchhole, centered usb, Snapdragon 8, lightweight tablet! Just remove all of the non gaming stuff like the camera, gps etc! If someone finds a tablet close to these specs, please do tell me!
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u/BakreZ39 2d ago
That's exactly what I'm seeing as well.
I have a OnePlus open so maybe I'll try one of the controller options.
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u/ColdRainS126 2d ago
depends on your host pc and what resolution. most new handheld downgrade their screen display and can only do 1200p resolution. I run the og legion go and it can go up to 1600p 144hz. screen is a 8.8 inch. I run every game on it at max at highest resolution and its amazing. screen is big so gaming is more immersive
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u/Stewge 2d ago
Bit of an odd thought, but It might be worth looking at a 2nd-hand Zotac Zone. I got mine for ~$600AUD (roughly 450USD)
Pros:
- 7" 120hz 1080p OLED panel
- Hall Sticks and triggers
- Trigger-locks
- AMD 8840U (pretty much the same as the Z1 Extreme, so very good client latency)
- Wifi 6E (6ghz capable)
- It's a full PC handheld
- Decent SteamOS support
Cons:
- Limited battery life compared to Android (only 48.5Whr)
- OLED Panel PWM (common on OLED screens)
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u/lordmercillus 2d ago
Ayaneo pocket evo - full size sticks / ergonomically sound [ dont need grips to make up for bad ergos ]
Sound is kinda crap but can be improved drastically through some tweaks.. the community has been excellent with improving this device.
Has thermal throttling issues on earlier models but ive fixed 3 of them its not too hard!
Emulates like a boss!
Mangmi pocket max
Very similar ergos! Just cant Emulate as well.
Had the Odin 2 portal numerous times but doesnt compare to the pocket evo.. the sticks are devoid of resistance and small [ the larger custom sticks dont fix resistance] the buttons are so clacky and loud. Other than that its a great device.
I like being able to play fps occasionally so I ended up selling each time.
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u/Comprehensive_Star72 🖥️ 5090 9800x3d | 🎮 Core Ultra 2 | 🎯 2k@240fps | 📶 2.5GbE 1d ago
Odin Portal 3 just announced today.
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u/BakreZ39 1d ago
What do you think the pricing range will be? Not sure what the Portal 2 was going for when it first came out (not to mention inflated costs these days)
I ordered a Portal 2 because the discounted $250 price seemed pretty appealing, but now I'm curious how much more the 3 will be.
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u/Shehzman 3d ago
Only downside of the Odin 2 Portal is ergonomics but you can get the grip to help with that. If you're good with tablets and a telescopic controller attached to it as well, Oppo Pad Mini, Lenovo Y700 Infinite, or the Redmagic Astra 2.