Handheld Game Console Repairability Scores
You have the right to repair the things you own—but how easily can that be done?
To find out, our engineers tear down the latest game consoles and score their repairability from zero (unrepairable) to ten (easiest to repair) so you can pick a product that is easy to repair and lasts as long as possible.
What makes a repairable device?
It should be straightforward to disassemble and replace whatever’s broken, using parts and instructions supplied (or endorsed) by the manufacturer. But that’s just to start—repairability means so much more. For full details, see our repairability scoring explainer.
Repairability is a moving target
We update our scoring rubric frequently to stay current with new technologies, materials, and design trends. This means that devices scored in years past might not fare exactly the same if they were re-scored today, but they can be readily compared with their contemporaries. For a precise list of criteria used to calculate each score, click the scorecard version number linked to each device below. For a downloadable (CSV) list of all scores, click here.
Handheld Game Console Scores
Sorted by newest to oldest
ROG Xbox Ally X
2025
PROS
- The battery, thumbsticks, fan, and storage are modular and straightforward to replace.
- Asus provides a good selection of repair parts and instructions.
CONS
- The charge port and most buttons are soldered to the main board.
Nintendo Switch 2
2025
PROS
- Joystick replacement is possible, but tougher than on the original Switch.
CONS
- The battery and display are glued in place, and the charge ports are soldered to the main board.
- Nintendo has yet to provide any repair instructions or replacement parts.
Retroid Pocket 5
2024
PROS
- The battery, thumbsticks, and fan are straightforward to replace, as are many of the buttons.
- The display and front shell assembly can be replaced if you’re patient.
CONS
- The storage and charge port are soldered to the main board.
- Retroid does not provide repair parts or instructions.
AYN Odin 2
2023
PROS
- The fan, thumbsticks, bumpers, and triggers are straightforward to access; the battery is secured with friendly stretch-release adhesive tabs.
CONS
- Ports and device storage are integrated with the motherboard.
- Although AYN provides replacement button boards, buttons, and thumbsticks, no batteries, screens, fans, or repair manuals are available.
Steam Deck OLED
2023
PROS
- The opening procedure is simple and straightforward, and most components are modular and repairable.
- Standard M.2 storage is user-replaceable and upgradeable.
- Valve offers original replacement parts and repair instructions for end users.
CONS
- The battery is strongly glued in place, and the charge port is soldered to the motherboard.
ASUS ROG Ally
2023
PROS
- The battery, display, thumbsticks, fan, and storage are modular and straightforward to replace.
- Asus provides a good selection of repair parts and instructions.
CONS
- The charge port and most buttons are soldered to the main board.
Steam Deck (LCD)
2022
PROS
- The opening procedure is simple and straightforward, and most components are modular and repairable.
- Standard M.2 storage is user-replaceable and upgradeable.
- Valve offers original replacement parts and repair instructions for end users.
CONS
- The battery is strongly glued in place, and the charge port is soldered to the motherboard.
AYANEO NEXT Pro
2022
PROS
- Storage is modular and uses a standard interface.
CONS
- Battery replacements are tougher than they should be; display and charge port replacements are impractical.
- Ayaneo offers minimal repair instructions and no replacement parts.
Nintendo Switch OLED
2021
PROS
- The fan and thumbsticks are reasonably straightforward to access.
CONS
- Strong adhesives hamper battery and display repairs, and the USB-C port is soldered to the main board.
- Nintendo offers no repair parts or instructions.
Nintendo Switch Lite
2019
PROS
- The fan and thumbsticks are reasonably straightforward to access.
CONS
- Strong adhesives hamper battery and display repairs, and the USB-C port is soldered to the main board.
- Nintendo offers no repair parts or instructions.
Nintendo Switch
2017
PROS
- Many components are modular and replaceable: fan, digitizer, joysticks, game card reader, storage, etc.
CONS
- The battery and display are glued down, and the USB-C port is soldered to the main board.
- Nintendo offers no repair parts or instructions.
Sega Game Gear
1991
PROS
- It’s really cool!
- Standard AA batteries are quick to replace, even if the short runtime means frequent changes.
CONS
- The screen and most buttons are integrated with the mainboard, but the barrel jack is replaceable.
- SEGA never offered official repair parts or instructions.
