Why and how to optimize your games for handheld devices

It’s the future, and as a developer, you should jump on this train right now.

Two weeks ago, Microsoft Gaming boss Phil Spencer announced that Microsoft was planning to release an Xbox handheld device. And just last week, Sony also made waves by announcing that the new PlayStation Portal update will allow players to stream PS5 games from the cloud (effectively turning the PlayStation Portal into a fully functional portable gaming device)

Those moves were not just surprise announcements: it is a clear signal that the 2 largest players in the gaming industry are now betting on the future of portable gaming.?These announcements come on the heels of the rising popularity of other handheld devices, such as the Steam Deck and the ROG Ally.

The demand for handheld gaming is evident, yet despite the appeal of these devices, only 27% of games on Steam are currently Deck Verified. This gap between demand and optimized supply presents a unique opportunity for developers.

For developers, this is a chance to gain a competitive advantage in a crowded market. By adapting to this shift now, you can set yourself apart and get ahead of the competition.

Let’s dive into why optimizing your games for handheld devices is crucial, and how you can effectively do so.

The Handheld Gaming Console Market will Reach $18.4B By 2032

Today, portable devices are no longer Nintendo's exclusive domain. In recent years, handheld consoles have moved beyond being just a curiosity for early adopters; They’ve become a cornerstone of modern gaming.

The handheld gaming console market size is valued at $8.1B in 2023 and is anticipated to reach $18.4B by 2032 at a CAGR of 9.6% (source).

Historically, Nintendo held a unique position in the handheld market, catering primarily to younger audiences. However, the landscape began to change with the introduction of the Steam Deck, which opened the doors to a new wave of portable devices designed for a more diverse audience.

This impressive growth is a clear indication that portable gaming is here to stay, driven by consumer demand for flexibility and portability in their gaming experiences.

The housing space and the cloud

This surge in portable innovation reflects a broader shift in our life habits, especially for younger generations who are more inclined to play: we are moving more frequently and living in smaller spaces.

The concept of a fixed, bulky gaming setup is becoming increasingly impractical for many.

For example, in the UK, homes became 16% smaller between 2016 and 2021, even as house prices continued to rise. This trend is (sadly) not improving, and it’s having a real impact on how people live and, consequently, how they game. For many people, there’s no room - or energy - for a dedicated gaming corner. Instead, they crave flexibility and efficiency, making portable and cloud-based solutions more attractive.

In this context, cloud gaming technology is becoming an even more compelling option.

It’s no wonder that Microsoft recently launched a major ad campaign amid the housing crisis in the US. People want and "need" to continue gaming, and with the cloud, they are making it easier for players to enjoy gaming on their own terms - even in challenging living environments...

List of Recommandations to Optimize Your Game for Handheld Devices

You got it: Optimizing for handheld devices is essential for your audience and will grant you more visibility in the short and long term.

???? So here are key recommendations to make sure your game is handheld-ready:

1. Controller Compatibility: Ensure full support for controllers and portable gaming controls. All major functions should be accessible using the default controller configuration, without requiring additional input devices.
2. Adjustable UI and Readable Text: Adapt your user interface for smaller screens. Make sure all in-game text is legible, even at arm's length. The UI should be scaled appropriately to ensure players can easily navigate menus and access information.
3. Optimized Performance: Handheld devices obviously have hardware limitations compared to high-end PCs and consoles. But players know that, and they're ok with it. So focus on optimizing frame rates vs resolution in order to maintain a smooth performance. It takes time, but it's worth it...
4. Battery Efficiency: Minimize power consumption by optimizing graphics, animations, and background processes. You don't want your players to ask for a refund before 2 hours of gameplay, because they couldn't last for 1 hour...
5. Native Resolution Support: Support the native resolution of the most popular handheld devices, like 1280x800 or 1920x1080. Ensuring compatibility with these resolutions can significantly improve visual quality and reduce performance bottlenecks.
6. Cloud Save Integration: Handheld gamers often switch between devices. Integrate cloud save functionality so players can easily pick up where they left off, regardless of the device they are using.
7. Simple Launch Experience: Avoid adding unnecessary launchers (?? big publishers) or additional screens that are difficult to navigate using handheld controls. The game should be quick to start and easy to access without cumbersome extras.
8. Control Scheme Flexibility: Provide customizable control schemes to cater to the diverse needs of handheld players. MANY gamers appreciate the ability to remap buttons and adjust sensitivity to match their comfort level.
9. Reduced Installation Size: Handheld devices often have limited storage. Keep installation size manageable by compressing assets where possible without compromising quality.
10. Test your game!: No need to test on all of the existing devices out there, just invest money and time in the most popular one: the Steam Deck.

By implementing these recommendations, you can ensure that your game delivers an enjoyable experience on handheld devices, ultimately broadening your reach.

Consider this: when new players unbox their handheld devices during the holiday season, their first action is often to explore top-selling games compatible with their new hardware - like the Top 100 games played on Steam Deck.