Rise of Mobile Gaming & Handheld Gaming

A New Era of Gaming

Mobile and handheld gaming have exploded in popularity, becoming a major force in the global gaming industry. What once was seen as a casual or on-the-go alternative has evolved into a serious gaming platform, thanks to the power and performance of modern devices. In 2025, we’re witnessing handheld consoles rival traditional setups—not just in power, but in experience.

As more gamers transition to portable systems, one technical challenge becomes increasingly clear: these devices don’t offer wired connections. They rely solely on WiFi, and that’s where UrbanX steps in.

The Handheld Revolution: Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck & ASUS ROG Ally

The market is surging with advanced handheld consoles that blur the line between mobile and full-scale gaming. Three of the most influential devices today include:

Nintendo Switch 2:
Building on the massive success of the original, this console combines handheld freedom with upgraded specs, improved battery life, and support for major AAA titles. It’s the go-to for players who want both portability and classic Nintendo experiences.
Steam Deck:
Valve’s handheld PC gaming device has opened up access to thousands of Steam games on the go. With a Linux-based OS, high-performance AMD APU, and desktop-level flexibility, it’s a portable machine built for serious PC gamers.
ASUS ROG Ally (Xbox Edition):
Powered by Windows 11 and tightly integrated with Xbox Game Pass, the ROG Ally delivers high refresh rate gaming on the go. It handles everything from indie hits to next-gen titles without breaking a sweat.

These devices are revolutionising how—and where—we play games. But they all share one important limitation: no Ethernet port. That makes reliable, fast WiFi an absolute must.

Why Fast, Reliable WiFi is Critical

Unlike traditional consoles or gaming PCs that benefit from Ethernet cables for the lowest latency, handheld and mobile gaming platforms depend entirely on WiFi. That makes your wireless internet setup the make-or-break factor in your experience.

Poor WiFi can lead to:

Lag in online multiplayer titles
Slow download speeds for massive game files
Frustrating connection drops during gameplay or cloud syncing

UrbanX offers a solution purpose-built for gamers who rely on wireless connectivity.

How UrbanX Delivers Gaming-Grade Wireless Performance

UrbanX is South Africa’s premier gaming-focused ISP, offering Fibre packages tailored for low-latency, high-throughput wireless gaming. Here’s why UrbanX WiFi stands out:

WiFi 6 Routers:
Included with all supported packages, ensuring stronger, faster connections—even in high device-density homes.
Optimised Latency Paths:
Direct peering with major game publishers means smoother connections with popular games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Apex Legends.
Consistent Speeds:
UrbanX maintains strict network traffic prioritisation to ensure gaming packets get delivered with minimal jitter or delay.

Whether you’re cloud-streaming via Xbox Cloud Gaming, downloading your Steam library, or syncing game saves to the cloud, UrbanX ensures your handheld performs at its peak.

Mobile Gaming: The Numbers Speak

To understand how significant this sector has become:

In 2024, mobile and handheld gaming accounted for over 50% of global gaming revenue.
Handheld device shipments are expected to surpass 90 million units globally by 2026, led by players like Nintendo, Valve, and ASUS.
Titles once exclusive to consoles—like Resident Evil Village or Cyberpunk 2077—are now playable on portable platforms thanks to better processing and streaming capabilities.

Gaming isn’t tied to a desk anymore. It’s in your hands, on the couch, at the airport—and that freedom depends on world-class WiFi.

Future-Proof Your Gaming Setup for Mobile & Handheld Devices

As more advanced handhelds emerge, the demand for rock-solid WiFi will only grow. With 4K portable displays, real-time multiplayer features, and expansive game downloads, older networks simply can’t keep up.

UrbanX’s commitment to Fibre-powered WiFi ensures you’re ready—not just for today’s gaming needs, but for what’s coming next. No more frustrating buffering screens or dropped sessions. Just uninterrupted gameplay, wherever you are at home.

The Freedom to Game Anywhere—Reliably

Handheld gaming is no longer an afterthought. It's become the heart of the gaming experience for a new generation. With the rise of mobile gaming and devices like the Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck, and ASUS ROG Ally, the demand for flawless wireless connectivity is at an all-time high.

UrbanX understands this shift. That’s why we’ve engineered our service to support the evolving needs of mobile and handheld gamers. If you’re gaming without Ethernet, you need the next best thing: fast, responsive, and uninterrupted Fibre-powered WiFi.

Power your handheld gaming with UrbanX.
Because in a wireless world, not all WiFi is created equal.