At the moment, a handheld gaming console is top-rated. Yes, you can play games on the go since the Game Boy, but the huge success of the Nintendo Switch and the continued growth of mobile computers have made it possible for many new devices to let you play all sorts of great games anywhere. But it can be hard to figure out which game handheld is best for you.
As you already know, the Switch is a great game. But the right handheld could cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000, based on what you want to play. We’ve researched the best handheld gaming consoles and tried the main contenders, ranging from big portable PCs to small emulation machines, to help you make your choice.
Nintendo Switch OLED
The Nintendo Switch OLED is the best handheld gaming console that the company makes right now. Not only does it have the same internals as the regular Nintendo Switch, but the screen is much better. The best Nintendo Switch games look even better on the 7-inch OLED screen.
With a price tag of $348.90, the Nintendo Switch OLED is much less expensive than many of the other options on this list, especially the portable PCs. But this lower price does affect speed, which means that many ported games, like Mortal Kombat 1, can start to run slowly. People who mostly play on the TV in docked mode will notice this the most, though, which makes it much easier to suggest portable play.
This version also comes with a much better kickstand and speakers, making playing in pocket mode much more enjoyable. The Nintendo Switch OLED works with all of the games that came with the original Nintendo Switch. This means that you can play amazing exclusive games like Animal Crossing: New Leaf and Splatoon 3 right away.
Notable features:
- Limited Edition Mario Design: Exclusive Mario-themed aesthetics for a unique and nostalgic touch.
- Versatile Multiplayer: Supports local co-op, local wireless play, and online multiplayer options.
- Detachable Joy-Con Controllers: Customize your gaming experience with detachable controllers for solo or multiplayer action.
- Adjustable Stand: Wide, adjustable stand for comfortable tabletop gaming.
- Home of Mario: Nintendo Switch is the ultimate destination for Mario and other family-friendly series.
- Comprehensive Bundle: Complete package with Nintendo Switch Console – OLED Model, Mario Red Dock, Joy-Con controllers, and essential accessories.
- Limited Availability: Act fast – this limited-edition Mario Red design is available while supplies last.
Steam Deck
The Steam Deck, Valve’s attempt to make a handheld gaming console, is one of the most anticipated new products in recent years.
It’s a big job, but Valve mostly manages to finish it. Even though you might think the Steam Deck is similar to the Nintendo Switch, it’s more like a game laptop.
If you’re a PC gamer with many games in your Steam library and are used to the bugs and quirks that come with PC games, then you’ll probably love the Steam Deck and not mind its flaws.
You might be let down if you’re used to platform games that are more polished and keep things as straightforward as possible.
But the Steam Deck has some flaws that make it interesting. These flaws are sometimes caused by the device’s flexibility, which is something that regular devices can’t do. Pretty much any USB-C hub will work. Connect a monitor or TV and play games on the big screen. The Steam Deck can also be used in desktop mode, which lets you install several Linux apps and turns it into a full-fledged small PC. Even other operating systems, like Windows 11, can be put on it.
Notable features:
- Powerful Hardware: Custom AMD APU with Zen 2 architecture and RDNA 2 GPU for high gaming performance.
- Versatile Controls: Thumbsticks, trackpads, and gyro controls for diverse gaming experiences.
- Customizable Storage: Expandable storage using microSD cards for flexible game installations.
- Open Platform: Install native Linux games not on Steam, making it an open gaming platform.
- OLED Screen: The Steam Deck OLED variant promises an improved display, longer battery life, and faster Wi-Fi.
- Compatibility with Other Stores: Use other game stores besides Steam for increased accessibility.
Asus ROG Ally
The Nintendo Switch’s success revived the handheld console business. Sony and Microsoft haven’t responded, but PC gaming competitors have surged.
Valve’s Steam Deck was one of the more surprising entries. The Steam Deck was an instant hit due to its custom software for the Steam store and economical hardware.
Asus launched the ROG Ally to enter the fight. Asus, like other manufacturers, includes Windows 11 in their products. You no longer need Steam to download games and have a full Windows PC in a tiny size factor. Adding the new AMD Ryzen Z1 series processors, 120Hz VRR display, and ROG flashing lights makes for an exciting device.
Notable features:
- Stunning Visuals: 7-inch 1080p touchscreen, 120Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync for tear-free gaming.
- Incredible Power: AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, 8 cores, 16 threads, 8.6 TFlops computational power.
- Amazing Graphics: AMD RDNA3 Architecture-based Graphics, 4GB VRAM, 12 compute units.
- Blazing Fast Memory & Storage: 16GB LPDDR5 6400 RAM, 512GB PCIe SSD for quick app switching and ample game storage.
- Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth for versatile wireless communication.
Nintendo Switch Lite
We recommend the Nintendo Switch Lite for budget shoppers at $199.99. The compact size makes it ideal for portable play because it may fit in a bag or large pocket. Bright colors like blue, pink, purple, grey, and yellow are also available.
We found the thick plastic design more sturdy than the original Nintendo Switch model, which is perfect if you drop or scratch your consoles. Since Joy-Con controllers are permanently attached to the machine, they are impossible to lose when traveling.
The screen is smaller, but it operates at 720p like the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch OLED, so performance and visuals aren’t affected. The smaller size may make the image sharper. Unfortunately, the Nintendo Switch Lite cannot dock or play games on a TV. Consider this before buying.
Notable features:
- Affordable Handheld Gaming: Enjoy handheld Nintendo Switch gaming at a budget-friendly price.
- Family-Friendly: Designed for every family member, the Nintendo Switch Lite offers a gaming solution for everyone.
- Optimized for Handheld Play: Specifically tailored for personal, handheld gaming with a compact and lightweight design.
- Sleek Unibody Design: Boasts a stylish unibody design with integrated controls and a built-in plus Control Pad for a seamless gaming experience.
- Game Compatibility: Compatible with all physical and digital Nintendo Switch games that support Handheld mode, ensuring a vast library of gaming options.
Retroid Pocket 3+
Android handheld gaming consoles like the Retroid Pocket 3+ have less power than Steam Decks or portable Windows PCs, therefore they can only play modern games via cloud streaming. If you want a portable to imitate older games, this is a pleasant and reasonable option around $180-$200.
We liked the Pocket 3 in 2022. Similar to the Pocket 3 but with a better chipset (Unisoc T618) and additional RAM (4GB). Like a tiny Nintendo Switch Lite, it’s slim, lightweight (235g), and ergonomic enough to carry for long periods. Though small, the 4.7-inch touch display is bright and saturated with a brilliant 750 x 1,334 resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio, making it ideal for cloud streaming and PSP emulation. Some older consoles have borders. Some hardware glitches remain: Face buttons are beady, start and select buttons are weirdly located on the left, and triggers aren’t pressure-sensitive. Though shallow, the joysticks are smooth and accurate. The Pocket 3+ is sturdy and portable for its price.
Notable features:
- Improved Performance: Enhanced for a smoother gaming experience.
- Handheld Design: Compact and portable for on-the-go gaming.
- Retro Gaming Compatibility: Tailored for classic gaming systems.
- Upgraded Model: A newer version addressing previous shortcomings.
Logitech G Cloud
The Logitech G Cloud is an Android handheld with a bright 7-inch screen that is easier to use than similar models like the Retroid Pocket 3+ or AYN Odin. This handheld gaming console is great at making games feel like they are really happening, but at $300, its regular price, it may not be the best deal. Still, the Logitech G Cloud stands out because of its ergonomic design and ease of purchase, making it a great choice for players who want a portable gaming device that is easy to use and comfortable.
Notable features:
- Cloud Gaming System: Play AAA titles seamlessly at 1080p 60fps via Wi-Fi and cloud gaming subscriptions, no downloads needed.
- Multiple Cloud Services: Integrates with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) and NVIDIA GeForce NOW, plus additional cloud services via Google Play.
- Remote Play: Take gaming on the go with Xbox Remote Play and Steam Link apps.
- Immersive Display: 7-inch Full HD touchscreen, 60Hz refresh rate, and full-screen 16:9 gaming experience.
- Handheld Convenience: Lightweight at 463g with a 12+ hour battery life for extended gaming sessions.
- Ergonomic Design: Gaming-grade controls with haptics, gyroscope, and remappable controls. (Note: Some features may require an online subscription.)
Analogue Pocket
Analogue Pocket is the best Game Boy. We remarked in our review that the vertical design resembled a fancy Nintendo handheld. This handheld gaming console layout works with the Game Boy Camera and other ancient accessories. The Pocket includes two extra face buttons, two back triggers, a microSD card, a USB-C port, and a six-to-10-hour rechargeable battery than the original. Most significantly, its 3.5-inch lighted, sharp (615 ppi) display may look like an old Game Boy panel with numerous filter options. With an extra dock, it can output to TV.
Unlike classic handhelds, the Pocket plays cartridges, not ROMs. It supports Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games via cartridge slot and Sega Game Gear (later TurboGrafx-16 and Atari Lynx) games via adapters. As with Analogue devices, the Pocket emulates target systems using FPGA motherboards. The Pocket’s “emulation” of prior games is near-perfect, with responsiveness and visual authenticity software can’t match. Play it as nature intended on a Game Boy or GBA cartridge.
Notable features:
- FPGA Precision: Ensures accurate emulation without lag.
- Multi-Platform Compatibility: Works with Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges.
- Vibrant Display: 3.5-inch LCD screen with 1600×1440 resolution for sharp visuals.
- Quality Build: Sleek aluminum body, ergonomic controls, and responsive button layout.
- Portable Music Creation: Built-in DAW for music composition on the go.
- Rechargeable Battery: Long-lasting lithium-ion battery for extended gameplay.
- Optional Accessories: Analogue Dock for TV connection and Analogue Pocket Adapter for syncing and charging.
Playdate
The Playdate, from software developer and Untitled Goose Game publisher Panic, may be the most niche device in this list. The little yellow box has a 2.7-inch monochrome display, two face buttons, a d-pad, and a crank on its side. It is extraordinarily little, measuring three inches tall and 0.18 pounds. Our review labeled it a Game Boy business card hybrid. Its game catalog is mostly eccentric indies that focus on one or two basic ideas rather than packing in many mechanics. A few dozen of these games are included with the Playdate, others are available in a built-in store, and hundreds more may be sideloaded on Itch.io.
Notable features:
- Crank Mechanism: Unique interactive feature enhancing gameplay creativity.
- Monochrome Display: 2.7-inch black-and-white screen for a retro aesthetic.
- Seasonal Game Delivery: Curated game selection upon purchase, with weekly additions.
- Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities for updates and potential multiplayer experiences.
- Compact Design: Pocket-sized for on-the-go gaming convenience.
- Stereo Sound Options: Built-in stereo speaker or headphone jack for personalized audio.
- Open Development Platform: Encourages diverse game creation by independent developers.
Ayaneo 2
The Ayaneo 2S is a good choice to the Asus ROG Ally. This handheld gaming console has a bigger battery, a brighter and sharper 7-inch 1200p display, and more configuration options. Some tests show that it can work better than the ROG Ally in the same settings, and it’s easy to hold for long periods of time. But it costs a few hundred dollars more than the ROG Ally and still doesn’t work as well as other Windows handhelds when it comes to efficiency. Also, the speed rate is stuck at 60Hz, which is fine but not as fast as Asus’ 120Hz panel. There’s a lot to like about the 2S if you’re ready to spend more than $1,000 on the fastest hardware (for now), but the ROG Ally is faster for most people and costs less.
Notable features:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 6800U, “Zen 3+” framework, 8 cores, 16 threads, 4.7 GHz Single Core MAX Frequency.
- Graphics: AMD Radeon 680M, RDNA 2 graphics framework, 12 graphics cores, 2200 MHz graphics Frequency.
- Display: 7-inch Full Glass IPS Screen, 1920X1200 resolution, 323PPI, sRGB 135%, 1200:1 DC contrast, 400 nits Brightness.
- I/O Ports: Two Full Function Type-C (USB4), one Data Type-C (USB 3.2), Micro SD card Slot (Max 2TB Expansion), 3.5mm Audio Port.
- Network: AX210 Wifi 6, BT 5.2.
- Battery: 13050 mAh for extended gaming sessions.
- Design: Compact size at 264.5mm x 105mm x 36mm (Thinnest part), weight approximately 660 grams.
- Re-installation Process: User-friendly system OS re-installation with a simple button combination and automatic process (8-10 minutes).
OnexPlayer
An impressive 8.4″ 2.5K display makes the ONEXP PLAYER perfect for a palm-sized PC. It provides a beautiful watching experience with delicate and detailed images. It has Dual Vibration Motors that make games like fights and racing more realistic by letting your hand feel the shock. The device has multiple modes, including game system, desktop office, and large-screen TV modes. It also has two USB4.0 ports that can connect to external 4K monitors.
It also has a high-fidelity dual-speaker system that provides immersive sound for games and videos, making the entertainment experience more fun. The ONEXP PLAYER is only 819 grams, but it has a lot of powerful features. This makes it easy to carry around for entertainment, gaming, and mobile office chores. Please keep in mind that the keyboard is not included and needs to be bought separately.
Notable features:
- 8.4” 2.5K Display: Offers a gorgeous viewing experience with delicate and detailed images, suitable for a palm-sized PC.
- Dual Vibration Motors: Provides a real hand-feeling of shock in games like fighting or racing, enhancing the gaming experience.
- Versatile Modes: Offers game console, desktop office, and large-screen TV modes, with dual USB4.0 ports supporting external 4K monitors.
- High-Fidelity Dual-Speaker System: Delivers immersive sound for gaming and videos, ensuring a more engaging entertainment experience.
- Lightweight Design: Weighs 819 grams, making it convenient to carry for gaming, mobile office tasks, and entertainment.
- Note: The keyboard is not included and requires an additional purchase.
Final Thoughts
Handheld gaming consoles is always changing, but two gadgets have stood out. With its innovative hybrid design, the Nintendo Switch combines handheld and console gaming in a way that feels natural. It comes with a huge library of famous games, including “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and “Super Mario Odyssey.” On the other hand, the Steam Deck, which is no longer being made, left a lasting impression with its powerful hardware and wide range of games, which were made even better by the ability to play games remotely with the PC Games
As technology improves, the future of handheld games is still interesting and full of possibilities for newbies and new ideas. In the end, what makes the best handheld gaming system depends on the person, whether they like the Nintendo Switch’s versatility, the technological brilliance of older models like the PlayStation Vita, or the new devices that are coming out in this fast-paced gaming niche.
For more gaming gear options visit: Gaming Gears.
- SEO Powered Content & PR Distribution. Get Amplified Today.
- PlatoData.Network Vertical Generative Ai. Empower Yourself. Access Here.
- PlatoAiStream. Web3 Intelligence. Knowledge Amplified. Access Here.
- PlatoESG. Carbon, CleanTech, Energy, Environment, Solar, Waste Management. Access Here.
- PlatoHealth. Biotech and Clinical Trials Intelligence. Access Here.
- Source: https://marksangryreview.com/best-handheld-console/
