We love some gaming-on-the-go here at SPCR: the best handheld game consoles are fantastic portable solutions to commuting boredom or playing our favorites from any room at home. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know what the best option is for a simple, portable gaming solution.
That’s where we come in: we’ve put together a list of the best peripherals for handheld gaming available on the market now. Whether you’re an avid console gamer looking to take the plunge into handheld or just looking to sink some time with a great game, we’ve got some phenomenal choices for you!
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02Best Hybrid Handheld Game Console:
Best Handheld Game Console: Steam Deck OLED
Valve Steam Deck OLED
Storage Capacity
512GB
Operating System
Linux
Battery Life
3-12 hours
- Fantastic game performance
- Mod support
- Console-rivalling storage and power
- Prone to crashing
- Bulky
- Limited battery life
The only downside to PC Gaming is the physical limitations: you are rooted to your desk for the entire gaming session, with minimal comfort and movement. Valve’s solution? The Steam Deck: a powerful and portable console that combines the strengths of both PC and console gaming into a fearsome package. If you’ve ever wanted to take your Steam library with you, now you can.
Boasting computing hardware that rivals current-generation consoles, the Steam Deck can run most modern games without an issue. With the base model coming with over 500GB of storage, there’s plenty of room for your entire Steam Library – and with mods! Thanks to the native SteamOS, you can install Workshop addons onto Steam Deck games with ease, making for one of the most customizable gaming experiences anywhere at any time. And if you want a more traditional console experience, you can plug the Steam Deck right into a TV and use the device as though it were a console peripheral. We also recommend the newer Steam Deck OLED over the original LCD model, as the quality increase is literally shown on-screen with an improved display for handheld gaming!
There are some notable gripes, however. Outside of SteamOS (which effectively runs as a small Big Picture Mode), the base Linux platform isn’t the most stable and can cause your entire device to crash often – and seemingly at random. Even this far from the February 2023 release, it is still riddled with game-breaking software issues. Being a few inches north of pocket-sized, you’ll also have to store your Steam Deck in a bag whenever it’s not in use. For the same price as a Playstation 5 or Playstation 5 Slim for the non-OLED option, there are some notable instabilities.
If you get lucky with your software issues and don’t mind a little extra weight in your bag, however, then the Steam Deck is the best handheld game console on the market! With features and benefits that only a Valve console could ever have, this is the perfect choice for gaming on the go!
Best Steam Deck Alternative: ASUS ROG Ally
ASUS ROG Ally 7″ 120Hz FHD IPS 1080p Gaming Handheld
Screen Size
7 Inches
Ram Memory Installed Size
16 GB
Resolution
1080p
Graphics Coprocessor
AMD Radeon RDNA 3
- High computational power
- Well-designed
- Unstable
- Expensive
Though it isn’t an official Valve product, the ROG Ally is a competitively powerful alternative handheld to the Steam Deck, packed with powerful processing tech that is sure to satisfy the needs of the traveling PC Gamer.
With a maximum frame rate of 60 frames-per-second, the ROG Ally actually beats out our top pick for performance, as the Steam Deck OLED can only reach 40fps. The ROG Ally boasts a neat design, with ergonomic controls and a neat interface. Even the latest releases are handled easily buy the powerful CPU and GPU held in this tiny peripheral. Running on Windows OS makes this handheld a little more stable than other handheld peripherals, but not by much…
The core theme of handheld gaming consoles is instability, lacking the crash security that a dedicated PC can often provide. On paper, it may look like the ROG Ally is the better console than the Steam Deck, but in practice is just as buggy and unreliable. It could be some time before either console is a fully dependable handheld gaming experience. And with upcoming releases like the MSI Claw vying for a similar spot, this may not be the best Steam Deck alternative forever…
In the meantime, though, if you are looking for premium handheld power, the ASUS ROG Ally is the best option – just cross your fingers that it doesn’t break down!
Best Hybrid Handheld Game Console: Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch with Gray Joy‑Con
Item Dimensions
14 x 8 x 3.5 inches
Item Weight
3.75 lbs
- Exclusive titles
- Multiple ways to play
- 8-player multiplayer support
- Tiny storage capacity
- Limited battery life
- Outdated
It’s hard to believe that the Nintendo Switch first released in 2017. One of the most versatile consoles ever designed, Nintendo’s innovatively-designed Switch handheld console is the only way to play the latest entries into some of the biggest game franchises on the planet, and has a low enough price to be a great budget handheld console for someone looking for a multi-function console on the move.
The Switch comes in two main units: the console stand that doubles as a charging port, and the controller with detachable Joy-Cons. You can choose to keep the controller as standard and prop the Switch on a kick-stand for a miniaturized console gaming experience, or slot the Joy-Cons on either side of the screen for a fully handheld experience – or even detach the Joy-Cons and use the motion control systems to play your favorite games. With multiplayer support and a host of fantastic exclusives, the Switch is also much more affordable as a base unit than many other handheld consoles on the market!
That said, the Switch isn’t the spring chicken it used to be: the OS is notably clunky and in dire need of an update, and the base storage space is a pitiful 32GB. And despite Nintendo boasting one of the best selections of franchise IPs on the planet, there are only a handful of noteworthy Switch titles. Like the Steam Deck, the OLED version of the Switch is worth the upgrade, if you can afford it, for a sheer upgrade in quality and storage. Alternatively, the Switch Lite loses some of the versatility, but also loses a little of the price tag.
With all that said, the Switch’s age has led to a reduction in price, and it remains a fun if flawed game experience that you can pick up on a budget.
Best Smartphone for Gaming: ASUS ROG Phone 6D
ASUS ROG Phone 6D
Storage Capacity
512GB
OS
Android 12
Screen Size and Resolution
6.7″, 2448p x 1080p
- Ultra-powerful gaming smartphone
- High-resolution screen
- Great customization options
- Expensive
- Results may vary
If you’re looking for a handheld game console you can take everywhere, why not choose a device you take with you anyway? ASUS’ flagship gaming smartphone is a super-powerful device that you can fit in your pocket, boasting some of the best features of both modern smartphones and modern gaming peripherals.
The ROG Phone 6D rivals some gaming PCs for computational power, with a high-capacity battery and CPU that is capable of running current-generation games. You can use it just as well as any other smartphone, running on Android OS and with access to all the usual amenities, but with some additional customization through the Armory Crate app.
There are some notable issues with the ROG Phone 6D, however, that may put you off buying in favor of one of the more established phone retailers. The build quality can vary from model to model, especially in regards to the AeroActive cooling technology. It is also retailing for a price that would make Bruce Wayne blush: you could buy at least two of the other consoles here for the same money – and still have some spare!
But if you want a truly revolutionary gaming experience in your pocket, then the ASUS ROG Phone 6D is the best gaming smartphone on the market!
Best Retro Handheld Game Console: Retroid Pocket 3 Plus
Retroid Pocket 3 Plus
Storage Capacity
128GB
OS
Android 11
Dimensions
7.27″ x 3.2″ x 0.95″
- Sturdy build quality
- Versatile streaming
- Small model
- Some stability issues
- Expensive
For emulating handheld classics of the N64 or GameBoy era, the Retroid Pocket 3 Plus is a reliable and well-designed retro-style handheld game console.
With a design that hearkens back to older generations of handheld devices, the Pocket 3 Plus actually has quite a sturdy build quality – unlike many other retro emulators, which take too much inspiration from the flimsy designs of the past. The controls are smooth, the screen is easily-legible and the performance is great even on modern-era games. Streaming games to your device, similar to the Playstation Portal, means that you are able to access any games in your library – but you can stick with the old-school ones for authenticity’s sake. And for playing whilst off-network, you have 128GB of storage to fill. What’s more, unlike the bulkier Steam Deck or Switch, the Pocket 3 Plus lives up to its name and is actually pocket-sized: you can truly take this console anywhere.
So why isn’t this our pick for the best handheld game console? There are some notable flaws in the Pocket 3 Plus that do spoil the picture. The built-in speakers are tinny and downward-facing, which mean you often end up covering them with your hands during gameplay. The price is also quite biting, rivaling that of the Nintendo Switch for – once again – a potentially unstable experience.
There is more to like than not with the Retroid Pocket 3 Plus, however. If you want to play through four generations of PlayStation games all on the same device, with a dose of GameCube or Xbox for good measure, then this is easily the best retro handheld on the market today!
Features to Consider
Whether you’re after the best or budget handheld games console, there are a few considerations to make:
Battery Life
If you’re looking to do a lot of gaming on the go, then battery life is an important consideration. For more computationally intensive games, the battery life can be as little as two hours. Though you can always pack a charger, make sure your console of choice has a decently-rated battery life for maximum playtime.
Brand
Though most games are released on multiple platforms, many titles are exclusive to one manufacturer. If there are particular games that you are eager to play, make sure to check that they will be available on that platform!
Screen Type
Whilst the older models of handheld consoles used LCD screens, more recent versions now use higher-quality OLED screens for better picture resolution. You can save money on the LCD screens, but lose definition.
Size
A big draw of the best handheld game consoles is that they are, of course, hand-held. But there are a lot of different size variations in that category: if you often travel without a bag, you’ll need to fit your handheld into a pocket. Similarly, the size of the screen is important: the bigger, the better – so long as it doesn’t make the model too bulky.
Storage
Most handheld game consoles have some form of internal storage for games, but the amount can vary. If you like being spoiled for choice when gaming, you’ll want a console with three-figure storage. Some also offer the option to stream games directly from another device, which saves on storage space but can be demanding on your bandwidth. We recommend a high-caliber router for gaming if this is your preferred way to play.
What is the best handheld game console for children?
Nintendo Switch Lite – Blue
Item Dimensions
2.76 x 7.8 x 7.09 inches
Item Weight
1.54 lbs
With all the benefits of a Nintendo console combined with a streamlined design, the Nintendo Switch Lite is a great handheld console for kids! Affordable, durable, and with an array of fun games for the whole family; the Switch Lite is great for parents wanting to introduce gaming to their children!
Handheld versus Console: Which is Better?
There are a number of subjective qualities in the debate between handheld consoles and traditional towers. Handheld consoles are generally limited in performance and battery life, but you can’t take a PS5 with you! Consoles guarantee quality, whereas handheld guarantees comfort. At the same time, it’s worth considering that console manufacturers are now beginning to offer handheld peripherals for consoles, giving you a mix of the best features from both. Sony recently released the PlayStation Portal: a great handheld addon for their flagship console allowing you to stream the latest games to your lap with ease.
Technically, the Ally ROG has more computational power than the Steam Deck, but both still have major stability issues that can make or break your game experience. Valve is renowned for its support, however, and the Steam Deck will likely become the more reliable model at a faster rate.
For a relatively affordable game experience, the Nintendo Switch is one of the more budget-friendly consoles, and is easy to play anywhere in multiple configurations. However, it is of the previous console generation, and may become defunct quickly. Rumors are circulating of a possible Nintendo Switch 2 that will be announced, and possibly released, in 2024
Whilst game emulators are legal, illegally purchasing or copying games to use on them is a serious piracy offense. Many manufacturers take harsh legal action against pirated emulations of their games, as they breach numerous copyright laws. So long as you bought the game legitimately, you should have no problem using an emulator!
In Summary
That concludes our choices for the best handheld game consoles! Whether you want something ergonomic to emulate the favorites of the past, or want the latest and greatest games in the palm of your hand, these are the best choices available now!
