Play On the Go: Top Handheld Game Consoles for Gamers

In the world of gaming, handheld consoles have revolutionized the way we play on the go. From the iconic Nintendo Game Boy to the latest Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally, these portable devices have come a long way, offering a blend of power, portability, and nostalgia. Whether you’re a fan of retro games, Nintendo exclusives, or PC gaming, there’s a handheld console tailored to your needs.

Today, the market is flooded with options ranging from budget-friendly retro emulators like the Anbernic RG35XXSP to premium gaming PCs like the Ayaneo 2S. Each console offers unique features, from vibrant OLED displays to cartridge-based systems, catering to different types of gamers.

In this article, we’ll explore the best handheld game consoles available, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and what makes them stand out. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting your portable gaming journey, this guide will help you find the perfect companion for your gaming adventures.

1. Best Overall Handheld Consoles

When it comes to the best overall handheld consoles, three devices stand out for their exceptional performance, display quality, and gaming experience: the Nintendo Switch OLED, Steam Deck OLED, and Asus ROG Ally X. Each offers unique features that cater to different types of gamers.

Nintendo Switch OLED

The Nintendo Switch OLED is renowned for its vibrant 7-inch OLED display, which significantly enhances the visual experience of Nintendo’s iconic games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Metroid Dread. The console also features a sturdy kickstand and improved speakers, making it perfect for handheld gaming sessions. However, it retains the same performance as the original Switch, which might not be as powerful as newer consoles like the PS5 or Xbox Series X.

• Best For: Nintendo fans and those who prioritize handheld gaming.
• Pros: Excellent OLED display, improved kickstand, and better speakers.
• Cons: No significant performance upgrade.

Insider Tip: If you primarily play in docked mode, the standard Switch might be sufficient. However, if you enjoy handheld gaming, the OLED model is worth the investment.

Steam Deck OLED

The Steam Deck OLED offers a similar upgrade to its predecessor, boasting a larger 7.4-inch OLED screen with HDR support and a 90Hz refresh rate. This makes it ideal for PC gamers who want to play their Steam library on the go. The Steam Deck OLED provides a more immersive gaming experience with its vibrant colors and improved brightness.

• Best For: PC gamers looking for portability.
• Pros: Enhanced display, HDR support, and improved refresh rate.
• Cons: No significant performance boost over the original Steam Deck.

Insider Tip: Ensure your Steam library is optimized for handheld play to get the most out of the Steam Deck OLED.

Asus ROG Ally X

The Asus ROG Ally X is a powerful handheld gaming PC designed for enthusiasts. It features a robust design with improved ergonomics, a larger battery, and enhanced cooling. The Ally X supports a wide range of PC games, offering a versatile gaming experience with Dolby Atmos sound quality.

• Best For: Gamers seeking a portable PC gaming experience.
• Pros: Powerful performance, improved ergonomics, and longer battery life.
• Cons: May be heavier and more expensive than other options.

Insider Tip: Utilize the Ally X’s customizable settings to optimize performance for demanding games.

Console Name	Price (USD)	Key Features
Nintendo Switch OLED	$299	OLED display, improved kickstand
Steam Deck OLED	$649	HDR OLED display, 90Hz refresh rate
Asus ROG Ally X	$699	Powerful PC performance, Dolby Atmos

Budget Tip:

If you’re on a budget, consider the Nintendo Switch OLED for its affordability and excellent Nintendo game library. For PC gamers, the Steam Deck OLED offers a more portable experience, but at a higher cost. The Asus ROG Ally X is ideal for those willing to invest in a premium handheld gaming PC.

2. Best Handheld Game Console Emulators

For those who enjoy retro gaming, handheld console emulators are a fantastic way to play classic games on the go. Three standout options are the Anbernic RG28XX, Evercade EXP, and Anbernic RG35XXSP. Each offers unique features that cater to different types of retro gaming enthusiasts.

Anbernic RG28XX

The Anbernic RG28XX is a versatile emulator capable of running games from various classic consoles, including the PS1 and Dreamcast. It features a compact design with a 4.3-inch screen, making it easy to carry around. The RG28XX supports a wide range of emulators, allowing users to play a vast library of retro games.

• Best For: Fans of classic console emulation.
• Pros: Supports multiple emulators, compact design.
• Cons: Limited battery life compared to other options.

Insider Tip: Use a microSD card to expand storage and load more games—this ensures you have a vast library at your fingertips.

Evercade EXP

The Evercade EXP is a unique retro gaming console that uses cartridges to deliver a curated selection of classic games. It features a 4.3-inch screen and supports both Evercade and Atari Lynx cartridges, offering a nostalgic gaming experience. The EXP also includes a rechargeable battery and supports up to 6 hours of playtime.

• Best For: Those who prefer a cartridge-based retro gaming experience.
• Pros: Cartridge system, long battery life, nostalgic feel.
• Cons: Limited game library compared to other emulators.

Insider Tip: Explore the Evercade store for new cartridge releases—this keeps your gaming experience fresh and exciting.

Anbernic RG35XXSP

The Anbernic RG35XXSP is another popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts. It features a clamshell design reminiscent of the Game Boy Advance SP, making it comfortable to hold and play. The RG35XXSP supports a wide range of retro emulators and includes a rechargeable battery with decent playtime.

• Best For: Fans of the Game Boy Advance SP design.
• Pros: Clamshell design, supports multiple emulators.
• Cons: Screen resolution could be improved.

Insider Tip: Adjust the screen brightness to optimize battery life—this can extend your gaming sessions significantly.

Console Name	Price (USD)	Key Features
Anbernic RG28XX	$99	Multi-emulator support, compact design
Evercade EXP	$129	Cartridge-based, long battery life
Anbernic RG35XXSP	$109	Clamshell design, multiple emulators

Budget Tip:

If you’re on a tight budget, the Anbernic RG28XX offers excellent value for its price. For those who prefer a more nostalgic experience with cartridges, the Evercade EXP is a great choice despite being slightly more expensive.

3. Best Handheld Video Game Consoles

For those seeking a powerful handheld gaming experience, handheld video game consoles offer the best of both worlds—portability and performance. Three standout options are the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and Ayaneo 2S. Each provides a unique blend of power, design, and features that cater to different gaming preferences.

Asus ROG Ally

The Asus ROG Ally is a robust handheld gaming PC designed for enthusiasts. It features a 6.5-inch 120Hz display, which provides smooth visuals for fast-paced games. The Ally supports Windows 11, allowing users to access a wide range of PC games. Its design includes detachable controllers, making it versatile for both handheld and tabletop gaming.

• Best For: PC gamers seeking a portable experience.
• Pros: High-performance capabilities, detachable controllers.
• Cons: Battery life could be improved.

Insider Tip: Use the Ally’s customizable settings to optimize performance for demanding games—this can help extend battery life and enhance gameplay.

Lenovo Legion Go

The Lenovo Legion Go boasts a large 8.8-inch 144Hz display, offering an immersive gaming experience with its high refresh rate. It also features detachable controllers and supports SteamOS, making it easy to access and play Steam games on the go. The Legion Go is designed for comfort, with a focus on ergonomics to reduce fatigue during extended gaming sessions.

• Best For: Gamers who prefer larger screens and Steam integration.
• Pros: Large display, high refresh rate, ergonomic design.
• Cons: May be heavier due to its larger size.

Insider Tip: Take advantage of Steam’s cloud saves to pick up where you left off on any device—this ensures seamless gaming across platforms.

Ayaneo 2S

The Ayaneo 2S is a premium handheld gaming PC known for its sleek design and powerful performance. It features a 7-inch display and supports Windows 11, allowing users to play a wide range of PC games. The Ayaneo 2S also includes a long-lasting battery and customizable controls, making it a favorite among gamers who value both power and portability.

• Best For: Those seeking high-end performance in a portable package.
• Pros: Powerful hardware, long battery life, customizable controls.
• Cons: Higher price point compared to other options.

Insider Tip: Use the Ayaneo’s customization options to tailor the controls to your favorite games—this can enhance your overall gaming experience.

Console Name	Price (USD)	Key Features
Asus ROG Ally	$699	120Hz display, detachable controllers
Lenovo Legion Go	$799	144Hz display, SteamOS support
Ayaneo 2S	$899	Premium design, customizable controls

Budget Tip:

If budget is a concern, the Asus ROG Ally offers a more affordable entry into the world of handheld gaming PCs. For those willing to invest in a premium experience, the Ayaneo 2S provides top-tier performance and design.

4. Best Cheap Handheld Game Consoles

For those on a budget, finding an affordable handheld console that still offers a great gaming experience can be a challenge. Three options that stand out are the Nintendo Switch Lite, Anbernic RG35XXSP, and Playdate. Each provides a unique set of features and benefits that cater to different types of gamers.

Nintendo Switch Lite

The Nintendo Switch Lite is a more affordable version of the Nintendo Switch, designed specifically for handheld gaming. It features a 5.5-inch screen with a resolution of 720p, which is sufficient for most Nintendo games. The Switch Lite lacks detachable Joy-Cons and cannot be docked, but it offers a longer battery life of 3-7 hours compared to the original Switch.

• Best For: Fans of Nintendo games who prefer handheld play.
• Pros: Affordable, lightweight, decent battery life.
• Cons: No detachable controllers, limited to handheld mode.

Insider Tip: Use the Switch Lite for single-player games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild—it’s ideal for immersive handheld experiences.

Anbernic RG35XXSP

The Anbernic RG35XXSP is a retro gaming handheld with a clamshell design, reminiscent of the Game Boy Advance SP. It supports a wide range of emulators, including PS1, N64, and PSP, making it perfect for retro enthusiasts. The device features a 3.5-inch IPS screen and offers up to 8 hours of battery life.

• Best For: Retro gaming fans seeking a portable experience.
• Pros: Supports multiple emulators, long battery life, nostalgic design.
• Cons: Limited screen resolution compared to modern consoles.

Insider Tip: Use the RG35XXSP’s Moonlight streaming feature to play PC games on the go—this adds versatility to its capabilities.

Playdate

The Playdate is a unique handheld console known for its crank-based gameplay and monochrome screen. It comes with a set of 24 games that are released over time, offering a fresh experience each week. The Playdate is designed for short, creative gaming sessions and is priced affordably at $199.

• Best For: Those interested in indie games and unique gameplay mechanics.
• Pros: Innovative design, charming aesthetic, affordable price.
• Cons: Limited game library, no backlight on the screen.

Insider Tip: Explore the Playdate’s digital store for new games—this expands your gaming options beyond the initial bundle.

Console Name	Price (USD)	Key Features
Nintendo Switch Lite	$349	5.5-inch screen, Nintendo games
Anbernic RG35XXSP	$109	Retro emulation, clamshell design
Playdate	$199	Crank-based gameplay, monochrome screen

Budget Tip:

If you’re looking for the most affordable option, the Anbernic RG35XXSP offers great value for retro gaming enthusiasts. For those interested in Nintendo games, the Switch Lite is a good choice, though it’s more expensive.

5. Best Retro Handheld Game Consoles

For those who love retro gaming, there are several excellent handheld consoles that bring back the nostalgia of classic games. Three standout options are the Super Pocket, Evercade EXP, and Modretro Chromatic. Each offers a unique retro gaming experience that caters to different preferences.

Super Pocket

The Super Pocket is a budget-friendly retro gaming handheld that offers a simple, plug-and-play experience with a library of classic arcade games. It features a 2.8-inch IPS screen and supports Evercade cartridges, providing access to over 300 games. The Super Pocket is designed for casual players who want easy access to retro titles without the hassle of emulators.

• Best For: Casual retro gaming enthusiasts on a budget.
• Pros: Affordable, easy to use, great build quality.
• Cons: Limited screen size and resolution.

Insider Tip: Use the Super Pocket’s scanline options to enhance the retro aesthetic—this adds to the nostalgic feel of playing classic games.

GKD Bubble

The GKD Bubble is a mid-range retro handheld that pays homage to the Sega Game Gear. It features a durable plastic shell and a 3.5-inch screen, making it perfect for on-the-go gaming. I recommend this console for those who want a nostalgic PlayStation 1 experience.

• Best For: Users seeking a nostalgic gaming experience with a focus on PlayStation 1 games.
• Pros: Durable design, nostalgic appeal, supports PlayStation 1 games.
• Cons: User interface may be challenging for casual gamers.

Insider Tip: Use this console to relive classic PlayStation 1 games in a portable format.

Anbernic RG Cube

The Anbernic RG Cube is a unique retro handheld with a square-shaped screen, offering a 1:1 aspect ratio that accurately reproduces the original appearance of vintage games. It supports a wide range of retro systems, including Game Boy, SNES, and Genesis. I like how it provides an authentic retro gaming experience with its durable build.

• Best For: Fans of authentic retro gaming with a focus on classic systems.
• Pros: Square-shaped screen, broad compatibility, durable build.
• Cons: Some users find the square screen unconventional.

Insider Tip: Explore different retro games to discover new classics and expand your gaming library.

Console Name	Price (USD)	Key Features
Super Pocket	$42	2.8-inch IPS, Evercade cartridge support
Evercade EXP	$149	4.3-inch IPS, cartridge-based, TATE mode
Modretro Chromatic	$199	FPGA tech, Game Boy compatibility, premium build

Budget Tip:

For those on a tight budget, the Super Pocket offers incredible value with its low price and easy access to retro games. The Evercade EXP is a good choice for those who prefer a more premium retro experience with a larger library of games.