Game Anywhere With the Best Handheld Game Systems from Nintendo, Valve, and ASUS

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While the video game industry has a tendency to focus on the latest, biggest games for powerhouse consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, there’s an undeniable fact that is often overlooked: Mobile gaming is the biggest, most popular, and most profitable gaming sector by a significant margin. It makes sense, of course, that the device you have on you all the time is the one you are most likely to use, whether that means sending messages or playing video games.

Still, even if smartphones can do it all, nothing quite beats a dedicated handheld gaming system. With a device designed specifically for gaming, you can enjoy heavy-hitter games with much better controls and visuals than your phone display affords.

The Best Handheld Game Systems

• Best Overall: Nintendo Switch Lite

• Best Nintendo Console: Nintendo Switch OLED

• Best for Emulation: Dosnura Anbernic RG351P Handheld Game Console

• Best Game Library: Valve Steam Deck Handheld Console

• Most Nostalgic: Nintendo Game & Watch Super Mario Bros.

What to Consider

As with most gaming consoles, the most important thing to consider before shopping is what kinds of games you like to play. A console (handheld or not) made by Nintendo offers widely different (and often exclusive) games compared to one made by, say, Valve.

Keep in mind what types of games you enjoy and what kinds of games you would like to take with you on the go. For instance, if you prefer simpler games, you may be right at home on something like an iPad due to its mobile game focus. But those seeking something with a lot more power and variety may prefer an option like Valve’s Steam Deck, which sports a massive selection of PC games spanning every genre.

Aside from the games themselves, below are a few technical specifications you should keep an eye on when shopping for a handheld gaming console.

Storage

Just like a phone or a laptop, handheld game systems have a limited amount of storage space available. We consider 64 gigabytes a good baseline for built-in storage, but it's worth noting that systems with expandable storage are hugely convenient for long-term ownership. Some handhelds, like the Nintendo Switch, can be upgraded with a cheap microSD, while others, like the Steam Deck, require more expensive SSDs—an important thing to remember while shopping.

Screen

There is a wide variety of screens across handheld game systems, but we consider a screen between five and eight inches ideal for clarity and portability. Most retro-focused systems have very small screens, however. If extreme visual clarity is important to you, you’ll need to focus on devices with higher-resolution screens, while devices with smaller screens and lower resolutions are frequently a better choice for someone on a budget.

Weight

While a few extra ounces of weight may not seem like a big deal, a heavier handheld game system (such as the Steam Deck) may be fatiguing over long periods of play. Keep this in mind, particularly when shopping for younger gamers, who may often benefit from devices with smaller form factors (like the Nintendo Switch Lite). If you struggle with small buttons or screens, though, it's worth considering just getting an emulator for your phone to play retro titles.

How We Selected

As gamers dedicated to the medium, you can rest assured that these recommendations come from hundreds of hours of in-house use. For any products we couldn’t test ourselves, we’ve performed intensive research and dug into consumer reviews from a variety of high-profile online storefronts. As for the products themselves, we’ve evaluated them on functionality, design, and price.

Switch Lite Handheld Console

The undisputed best handheld console is the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite. As we’re recommending purely handheld and portable consoles, we’ve highlighted the Nintendo Switch Lite, but for many of the same reasons we love the original Nintendo Switch.

With an incredible library of games ranging from Nintendo blockbusters to indie darlings, the Switch offers some of the best games on any gaming console, as well as a ton of all-ages titles that make it excellent for children. With fun colorways, an intuitive button layout, great battery life, expandable storage via microSD, and newly added Bluetooth audio connectivity, the Switch Lite is an all-around top-tier handheld gaming system – though do be aware that it can't be docked to play on a TV.

More: The Best Nintendo Switch for Every Kind of Gamer

Switch OLED Handheld Gaming Console

The Switch OLED was released at the end of 2021 and added some subtle but significant upgrades to the already-stellar system. The biggest change is the screen — the Switch OLED features a much bigger, brighter, and more vivid 7-inch OLED panel. This improved screen makes the best Switch games even better.

The Switch OLED also features more internal storage and an improved docking tray. Being able to take the Switch OLED on the go and plug it into a TV to enjoy at home makes it one of the most versatile options on our list.

Anbernic RG351P Handheld Game Console

At times, the Anbernic RG351P can feel like magic. Able to play hundreds of retro games across dozens of old consoles like the NES, Playstation 1, GameBoy Advance, Neo-Geo, and others, the volume and variety in its game library are staggering. And unlike many other retro-focused handheld consoles, the RG351P feels more modern with its easy-to-use interface, high-quality 3.5-inch screen, 3.5-millimeter headphone jack, USB-C charging, and a micro SD card slot for expandable storage.

The tricky part is the very nature of the system itself: The RG351P plays these games via emulation software. While emulations are amazing feats of technology, loading old games into emulators and then selling them in this way is legally questionable in the United States.

Anbernic, however, is a Chinese company based in China, so the RG315P comes pre-loaded with tons of copyrighted games. As a consumer, you’re protected from the illegal nature of these emulations, but if it bothers you morally, it’s something to consider before you buy this.

Regardless, the RG351P is an amazing device. It does face stiff competition from competitors like the Retroid Pocket 3, but until Retroid sorts out its stocking issues, the RG351P is our pick for emulation.

Valve Steam Deck Handheld

Valve’s Steam Deck offers a PC experience in a Switch-like form factor. Much like the Nintendo handheld, the Steam Deck features a horizontal layout, a central screen, left-side and right-side controls, and an HDMI docking station for big-screen connectivity. But the Steam Deck features a faster CPU, GPU, and increased RAM when compared to basically any other handheld on the market.

All that power comes in handy when browsing for Steam Deck games on the Steam storefront. Steam is one of the largest PC gaming storefronts available, with over 50,000 retro, modern and upcoming games available to download.

Simply toggle the Deck Verified tag, and all the games you’ll find work perfectly on the Steam Deck.

Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. Handheld Console

Nintendo started its handheld business well before the original GameBoy with its Game & Watch systems – small handhelds that featured a single game installed directly on the device. A reimagining of these original systems, the Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. handheld is a love letter to fans of old-school Nintendo peripherals. While the system only contains three games—Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, and Game & Watch: Ball—those classic titles are highly enjoyable and feel special on such retro-style hardware.

With an ultra-portable form factor, power-and-play design, and lovely retro aesthetic, the Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. console is an excellent choice for retro Nintendo fans. Just note that it’s very small and could cause some cramping in the hands with extended use.

Handheld Gaming Console

The Playdate is a highly creative portable gaming system. While it has a D-pad and two physical buttons, it uses a crank attached to the side of the device as a common control method. As such, the games available for the Playdate are designed specifically to make use of this unique interactivity, making for compelling experiences that help keep each play period feeling fresh.

Despite sporting a one-bit black-and-white screen, games on the Playdate look surprisingly clean and are typically well-suited for its unusual form factor. Having such a creative device in your pocket can make time fly by.

iPad 10.2-inch Handheld Tablet

The iPad Mini may be better suited for gaming, but Apple’s classic iPad 10.2-inch is still the best option for most people. It’s larger and more affordable than the iPad Mini, and still offers many of the same killer features, such as the iOS operating system and Apple Arcade (Apple’s $4.99-per-month subscription service that’s home to dozens of beloved, high-profile mobile games).

The 10.2-inch screen, while a bit big in the hands while gaming is amazing for doing everything else. Watching TV, browsing social media, and general browsing are better on the iPad than any other recommendation on our list.

Handheld Gaming Console Premium Pack

For fans of retro and classic arcade games like those found on old Atari systems, the Evercade will send you back to that bygone era in a heartbeat.

Shaped like an old Nintendo handheld, this console utilizes game cartridges containing dozens of classic ’80s and ’90s titles like Pac-Man, Dig-Dug, Asteroids, Missile Command, and more.

The small form factor and great build quality make reliving those arcade days easy and enjoyable. While it may not have any modern-day features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a hi-res display, it does feature a few modern improvements like USB recharging, a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack, and HDMI connectivity to any big screen.

ROG Ally Handheld Gaming Console

While many choose Valve's Steam Deck to play their PC games on the go, the ASUS ROG Ally is actually an even more powerful option that also allows you to run Windows. This means you won't be tied to exclusively using Steam and can instead access games from any client you wish.

The ASUS ROG Ally’s beautiful 1080p, 120 Hertz display complements the rest of the package well, but just keep in mind that all of this comes at a much heftier price than other options on this list. Still, anyone seeking more freedom in their PC-centric handheld should give this one a look.

Pocket Handheld Console

The Analogue Pocket is the perfect handheld choice for those who grew up playing GameBoy games, as it not only looks very similar—it actually plays any GameBoy or GameBoy Advance cartridges you still have. In addition, it can be equipped with an SD card for emulation, so you can play games you grew up with using its familiar control layout.

Unfortunately, due to high demand, obtaining an Analogue Pocket may take a while. You’ll need to pre-order it directly from the company’s site and wait some time for it to become available. If you need something right away, this one may not be your best option.

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