Handheld gaming is having a second. Should you’re in search of the easiest way to play your video games on the go, you’ve come to the correct place. From large hitters just like the Change and Steam Deck, to highly effective Home windows machines, cloud-based creations and curios just like the Playdate, we’ve reviewed the very best handheld gaming console you should buy proper now.
To check the very best handheld gaming console contenders, we use them in each scenario we expect you’ll. That meant lengthy classes on the couch, coping with our backlogs in mattress, killing time throughout flights and even booting up a recreation within the park. We monitor battery life, examine show tech, crank up settings the place attainable, use each management possibility, and obsess over grams.
So, whether or not you’re after one thing compact and enjoyable or a gaming powerhouse, learn on to find the very best handheld console on your wants.
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Fast checklist: what’s the very best handheld gaming console?
The very best handheld gaming console you should buy immediately:
1. Nintendo Change 2
Nintendo Change 2 specsDisplay7.9in LCD display, 1920×1080 pixelsStorage256GB (expandable by way of microSD Categorical)RAM12GBBattery Life2 – 6.5 hoursOSCustom Nintendo OSDimensions116 x 272 x 13.9mm (with Pleasure-Con 2 hooked up)4.5 x 10.7 x .55in (with Pleasure-Con 2 hooked up)Weight534g1.18 lbs
The Nintendo Change 2 doesn’t reinvent the hybrid formulation – nevertheless it significantly refines it. After years of ready, we lastly have a console that feels just like the Change we all the time wished. It’s extra highly effective, higher constructed, and simpler to make use of throughout modes, whether or not docked, handheld or in tabletop play.
We’ve spent hours with the Change 2 in real-world testing – on planes, sofas, desks, and sure, even dragging it round the home mid-Zelda session. And whereas it’s not with out flaws (poor battery life being the largest), it’s a stable evolution.
The most important enchancment is efficiency. Video games like Cyberpunk 2077 – which struggled on older consoles – now run at a secure 40fps in handheld mode, full with DLSS upscaling for sharper visuals on a 4K TV. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet lastly run easily, and even titles that haven’t been patched, like Bayonetta 3, profit from higher framerates.
We beloved the bigger 7.9in 1080p LCD display. No OLED right here (but), however the bump to 120Hz and HDR assist makes video games really feel smoother and extra vibrant. Audio has had an identical increase, with higher audio system and a noise-cancelling mic that genuinely impressed us – it picked up clear voice chat even with a vacuum cleaner operating close by.
Bodily, the Change 2 feels extra premium too. The Pleasure-Cons are barely bigger, extra snug, and now connect by way of sturdy magnets. They’ve added a curious mouse mode – sliding one Pleasure-Con throughout your couch works surprisingly properly, nevertheless it’s extra gimmick than game-changer. Nonetheless, compatibility with older controllers is an enormous win.
Backwards compatibility is a spotlight. We introduced over our total library, and lots of older video games run higher or have been up to date fully. Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom even get visible boosts and quicker loading. However storage is tight – 256GB fills shortly, and increasing it with microSD Categorical playing cards isn’t low cost.
Battery life? Not nice. Count on anyplace from two to 6 hours. Enjoying Deltarune lasted slightly below 4 and a half, whereas Cyberpunk drained it frighteningly quick. An influence financial institution is important.
Regardless of a gradual begin for brand spanking new video games, the Change 2 appears like the way forward for Nintendo’s hybrid imaginative and prescient. We wished extra energy, higher visuals and smoother efficiency – and we acquired them. It’s not a revolution, however it’s a correct improve.
2. Steam Deck OLED
Steam Deck OLED specsDisplay7.4in, 1200×800 HDR OLED w/ 90Hz, 1000 nits brightnessStorage512GB/1TB NVMe SSD, microSD expansionRAM16GB RAMBattery Life3-12 hoursOSSteamOS 3Dimensions298mm x 117mm x 49mm (11.73in x 4.61in x 1.93in)WeightApprox. 669g (1.47lbs)
We actually favored the unique Steam Deck, regardless of not being overly impressed with its weight, battery life or LCD show. All three had been addressed by Valve with the Steam Deck OLED, making the primary effort really feel a bit like a tough draft as compared. The brand new bigger 7.4in HDR show, with its 1000-nits most brightness, has been blowing us away since we began utilizing the system. It has vastly improved distinction and colors, whereas OLED’s trademark inky blacks make it laborious to return to LCD. The Deck OLED can be barely lighter than Valve’s first effort, which you positively do discover, and it lasts longer between fees too.
The Steam Deck OLED is a handheld PC, however its custom-built OS makes it really feel like a console in all the correct methods. If you wish to entry your Steam library with minimal faff you’ll be able to; desktop mode then welcomes tinkerers who wish to emulate previous video games and set up different launchers.
Not each recreation will operate as you need it to out of the field, and the Deck struggles to run trendy AAA titles with any finesse.
The Steam Deck OLED enhances visuals with vibrant colors and deep blacks, making visually putting video games even higher. However video games like Elden Ring and Baldur’s Gate 3 profit enormously from the OLED’s superior distinction and element, whereas Cyberpunk 2077 makes full use of the up to date model with Ray Tracing: Overdrive mode.
It’s additionally nonetheless an enormous cumbersome handheld, which could show an excessive amount of to deal with for smaller fingers. However if you wish to play PC video games portably, the Steam Deck OLED is our prime decide. And if you wish to avoid wasting money, the equally highly effective LCD mannequin remains to be out there at a cheaper price.
3. Asus ROG Ally X
Asus ROG Ally X specsDisplay7in, 1920×1080 (120Hz)Storage512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD (expandable by way of microSD)RAM16GB LPDDR5Battery Life2 to six hoursOSWindows 11Dimensions280mm x 113mm x 39mm (11.02in x 4.45in x 1.54in)Weight608g (1.34lbs)
Should you’re new to the entire PC gaming handheld factor, and wish to play extra than simply your Steam library with out messing about with Linux, the Asus ROG Ally X is now the apparent alternative. It lasts longer than the unique, has an simply upgradeable SSD, and has extra RAM than any Steam Deck. The refined ergonomics additionally put each the MSI Claw and Lenovo Legion Go within the shade.
It’s not good: Home windows 11 nonetheless doesn’t really feel fully comfortable on a small display, and the show’s colors and distinction aren’t a match for the Steam Deck OLED – even when Ally’s larger decision and refresh charge ranges the enjoying discipline a bit. The worth is loads spicier than Valve’s handheld, too – it’s now nearly in gaming laptop computer territory.
The Ally X’s high-performance {hardware} is right for AAA gaming, and Recreation Go entry provides loads of choices, from Forza Horizon 5 and Starfield, to Halo Infinite and Road Fighter 6.
Authentic ROG Ally shouldn’t be in a rush to improve, then, and the Steam Deck OLED stays my prime decide – however the hole is narrower than ever.
4. Nintendo Change Lite
Nintendo Change Lite specsDisplay5.5in LCD, 1280×720 resolutionStorage32GB (expandable by way of microSD)RAM4GBBattery Life3 to 7 hoursOSCustom Nintendo OSDimensions91.1mm x 208mm x 13.9mm (3.59in x 8.19in x 0.55in)Weight275g (0.61lbs)
In one other enviornment, you would possibly knock the Nintendo Change Lite for missing the large display credentials of its pricier larger brothers. Right here, although, we’re completely about handheld consoles, which is precisely the place the Change Lite actually sings. Its lighter weight and smaller design not solely make it extra snug to carry than the large Change, however extra transportable as well. You even get a correct D-pad right here, which the usual mannequin lacks, arguably making the Lite the retro platformer champ.
When you’ve performed video games on the Change OLED it’s actually laborious to take a look at the Change Lite’s 5.5in LCD display, however should you can overlook its inherent inferiority it’s nonetheless an incredible show. And retaining the identical 1280×700 decision on the smaller panel means video games look even sharper.
After all, you’ll nonetheless be capable of play the entire superior Nintendo exclusives corresponding to Zelda, Mario and Animal Crossing.
Battery life is first rate sufficient, and the incredible Change library is simply pretty much as good right here as it’s on the common Change. You simply must ask your self should you’ll miss the flexibility to dock it to a TV, or Pleasure-Con-exclusive options like HD Rumble. If a handheld is all you need and you’ll stay with out OLED, the Change Lite is a wonderful and reasonably priced possibility.
5. Lenovo Legion Go
Lenovo Legion Go specsDisplay8.8in, 2560×1600 (144Hz)Storage512GB SSD (expandable by way of microSD)RAM16GB LPDDR5XBattery Life2 to six hoursOSWindows 11Dimensions299mm x 131mm x 21mm (11.77in x 5.16in x 0.83in)Weight854g (1.88lbs)
The Lenovo Legion Go makes its case with an infinite and fairly beautiful 8.8in, 1600p, 144Hz show and Change-esque removable controllers. A novel FPS mode then turns one in every of them right into a vertical mouse. It really works properly and positively makes you are feeling extra correct than when enjoying with analogue sticks.
The Legion Go’s bigger display makes it nice for immersive, long-play video games corresponding to Murderer’s Creed Mirage, The Witcher 3, and Diablo IV.
Just like the ROG Ally you’ll be able to run just about any recreation you want because of Home windows. When it really works you’ll be able to have numerous enjoyable with Lenovo’s handheld, however we didn’t just like the clunky Legion House software program. Most video games can’t run properly on the highest native decision both. In the event that they do, they’ll zap the battery lifeless very quickly.
Nonetheless, should you’re a Recreation Go subscriber you’ll be able to flip the Legion Go into a transportable Xbox with an incredible display. That’s a serious benefit over the Linux-based Steam Deck, which may solely stream Xbox Recreation Go by way of the cloud until you undergo the messy course of of putting in Home windows.
6. Logitech G Cloud
Logitech G Cloud specsDisplay7in IPS LCD, 1920×1080 (60Hz)Storage64GB (expandable by way of microSD)RAM4GB LPDDR4XBattery LifeUp to 12 hoursOSAndroid-based with cloud gaming supportDimensions256.84mm x 117.21mm x 32.95mm (10.11in x 4.62in x 1.3in)Weight463g (1.02lbs)
This Android-based handheld comes with many of the main cloud gaming providers (together with Recreation Go) pre-installed. It’s snug to carry and has a really first rate 7in, 1080p show. However past the built-in controls, there isn’t loads it will possibly do this the cellphone doubtless sitting in your pocket proper now can’t.
Whether or not you should purchase one, then, is determined by how a lot you already make use of apps like Xbox Cloud Gaming or Nvidia’s GeForce Now. There’s little doubt that enjoying Starfield is much less fiddly on a devoted gaming system than it’s in your cellphone. If each your web speeds and Wi-Fi power are adequate, it may be fairly nice. Plus the G Cloud is simply an Android pill at its coronary heart, so you’ll be able to obtain cellular video games to play offline, too.
With servers within the cloud doing the heavy lifting, battery life is robust – as much as 12 hours should you aren’t operating many video games natively. Some folks will all the time be skeptical about cloud gaming, and there’s no denying that the G Cloud is an odd system – and never an inexpensive one both. However should you’re all in on recreation streaming this handheld ticks numerous containers.
7. PlayStation Portal
PlayStation Portal specsDisplay8in, 1920×1080 LCD w/ 60HzStorageN/ARAMN/ABattery Life6 – 8 hoursOSProprietary (for streaming PS5 video games)Dimensions337mm x 150mm x 95mm (13.27in x 5.91in x 3.74in)Weight400g (0.88lbs)
Sony has a protracted historical past with handheld consoles, however the PlayStation Portal just isn’t one other PSP or Vita. In truth, until wirelessly linked to your PS5 it’s about as helpful as a brick. The Portal streams video games out of your console, precisely as your cellphone does when utilizing the PS Distant Play app (which is free). The distinction right here is that you simply get correct DualSense controls on both facet of the 1080p 60fps show that you simply play your video games on.
The PlayStation Portal is an unapologetically area of interest system, primarily geared toward PS5 gamers who recurrently have to surrender the TV to another person in the home. If your property Wi-Fi isn’t quick sufficient you’re doubtless going to expertise efficiency points. That mentioned, we actually like enjoying PS5 video games on that enormous and vibrant show, with out having to surrender the DualSense’s haptics and adaptive triggers. Battery life is surprisingly first rate too.
Because it isn’t actually designed for use outdoors the home and might’t do cloud streaming of any kind, the PS Portal is a slighter providing than loads the gadgets on this checklist. However should you’re within the goal market and your broadband is as much as the job, it’d simply be the hand-held you’re in search of.
8. Panic Playdate
Panic Playdate specsDisplay2.7in black-and-white LCD, 400×240 resolutionStorage4GBRAM16MBBattery LifeUp to 14 days standby; 8 hours energetic playOSCustom OS for PlaydateDimensions76mm x 74mm x 9mm (2.99in x 2.91in x 0.35in)Weight86g (0.19lbs)
The Playdate may be very totally different from each different handheld console on this checklist. Reasonably than replicating the big-screen gaming expertise on a transportable system, its library consists completely of bespoke titles, most of them making use of its distinctive crank controller.
That is an deliberately low-tech toy. Its black and white show isn’t even backlit and the vast majority of its video games are bite-sized experiences, finest performed for a couple of minutes at a time slightly than a number of hours.
It’s, then, a decidedly extra area of interest proposition than the Change or Steam Deck. However should you like accumulating lovely objects, of which the cheerful yellow Playdate is undoubtedly one, and luxuriate in one thing a bit totally different out of your handheld gaming, you’ll be able to’t go fallacious.
How to decide on the very best handheld gaming console for you
Because the above checklist attests to, the hand-held console market is wide-ranging and different, so Stuff is right here that can assist you make the correct alternative primarily based in your gaming habits.
The very first thing to think about is what video games you wish to play. If Nintendo’s well-known lineup of first-party franchises – we’re speaking Mario, Zelda and Pokemon – enchantment to you, you need to go along with a Change. You’ll be able to’t play these video games anyplace else, and since the Change has been such an infinite success, the third-party assist is much better than it was on the Wii U and even the Wii earlier than it. Nintendo has actually gotten behind the indie scene too.
Should you’re extra of a PC or Xbox individual, and have amassed an enormous library of Steam video games through the years, you would possibly wish to go for a Steam Deck OLED or one of many Home windows handhelds as an alternative. These gadgets are additionally way more open than the Change, making them higher picks for tinkerers who wish to emulate retro video games. And maybe you solely look to handheld gaming for quickfire enjoyable in your lunch break, wherein case you would possibly get extra enjoyment out of the Playdate.
When you’ve determined what you wish to play, you have to take into consideration the way you wish to play it. If display dimension, decision and efficiency are necessary to you, one thing just like the Asus ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion Go may be your dream system, even when battery life leaves loads to be desired. And battery life is vastly necessary for handheld gaming, given that you simply’re typically enjoying video games on the go the place an influence supply might not be out there. The Change doesn’t have unbelievable battery life, nevertheless it lasts longer than the power-hungry PC handhelds. You must also contemplate the scale and weight of the system, particularly in case your fingers are on the smaller facet.
The very last thing is worth. The Nintendo Change Lite prices lower than US$200 / £150 and has an countless library of excellent video games, whereas a prime spec Lenovo Legion Go prices practically as a lot as a gaming laptop computer. Should you’re going to be forking out for the latter, you must know prematurely that you simply’re going to utilize all that tech. Equally, in order for you a streaming-first handheld, be sure to’re in a position to feed it the Wi-Fi speeds it calls for.
And possibly you’ve determined that you simply don’t want a handheld gaming system in any respect and really desire a residence console to take a seat below your TV as an alternative, wherein case you must head to our rated checklist of these proper now.
Should you’re inquisitive about the very best console, we’ve acquired one other function that focuses on exactly that. We’ve additionally rounded up the very best retro handhelds for old-school thrills, the very best gaming headsets and the very best gaming laptops.
How do handheld gaming consoles evaluate to conventional residence consoles?
Handheld and conventional residence consoles have distinctive strengths and weaknesses that cater to several types of gaming. Handheld consoles are designed for portability, enabling players to play on the go. Their compact, light-weight design consists of built-in screens and controls, making them handy for journey or informal gaming classes away from residence. In distinction, residence consoles are bigger, stationary gadgets that hook up with a TV or monitor, offering a extra immersive gaming expertise with larger decision and bigger screens.
Which handheld gaming console has the very best recreation library?
We expect the Nintendo Change has the very best video games library of any handheld console. It provides a various and in depth collection of video games, together with critically acclaimed first-party titles corresponding to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tremendous Mario Odyssey, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The Nintendo Change additionally enjoys sturdy third-party assist, that includes fashionable titles like Minecraft and Fortnite, which enchantment to a broad vary of players.
Along with its spectacular lineup of first-party and third-party video games, the Nintendo Change is thought for its strong collection of indie video games. The platform has turn into a favorite amongst indie builders, leading to a wealthy array of distinctive and modern titles.
If that wasn’t sufficient, the Change additionally provides entry to a rising library of basic video games from earlier Nintendo consoles by its Nintendo Change On-line service, offering a nostalgic expertise for long-time followers.
Should you’re trying to play extra graphically intensive video games, the Steam Deck would be the higher possibility, with its entry to an unlimited PC recreation library by Steam, together with AAA titles, indie video games, and early entry releases
What’s the very best handheld gaming console for teenagers?
We expect the very best handheld gaming console for teenagers is the Nintendo Change Lite. It’s compact, light-weight, and designed purely for handheld play, making it good for little fingers. With an unlimited library of family-friendly video games like Animal Crossing, Tremendous Mario, and Pokémon, it supplies hours of leisure. In contrast to the full-size Change, the Lite is extra reasonably priced, which is nice should you’re anxious about sturdiness or the potential for drops. It additionally lacks removable Pleasure-Cons, so it’s sturdier in a single piece and simpler for youthful youngsters to handle.
Parental controls are strong, permitting you to set playtime limits, limit on-line entry, and management what video games are accessible. Battery life is stable, making certain lengthy gaming classes with out fixed recharging. Whereas it doesn’t assist TV docking, the Lite’s portability and fun-first design make it a incredible possibility for teenagers who love gaming on the go.