With a handheld game console, you can play your favourite games anytime, anywhere. Whether you want one for yourself or as a gift for a gaming friend, you’ll want to pick the best option. In this article, you’ll discover the top handheld game consoles and what makes each one special, so you can find the perfect handheld console for you.
There are plenty of handheld game consoles available today, each with its own strengths. To help you choose, we’ll take a look at what the top models have to offer. You’ll find popular handhelds from brands like Sony (PlayStation), Lenovo, Asus, MSI, Nintendo, and Qware – making it easy to compare and decide which portable console suits you best.
The PlayStation Portal Remote Player is a smart and user-friendly handheld console designed for PS5 gamers. Weighing just 540 grams, it delivers an excellent gaming experience wherever you are. The 8-inch Full HD display shows your PS5 games in sharp 1080p resolution at 60 fps, so you can enjoy every detail. Haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and built-in stereo speakers create an immersive experience, while the DualSense controllers offer intuitive and comfortable gameplay. With Wi-Fi and Remote Play, you’re instantly connected to your PS5 library without needing a TV. The USB-C charging and compatibility with wireless earphones ensure hours of gaming fun on this Sony handheld console.
Nintendo has long been the expert in handheld consoles, and the Nintendo Switch 2 is no exception. It has everything you need to enjoy your favourite Nintendo games at home or on the go. This console comes with 256 GB of storage and a larger display than its predecessor. Naturally, you can also connect the Switch 2 to your TV to enjoy the action on a bigger screen. The upgraded Joy-Con controllers are now magnetic and even more responsive. The handheld is also backwards compatible – meaning you can play your original Nintendo Switch games on it. You may want to expand the storage, which you can easily do using compatible microSD Express cards.
When it comes to powerful handheld consoles, the Asus ROG Ally X stands out. As the successor to the Asus ROG Ally, it brings major upgrades – including a doubled battery capacity of 80 watt-hours and 8 GB of additional RAM. Combined with the fast Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, it delivers top-tier performance. With Windows 11, you can play all your favourite games via platforms such as Steam and Xbox Game Pass. The storage capacity has doubled to 1 TB, and if that’s still not enough, you can expand it with a microSD card. The Android-based handheld weighs 678 grams, mainly due to its wider, more ergonomic grips. A second USB-C port has also been added, replacing the X Mobile port, allowing you to connect other devices or fast-charge with ease.
Not near your Xbox console? Grab the Logitech G Cloud. This gaming handheld lets you play over 1,000 top titles and indie games through Xbox Game Pass or NVIDIA GeForce Now – true high-end cloud gaming! Comfort has also been prioritised. With an ergonomic design and a weight of just 463 grams, it feels great in your hands even during long sessions. The G Cloud’s battery lasts more than 12 hours, and because it’s fanless, it stays cool and silent while you play. The only sound you’ll hear is crystal-clear audio from the stereo speakers. Want to take the fun to the big screen? Simply connect it to your TV and game on!
The Nintendo Switch Lite is a fully portable gaming console that lets you play anywhere, whether at home or on the move. It’s the handheld-only version of Nintendo’s popular console, meaning you don’t need extra controllers. It includes 32 GB of storage, expandable via microSD card, so you can save all your favourite games and media. The powerful battery lasts up to 6 hours, and you can recharge it quickly with the included USB-C cable. For better audio, plug in headphones via the 3.5 mm jack. Enjoy a great library of iconic Nintendo titles such as Zelda, Mario Kart, and Smash Bros. With a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you’ll also gain access to classic Nintendo games and cloud saves. The touchscreen and ergonomic buttons make the Switch Lite comfortable to hold and fun to play for hours.
The Qware Retro brings back the magic of 80s and 90s gaming with a modern twist. This compact retro handheld console comes preloaded with 240 classic games across various genres – so there’s something for everyone. Test your reflexes in action games, race against friends, solve puzzles, or take on opponents in fighting and sports games. Relive the charm of retro gaming and enjoy endless fun wherever you go.
As you’ve seen in this article, there are plenty of great handheld consoles to choose from. Today’s portable systems are incredibly powerful, capable of running even the most demanding games wherever you are. The best handheld console for you depends on your preferences. Love classic Super Mario titles? Then the Nintendo Switch Lite is a great choice. Already own a PS5? The PlayStation Portal will likely be your favourite. Xbox fans might prefer the Asus ROG Ally X or the Logitech G Cloud. And if you’re in the mood for some nostalgic gaming, go for the Qware Retro.
