Gaming on-the-go has never been more accessible than it is today. With so many Handheld Gaming systems available, it can be hard to choose which one is right for you. In this article, we’ll be exploring the 5 most currently popular handheld gaming systems available on the market, their pros and cons, as well as their base prices.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the 10 most currently popular handheld gaming systems available on the market, their pros and cons, as well as their base prices.
(1) Nintendo Switch (https://amzn.to/3ZK64i2)
The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console that can be played both on-the-go and on a TV. It’s one of the most popular handheld gaming systems available today.
Pros:
-Large library of games available, including popular titles like Animal Crossing and Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
-Unique and versatile design that allows for a variety of play styles
-High-quality graphics and sound
-Supports multiplayer gaming with other Switch users
-Large and responsive touchscreen
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Cons:
-Expensive compared to other handheld gaming systems
-Battery life can be shorter than expected
Games can be expensive
-Joy-Con controllers can be uncomfortable for extended periods of gameplay
-Limited storage space
Base Price: $299.99
(2) PlayStation Vita (https://amzn.to/3nNNxEc)
The PlayStation Vita is a handheld gaming system that was released in 2012. Despite being an older system, it still has a dedicated fan base and a library of popular games.
Pros:
-High-quality graphics and sound
-Large library of games available, including popular titles like Persona 4 Golden and Uncharted: Golden Abyss
-Comfortable design for extended gameplay
-Supports online multiplayer gaming
-Touchscreen and touchpad capabilities
Cons:
-No longer being produced or supported by Sony
-Expensive proprietary memory cards required for storage
-Limited selection of new games being released
-Battery life can be shorter than expected
-Limited third-party support
Base Price: $199.99
(3) Nintendo 3DS (https://amzn.to/3MlimdN)
The Nintendo 3DS is a popular handheld gaming system that was released in 2011. It features a unique 3D display and a large library of games.
Pros:
-Unique 3D display technology
-Large library of games available, including popular titles like Super Mario 3D Land and Pokémon Sun and Moon
-Affordable compared to other handheld gaming systems
-Dual screens allow for a variety of gameplay options
-Supports online multiplayer gaming
Cons:
-3D display can cause eye strain and headaches for some users
-Limited battery life
-No longer being produced or supported by Nintendo
-Limited graphical capabilities compared to other handheld gaming systems
-No touch screen capabilities
Base Price: $99.99
(4) Xbox Cloud Gaming (or similar cloud based gaming service) (https://www.xbox.com/en-us/play)
Xbox Cloud Gaming or Cloud gaming in general is a service that allows you to stream games to your mobile device or any other device with an internet connection. It’s not a traditional handheld gaming system, but it’s a great option for gamers who want to play on-the-go.
Pros:
-Large library of games available to stream
-No need to purchase a separate gaming system
-Accessible on a variety of mobile devices
-Supports multiplayer gaming with other users
-Can be used with Xbox Game Pass subscription (XBOX ONLY)
Cons:
-Requires a strong and stable internet connection to play
-Streaming quality can vary based on internet speed and device used
-No tactile buttons or joysticks, making some games harder to play (mobile unless grip is used)
-May require additional hardware to connect your mobile device to a controller
-Limited to streaming games, so cannot play games offline
Base Price: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription: $14.99/month
(5) Anbernic RG351P or Similar Retro Device (https://amzn.to/419A8ot)
The Anbernic RG351P or similar is a handheld gaming system that runs on an open-source operating system and supports a variety of retro games.
Pros:
-Supports a wide variety of retro games, including NES, SNES, GameBoy, and Sega Genesis titles
-Affordable compared to other handheld gaming systems
-High-resolution display
-Long battery life
-Supports Wi-Fi connectivity for downloading games and updates
Cons:
-Limited selection of newer games (unless streaming)
-Retro games may not appeal to all gamers
-Limited graphics and sound capabilities compared to newer handheld gaming systems
-No touchscreen capabilities
-May require some technical knowledge to set up and use
Base Price: $99.99 (link)
(6) Steam Deck (https://amzn.to/3Gm3Yhl)
The Steam Deck is a handheld gaming system developed by Valve Corporation that allows users to play their entire Steam library on the go.
Pros:
-Large library of games available through Steam
-High-quality graphics and sound
-Responsive and customizable touchpads for precise control
-Comfortable design for extended gameplay
-Can be used as a portable PC
Cons:
-Expensive compared to other handheld gaming systems
-Limited battery life
-Limited storage space
-Large and heavy design may not be comfortable for all users
-Availability may be limited due to high demand
Base Price: $399 for 64GB storage, $529 for 256GB storage, $649 for 512GB storage
(7) GPD Win Max (https://amzn.to/3KBMfFj)
The GPD Win Max is a portable gaming PC that allows users to play PC games on the go.
Pros:
-High-quality graphics and sound
-Runs on a full version of Windows 10, allowing access to a wide variety of games and applications
-Responsive joysticks and buttons for precise control
-Comfortable design for extended gameplay
-Expandable storage options
Cons:
-Expensive compared to other handheld gaming systems
-Limited battery life
-Heavier and bulkier than other handheld gaming systems
-May require some technical knowledge to set up and use
-Limited availability
Base Price: $1,000+
(8) Nintendo Switch Lite (https://amzn.to/40IyDOj)
The Nintendo Switch Lite is a smaller and more affordable version of the Nintendo Switch.
Pros:
-More affordable than the original Nintendo Switch
-Large library of games available, including popular titles like Animal Crossing and -Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
-Unique and versatile design that allows for a variety of play styles
-High-quality graphics and sound
-Long battery life
Cons:
-Cannot be played on a TV
-Joy-Con controllers are built into the system and cannot be removed
-Limited storage space
-Limited color options
-No HD Rumble or IR Motion Camera capabilities
Base Price: $199.99
(9) Sony PSP (https://amzn.to/3UbILwu)
The Sony PSP is an older handheld gaming system that was released in 2005, but it still has a dedicated fan base and a library of popular games.
Pros:
-High-quality graphics and sound
-Large library of games available, including popular titles like God of War: Chains of -Olympus and Persona 3 Portable
-Comfortable design for extended gameplay
-Supports online multiplayer gaming
-Expandable storage options
Cons:
-No longer being produced or supported by Sony
-Limited selection of new games being released
-Expensive proprietary memory cards required for storage
-Battery life can be shorter than expected
-Limited third-party support
Base Price: $129.99
10) Retroid Pocket 3/Retroid Pocket Series (https://amzn.to/438X09c)
The Retroid Pocket 2 is a handheld gaming system that supports a wide variety of retro games. We kept this separate from the anbernic/other retro consoles as it is quite a unique offering!
Pros:
-Supports a wide variety of retro games, including NES, SNES, Game Boy, and Sega Genesis titles
-Affordable compared to other handheld gaming systems
-High-resolution display
-Long battery life
-Supports Wi-Fi connectivity for downloading games and updates -Can connect to TV and supports pc streaming
Cons:
-Limited selection of newer games
-Retro games may not appeal to all gamers
-Limited graphics and sound capabilities compared to newer handheld gaming systems -No touchscreen capabilities
-May require some technical knowledge to set up and use
Base Price: $125+
Conclusion:
Handheld gaming systems offer a unique and convenient way to play games on the go. Whether you prefer retro games or the latest titles, there is a handheld gaming system available for you. When considering which system to purchase, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each system, as well as the price. Some systems may be more expensive but offer more advanced features, while others may be more affordable but have more limited capabilities. With so many options available, it’s important to do your research and choose a system that fits your needs and preferences!
