Best Portable Gaming Consoles – Switch, Steamdeck, and more

published

5/7/2023 2:34 PM

Discover the best collection of classic portable gaming consoles that would offer you an uninterrupted and immersive gaming experience.

Portable gaming consoles are compact and handheld devices designed specifically for gaming on the go. These consoles provide a convenient way for gamers to enjoy their favorite games anytime, anywhere, without the need for a proper gaming setup or a fixed console. With these Portable gaming consoles not only would you be able to comfortably enjoy your gaming experience anywhere but also play with your friends on your handy device.

They offer a wide range of gaming experiences, from casual and indie games to more immersive and graphically intensive titles. These devices often have their own unique features and capabilities, such as wireless connectivity for multiplayer gaming, touchscreens for intuitive controls, and the ability to connect to televisions or other displays for a larger gaming experience.

So if you are confused about which portable gaming consoles to choose from, we have compiled a list of the best consoles to play your games along with their features.

Best Portable Gaming Consoles

Here is a list of all the best portable gaming consoles that we believe would be the right for your comfort.

Steam Deck

The Steam Deck is a handheld gaming PC developed by Valve. It was released on February 25, 2022. The system runs SteamOS, a Linux distribution from Valve that includes the storefront of the same name. Utilising Valve’s Proton compatibility layer, SteamOS enables users to run Windows programs and games. it’s available in three different versions which are 64GB, 256GB, and 512 GB.

The eMMC storage used in the 64GB model is replaced by NVMe SSD storage in the 256GB and 512GB variants. The RAM is 16GB on all variants. The touchscreen display on the Steam Deck is 7 inches and 1280×800 pixels. A 40-watt-hour battery, an AMD RDNA 2 graphics card, and a 4-core AMD Zen 2 processor are also included. You can also check out our list of the best games for Steamdeck. You can even play Genshin Impact on the Steamdeck!

Specs

4K Capabilities: Yes
Screen: 7″ diagonal 1280 x 800px (16:10 aspect ratio) 60Hz
Storage: 64 GB – 512 GB
CPU: AMD APU Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz
Battery: 40 HR battery. 2 – 8 hours of gameplay
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 and Dual-band Wi-Fi radio, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
Ports: 1x USB-C with DisplayPort 1.4 Alt-mode support; up to 8K @60Hz or 4K @120Hz, 1x USB 3.2 ,1x Micro SD slot, 1x 3.5 audio jack
Dimensions: 298mm x 117mm x 49mm
Weight: Approx. 669 grams
Audio: Stereo with embedded DSP for an immersive listening experience and Dual Microphone Array

Ayaneo 2

Ayaneo created the Ayaneo 2, a portable gaming computer that was released in December 2022. The console has a Zen 3 CPU and runs Windows 11 as its operating system. It is in competition to Steam Deck from Valve. Along with the release of Ayaneo 2, there is also an Ayaneo Geek version.

The Ayaneo 2 is a potent portable gaming computer that provides a wonderful gaming experience. Its downsides include cost and limited battery life. The Ayaneo 2 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a potent portable gaming PC. On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget or looking for a console with a longer battery life, you might want to check out other options.

The Ayaneo 2 includes up to 2TB of storage, a 7-inch, 1200p, IPS display, and 16GB of RAM. Three USB-C ports, a fingerprint reader, and a 50.25 Wh battery are also included. Three different types of the Ayaneo 2 are available:

Ayaneo 2: 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage for $1,299
Ayaneo 2 Pro: 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage for $1,599
Ayaneo 2 Geek: 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage for $1,999

Specs

Screen: 7-inch IPS touchscreen 1920×1200
Storage: 512GB – 2TB NVMe
CPU: AMD 6800U
Battery: 50.25 Wh
Connectivity: WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
Ports: x2 USB Type-C (top), x1 USB Type-C(bottom), audio combo jack, MicroSD expansion
Dimensions: 10.4 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches
Weight: 680 grams

Playdate

The Playdate is a handheld video game console developed by Panic. It was released in April 2022. The console features a black-and-white screen, a mechanical crank, and Wi-Fi connectivity. More than 20 games are already pre-installed on the Playdate, including titles from well-known creators like Keita Takahashi, Zach Gauge, and Bennett Foddy. For an entire year, free new games will be introduced to the Playdate every week. The mechanical crank is a key selling feature of the Playdate. The crank can be used to control a chainsaw, rewind backward time, or steer a submarine, among other game-related functions. The Playdate has received recognition for its unique look, friendly community, and top-notch games. It has, though, drawn criticism for both its expensive price ($179) and the lack of a light panel.

The Playdate is a unique and modern portable gaming system. It is a fantastic option for gamers looking for a fun transportable, and affordable option to play games.

Specs

4K Capability: No
Power Source: Rechargable Lithium battery
What’s Included: 24 original Playdate games, delivered weekly, at no extra charge, and a USB-C to USB A cable
Brand: Playdate
Screen: 400 × 240 1-bit
Processing Power: 168 MHz Cortex M7 SDK supports Lua,
Storage: 4 GB Flash Storage
Battery: 14 days standby clock 8 hours active
Connectivity: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
Dimensions: 76 × 74 × 9 mm
Audio: Built-In Mono Speaker Stereo Headphone Jack Condenser Mic + TRRS Mic In

Retroid Pocket 3+

Retroid Pocket 3+ is a portable gaming system that contains many vintage retro games from the NES, SNES, Genesis, PlayStation, and other systems. It can run games at good frame rates because of its Unisoc Tiger T618 chipset and 4GB of RAM. The Retroid Pocket 3+ has a 4500mAh battery, a 4.7-inch touchscreen with 750×1334 resolution, and an integrated speaker. It supports a range of emulators and gaming apps and runs on Android 11. Overall it’s a great console if players are looking for a platform where they can relive their favorite vintage games.

Specs

4K Capability: No
Includes official game launcher and emulator frontend
Brand: Retroid
Screen: Touch screen: 4.7 inch, 750×1334@60fps, 450nits
Storage: 128GB eMMC 5.1CPU2*[email protected] + 6*[email protected]
Battery: 4500mAh battery
Connectivity: Wifi
Ports: 720p Micro HDMI + 3.5mm Audio Jack + USB Type-C

Analogue Pocket

In December 2021, the Analogue Pocket, a portable gaming system, was introduced. It is made to play games made for fourth-generation handheld video game systems as well as older generations, such as the Game Boy, Game Boy Colour, and Game Boy Advance. A 4300mAh battery powers the Analogue Pocket’s 3.5-inch backlit LCD display, which offers a 1600×1440 resolution. In addition, the console has a D-pad, four face buttons, two shoulder buttons, a Start button, and a Select button. Design, performance, and compatibility with a variety of games have all been highlighted as strengths of the Analogue Pocket. Its exorbitant price tag, however, has also drawn criticism.

Specs

4K Capability: No
Brand: Analogue
Screen: 3.5″ LCD 1600×1440 resolution 615ppi.
Game support is compatible with Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance game cartridges.
Storage: Micro SD card is the only storage
Battery: Rechargeable lithium ion 4300mAh battery
Ports: micro SD card slot USB-C charging Original-style link port 3.5mm headphone output
Audio: Stereo speakers

Razer Kishi V2 Controller

For a console-like gaming experience on your smartphone, use the Razer Kishi V2 Controller, a mobile gaming controller. It has a lot of improvements over the original Razer Kishi controller and is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The Razer Kishi V2 Controller uses microswitch buttons, which is one of the main upgrades. Traditional membrane buttons lack the reactivity and durability of microswitch buttons, which also lack the amazing clicky feel.A further level of authenticity is provided by the haptic feedback offered by the Razer Kishi V2 Controller.

The Razer Kishi V2 Controller is a great option for mobile gamers who are looking for a more immersive and comfortable gaming experience. It is also a great option for gamers who want to play console games on their smartphones.

Specs

Brand: Razer
Platform: iOS, Android (different products)
Battery: N/A
Connectivity: Pass-Through Lightning/Type-C Charging
Headset Support: N/A
Programmable: Yes
Extra Buttons: N/A

Nintendo Switch OLED Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Edition

The Nintendo Switch OLED Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Edition is a limited-edition console that features a design inspired by the popular video game The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The system includes a 7-inch OLED screen, a wide adjustable stand, a wired LAN port, and 64GB of internal storage. It also comes with a Joy-Con controller in a special color scheme.

The OLED screen is the biggest improvement over the original Switch. It has a larger 7-inch OLED display with vibrant colors and deep blacks. This makes it perfect for playing games that feature a lot of bright colors or dark environments. The wide adjustable stand allows you to prop up the system at any angle, which is great for playing games in Tabletop mode. The wired LAN port is a welcome addition for gamers who want a more reliable internet connection when playing in TV mode. And the 64GB of internal storage is plenty of space for storing games and save data.

Players can choose from a collection of Racing games, Puzzle games, and Fighting games. Some of them are even free to play!

Specs

4K Capability
No Power Source
Rechargeable Battery (Handheld)
AC Power (Docked Mode)
Special Edition Switch OLED, with custom Joy-Cons & Dock, AC Adapter & HDMI Cable
Screen: 7′ OLED screen with 720P Resolution
Game support all Nintendo Switch Titles
Storage: 64GB
CPU: Custom Nvidia Tegra X1 SoC
Connectivity: Wi-Fi A/C,
Bluetooth 4.1 Support
Ports: USB-C, Headphone Jack (USB A, HDMI, Ethernet available via dock)
Dimensions: 4′ x 9.5′ x 0.55′
Weight0.93 lbs with joycons
Audio: Built-in speakers, audio out cable

For more related content check out our dedicated website Gamition.

More E-Sports news:

Follow our dedicated E-Sports page for instant E-Sports news and updates