You probably rely on your smartphone to play games for long, but they aren’t built for gaming purposes. But the handheld gaming console is excellent to have for high-end games.
With tons of games, actual gaming buttons, extended battery life, it keeps you occupied for longer. You might be looking to have one of the best handheld gaming consoles. You’ve landed on the right page to get the one for you.
In this article, we’ll provide you some of the best handheld gaming consoles, which are specially made for excellent distraction. So, let’s read on and choose the high-end gaming console for you.
What is a Handheld Gaming Console?
The handheld gaming consoles are small, portable and lightweight in design. These are self-contained and have a built-in screen, speakers, and game control. Handheld gaming consoles are smaller in size than video games but have a better controlling unit than home video games.
Difference between Handheld Gaming Console & PC/TV Home Gaming Console
PC/TV home gaming consoles are bulkier and require setup to start gaming. But with a handheld gaming console, you don’t require any setup, and you don’t even need to sit at a place for longer. These are portable enough to carry in your hands and play games.
You can even take these handheld gaming consoles wherever you want. Being portable doesn’t mean you need to compromise with the features; in fact, these gaming consoles have everything that you need. However, choosing the best one for yourself is slightly trickier.
But here, we are going to recommend some decent handheld gaming consoles that are available, which means you get the big-budget game titles on your big screen.
Comparison Table
Sr No | Product Links | Dimensions | Battery Life | Screen Size | Weight | Price |
Nintendo Switch | 9.4 x 4.0 x 0.6 inches | 9 hours | 6.2 inches | 14.1 ounces | $335.95 | |
Nintendo Switch Lite | 8.2 x 3.6 x 0.6 inches | 7 hours | 5.5 inches | 9.8 ounces | Rs 22,798 | |
Nintendo 2DS XL | 6.3 x 3.4 x 0.9 inches | 7 hours | 4.88 inches upper screen and 4.18 inches lower | 9.2 ounces | Rs, 23,709.65 | |
Sony PlayStation Vita with Wi-fi | 8.1 x 7 x 2.5 inches | 6 hours | 5.0 inches | 9.1 ounces | Rs 40,752 | |
Hyperkin SupaBoy | 20 x 30 x 15 cm | 10 hours | 4.3 inches | 32.80 ounces | Rs 14,744.90 | |
Docooler X12 Handheld Game Video Game Consoles | 7.48 x 3.34 x 0.59 inches | 6-7 hours | 5.1 inches | 14.02 ounces | Rs 9319.00 | |
Apple iPad Air | 9.74 x 7 x 0.24 inches | 10 hours | 10.9 inches | 16 ounces | Rs 66,893 | |
Mitashi Game in Smarty Pro 2.0 Handheld Gaming Console | 16 x 6.5 x 1cm | 6-7 hours | 4.3 inches | 6.70 ounces | Rs 3999 |
List of Best Handheld Gaming Consoles to Buy
Here is the list of spectacular handheld gaming consoles that you can buy right now.
1. Nintendo Switch
Technical Specifications
Battery Life: 9 hours
Design: Hybrid
Multi-Player: Yes
Screen Size: 6.2 inches
Size/Dimensions: 9.4 x 4.0 x 0.6
Launched date: 29 August 2019
Nintendo Switch handheld gaming console features a hybrid design that offers you two different ways to play games. You can easily plug it into your dock and play on TV as well. You probably get up to 9 hours of battery backup, which is enormous and keeps you hooked into the games for longer.
The gaming library is loaded with many high-end Nintendo Titles games such as Super Mario Odyssey, The legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Animal Crossing New Horizons and many more. However, these fantastic demanding games can drain out the battery too often, but you still get 5 hours of seamless playing.
It boasts a 6.2 inches multi-touch screen and connects over the wi-fi network to play with multiple players. You can even add up to 8 consoles at one time.
2. Nintendo Switch Lite
Technical Specifications
Battery Life: 7 hours
Design: Single Switch Type
Multi-Player: No
Screen Size: 5.5 inches
Size/Dimensions: 8.2 x 3.6 x 0.6
Launched date: August 2019
Nintendo Switch Lite is another best handheld gaming console but comes in a smaller size. Like, Nintendo Switch, here you can also access the massive library games. Being smaller in size, it’s very portable to carry anywhere with you. Also, the screen size of the device is only 5.5 inches.
It features a fully integrated built-in +control pad, which is highly compatible with digital Nintendo Switch games. This console is available to you at a great price, so you don’t need to dig out your pocket. With a slim and sleek design and durable, regular switches, you get everything that enhances your gaming fun.
The only downside is the short battery life which may annoy you when playing high-end Nintendo Games. For a beginner, this could be a better option to buy.
3. Nintendo 2DS XL
Technical Specifications
Battery Life: 7 hours
Design: Single Switch Type Ergonomic Design
Multi-Player: No
Screen Size: 4.88 inches upper screen
Size/Dimensions: 6.3 x 3.4 x 0.9
Launched date: 27 August 2018
The all-new Nintendo 2DS XL comes so far with a great CPU programmer, two large color display screens, and a vast gaming library that holds you for hours. To be honest, finding such a clamshell design gaming console is difficult. It is featuring a C stick that brings superior control for compatible games.
ZR and ZL buttons provide you with multiple options to control the games. Plus, two gaming screens make it a super impressive and stylish gaming console. Its clamshell design further makes it easy to fold and keep in your pocket. The battery life is slightly less than Nintendo Switch, but it has a fast processor that won’t let you down.
Above this, this best handheld gaming console is also having a huge stock of third-party titles such as Capcom, Atlus, Enix and many more.
4. Sony PlayStation Vita with Wi-fi
Technical Specifications
Battery Life: 6 hours
Design: Single Switch Type
Multi-Player: No
Screen Size: 5.0 inches
Size/Dimensions: 8.1 x 7 x 2.5
Launched date: 19 November 2014
Sony PlayStation is another popular handheld gaming console that is available to you. More than 1000 games are available to play on this gaming console. This means you have a complete dose of entertainment in your hands. It comes with a remote play feature that allows you to stream a plethora of PS4 games even over your wi-fi network.
Moreover, you can access various apps to check out funny videos, the status of your friends and even stream TV shows, stream music from your PS system. Its slim, sleek and lightweight design makes it comfortable to hold even for hours.
Above this, the dual analog control provides a super gaming experience. The only downside is it has only 6 hours of extended battery backup, so you may need to charge it over again.
5. Hyperkin SupaBoy
Technical Specifications
Battery Life: 10 hours
Design: Dual Switch Type
Multi-Player: No
Screen Size: 4.3 inches
Size/Dimensions: 20 x 30 x 15 cm
Launched date: 14 September 2011
Hyperkin SupaBoy is the best gaming console to buy right now. It features a NTSC Pal region switch, which enhances the gaming experience. The screen size of this gaming console is slightly shorter than others but comes with an adjustable brightness button so that you can adjust the screen brightness.
It has dual original SNES controller support, which allows you to play the games on TV. Other than this, it comes with stereo sound with a headphone jack to enjoy music while playing the games. The good thing about this gaming is its 10 hours long extended battery life.
Hyperkin SupaBoy gaming console is compatible with the Japanese Super Famicom Cartridge and others as well. You can enjoy seamless connectivity on this best gaming console.
6. Docooler X12 Handheld Game Video Game Consoles
Technical Specifications
Battery Life: 6-7 hours
Design: Single Switch Design
Multi-Player: Yes
Screen Size: 5.1 inches
Size/Dimensions: 7.48 x 3.34 x 0.59
Launched date: 12 January 2019
Docooler X12 is the best multifunctional handheld gaming console that can also support video watching, e-book reading and music and many more. This gaming console is very convenient to operate because it supports more than 29 languages.
Besides that, it also supports TF cards to extend the capacity of this gaming console. You can even connect the PC and USB device to enhance the visual experience. The screen size of the Docooler is 5.1 inches which is perfect for any game. It is a multifunctional gaming console so that you can support many other things.
From user-friendly design to double rocker features, you get so many other features which are worth it. This could be a budget-friendly deal for those who have a tight budget.
7. Apple iPad Air
Technical Specifications
Battery Life: 10 hours
Design: Single Switch all screen retina display
Multi-Player: No
Screen Size: 10.9 inches
Size/Dimensions: 9.74 x 7 x 0.24
Launched date: 13 September 2020
Arguably, Apply iPad Air is amongst the best tablets that can also be used as a gaming console. The Apple App Store lets you download the most fantastic smartphone games such as Minecraft, Hearthstone, Fortnite and many more. Also, the 10.9 inches bigger liquid retina display provides super gaming visuals with perfect brightness.
Apple Arcade sets this iPad apart from many other Android tablets. With the subscription services, you can access over 100s games for just 5$ per month. Above this, you get a strong battery backup that keeps you occupied for hours.
Although you do not get the key buttons like you would get in another gaming console, you can attach a keypad to enjoy gaming. This might be an expensive deal for you, but if you are a true gamer, then probably you would appreciate having this one.
8. Mitashi Game in Smarty Pro 2.0 Handheld Gaming Console
Technical Specifications
Battery Life: 6-7hours
Design: Single Switch classic design
Multi-Player: No
Screen Size: 4.3 inches
Size/Dimensions: 16 x 6.5 x 1cm
Launched date: Not mentioned
Mitashi is another popular handheld gaming console that has built-in 2000 classic games. It comes with a 4.3 inches TFT LCD screen, which offers you fantastic color brightness and a gaming experience. Moreover, this gaming console supports more than Multi OSD 2 languages so that anyone can use it conveniently.
It features built-in 4GN flash memory, so you can download and play numerous games without worrying about space and speed. Moreover, you can watch movies, read a book, have video chat and click pictures on this gaming console.
Its portable size makes it ideal for carrying it anywhere with you without worrying about space. The screen size of this gaming is slightly less than other reviewed ones, but that would be good if you have more than 3000 classic games to play in such an affordable range.
Buyers Guide-Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Handheld Gaming Console
It seems daunting when you need to choose the best handheld gaming console from many options. Hence, to make the process easier, you need to consider these following things that help to pick up the right gaming console for you.
So, let’s move ahead.
Game Type
The first preference you need to give to the types of games. Some individuals prefer sports games whereas some prefer to have shooters or other games. Many individuals can’t even live without having the gaming franchise. So, before you hook up to the shiny gaming console, do prefer the type of games you want.
Cost
Before moving ahead, think about your budget first and how much money you can invest in buying these gaming consoles. The cost of the initial gaming consoles is also high, so it would help if you spend some time on your budget and then find the best handheld gaming console for you.
Performance
If you prefer to have smooth gameplay, you must pay attention to the gaming console’s performance. For this, you can check graphics, power-play timing and speed. Along with this, check whether the gaming console offers you a 4k resolution or an HD one.
Controller
How you want to control your game also helps you to choose the handheld best model. So, do ensure to check screen builds and sticks like nunchucks available to you or not.
Storage and Battery Life
Ideally, go with those gaming consoles which provide you at least 32 Gb storage space so you can download multiple games at one time. Along with this, you can even prefer to check the battery life. A good gaming console can offer you at least 6 to 8 hours of battery life.
Faqs
Q. Suggest some of the best handheld gaming consoles to buy?
A. Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite and Sony PlayStation are some of the best handheld gaming consoles to buy in 2021.
Q. Which will be the best handheld gaming console for a 5-year-old kid?
A. Nintendo 3DS XL, Classic PSP handheld gaming consoles would be best for a 5-year-old kid.
Q. Is there any tablet available that can work as a handheld gaming console?
A. Apple iPad Air is the best tablet that can also work effectively as the handheld gaming console.
Conclusion
Handheld gaming consoles help keep you occupied longer and enhance your gaming experience because they are specially built for gaming purposes. However, some handheld gaming consoles also provide numerous features that allow you to connect the console to TV, listen to music and read e-Books.
So, here we’ve listed some of the best handheld gaming consoles you can buy this year. In addition to this, a buying guide is also there that helps to choose the right one for you.