The Best 10 Handheld Gaming Consoles for 2023
1. Steam Deck
| Specs | Particulars |
|---|---|
| Show | 16:10 7-inch 1200x800p IPS show @ 60Hz |
| Storage and RAM | 64GB eMMC, 256GB, 512GB NVMe M.2 2230; 16GB LPDDR5 RAM |
| GPU | AMD Aerith Customized APU (4-15W) |
| Working System | Steam OS by default; Home windows installable |
| Corridor Triggers / Corridor Joysticks (Sure/No) | No/No |
| Battery | 40Wh |
| I/O | 1 x Kind-C USB 3.2 Gen 2, microSD card slot, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Worth | $399, $549, $649 |
Proper after we thought the hand-held gaming console trade was virtually lifeless and dominated by Nintendo Change, Valve made the Steam Deck official. In Steam Deck’s case, whereas there have been individuals who appeared into the technical features, most had been largely moved by its worth as the bottom mannequin solely ended up costing $399. The worth-to-performance ratio is impossibly good as Valve even admitted promoting the console at a loss and making up for it with the fee of promoting video games on the Steam Retailer. It’s a wise transfer.
For these unaware, Valve partnered with AMD to make Steam Deck’s APU and it strikes an excellent stability between efficiency and effectivity, one thing that handhelds from corporations that adopted later couldn’t obtain. Naturally, Valve offered 3 million items and continues to be enhancing the Deck.
Steam Deck runs a type of Arch Linux and never each recreation would possibly run on it. Therefore, should you don’t like fidgeting with the OS, it is probably not for you. Nevertheless, for Linux lovers and those that have at all times dreamt of gaming on Linux, it’s an ideal handheld-cum-computer.
| Execs | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely worth for cash | Can't play all video games from the Steam library |
| Can play AAA titles with ease | The show isn’t nice |
| First rate battery life | |
| Extremely repairable |
Purchase on Amazon ($495)
2. Asus ROG Ally
| Specs | Particulars |
|---|---|
| Show | 16:9 7-inch 1080p IPS show @ 120Hz |
| Storage and RAM | 512GB, 1TB NVMe; 16GB LPDDR5 RAM |
| GPU | AMD Z1/Excessive APU |
| Working System | Home windows |
| Corridor Triggers / Corridor Joysticks (Sure/No) | Sure/No |
| Battery | NA |
| I/O | Kind-C USB 4 with ASUS’s proprietary eGPU connector, microSD card slot, headphone jack |
| Worth | $599, $699 (Rumored) |
Numerous producers have referred to their handheld consoles as Steam Deck killers, however, nothing comes near gaming on the Steam Deck than the ROG Ally. We'd argue that Ally even surpasses the Deck in a couple of situations, but it surely’s obtained an enormous drawback, i.e. battery life. The ROG Ally has a 1080p 7-inch IPS touchscreen show with a 120Hz refresh fee, AMD Ryzen Z1 and Z1 Excessive processors with RDNA 3 graphics, 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage on the bottom variant. Furthermore, it runs Home Windows 11 with ASUS’s ROG gaming aesthetics on high.
Very similar to the Steam Deck, it’s a transportable pc with controls hooked up. As for AMDs Z1 Excessive, because it’s an APU particularly made for handhelds and never a pocketbook chip, we are able to count on it to considerably outperform Steam Deck’s Aerith APU at each decrease and better TDPs. In contrast to Steam Deck, it is going to help much more video games on launch as a result of it’s operating Home Windows 11. Now that the value of ROG Ally 2 has been formally revealed and it’s launching at $700, Steam Deck seems to be like an extra value-for-money product.
| Execs | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can play all AAA titles with ease | Dear |
| Increased refresh fee is shown with adaptive sync | No trackpads |
| Increased refresh fee show with adaptive sync |
Purchase on Greatest Purchase ($699)
3. Ayaneo 2
| Specs | Particulars |
|---|---|
| Show | 16:9 7-inch 1200p IPS show @ 60Hz |
| Storage and RAM | PCIe 4.0 512GB, 1TB, 2TB NVMe; 16/32GB LPDDR5 RAM |
| GPU | AMD Radeon 680M |
| Working System | Home windows/Ayaneo OS |
| Corridor Triggers / Corridor Joysticks (Sure/No) | Sure/Sure |
| Battery | 50.25Wh |
| I/O | 2 x Kind-C USB 4, microSD card slot, headphone jack |
| Worth | $1099, $1299, and $1499 |
Ayaneo was one of many first manufacturers to supply options to Steam Deck, and it began with the unique Ayaneo, which launched in 2021. The corporate has since then launched numerous transportable consoles, notably the Ayaneo Air, the Air Professional, Subsequent, and Extra. The Ayaneo 2 is the most recent handheld from the corporate, and it will get plenty of issues proper, for probably the most half. For starters, the construct high quality of the console is thought to be phenomenal and premium.
The console is powered by AMD Ryzen 7 6800U, which comes with the Radeon 680M graphics. The 680M is able to enjoying video games at 1080P in low to medium settings. It’s a tad bit quicker in comparison with Steam Deck’s Aerith APU because of the increased clock pace of compute items (2.2GHz vs 1.6GHz). Subsequently, it additionally has a better TDP of as much as 25W, and powering that could be a 50Whr battery.
The bottom variant of the Ayaneo 2 comes with 16GB LPDDR5 6400MHz RAM and 512GB PCIe NVMe drive, which is expandable (utilizing M.2 2280). At $1,100, the Ayaneo 2 isn’t precisely inexpensive and consultants might argue that the Steam Deck continues to be a better option, which it's, however, should you can afford the Ayaneo 2, you definitely gained’t remorse shopping for the hand-held gaming console.
What makes Ayaneo 2 higher are the nifty options and touches right here and there to boost the expertise. The corridor joysticks and triggers, glass entrance, eGPU help through USB 4, a 1200p show, haptics just like the Nintendo Change, and a bezel-less show do attempt to justify the value.
| Execs | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can play all AAA titles with ease | Considerably expensive than its counterparts |
| Home windows lets you play non-Steam video games from different launchers | |
| AyaSpace presents cool software program tips | |
| Corridor impact joysticks and triggers | |
| Sooner RAM, eGPU help through USB 4, and a 1200p display |
Purchase from Ayaneo (starts at $1,099)
4. Ayaneo Geek
| Specs | Particulars |
|---|---|
| Show | 16:9 7-inch 800/1200p IPS show @ 60Hz |
| Storage and RAM | PCIe 3.0 512GB, 1TB, 2TB NVMe; 16/32GB LPDDR5 RAM |
| GPU | AMD Radeon 680M |
| Working System | Home windows/Ayaneo OS |
| Corridor Triggers / Corridor Joysticks (Sure/No) | Sure/Sure |
| Battery | 50.25Wh |
| I/O | 2 x Kind-C USB 4, microSD card slot, headphone jack |
| Worth | $949, $1169, $1269, and $1369 |
The Ayaneo Geek options the identical processor as Ayaneo 2 however with a couple of variations right here and there. Ayaneo Geek is available in 1200p/ 800p variants, lacks the two-axis haptic motor and helps PCIe 3.0 customary in comparison with Ayaneo 2’s PCIe 4.0 customary. Of the 2, the Geek is the thicker aspect and the peak can also be lengthy.
Ayaneo calls it funds-providing because it sells for $949 for the bottom variant with an 800p display, 16GB RAM, and 512GB reminiscence, which isn't unhealthy in any respect. The worth distinction of $100 does imply that you simply miss out on PCIe 4.0 and a Full-HD display, which makes us assume that it’s value spending $100 extra and getting the Ayaneo 2 handheld gaming console. Nevertheless, in case your funds are an agency at sub-$1,000 and also you don’t want a Steam Deck, the Ayaneo Geek is value trying out.
| Execs | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can play all AAA titles with ease | Considerably expensive than its counterparts |
| Sooner RAM, and eGPU help through USB 4 | PCIe 3.0 as a substitute of 4.0 |
| AyaSpace presents cool software program tips | The base variant has an 800p display |
| Corridor Impact Joysticks and Triggers | |
| The base variant has 800p display |
Purchase from Ayaneo (starts at $949)
5. OneXPlayer 2 – AMD
| Specs | Particulars |
|---|---|
| Show | 16:9 8.4-inch 2.5k IPS show @ 60Hz |
| Storage and RAM | PCIe 3.0 512GB, 1TB, 2TB NVMe; 16/32GB LPDDR5 RAM |
| GPU | AMD Radeon 680M |
| Working System | Home windows |
| Corridor Triggers / Corridor Joysticks (Sure/No) | Sure/Sure |
| Battery | 65.5Wh |
| I/O | 1 x Kind-C USB 4, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Kind-C, 1 x USB-A 3.0, microSD card slot, headphone jack |
| Worth | $1099, $1199, $1299, and $1499 |
OneXPlayer sells its second-gen handheld console for $1,099 for the bottom variant with Ryzen 7 6800U. Just like the Nintendo Change, you'll be able to detach the joysticks, connect a keyboard to it and use it as a laptop computer. Furthermore, you should use the official dock and get a fully-fledged console-like expertise, or use it as a pill. It additionally has a bigger, extra highly effective 65.5Wh battery to energy its 2.5k 8.4-inch show. For its worth, the OneXPlayer 2 might be value getting over the Ayaneo Geek or Ayaneo 2.
The corporate additionally sells OneXPlayer Mini Professional AMD, which is yet more console powered by the Ryzen 7 6800u and Radeon 680M. The gadget includes a 7-inch 1200p show, 16GB DDR5 RAM at 6400MHz, PCIe 3.0 M.2 2280 SSD slot, Corridor joysticks and triggers, a 48Wh battery, and USB 4.0.
Options-wise, it’s fairly just like the Ayaneo Geek however with a 1200p show. OneXPlayer additionally presents the identical gadget with an Intel Core i7-1260P which we don’t suggest shopping for until you despise AMD. For an asking worth of $1049, it prices the identical as Ayaneo 2 which has much more options and presents a greater handheld gaming console expertise.
| Execs | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can play all AAA titles with ease | Considerably expensive than its counterparts |
| An even bigger 8-inch 2.5k show | Battery life will likely be unhealthy |
| Home windows lets you play non-Steam video games from different launchers | PCIe 3.0 as a substitute of 4.0 |
| Removable controllers for added flexibility | |
| Corridor Impact Joysticks and Triggers | |
| Sooner RAM, eGPU help through USB 4, and a 1200p display |
Purchase OneXPlayer 2 (starts at $1,099)
6. GPD Win Max 2 2023
| Specs | Particulars |
|---|---|
| Show | 16:9 10.1-inch 1080p/2.5k IPS show @ 60Hz |
| Storage and RAM | PCIe 4.0 1TB, 2TB NVMe; 16/32/64GB LPDDR5x RAM. 2 x PCIe 4.0 slots. |
| GPU | AMD Radeon 760M, 780M |
| Working System | Home windows |
| Corridor Triggers / Corridor Joysticks (Sure/No) | Sure/Sure |
| Battery | 67Wh |
| I/O | 1 x Kind-C USB 4, 2 x USB-A 3.0, microSD card slot, headphone jack, Oculink slot for eGPU |
| Worth | $799, $1049, and $1199 |
Launched in 2022, the Win Max 2 2022 was a sort of machine (?), or ought to I say a handheld console? Anyway, the Max 2 2023 ups the specs and will supply barely extra efficiency, due to AMDs newest RDNA 3 graphics within the 7000 collection U chipsets. The Win Max 2 2023 is available in two variants, one powered by a Ryzen 5 7640u and Radeon 760M and the opposite makes use of a Ryzen 7 7840U with the Radeon 780M. The 760M is a blended bag because it comes with 512 shaders in comparison with 768 shaders in Radeon 680M. Nevertheless, the max increase clock on the 760M is on the upper aspect at 2.8GHz vs 2.4GHz. The 780M, however, is a major improvement from the 680M.
The Win Max 2 comes with 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM with speeds of 7500 mt/s (to not be confused with MHz). There’s help for 2 M.2 SSDs (1x 2280, 1x 2230), one among them is at PCIe 4.0. The gadget features a 10.1-inch IPS show, USB 4, 67Wh battery, a full QWERTY keyboard, an SD card slot, and an “extremely environment-friendly” cooling system. The Win Max 2 has built-in corridor joysticks and triggers, and a trackpad within the center.
GPD was lately funded for the Win Max 2 and therefore the gadget isn’t out there for buy instantly. Nevertheless, it ought to arrive on the official GPD e-commerce sellers quickly. For an asking worth of $1,200, the Win Max 2 is by no means a nasty providing. If you wish to each play and work on the go, it may be for you.
| Execs | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can play AAA titles with ease | Costly |
| Home Windows lets you play non-Steam video games from different launchers | |
| Can be utilized as a laptop computer; Has a fully-fledged keyboard | |
| Corridor Impact Joysticks and Triggers | |
| Sooner RAM, eGPU help through USB 4, and a 1080p display | |
| Twin SSD slots for extra storage |
Purchase GPD Win Max 2 2023 ($1,199)
7. Nintendo Change
| Specs | Particulars |
|---|---|
| Show | 16:9 7-inch 720p IPS show @ 60Hz |
| Storage and RAM | 32GB eMMC; 4GB RAM |
| GPU | NVIDIA Tegra X1 |
| Working System | Nintendo Change OS |
| Corridor Triggers / Corridor Joysticks (Sure/No) | No/No |
| Battery | 16Wh |
| I/O | 1 x Kind-C, microSD card slot, headphone jack |
| Worth | $349 |
Nintendo Change is the best-selling handheld gaming console of all time after Nintendo DS, and there are many reasons why that’s the case. Though the console is nearly six years outdated at this level, Nintendo has managed to maintain it alive and kicking by launching an OLED variant of the identical a yr in the past. The Change is thought for its Nintendo-exclusive video games from the Pokemon, Legends of Zelda, and Tremendous Mario franchises.
The Change is powered by the traditional NVIDIA Tegra X1 chipset, which continues to be surprisingly able to operate video games, due to the optimizations from recreation builders. Properly, they will miss bringing out on bringing their video games to an enormous platform like Change. That stated the Tegra X1 is nearly at its finish, as it will probably hardly run the most recent PC and Nintendo titles without operating out of breath. Plus, current rumors counsel that Nintendo might lastly launch or give us a glimpse of Change’s successor this yr.
The unique Nintendo Change price is $250 whereas the OLED mannequin is priced at $360. The OLED mannequin brings some vital enhancements over the unique Change, and should you’ve made up your thoughts about shopping for the Change, you must get the OLED variant. In the event you’re extra into PC gaming and have little curiosity about Change video games, we might counsel getting the Steam Deck because it enables you to emulate Change video games and is far more worth for cash for $399.
| Execs | Cons |
|---|---|
| Video games on the OLED model look nice | The Tegra X1 is just too outdated at this level |
| Nintendo exclusives are a few of the greatest | Slower eMMC storage and RAM |
| Removable Joycons add flexibility | Nintendo exclusives are a bit on the expensive aspect |
Purchase on Amazon ($340)
Purchase on Greatest Purchase ($350)
8. Nintendo Change Lite
| Specs | Particulars |
|---|---|
| Show | 16:9 5.5-inch 720p IPS show @ 60Hz |
| Storage and RAM | 32GB eMMC; 4GB RAM |
| GPU | NVIDIA Tegra X1 |
| Working System | Nintendo Change OS |
| Corridor Triggers / Corridor Joysticks (Sure/No) | No/No |
| Battery | 13.6Wh |
| I/O | 1 x Kind-C, |
For individuals who wish to play Change titles but can not afford the Change, Nintendo Change Lite is a possibility. The Change Lite options the identical Tegra X1 chipset and display decision because the Change, however, has a smaller display and is a lighter and extra transportable console in total. It doesn’t have removable pleasure cons; therefore, you can't detach the joysticks and play video games by connecting the Change Lite to a TV.
That stated although, for an asking worth of $169, you can't ask for extra. It’s a reasonably first-rate console, which, once more, is nice worth for individuals who wish to play Change-exclusive video games. The battery on the Lite is a tad bit smaller than the Change and will final for 3-5 hours as a substitute for 4-7 hours on the Change. In total, it’s probably the greatest and most inexpensive handheld gaming console out there proper now.
| Execs | Cons |
|---|---|
| Nintendo console on a funds | The Tegra X1 is just too outdated at this level |
| Nintendo exclusives are a few of the greatest | Slower eMMC storage and RAM |
| Incapable of operating the newest PC titles; Nintendo unique is expensive | |
| Lesser battery life than the Change | |
| No removable Joycons |
Purchase on Amazon ($196.99)
Purchase on Greatest Purchase ($199.99)
9. Retroid Pocket 3
| Specs | Particulars |
|---|---|
| Show | 16:9 7-inch 720p IPS show @ 60Hz |
| Storage and RAM | 32GB eMMC; 4GB RAM |
| GPU | Unisoc Tiger T310 SoC |
| Working System | Android 9.0 |
| Corridor Triggers / Corridor Joysticks (Sure/No) | No/No |
| Battery | 4000mAh |
| I/O | 1 x Kind-C, |
The title says all of it. Retroid Pocket 3 is an Android-based console and its forte is emulation. It packs a 4.7-inch 720p show, and a 4,000mAh battery and is available in one variant 3+32GB. It’s powered by a somewhat fundamental Unisoc T310 processor. On the connectivity entrance, it comes with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and all of that's powered by a 4000mAh battery.
The Pocket 3 just isn't a handheld able to operate AAA titles however retro titles from the unique PSP, PS2, Nintendo Wii, DS, and so forth. Because it’s based mostly on Android, you possibly can set up emulators like Dolphin, Citra, PPSSPP, and so forth., and play video games on it. For an asking worth of simply above $100, it isn't a nasty possibility. Nevertheless, should you already personal a reasonably trendy, decently highly effective Android cellphone, there’s no level in shopping for a handheld gaming console just like the Pocket 3 but the subsequent itemizing on our listing.
| Execs | Cons |
|---|---|
| Makes use of Android and may emulate quite a lot of video games | The {hardware} isn’t nice |
| First rate show | Slower eMMC storage and RAM |
| Good for informal, retro gaming | Incapable of operating older demanding titles |
Purchase on Amazon ($110)
10. Playdate
| Specs | Particulars |
|---|---|
| Show | 1-bit 400×200 black and white show |
| Storage and RAM | 4GB eMMC; 16MB RAM |
| GPU | 168MHz Cortex M7 |
| Working System | – |
| Corridor Triggers / Corridor Joysticks (Sure/No) | No/No |
| Battery | 8 hours on steady utilization, 14 hours on Standby |
| I/O | 1 x Kind-C, |
Warning! In the event you love spending cash on cute issues, you'll wish to give in and gained’t be subdued by Playdate’s cuteness and its total design. Though the hand-held isn’t out there properly now and ships in late 2023, you'll be able to preorder it properly now. The console comes with over 20 distinctive video games, can hook up to Wi-Fi, and requires an exterior USB energy supply for energy.
The console has a bit crank on the aspect that may rewind your recreation or transfer it ahead to a sure level. Moreover, there’s a D-pad and two buttons A and B. The display isn’t backlit however is a black-and-white unit that makes use of negligible energy. The console works with what they name “Seasons.” As soon as arranged, you obtain two new video games each week for 12 weeks.
Sooner or later, the producer will even promote a stereo dock that your Playdate can hook up with, to behave as a clock, a speaker, and a pen holder. Whereas it is probably not the very best gaming handheld on the market, it’s an excellent piece of {hardware} to generally sit again and chill out, after which marvel about how far we have now actually available gaming.
| Execs | Cons |
|---|---|
| One-of-a-kind pocketable console | Costly for what it has to supply |
| Nice design | |
| Free video games; new video games each week |
Purchase Playdate ($199)
Bonus: Razer Kishi V2 for Android
Sure, sure, the Kishi V2 just isn't a handheld gaming console, however, it will probably convert your cellphone into one. Gaming telephones are nonetheless trending and never all folks can afford them. Moreover, if you have already got a successful cellphone like Nubia Crimson Magic or Xiaomi Black Shark, it wouldn’t be a sensible resolution to spend extra money on a couple of options when you will get one thing just like the Razer Kishi V2 to get a console-like gaming really feel. The Kishi V2 has a common match, which means, it will probably match to any cellphone so long as the cellphone has a USB type-C port.
It additionally has a passthrough type-C port for charging your cellphone throughout gameplay, and the app lets you flick thru video games, file them, and customize the Kishi V2. So long as your cellphone’s below 11.5 mm thick (together with the digicam) and below 170mm lengthy, the Kishi V2 will match with no points. For an asking worth of $99, the Kishi V2 is a superb gadget in your Android gadget and an effective way to transform your Android gadget right into a fully-fledged gaming console.
In the event you assume the Kishi V2 is pricey and want one thing less expensive the GameSir X2 Professional ($80, Buy on Amazon) can also be an excellent gadget.
| Execs | Cons |
|---|---|
| Transportable | A bit on the costly aspect |
| Nice really feel for controls | |
| Matches quite a lot of completely different Android units with a Kind-C port |
Purchase on Amazon ($96)
Have we missed any handheld gaming consoles that you simply assume are valuable together with this listing? Tell us within the feedback part beneath.
