{"id":34402,"date":"2022-12-02T08:33:51","date_gmt":"2022-12-02T08:33:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/?p=34402"},"modified":"2023-05-30T17:46:14","modified_gmt":"2023-05-30T17:46:14","slug":"the-best-handheld-game-consoles-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/the-best-handheld-game-consoles-2\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Handheld Game Consoles"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>What to Look For<\/h2>\n<p>We love gaming handhelds and want to share the best models available with you. In our search, we looked at their price-to-performance ratio, portability, and the size of their game library. For example, the best performance and game library goes to the Nintendo Switch OLED edition. It&#8217;s a bit pricey, but the number of quality games can&#8217;t be beaten. Best yet, the quality of the screen speaks for itself, with inky blacks and rich colors. If you want something cheaper that can still play a bunch of great games, we recommend the Retroid Pocket 2 Plus with its great form factor to processing power ratio. Keep reading and we&#8217;ll go into further detail on these awesome handhelds.<\/p>\n<h2>Nintendo Switch OLED Edition<\/h2>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Nintendo-Switch-OLED-Model-White-Joy\/dp\/B098RKWHHZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><div class=\"amazon-card\"><div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Nintendo-Switch-OLED-Model-White-Joy\/dp\/B098RKWHHZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img title='' alt='' src='https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41-a qwZXgL.jpg' \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-details\"><h3 class=\"product-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Nintendo-Switch-OLED-Model-White-Joy\/dp\/B098RKWHHZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">The reigning champion<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"product-summary\">The top-rated handheld just got even better, with an OLED screen that's significantly larger than the old model and stunning to see in person.<\/div><\/div><div class='product-award'><div>Best Overall<\/div><\/div><p class=\"find-in-btn-wrap\"><a class=\"find-in-btn btn-amazon product-amazon\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Nintendo-Switch-OLED-Model-White-Joy\/dp\/B098RKWHHZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Find on Amazon<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/a>\n<p>The best handheld on the market just got even better. This update to the Nintendo Switch features an absolutely gorgeous OLED screen that puts the old one to shame. The image pops with deep blacks and sharp contrast \u2014 and there\u2019s practically no light bleed. Also, this Switch is brighter at about 343 nits and the screen is much larger with thinner bezels. And did we mention the incredible library of games? Because Nintendo&#8217;s flagship console already has a huge collection of highly-rated games in every genre. It may be a bit pricey, but this console is worth every last penny.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A longer kickstand that&#8217;s much more usable<\/li>\n<li>Better performance in daylight with reduced glare<\/li>\n<li>All JoyCons are compatible with this Switch<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Internals are still the same and this version still doesn&#8217;t have a 4K output<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Ruixiao RG351V Retro Handheld Game Console<\/h2>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/RG351V-Handheld-Console-Portable-Two-Player\/dp\/B09B4SRZN7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><div class=\"amazon-card\"><div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/RG351V-Handheld-Console-Portable-Two-Player\/dp\/B09B4SRZN7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img title='' alt='' src='https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41S9j4GKu2L.jpg' \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-details\"><h3 class=\"product-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/RG351V-Handheld-Console-Portable-Two-Player\/dp\/B09B4SRZN7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Old-school fun in your pocket<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"product-summary\">This portable emulator <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gamerevolution.com\/reviews\/the-best-retro-gaming-consoles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">console is easy to set up for retro gaming<\/a> on the go.<\/div><\/div><div class='product-award'><div>Runner Up<\/div><\/div><p class=\"find-in-btn-wrap\"><a class=\"find-in-btn btn-amazon product-amazon\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/RG351V-Handheld-Console-Portable-Two-Player\/dp\/B09B4SRZN7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Find on Amazon<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/a>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking to play emulated retro games, it\u2019s hard to go wrong with this Anbernic RG351V from Ruixiao. Anbernic consoles are well-established in the handheld market, having been in the game for many years and being trusted by gamers worldwide. This device runs on a custom build of EmuElec, configured so all you have to do is drop in ROMs in the right folders and you\u2019re ready to play. It&#8217;s powerful enough to even play consoles like the N64, which is where the joystick comes in handy. With the slim and ergonomic vertical layout, this is a top-notch emulator handheld for anyone who loves the feel of the original Gameboy.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Built-in rumble motor that can be used when emulating N64 or PlayStation games<\/li>\n<li>Easy to use, no need for technical software knowledge<\/li>\n<li>WiFi multiplayer works like a dream, even with older emulated games on fan-made servers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Joystick positioning could be more ergonomic<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>My Arcade Pocket Player Handheld Pac-Man Console<\/h2>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/bionik-DRMDGUNL3227-Pac-Man-Pocket-Player\/dp\/B07GLF2JDK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><div class=\"amazon-card\"><div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/bionik-DRMDGUNL3227-Pac-Man-Pocket-Player\/dp\/B07GLF2JDK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img title='' alt='' src='https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51BelDUjXMS.jpg' \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-details\"><h3 class=\"product-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/bionik-DRMDGUNL3227-Pac-Man-Pocket-Player\/dp\/B07GLF2JDK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Long live the king<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"product-summary\">This handheld device plays multiple versions of everyone's favorite classic game from the early days of gaming.<\/div><\/div><div class='product-award'><div>Best For Kids<\/div><\/div><p class=\"find-in-btn-wrap\"><a class=\"find-in-btn btn-amazon product-amazon\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/bionik-DRMDGUNL3227-Pac-Man-Pocket-Player\/dp\/B07GLF2JDK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Find on Amazon<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/a>\n<p>One of the oldest <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gamerevolution.com\/reviews\/the-best-racing-video-games\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">video games<\/a> in the world, Pac-Man is going to be around forever. This handheld device is perfect for lovers of this iconic game. In fact, its only purpose is to play one of three Pac-Man games. So if you&#8217;re gearing up to beat some records, this is the perfect handheld to practice on the go. It&#8217;s suitable for all ages and is affordable enough to warrant giving this little device a try.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Great for younger kids since it&#8217;s small and simple<\/li>\n<li>Ergonomic construction that&#8217;s still easily pocketable<\/li>\n<li>You can add credits to extend your playtime<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The D-pad and buttons could be a bit better, but they&#8217;re definitely serviceable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Nintendo New 3DS XL Console<\/h2>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Nintendo-New-3DS-XL-Console-Renewed\/dp\/B07S1Q55MB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><div class=\"amazon-card\"><div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Nintendo-New-3DS-XL-Console-Renewed\/dp\/B07S1Q55MB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img title='' alt='' src='https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41PJDbAzmHL.jpg' \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-details\"><h3 class=\"product-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Nintendo-New-3DS-XL-Console-Renewed\/dp\/B07S1Q55MB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Twice the screens, twice the fun<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"product-summary\">This handheld has a huge library of games, many of which are displayed in 3D without the need for 3D glasses.<\/div><\/div><div class='product-award'><div>Best Dual Screen<\/div><\/div><p class=\"find-in-btn-wrap\"><a class=\"find-in-btn btn-amazon product-amazon\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Nintendo-New-3DS-XL-Console-Renewed\/dp\/B07S1Q55MB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Find on Amazon<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/a>\n<p>Before the Switch, Nintendo&#8217;s 3DS was the king of handhelds. It&#8217;s still an amazing console today, with a vast library of delightful games. One of the last iterations is this new XL version. One of the key differences is the addition of a small nub that acts as a right joystick. It&#8217;s not the same as having a full-sized stick, but it still makes quite a difference in 3D games and shooters. Games can be played either digitally or via a physical cartridge. And if you&#8217;re into modding, the possibilities are endless with this device, as it can play old DS and Gameboy Advanced games with ease.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Large screen makes games especially immersive on this console<\/li>\n<li>Smooth left joystick controls<\/li>\n<li>Responsive touchscreen that works with a finger or stylus<\/li>\n<li>Incredible library of beloved games<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The eShop for DS will close in March of next year, so now is the best time to get a console and download your favorite games<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Retroid Pocket 2 Plus Retro Game Handheld Console<\/h2>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Retroid-Pocket-Handheld-Multiple-Emulators\/dp\/B09Z2CNGGD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><div class=\"amazon-card\"><div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Retroid-Pocket-Handheld-Multiple-Emulators\/dp\/B09Z2CNGGD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img title='' alt='' src='https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41RNeeY1P9L.jpg' \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-details\"><h3 class=\"product-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Retroid-Pocket-Handheld-Multiple-Emulators\/dp\/B09Z2CNGGD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Portablility done right<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"product-summary\">With a powerful processor, this affordable handheld can play a huge library of retro games and modern Android apps.<\/div><\/div><div class='product-award'><div>Best Power<\/div><\/div><p class=\"find-in-btn-wrap\"><a class=\"find-in-btn btn-amazon product-amazon\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Retroid-Pocket-Handheld-Multiple-Emulators\/dp\/B09Z2CNGGD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Find on Amazon<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/a>\n<p>Retro gaming enthusiasts, this is the handheld you&#8217;ve been waiting for. At a super affordable price, this small console packs enough power to play PSP, N64, and even some Gamecube and PS2 games with ease. And for whatever games it can&#8217;t run, you can always stream them from your PC or a cloud gaming service. And since it has a mini-HDMI port, you can hook it up to your TV and play games with a Bluetooth controller.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Runs Android, so you can install Google Play apps and sync with your account<\/li>\n<li>Most powerful Android gaming console at this price<\/li>\n<li>The L and R buttons are easily accessible<\/li>\n<li>4:3 screen ratio is perfect for retro games as they were made in this format<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The screen is a bit small for modern games, especially with text<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<p><strong>What are ROMs and ISOs?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re going to play retro games, you might need to use the game file from the cartridge or disc. When ripped from a game cartridge, like a SNES or N64 game, it&#8217;s called a ROM. Game files ripped from discs, like Playstation or Gamecube, are usually ISO files.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What is the battery life on most gaming handhelds?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It really depends on the device, but you can usually expect a minimum of two or three hours of playtime. Advanced PC gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck or Aya Neo Air will consume more power and therefore have less battery life. But something like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gamerevolution.com\/reviews\/the-best-nintendo-switch-lite-games\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nintendo Switch<\/a> or emulating devices like the Retroid Pocket 2 plus use less power and have much better battery life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What to Look For We love gaming handhelds and want to share the best models available with you. In our search, we looked at their price-to-performance ratio, portability, and the size of their game library. For example, the best performance and game library goes to the Nintendo Switch OLED edition. It&#8217;s a bit pricey, but [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":81,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1442,1124],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34402"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/81"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34402"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34402\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":53232,"href":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34402\/revisions\/53232"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34402"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34402"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34402"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}