Handheld gaming systems have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering gamers the freedom to play their favorite games on the go. With the success of the Nintendo Switch and advancements in mobile processors, there has been a surge of gaming handhelds in the market. However, choosing the best gaming handheld can be a challenging task, given the wide range of options available at various price points. In this article, we will provide an overview of the best gaming handhelds in 2023, ranging from portable PC powerhouses to mobile emulation machines. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Overview
Before we delve into the details, let’s take a quick look at some of the best gaming handhelds available in 2023:
- Steam Deck: Best Handheld Gaming PC for Most – Starting at $399.
- Retroid Pocket 3+: Best Budget Gaming Handheld – Priced at $149.
- AYN Odin: A More Powerful Android Option – Available for $239.
- Logitech G Cloud: Another Good (But Pricey) Option – Priced at $300.
- Analogue Pocket: A Premium Device for Vintage Portable Games – Retailing at $220.
Please note that these are just a few of the notable options available in the market, and there are other handhelds worth considering as well. Now, let’s explore the gaming handheld market in more detail and discuss the key factors to consider when choosing the right gaming handheld for you.
What to Know About the Gaming Handheld Market
The gaming handheld market can be broadly categorized into three tiers based on the type of devices available. Each tier offers different features, capabilities, and price points, catering to various gaming preferences. Understanding these tiers will help you narrow down your options and choose the handheld that aligns with your gaming needs.
- Portable Gaming PCs: At the top of the market, you have x86-based portable gaming PCs like the Steam Deck or Asus ROG Ally. These handhelds are designed to replicate the gaming experience of a moderately specced gaming desktop. They offer the most powerful hardware and can run modern, recently released games on the go. These devices also excel in emulating a wide range of retro consoles. However, they tend to be larger and more cumbersome to hold, and their battery life may be relatively shorter. Portable gaming PCs are also the most expensive handhelds, with prices ranging from $400 to over $1,000.
- Mobile Handhelds: In the mid-range, you have mobile handhelds like the Logitech G Cloud or Retroid Pocket. These devices often run on Android or Linux and are more affordable compared to portable gaming PCs. While they may not be equipped to play modern console or PC titles, they offer compact designs and are suitable for mobile gaming and cloud streaming. Many people also use these handhelds for emulating classic games through software like RetroArch. Mobile handhelds can emulate games up to the sixth generation of consoles. Prices for mobile handhelds range from under $50 to around $400.
- Handhelds That Do Their Own Thing: The last tier includes handhelds that offer unique gaming experiences and run heavily customized software. Examples include the Nintendo Switch and Playdate. These devices may not be ideal for emulation or playing the latest multiplatform titles but often have distinct game libraries and cater to specific gaming preferences. They are generally more user-friendly and offer a seamless gaming experience. Handhelds in this tier may not have the widest appeal but can be a great choice for those seeking a unique gaming experience.
Best Handheld Gaming PC for Most: Valve Steam Deck
When it comes to handheld gaming PCs, the Valve Steam Deck stands out as the top choice for most gamers. Starting at $399, the entry-level Steam Deck offers an impressive balance of price and functionality. The device comes with 64GB of eMMC storage, which can be easily expanded using a microSD card. While not every game in the Steam library is compatible with the device’s Linux-based OS, thousands of games are supported, and the list continues to grow.
The Steam Deck is powerful enough to play many AAA games comfortably, providing a gaming experience that goes beyond what the Nintendo Switch offers. It can handle games like Elden Ring, Final Fantasy VII Remake, and the Resident Evil 4 remake, offering a wide range of gaming options. The device is also highly versatile when it comes to emulation, allowing you to play retro games flawlessly. Setting up emulators on the Steam Deck is made easier with tools like EmuDeck.
The only downside to the Steam Deck is its size and weight. It is relatively larger and heavier compared to other handhelds, which may make it less comfortable to hold for extended gaming sessions. Additionally, the battery life can vary depending on the games you play, ranging from eight hours to less than two. However, the Steam Deck compensates for these drawbacks with its overall performance, sturdy build quality, and extensive gaming library.
A Note on More Powerful Steam Deck Alternatives
If you have a higher budget and are looking for the most powerful handheld possible, it may be worth waiting for a few upcoming devices that offer more advanced hardware. Two notable alternatives to the Steam Deck are the Asus ROG Ally and Ayaneo 2S. These handhelds run on beefy new AMD chips and are capable of playing more demanding games at higher frame rates. The Asus ROG Ally, in particular, boasts a higher-resolution 7-inch display and a faster refresh rate than the Steam Deck. These devices are expected to provide better performance but come at higher price points.
While these more powerful alternatives offer enhanced performance, it’s important to consider the trade-offs. Windows-based handhelds, such as the Asus ROG Ally and Ayaneo 2S, allow you to play games from various gaming clients like Steam, Epic, and GOG. However, the software experience on these devices may not be as polished as SteamOS, and battery life can be shorter. Ultimately, choosing between the Steam Deck and its more powerful alternatives depends on your priorities and budget.
Best Budget Gaming Handheld: Retroid Pocket 3+
For those looking for an affordable gaming handheld, the Retroid Pocket 3+ is an excellent choice. Priced at $149, this Android device offers a slim and lightweight design, making it comfortable to use for extended gaming sessions. While it may not have the power to play modern games directly, it is perfect for emulating older games from consoles like the SNES and PS1. With recent firmware updates, the Retroid Pocket 3+ has also improved its performance with more demanding systems like the PlayStation 2 and GameCube.
The Retroid Pocket 3+ features a 4.7-inch touch display with a 750 x 1,334 resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The display is bright, saturated, and sharp enough to deliver an enjoyable gaming experience. The handheld’s build quality is commendable, and it offers a decent battery life, typically lasting between five and seven hours depending on usage.
It’s important to note that the Retroid Pocket 3+ can also run most native Android games or stream games from a PC, Xbox, or PS5. This versatility expands the gaming possibilities beyond emulation. Overall, the Retroid Pocket 3+ offers excellent value for its price, making it an ideal choice for gamers on a budget.
A More Powerful Android Option: AYN Odin
If you’re willing to invest a bit more for increased emulation performance, the AYN Odin is a great option. Priced at $239, the Odin offers a bigger display and more power compared to the Retroid Pocket 3+. With its Snapdragon 845 processor and Adreno 635 GPU, the Odin can handle more demanding games and emulate systems like the GameCube, PS2, and Wii. While not all games from these systems are playable, the Odin outperforms the Retroid Pocket 3+ in terms of compatibility and performance.
The Odin features a larger 6-inch 1080p display, providing a more immersive gaming experience. Its layout is similar to the Retroid Pocket 3+, but it has a more substantial feel thanks to its gentle curves on the back. The device offers customizable back buttons and analog triggers, enhancing gameplay versatility. With a battery life of around five to seven hours, the Odin provides ample gaming time.
It’s worth mentioning that AYN has recently introduced a new series of handhelds called “Loki,” which may offer additional options. However, the Odin remains a standout among mobile gaming handhelds, providing a balance between performance and affordability.
Another Good (But Pricey) Option: Logitech G Cloud
If you’re willing to invest in a premium Android handheld, the Logitech G Cloud is worth considering. Priced at $300, the G Cloud offers a highly comfortable gaming experience with a vibrant 7-inch display. Its display quality surpasses that of the Retroid Pocket 3+ and the AYN Odin, providing a visually pleasing gaming experience. The G Cloud’s contoured grips and lightweight design make it comfortable to hold for long gaming sessions. Additionally, its haptics, speakers, and battery life are all solid features.
In terms of gaming performance, the G Cloud can play most Android games at maximum settings and emulate games from systems like the GameCube, PS2, and Wii effectively. While it’s not as powerful as the Steam Deck, it offers a more luxurious experience compared to other Android handhelds. However, at its usual retail price of $300, the Logitech G Cloud may not provide the best value for some gamers, especially considering the alternatives available.
A Premium Device for Vintage Portable Games: Analogue Pocket
For gamers who appreciate vintage gaming experiences, the Analogue Pocket is a remarkable device designed to play Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges. Priced at $220, the Analogue Pocket mimics the design of the classic Game Boy while offering modern features. The handheld’s vertical layout, backlit 3.5-inch display, and premium build quality provide an exceptional gaming experience.
The Analogue Pocket’s FPGA-based hardware emulation ensures near-perfect compatibility and faithful reproduction of games. It allows you to play cartridges from various systems, including the Sega Game Gear, with the help of optional adapters. In addition to cartridge play, the Pocket can also run ROMs off a microSD card, expanding its capabilities to systems like the SNES and Sega Genesis. While the Pocket is a more niche device focused on retro gaming, it excels in delivering an authentic and enjoyable experience for enthusiasts.
A Charming Indie Game Machine: Playdate
The Playdate is a unique handheld device that caters to fans of smaller-scale, offbeat indie games. Developed by Panic, the Playdate features a tiny yellow box design with a 2.7-inch monochrome display, two face buttons, a d-pad, and a physical crank on the side. It measures about three inches tall and weighs just 0.18 pounds, offering extreme portability.
The Playdate’s charm lies in its curated game library, which features exclusive titles that are released gradually over time. The device utilizes a custom operating system and runs on a 180 MHz ARM Cortex-M7 processor, offering a unique and nostalgic gaming experience reminiscent of handhelds from the past. With its limited capabilities and focus on indie games, the Playdate may not appeal to everyone. However, for those who appreciate creativity and the element of surprise, it can be a delightful handheld to own.
Conclusion
Choosing the best gaming handheld in 2023 depends on your gaming preferences, budget, and desired features. The Valve Steam Deck is the top choice for those seeking a powerful gaming PC experience on the go, while the Retroid Pocket 3+ offers an affordable option for retro gaming enthusiasts. The AYN Odin provides a more powerful Android option, and the Logitech G Cloud offers a premium experience at a higher price. If you’re specifically interested in playing vintage portable games, the Analogue Pocket is a top contender. Finally, the Playdate caters to fans of indie games with its unique design and curated library.
Consider your gaming priorities, budget, and the types of games you want to play when making your decision. With the variety of handheld gaming options available in 2023, you’re sure to find a device that suits your needs and provides an enjoyable gaming experience on the go.
