BestHandheld Video Game ConsolesiMore2020

There are so many options when it comes to choosing how you want to game in today's world. One option is a handheld console you can take anywhere. Whether you're a frequent traveler or prefer to have a lightweight and portable system, there are a few to choose from. Our top pick is the Nintendo Switch Lite thanks to the ability to play most of the games coming out for the Nintendo Switch with a purely handheld experience in mind. Any of these consoles can make the perfect travel companion.

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Best Overall: Nintendo Switch Lite

The latest in the Nintendo family, the Nintendo Switch Lite lets players enjoy the new games coming out on Switch but solely as a handheld experience. Since this is designed to play on-the-go, there are no Joy-Cons or TV capability. You will want to check games to make sure you don't want Joy-Con only capability since these controllers are attached to this system. The Switch Lite is available in three color options - turquoise, gray, and yellow. Plus, coming soon, there's a new coral option! There is also a Zacian and Zamazenta edition color for Pokemon fans.

Like the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch lite comes with 32 GB of internal storage and can be expanded up to 2TB with a microSDHC or microSDXC card. You do still get a 1280x720 resolution but a little bit smaller LCD screen at 5.5 inches. The system is only 0.61 pounds and takes about 3 hours to charge when not in use and will last about 3-7 hours depending on what game you're playing. This is a very affordable option with many games to choose from, great quality, and lightweight.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Console color options
• Get the latest games

Cons:

• Smaller screen than the Nintendo Switch
• No TV option
• Joy-Con only games won't work

Best Overall

Nintendo Switch Lite

Get the latest games

Nintendo Switch Lite is a handheld only console to enjoy most Switch games, color options, and a lower price point.

Source: iMore

This versatile console allows you to play at home on the TV or as a handheld console. To play on your TV, place the Switch in the included stand, or you can pick it up to take it on-the-go! The Joy-Cons are also adaptable. You can use kickstand on the back of the Switch, while you sit back with the Joy-Cons detached. You can also play with the Joy-Cons connected for a more traditional controller feel.

There are thousands of games available can through the Nintendo eShop or as a physical game card, each one can be played on the 1280x720 resolution 6.2-inch screen. Regardless of which type of games you like to play, there are plenty available to play just about anywhere, including flagship series like Zelda, Mario, and Super Smash Brothers.

When it comes to battery life, the updated system released in 2019 can go for 4.5-9 hour battery life compared to the original's 2.5-6.5 hours. It comes with 32 GB of memory, but the system itself takes some of that space. You can expand this with a microSDHC or micro SDXC card up to 2TB. If you want to use headphones for this system, you will need to have headphones with a 3.5mm audio jack or a special dongle for wireless.

Pros:

• TV capability
• Digital and physical game options
• Thousands of games

Cons:

• No Bluetooth headphones without dongles
• Big name games are a little more expensive
• Only 32 GB of internal memory

Best Transformer

Nintendo Switch

In home and on-the-go

Players can enjoy this on their TV or on-the-go with thousands of options.

Source: GPD XD

Enjoy all the recent games available with Android Gravity and 7.0, or get some classics from older systems such as the PlayStation Portable, N64, Game Boy Advance, and more on the GPD XD Plus. This emulator's 5-inch screen is a touch screen with on-screen controls opening it up for even more game possibilities. Running on MT8176 CPU with 4GB DDR3 RAM and base frequency capability of 2.1Ghz, this console runs more like a tablet with an attached controller pad.

In addition to the games, you can also connect to Wi-Fi and download apps as you would for an Android device for email, shopping, videos, etc. The GPD XD Plus offers 8-hour battery life and can easily fit into your pocket at 3.5-by-6.2-by-0.95 inches and is just over a pound. Due to its size, the buttons do tend to be on the smaller side.

This isn't a system that would be recommended for anyone looking for something that comes all set up ready to play. You will need to get the games you want for it and set it up yourself as there is no game card availability. If you want a more plug and play option, another console would be better for you. The wide range of systems you can emulate with the added tablet functionality makes it a great choice for anyone familiar with setting up emulators.

Pros:

• Play games from multiple systems
• Thin, lightweight design
• Wi-Fi connectivity for video viewing and more

Cons:

• Only 5-inch screen
• Takes time to get set up
• Smaller buttons

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Best Emulator

GPD XD Plus

More game options

If you have time to get it set up, you'll have a variety of games available to you from Android, Nintendo, PlayStation, and more!

Source: Nintendo

This system got its name from the option to view your games in 3D; it's a cool feature that brings an extra dimension to your gaming experience. To enhance this, the console was made with a camera that does face tracking to adjust the 3D imagery to your view angle. Another extra your games may offer is additional content with Nintendo amiibo on certain amiibo supported games.

With the foldable body, the 4.88-inch upper screen and 4.18-inch lower screen on the 3DS XL is going to be easy to protect. Players can easily fit this console into their pockets. It's only 6.4-by-6.3-by-0.8 inches and weighs under a pound, making traveling simple. To keep it compact, the system does come with a stylus that may be required to play some games, and it simply fits inside the console.

This handheld does require an AC Adapter to charge that is not included with your purchase of the system. It will hold charge for about five hours, so you will want to make sure to pick one up when getting this system.

Pros:

• Face tracking 3D
• Foldable design for screen protection and ease of portability
• Amiibo support

Cons:

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• Smaller screen
• Small stylus
• Charger not included

Best Additional Features

Nintendo New 3DS XL

A new kind of experience

Bring your games to a new dimension and expand your worlds with the Nintendo New 3DS XL and compatible amiibo.

Source: Amazon

This affordable system comes pre-installed with 400 games, making it a perfect one time purchase for younger kids compared buying a console and games separately. This also means there are fewer items to lose; it is simply the system itself, the charger, and the optional TV compatibility pieces. The vast library includes games include Mario, Tetris, Contra, and more that you may have played when you were a kid. This can make it a fun family experience to share what you used to have with your child. These can be played with two players, as the system comes with a gamepad for a second player, and can be played on a TV as well through an AV cable.

When played in handheld mode, players test their skills on a 2.8-inch LCD screen and is 5.6-by-4-by-2.2 inches. It only takes an hour to charge and will last for five hours of play after. This quick charge makes it easy to have this system ready in a snap if it wasn't put on the charger right after the last use. There isn't a way to save these games, so each time you play, you will start from the beginning again.

Considering spending a lower amount of money on a starter handheld for kids might be a good idea compared to the hundreds other consoles can go for. This way, if it is lost or broken, you aren't out quite as much money.

Pros:

• 400 games are pre-installed, nothing to purchase after
• Two-player capability
• TV compatible

Cons:

• 2-inch screen size
• No way to expand the game collection
• Can't save progress

Best For Kids

Etpark Handheld Game Console

Affordable nostalgia games

With more than 400 preloaded games, this mini console gives a fun gaming experience for kids without a big price tag.

Source: Nintendo

Although this isn't the lowest priced item on the list, it may be the most bang for your buck. In addition to the availability of all the Nintendo 3DS games, this system comes pre-installed with Mario Kart 7, so you'll have something to enjoy right away. Overall, this is a more affordable option for you to enjoy most of the same games, just without the 3D feature. You can still have that ease of portability at a more affordable price than the 3DS and more game options than the Etpark.

With the same foldable design seen with the Nintendo New 3DS XL, the 4.88-inch upper and 4.18-inch lower screens are just as easy to keep protected without the need for an added screen protector. When it is folded, it is 3.4-by-6.3-by-0.8 inches, and it weighs 9.2 ounces and the upper LCD screen displays at 400 x 240 resolution.

The C-Stick has been added to this new version of the 2DS. Players now have both the circle pad and the C-Stick for an option of subtle movement. The system takes about three hours to charge and lasts from three to five hours on 3DS games and five to eight hours on DS games.

Pros:

• Fold design for easy traveling and screen protection
• Mario Kart 7 pre-installed
• Enhanced C stick controls

Cons:

• Smaller screen
• Only 400 x 240-pixel screen resolution
• No 3D capability

Best Value

New Nintendo 2DS XL

Easier on the wallet

Choose what you play without spending too much - same foldable design as the 3DS without the 3D features.

Bottom line

There are a few things to consider when you're trying to find the right handheld console for you. A difference in price is often a difference in quality and resolution. If you're looking for something more simple, maybe a lower budget item fits for you. Charging times and battery life are something to keep in mind when you are thinking through how you want to use your new system. How you keep your games is another important aspect of your new system. If you're looking to save space, something with a digital option or pre-downloaded may be your best fit.

Nintendo has dominated the handheld market for years and has built a variety of options to fit budgets, lifestyles, and ages. Most notable is the Nintendo Switch Lite for the great quality, number of games, focus on handheld design, and affordability. Plus, there's always the bonus of the fun color choices, including the recently announced coral Nintendo Switch Lite. Although many of the systems you find may have the Nintendo name on them, there are a few others out there too for different interests.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

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Alex Huebner Alex is a video game writer who has been writing professionally for five years. She has enjoyed gaming for as long as she can remember, growing up on Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox. She has since expanded her interests into PC gaming as well.

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Appleinsider publishes more information relating to Prudential analyst Jesse Tortora's claims that Apple may have a longer term interest in the video game market:

'We think the video game market represents a distinct possibility for Apple, especially considering that it recently announced the availability of video games for its iPod through its iTunes'

Tortura speculates a gaming console device could be 'morphed' out of a combination of the existing Mac mini and iTV, as well as the possibility of a handheld gaming device based on the iPod.

Clearly, entering such a competitive market would be difficult, but the analyst speculates that Apple may be feeling some pressure from potential iTunes competitors in the form of movie-download services tied to the latest consoles.

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Rumors of Apple's entry into the gaming market are not new, as there have been previous reports of Apple actively recruiting game developers, but in his research note, Tortura reportedly claims that Apple has hired new software and hardware game developers.
Update: iLounge publishes an interview with iPod product marketing director, Stan Ng, who acknowledges there is a team at Apple focused on iPod games, and did the development of two of the current iPod games at Apple. The team is currently working with 3rd party developers to bring more games to the iPod.