Top Gaming Handhelds of 2023: Unveiling the Best Portable Gaming Devices

Evaluating the Best Gaming Handhelds for 2023

In the ever-evolving world of gaming, handhelds systems are enjoying a significant surge in popularity. While the concept of gaming on the go has been around since the days of the Game Boy, recent advancements such as the phenomenal success of the Nintendo Switch and the continuous improvement of mobile processors have led to an explosion of devices offering portable gaming experiences.

However, determining the perfect gaming handheld for your needs can be a daunting task. With options ranging from affordable devices under $100 to high-end models nearing $1,000, choosing the right handheld requires careful consideration. To simplify this process, we have conducted extensive research and tested various contenders, including powerful portable PCs and compact emulation machines.

Understanding the Three Tiers of Gaming Handhelds

The gaming handheld market can be categorized into three main tiers. At the top tier, we find x86-based portable gaming PCs such as the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally. These handhelds are the epitome of power, aiming to replicate the gaming experience of a moderately specced desktop. While the Steam Deck operates on Linux, most other devices in this category utilize Windows.

If you desire the ability to play modern, recently released games while on the move, surpassing the capabilities of a Nintendo Switch, this type of device is ideal. Additionally, they excel at emulating a wide range of retro consoles. However, due to their robust hardware, these handhelds tend to be larger and less ergonomic to hold, with relatively shorter battery life. Naturally, they also come with a higher price tag, ranging from $400 to over $1,000.

Exploring Mobile Handhelds for Affordable Gaming On-the-Go

Moving down the price spectrum, we encounter mobile handhelds like the Logitech G Cloud or Retroid Pocket. These devices often operate on Android or Linux and can range in price from under $50 to around $400. While they may not possess the capability to run modern console or PC titles, they offer a more compact form factor compared to portable PCs and are suitable for mobile games and cloud streaming.

While marketed primarily for these purposes, many users also employ these devices for retro game emulation using software like RetroArch. It’s important to note that the process of setting up emulators and obtaining the required BIOS and ROM files can be intricate, and the legal implications of such activities are unclear. Presently, top mobile handhelds equipped with ARM chips can effectively emulate games up to the sixth generation of consoles.

Embracing Unique Experiences: Handhelds That Stand Apart

Lastly, we have the category of “handhelds that do their own thing.” This category encompasses devices like the Nintendo Switch or Playdate, which feature highly customized software and offer distinct gaming experiences. While they may not be the ideal choice for emulation or playing the latest multiplatform titles, they often boast exclusive game libraries. Consequently, their appeal might be somewhat narrower (excluding the widespread popularity of the Switch), but they tend to be more accessible for individuals who are less tech-savvy and prefer a seamless plug-and-play experience.

In conclusion, the diverse range of gaming handhelds available in 2023 allows gamers to enjoy their favorite titles wherever they may be. Whether you opt for a powerful portable PC, a cost-effective mobile handheld, or a device that offers a unique gaming experience, there are options to suit every preference and budget. Consider your gaming requirements and preferences to make an informed decision that will provide countless hours of gaming enjoyment on the go.

Valve Steam Deck

Valve’s Steam Deck continues to reign as the top contender in the gaming handheld market, offering an exceptional combination of affordability and functionality. Particularly, the entry-level model priced at $399, featuring 64GB of eMMC storage (expandable with a microSD card), delivers an impressive gaming experience. Although the $529 and $649 variants, equipped with faster SSDs and a premium glass display in the highest-end model, are also commendable, the emergence of new Windows handhelds may challenge their value proposition for certain individuals.

Despite the competition, the entry-level Steam Deck remains a highly capable device. While not every game in the extensive Steam library is compatible with its Linux-based OS, a growing number of officially verified and playable titles are becoming available, reaching thousands. The device surpasses the capabilities of the Nintendo Switch, enabling smooth gameplay of titles like Elden Ring, Final Fantasy VII Remake, and the Resident Evil 4 remake.

While achieving optimal performance may require some tweaks for certain games, and newer AAA titles might push their limits, the accessibility of SteamOS settings mitigates any complications. Essentially, the Steam Deck operates as a portable console, offering last-gen gaming experiences at a resolution of 720p, yet granting the freedom to be played anywhere.

The Steam Deck’s power also positions it as an exceptional device for emulation. While specific systems may require minor adjustments (such as the Wii), most run flawlessly, with nearly every game being playable. The device even handles higher-end Switch games, further expanding its versatility. Simplifying the setup process, tools like EmuDeck make emulation remarkably convenient.

Retroid Pocket 3+

The Retroid Pocket 3+ offers a compelling option for gamers seeking a portable device primarily for emulating older games. While it lacks the power of the Steam Deck or portable Windows PCs, it compensates by providing a comfortable handheld experience at an affordable price of $149.

Serving as an upgraded version of its predecessor, the Pocket 3, the Pocket 3+ boasts a stronger chipset (the Unisoc T618) and increased RAM (4GB). Resembling a smaller Nintendo Switch Lite, this handheld device is sleek, lightweight (weighing 235g), and ensures comfortable usage for prolonged gaming sessions.

The 4.7-inch touch display, though not extensive, offers vibrant colors, sharp visuals with a resolution of 750 x 1,334, and a 16:9 aspect ratio that enhances cloud streaming and emulation of systems like the PSP (though some older consoles may have borders). While the hardware does have minor quirks, such as smaller face buttons and oddly placed start and select buttons on the left side, the joysticks, while slightly shallow, deliver smooth and accurate performance. Overall, the Pocket 3+ is well-built and easy to carry, making it a convenient option for gaming on the go.

With the Pocket 3+, users can comfortably emulate consoles up to the range of Dreamcast and PSP, making it an excellent choice for playing older games from systems like SNES and PS1. Notably, a recent firmware update has improved the device’s performance with more demanding machines like the PlayStation 2 and GameCube, although some imperfections persist, particularly with the PS2.

AYN Odin

If you’re willing to invest a bit more for improved emulation performance, the AYN Odin is a noteworthy contender, especially if you have a keen interest in systems like the GameCube, PS2, and Wii. While the Snapdragon 845 processor and Adreno 635, GPU cannot guarantee flawless performance for all games on these systems, the Odin surpasses the capabilities of the Retroid Pocket 3+ and delivers better overall performance for the limited selection of shared playable titles. Furthermore, the Odin even boasts the capability to run some 3DS games.

In terms of hardware, the Odin outshines its Pocket 3+ counterpart. While the layout remains similar, the Odin features gentle curves on the back, enhancing grip comfort. It also incorporates customizable back buttons and analog triggers, providing a more seamless experience when playing modern games and utilizing cloud streaming. Additionally, the Odin flaunts a larger 6-inch 1080p display, ensuring enhanced visual clarity. With an average battery life of approximately five to seven hours, the Odin strikes a balance between performance and longevity. While it may not be as portable as the Retroid handheld, it exudes a more substantial and premium feel.

Undoubtedly, the Odin surpasses the Pocket 3+ in terms of capabilities, yet its value proposition is debatable. AYN offers three different Odin models, with the base version, priced around $240, likely being the ideal choice for most users. The Odin Pro, priced at $290, offers twice the RAM (8GB) and storage (128GB), further enhancing performance.

Logitech G Cloud

The Logitech G Cloud could potentially claim the title of the best Android handheld if it were priced around $150 lower. Sporting a brilliant 7-inch, 1080p display, it outshines competitors like the Retroid Pocket 3+, AYN Odin, and even the entry-level Steam Deck. Despite sharing the same screen size as the Deck, it weighs half a pound less and offers contoured grips that ensure comfortable hours of gameplay. The haptic feedback is on point, and its battery life lasts an impressive 10 to 12 hours.

The large display makes it a joy for game streaming, and it comfortably handles emulation up to the Dreamcast/PSP range. Additionally, as Logitech is an established brand, you can expect a hassle-free purchasing experience with no extended shipping fees or long wait times—simply acquire one from your preferred retailer and receive it within a few days.

However, the drawback lies in the G Cloud’s price point. It has typically been priced at $300 in recent months, which, although $50 lower than its launch price, is still considered too high. Especially when compared to the Pocket 3+ and Odin, which offer similar capabilities at a significantly lower cost, and the Steam Deck, which provides a broader range of features for an extra $100. The Odin also outperforms the G Cloud in terms of power.

While the G Cloud can handle certain GameCube, 3DS, and PS2 games, it falls short of providing a comfortable experience, particularly at higher resolutions. Additionally, although the G Cloud doesn’t feel cheap, its triggers are somewhat shallow, and its face buttons are average. Despite these drawbacks, the G Cloud offers a more luxurious overall experience compared to the Odin and Pocket 3+.

Analogue Pocket

The Analogue Pocket stands as the epitome of the Game Boy legacy. In our comprehensive review, we highlight its vertical design, reminiscent of Nintendo’s classic handheld, but modernized for today’s gamers. Retaining the familiar layout, it boasts four face buttons, back triggers, microSD, and USB-C ports, and a rechargeable battery offering a commendable six to 10 hours of playtime. The standout feature is the stunning 3.5-inch backlit display, delivering incredible sharpness at 615 pixels per inch (PPI) while offering various filter modes to replicate the charm of the original Game Boy screen.

Distinguishing itself from other retro handhelds, the Pocket is designed to accommodate actual cartridges rather than relying solely on ROM files. It accepts Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games through its cartridge slot, with adapters enabling compatibility with titles from the Sega Game Gear, and future support planned for systems like the TurboGrafx-16 and Atari Lynx.

Utilizing field programmable gate array (FPGA) motherboards, as seen in previous Analogue devices, the Pocket replicates the behavior of its target systems at a hardware level. This results in near-perfect emulation of older titles, surpassing the capabilities of software-based emulators in terms of responsiveness and visual accuracy. By inserting a Game Boy or GBA cartridge, players can experience the games as intended.