Are you trying to find handheld gaming systems among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling handheld gaming systems on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 27 hours of research and did 27 handheld gaming systems tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best handheld gaming systems you can buy today
- 【Free 1200+ Classic Games】 Built-in 1200+ real no-repeat old school classic games, Support ARCADE/NEOGEO/CPS/FC/NES/SFC/SNES/GBA/GBC/GB/SMC/SMD/SEGA Games, It’s suitable for adults and kids. This is a game console full of retro memories, perfect for playing with your partner and children.
- 【Multi-functional game console】 Support AVI, WM FLV, RM, RMVE, MP4 , 3GP, MPEG , VOB , DAT and SWF video format, output AV TV, music/picture/e-book/calculator/clock function/calendar/recorder. Support DTS 5.1 stereo surround sound.
- 【Portable & Long use time】 Built-in 1500mAh polymer lithium rechargeable battery, lasting 30 hours of battery life! Continuous playback for 8 hours. Configure the USB cable. It’s compact and lightweight and very convenient to bring outside to play with your friends.
- 【Intelligent Operating】You can save the game progress and play again with last game progress by pressing "SELECT" button, then selecting "Save Game". Games can be deleted directly or downloaded from the computer.
- 【Perfect Gift for Kids & Adults】 Ideal gift for kids and adults on birthday or any occasion. The retro handheld game console not only bringing the funny game time to children but also waking up the wonderful childhood memories to the 80s and 90s adults.
- Some features may require an online subscription
- Cloud Gaming System: The best of cloud gaming in your hands, play hundreds of AAA video game titles, up to 1080p 60fps with no downloads or hardware upgrades via Wi-Fi and cloud gaming subscriptions
- Multiple Cloud Gaming Services: Integration with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) and NVIDIA GeForce NOW, with access to more cloud services through the Google Play store app
- Remote Play: Use this handheld gaming device to remotely play your games with the Xbox Remote Play app and Steam Link apps
- Immersive Gaming Experience: 7-inch Full HD 1080p touchscreen with 60Hz refresh rate and full screen 16:9 gaming experience
- Handheld: 12+ hour battery life (1) and ridiculously lightweight portable gaming system at 463 g you can comfortably play all day
- Ergonomic: Gaming console with gaming-grade controls that rival the best console controllers with haptics (2), gyroscope, and remappable controls
- Gaming Speed: Supports Wi-Fi speeds of up to 800+Mbps over a 5Ghz connection
- Engineered for Streaming: Features a core processor that has been optimized to reduce latency for cloud gaming and an optimized Wi-Fi radio for lower signal interference.
- 🎁Brand New Game Console: This handheld video games built-in 230 newly designed educational puzzle and leisure, racing, fighting, adventure games without repetition. Also comes with 3 game cartridges, each with a separate classic game. Have fun playing the game console while they work on important developmental skills such as hand-eye coordination, thinking and problem-solving skills.
- 🎁3 inch Screen: 3 inch high definition display and substantially more stable, no longer prone to black screen. To ensure the portability and the comfort of playing the game. Our gameboy is not too bulky or too small, perfectly tailored for children.
- 🎁Rechargeable Battery: Our handheld games built-in 800mAh high-capacity lithium battery, which can be charged and played at the same time. After each full charge, the game can be played for 5 hours. When you are on a business trip, travel, camping, you don't have to worry about running out of power. (Note: Please fully charge the battery before the first use.)
- 🎁Sturdy and Durable: The shell of this handheld game console is made of sturdy and environmentally friendly plastic. Anti-fingerprint and anti-scratch. Tested for a long time and real experience, it is strong enough to withstand daily drops.
- 🎁Perfect Gift for Kids & Adults: This retro handheld game systems can definitely bring you and your children a surprise. It is perfect as a gift for birthday, Christmas, party. Customer satisfaction is our most important goal and we can offer you a full refund or free replacement within 60 days.
- 🎁【400 Super Classic FC Games】This mini retro handheld game console has 400 built-in classic games. The classic FC game allows you to play 400 games without any advertising or additional costs, including Arcade retro games, puzzles, arcades, shooting, racing, fighting, adventure etc. Each game is classical in your childhood. More choice for playing, recall the wonderful childhood memories and have funny game time with kids or friends, You can have a break in the spare time.
- 🎁【Support 2 Players & Play on TV】 There are extra game controller in the package, support 2 people play games in the same time. Let you have fun playing a two-player game. If you want to enjoy a more lively and exciting video game experience, you also can connect console to the TV so that you can enjoy the funny and lively video game in bigger screen.(NOTE:The controller only functions when in Two-player mode. If the remote cannot be used, please check whether it is used in the correct mode.)
- 🎁【Mini & Easy to Carry 】This mini retro game console is only 150g. Compact and lightweight handheld video games console, mini body, easy to carry it anywhere, deal with boring time. The perfect choice for enjoying childhood fun in airplanes, camps, travel or on the way to work. You can put it in your pocket or bag, and carry it with you on the way to work, free time, the best choice for relaxing yourselves.
- 🎁【1200Ah Rechargeable Battery】Portable Classic Game Console built-in 1200 mAh Rechargeable lithium battery. The mini game console comes with USB cable, charging time is about 1~3 hours, 5~8 hours of continuous game play. which is ideal for frequent business trips, travel, travel, camping. Never worry about running out of battery again.Charge using a 5V1A charger
- 🎁【Perfect Gift for Kids & Adults】 The retro handheld game console not only bringing funny game time to children but also waking up wonderful childhood memories to the 80s and 90s adults, as well as releasing their life pressure. This handheld video games console for kids is perfect gift choice on Birthday, Christmas and New year festival moments or any occasion. Buy it now to get: (1) Game Console; (2) USB Cable; (3) AV Output Cable; (4) User Manual（5）Storage Bag.
- 🚀 New Style Game Consoles: This TEBIYOU handheld game console is newly designed for children's preferences. The appearance of the arcade game console is more trendy and innovative, the body of the game console also fits better in children's hands, and the game is equipped to suit children's mentality.
- 🚀 Better Gaming Experience: The handheld game system has 3.0 inch clearer screen and crystal clear speaker sound for better game visuals. Small and light body make kids easy to use and easy to carry, which will fit comfortably in kids' hands with ergonomic design. It can give kids a joyful arcade game experience.
- 🚀 218 Old School Style Games: This pocket arcade features 218 fun kids video games, including many classic games of entertainment, sports, adventure and more. As they play, they work on important developmental skills such as hand-eye coordination, thinking, and problem solving.
- 🚀 Rechargeable Battery: The retro video game console has a built-in 1200mAh Li-Ion rechargeable battery, ensuring uninterrupted power source for kids' games. It is also an environmentally friendly choice as it eliminates the need for frequent battery replacement. When fully charged, the console's gaming time is approximately 4 to 6 hours, making it ideal for video game play on the go.
- 🚀Absolutely Surprise Gift: Our handheld game toy is a surprise gift for kids, teens and even adults. It is a great gift for Birthday, Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving. Customer satisfaction is our a top priority, so we can offer you a full refund or free replacement within 60 days. If you have any problems, please don't hesitate to contact us.
- 10000+ Slected Classic Games: This X55 game console supports dozens of emulators which covers many types of games, such as adventure, action, racing, etc. And work with 40 platforms where to find nostalgia and memory.
- Bigger Bright IPS Screen: 5.5-inch display and 1280x720 resolution, you can see more details and beautiful scenes in the games. Ultimate Audio-visual enjoyment by this better screen.
- Customized Professional System: Exclusive JELOS Linux system, English default setted and Save Load features, no more lost datas and start again, providing you excellent gaming experience.
- Longer Battery Endurance Time: Upgraded 4000mAh li-po battery, it can play for up 3-4 hours on a single charge, let you defeat more game bosses.
- Package List: 1xX55 Console Black 16GB+128GB, 1xUSB-C Charge Cable, 1xScreen Protector, 1xInsctruction.
- Supports 4000+ Classic Games: This RG353VS game console supports dozens of emulators which covers many types of games, such as adventure, action, racing, etc. And work with 20+ emulator platform.
- Longer Battery Endurance Time: Upgraded 3200mAh li-po battery, it can play for up 4-6 hours on a single charge, let you defeat more game bosses.
- Portable Design with Case: Ultra-compact size and old style design, it is very convenient whether you carry it with you during business trips, travel or camping. Recall the dream of the games anytime, anywhere.
- Clear Bright IPS Screen: 3.5-inch display and 640x480 resolution, you can see more details and beautiful scenes in the game.
- Customized Professional System: Exclusive single Linux system, English default setted and Save & Load features, no more lost datas and start again, providing you excellent gaming experience.
- Multiple Practical Functions: Equip with multiplayer, HD TV-out, wired gamepad, vibration motor, double TF-card and many useful functions, let you have more fun to play with RG353VS.
- Package List: 1xRG353VS Black Transparent, 1xUSB-C Charge Cable, 1xInstruction, 1x Screen Protector, 1x Portable Case.
- 🎮Massive Game Library: The 500 Classic Retro Games handheld console comes with a whopping 500 classic retro games preloaded onto the device. This means you'll have access to a diverse range of games from different genres, including action, adventure, puzzle, and sports games.
- 🚗This is a small retro video game console with a 3.5'' HD screen that is compact and easy to carry, making it perfect for kids and adults who love retro games. It's suitable for travel and family entertainment, allowing you to relax during your journey or leisure time, and also bond with your children and friends.
- 💖Not only can you use this retro video game console on the go, but it also comes with a gamepad that supports two players, making it perfect for multiplayer games. You can even hook it up to your TV using an AV cable for a larger viewing experience. Enjoy retro games with family and friends on the big screen, and have an immersive gaming experience.
- ⚡This retro video game console comes with a built-in 1200mAh rechargeable battery, providing a continuous source of energy for children's entertainment. It eliminates the need for frequent battery replacements, which is more environmentally friendly. With a full charge, the battery provides 4 to 6 hours of playtime, allowing you to enjoy retro video games on-the-go without worrying about running out of power.
- 🎁Looking for a perfect birthday or Christmas gift for your loved ones? This retro handheld game console is a great choice! It has a simple arcade style that is easy to play and fun for all ages, making it suitable for kids and adults who love retro games. Children will enjoy playing it, while adults from the 80s and 90s will appreciate the nostalgic value of the classic games. It's a gift that will bring joy to everyone who receives it.
- Sony PSP 3000 International Console, Fully Technician Tested.
- Comes bundled with Two Batteries for extended play sessions.
- Comes bundled with AC Adapter and USA Charging Cable.
- In bubblewrap, bulk packaging for safe transit This Certified Refurbished product is manufacturer refurbished, shows limited or no wear, and includes a 90-day warranty
- Product works and looks like new. Comes with a 90-day warranty. This Amazon Renewed product is professionally inspected and tested by an Amazon qualified supplier. Box and accessories may be generic.
- 10000+ Supported Classic Games: This RGB30 game console supports dozens of emulators which covers many types of games, such as adventure, action, racing, etc. And work with 20 platforms where to find nostalgia and memory.
- Clear Bright IPS Screen: 4 inch display and 720x720 resolution, unique and special 1:1 square screen, you can see more details and beautiful scenes in the games.
- Customized Professional System: Preinstalled JelOS Linux system, English default setted and Save Load features, no more lost datas and start again, providing you excellent gaming experience. Updateable and future supporting system.
- Longer Battery Endurance Time: Upgraded 4100mAh li-po battery, it can play for up 3-5 hours on a single charge, let you defeat more game bosses.
- Package List: 1xRGB30 Black 16+128GB, 1xPortable Case, 1xCharge Cable, 1xInstructions.
- 300 Retro Style Games - For hours of fun for the kids; Puzzle, racing, sports, and more
- Additional 8 Data East Games - Burgertime, Karate Champ, and more (see images for all 8)
- Lightweight Handheld Size - For kids' entertainment on long car rides, flights, etc
- Powered by Micro USB or 4 AAA Batteries - Sold separately
- 2.75 Inch Full Color Display - For a better experience than black and white
- [Have Fun Anytime, Anywhere] - 3.5'' HD screen, compact and easy to carry. This retro video game console combines practicality and convenience, perfect for kids and adults who love retro games. Suitable for travel and family entertainment activities, so that you can relax during the journey or leisure time, and enhance the relationship with children and friends.
- [500 Classic Retro Games] - The handheld game console comes preloaded with 500 classic retro games, including most of your favorite childhood arcade games. All of these classic retro games are from the 80s and 90s, evoking memories of childhood gaming fun.
- [Rechargeable Battery] - The retro video game console has a built-in 1200mAh rechargeable battery, which provides a constant source of energy for children's fun. It also avoids frequent purchase and replacement of batteries, which is more environmentally friendly. After full charged, the play time is about 4 to 6 hours. While traveling, you can enjoy retro video games without running out of power.
- [Hook Up to TV Support 2 Players] - The package includes a gamepad that supports two players playing at the same time, allowing you to enjoy the fun of two-player games. Connect this handheld game console to your TV with an AV cable for a larger, more comfortable view of the game. Enjoy an immersive gaming experience with family and friends on the big screen and experience the fun of retro games.
- [Great Gifts for Kids and Adult] - This retro handheld game console is perfect for birthday, Christmas and party gifts. Simple arcade style, easy to play and fun for all ages. Perfect for kids and adults who love retro games. Children get satisfaction from playing and the post-80s and 90s will love it for all the old games.
- SPECIALIZED FOR CHILDREN'S DESIGN: After two generations of product updates, YJ-803 electronic old school handheld game console has become more designed, and the size and appearance are more suitable for children's hand shape. Let your child hold the game machine in a more comfortable position.
- VIBRATING AND CLASSIC GAMES: The handheld video games is built-in with 198 non-repeating classic games, including 6 game types: puzzle, action, educational, sports, leisure and tabletop. Among them, there are 48 games with vibrating sensation, which can make your kids more immersive.
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE: There are two small holes on the top of the retro handheld game console, you can buy a lanyard by yourself so that you can hang the console around your neck and take it out to play anytime, anywhere. (Lanyard is not included in the package)
- ENOUGH POWER: The handheld games uses 1800mAh large capacity battery, enough to support you to use it for 4-6 hours in the field, on the go or on transportation. Equipped with type-c cable, support charging and playing at the same time.
- GIFT PACKAGING: Beautifully packaged in a gift case, no need for secondary packaging, perfect gift for children aged 3-8 years old. And we offer a hassle-free warranty, if your portable game console has non-human caused damage and quality problems, we will provide replacement or refund service until you are satisfied.
- Warm Tips: This game machine is only suitable for children aged 3-8 years old to use for leisure and entertainment, not suitable for professional game machine players.
- NEWLY UPGRADED DESIGN: YJ-802 video games has been made more fashionable by the designer's efforts, and the size is more suitable for children's hand size. Make your posture of holding the video game console more comfortable.
- ENOUGH POWER FOR ON THE GO: Handheld game console uses a large-capacity 1800mAh battery, enough to support you for 4-6 hours in the field, on a journey, or on transportation. Equipped with type-c cable, support you to play while charging.
- 200 CLASSIC GAMES: The handheld games has 200 built-in non-repeating classic games, including 6 types of games: puzzle, action, education, sports, leisure, and tabletop. Meanwhile, the game console comes with two 6-in-1 game cards, which will look different from other game consoles.
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE: The body of the handheld video games is thinner and lighter, without taking up too much space, so that the gameboy fits into your pocket and can be taken out to play anytime and anywhere.
- GIFT PACKAGING: Beautiful gift shell packaging, no need for secondary packaging, perfect as a gift for children aged 4-12. And we provide a worry-free guarantee, if your video game machine is non-human caused damage and quality problems, we will provide replacements or refunds until you are satisfied.
- Handheld Game Console : Built in 3000 retro games , 16GB 64bit operate system , you also can download games with related format
- MP3 player / Camera / Picture browse / Ebook / Recorder funcation，can connect to TV play
- 4.3 Inch TFT Screen: Clear full color TFT screen with display scale of 16:9. Just fine in kid's palm, lightest portable game console kept in pocket. Let you enjoy the best visual experience.
- TV-Output : Support 720P TV-OUT video output , can play games , watch movies on TV .
- If You Find The Bubbles Or Scratches On The Screen After Receving The Retro Game，Just Tear Of The Screen Protection Film.
- 【ANBERNIC RG353VS Game Console with Linux System RG3566】Linux 64 bit system supports wired handle function compatible with 32 bit applications,rg353vs is not only a game console,but also a multi-function entertainment device.
- 【Moonlight Streaming and HDMI】ANBERNIC RG353VS Supports Moonlight that you can play your PC games on almost any device,whether you're in another room or miles away from your gaming rig. Support users to download games in relevant 20 kinds of games formats.
- 【2.4G/5G wifi and Bluetooth-compatible,Bluetooth 4.2】RG353VS With RK3566 quad-core 64-bit Cortex-A55 processor, the main frequency up to 1.8Ghz makes RG353VS have the characteristics of low power consumption and high performance. the Ram of the RG353VS is LPDDR4 2GB, the larger the RAM running memory, the faster the system response time will be.
- 【3200 mAh Li-polymer battery and 3.5 INCHES OCA IPS screen】you can use RG353VS for 5-6 hours, it With 3.5-inch IPS full viewing angle, zero distance OCA full-fit screen,the screen resolution is 640*480
- 【Ideal gifts】Dimensions of RG353VS Handled game :17.4cm*8.4cm *2.1cm,It is a good size in the hand and is suitable for carrying aroundis a great gift for boyfriend, husband, brother, son, father and friends for birthday, Father's Day, Christmas, Valentines Day, Thanksgiving Day etc. Get lots of compliments on how it’s interesting or practical.
- Take your games anywhere with 300 video games built-in. No Console required
- 3.5mm headphone port to connect your headphones (not included
- For hours of fun for the kids; puzzle, racing, sports, and more -No Console required
- Requires 3 AAA batteries (not included) and mini-screwdriver (not included
- Perfect for travel
- 【The Best Birthday Gift for Little Boys】: What gift does the child hope to receive on his birthday? Of course it is a toy that can bring him happiness! This handheld game console is your best choice! In the process of playing, your kids can not only enjoy the joy of the game, but also learn new skills and exercise the coordination of the brain and hands.
- 【2023 Newly Upgraded Video Game 】: The upgraded game console is more in line with the needs of children users. It is designed according to the children ’s usage habits. The color is cute, small, light and easy to carry. Just use AAA batteries, no need to charge and, no WiFi needed. A must-have for travel.
- 【Enjoy The Endless Joy of the Retro Games】: Built-in 182 classic popular games, take you into a colorful, happy and exciting game kingdom. Inside, your child will encounter a variety of different challenges: racing, track and field, logic, puzzles, level crossing, role-playing, etc. The happiness and sense of accomplishment after game clearance will inspire them to face and overcome life Difficulties, thereby enhancing the happiness of life.
- 【Turn Your Living Room Into A Happy Playground】: Parents want to build a playground for their children so that they can have fun. As long as you connect the video game console to the TV, the living room will immediately transform into a world of games, and children can have a great time at home.
- 【Taking care of the children while resting】: Taking care of the children is a very laborious task. When you feel very tired and want to rest on the sofa for 30 minutes before playing with your children. This game machine can help you. It is a toy that can attract children's concentration. When your children play games, they will be very attentive and can give their parents some free time.
- Retains all the functionality of the DSi including
- New, large diagonal LCD screen size (4.2-inch) allows for the best visual quality DS gaming experience to date
- Unit comes pre-loaded with three DSiWare titles, including Brain Age Math, Brain Age Arts & Letters and Photo Clock
- New release Midnight Blue color scheme adds a unique and distinct touch to your hand held gaming experience
- Hardware includes a full size, easy to hold stylus that matches the exterior color of your chosen DSi XL
- The Game Console 2.0: A Photographic History from Atari to Xbox
- No Starch Press
- ABIS BOOK
- Hardcover Book
- Amos, Evan (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 312 Pages - 09/08/2021 (Publication Date) - No Starch Press (Publisher)
How to choose a good handheld gaming systems
Does the idea of finding a fantastic handheld gaming systems make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in handheld gaming systems. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top handheld gaming systems products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top handheld gaming systems on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top handheld gaming systems brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top handheld gaming systems based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the handheld gaming systems were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good handheld gaming systems, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your handheld gaming systems.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting handheld gaming systems for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our handheld gaming systems. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what handheld gaming systems should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on handheld gaming systems.
