Playing video games is never as much fun without the best handheld console. A handheld console allows you to carry your favorite games with you everywhere you go. Whether you are in the back of the car for a long drive, have some free time between classes, or just standing in line for coffee, you can bust out this handy device and stay entertained for as long as you want. Handheld consoles come with a variety of awesome features that guarantee you endless fun and convenience, and you can choose them based on their size, battery power, and the number of games on the console. To make a suitable choice, you also need to know their specifications. Read this post as we list some of the best products in the market and tell you about the pros and cons of each.
11 Best Handheld Consoles
1. Best Shock-Absorbing:Pokpow Handheld Game Console Phone Case
This game console doubles up as an iPhone case to protect your phone from scratches and impact when dropped. This shock-absorbing game console back case is preloaded with 36 classic retro games. It is made from polycarbonate and features a silicone frame for superior phone protection. This versatile gaming console has a rechargeable built-in lithium battery. In case your cell phone runs out of juice, you can still have some fun with the handheld console cover. Pros
Quick-charging Distinct buttons Raised bezels for increased protection The battery lasts up to 4 hours.
Cons
Some may find it slightly bulky.
2. Best TV-Compatible:Weikin Retro Handheld Game Console
This gaming console features a diverse range of games like arcade, puzzle, sports, shooting, racing, etc. to suit people with different tastes and preferences. When fully charged, it offers up to 8 hours of playtime. It has a mini-body, which makes it easy to control. When at home, you can also play these games on your TV using the console controls. Pros
Supports 2 players Compact and lightweight TV-compatible Features a long data line to prevent myopia
Cons
The game’s progress can’t be saved.
3. Best No-Repeat Games:Lktina LCD Screen Handheld Game Console
The Lktina handheld game console has over a 1000 built-in no-repeat games. This is a multipurpose game console that you can also use as an ebook reader, voice recorder, stopwatch, calendar, etc. You can also store your favorite music and other games in this console as it comes with 8GB in-built memory. If you wish to expand the memory, you can use a TF mini-card of up to 32 GB to store more files. The console features an earphone jack, so you can listen to music when you’re bored and are not in the mood for games. It also features a 2-million-pixel digital camera and flash that’s handy for clicking pictures when your phone runs out of battery. Pros
4-inch screen Game progress can be saved Features 1000+ no-repeat games Supports TV output Multi-language option Supports external expansion
Cons
It does not support multitasking operations. The cable is not long enough.
4. Best Tempered Glass:MJKJ RG350 Handheld Game Console
This handheld gaming console has a 3.5-inch, full-view IPS screen to offer you an incredible gaming experience. While it has several in-built games, you can download many more as it comes with 16 GB memory and up to 128 GB expandable memory. The joystick enables 360° control when playing any game. You can also play music — on loudspeaker mode or plug in your earphones. Check out this video to learn more about the game console. Pros
Tempered glass 2500 mAh lithium-ion battery 6 hours of playtime Supports TF card 5 mm headphone jack C-type charging
Cons
Some may find the controls too rigid.
5. Best Dust-Proof:Go-Volmon Handheld Game Console Case For iPhone
The Go-Volmon handheld game console case is compatible with a range of iPhone models. This handheld console case does not exhaust your phone battery as it comes with its own charging port. It features a colored display and has 36 in-built classic games. While it’s a fantastic source of entertainment, it also does an incredible job of keeping your phone protected from scratches, accidental drops, shocks, and dust. Pros
Colorful screen Dust-proof Scratch-resistant Sturdy Available in 4 colors
Cons
Some may find the screen too small.
6. Best Music Player:JXD Handheld Portable Game Console
This handheld portable game console has 1200 built-in video games with some classic titles that’ll take you back to your childhood. With a screen size of 4.3 inches and well-defined buttons, it is the size of a phone and fits snugly in your pockets. It supports various game formats like GBA, SFC, SEGA, SMC, among others. To add more games, all you have to do is install the game on your computer and connect your console to transfer those games. Additional features like a calculator, a camera, a music player, etc. make it a useful and handy device. Pros
You can add more games Large screen Supports MP3 and MP5 Supports many languages
Cons
The battery may not last too long.
7. Best Touchscreen:GPD Lanruo Professional Android Handheld Game Console
The GPD Lanruo game gear is one of the most powerful handheld consoles with an Android 7 interface. It features a 5-inch touchscreen, which is impressive for electronic game consoles in this range. You can also use Bluetooth on this console to connect it to a wireless controller. Since it can be connected to the Wi-Fi, you can install more games from the Google Store. It features a high-performance processor and CPU with 4 GB RAM. With a powerful 6000 mAh battery, you don’t have to worry about the console running out of battery when you’re engaged in a gripping game. Pros
Features touchscreen Android-based 6000 mAh Battery Supports wireless internet access Supports Facebook and Twitter Expandable memory
Cons
The D-pad may be squeaky.
8. Best Compact:MYMIQEY Pandora Mini Handheld Game Console
This retro gaming console features a 3.5-inch IPS screen to offer you great visuals while playing 3D games. Features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility and online multiplayer support make it one of the top handheld consoles. At 4000 mAh, the battery lasts for about 6 hours to allow you an extended playtime. Pros
Games can be paused and saved Can be connected to the television Compact Lightweight Available in white
Cons
You can’t install additional games.
9. Best Lightweight:Mademax RS-1 Handheld Game Console
The Mademax retro-style handheld game console is loaded with 400 classic FC games that takes you on a trip down memory lane. While it’s super convenient on-the-go, if you want to play your favorite games on a bigger screen, you can connect this handheld device to your television. All you need to bring this handheld gaming console to life are 3 AAA batteries. Once you insert the batteries, you can expect this console to last a couple of months. Pros
Built-in 400 classic games 5-inch LCD screen Compatible with TV Pocket-sized Lightweight
Cons
Operates on batteries only.
10. Best To Save Gaming Progress:Nexadas Retroid Pocket Handheld Game Console
Android powers this beautifully designed retro handheld game console so you can access Google Play Store and install a variety of emulators. It can run N64, PS1, PSP, FBA, and a host of cloud gaming apps like Moonlight. You can also download the retroid apk to access the retroid system. When you’re running out of battery, you can save your game progress. Pros
Saves game progress 4000 mAh high-capacity battery HDMI, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi compatible Supports multiple emulators Expandable memory
Cons
It may heat when used for long durations.
11. Best For Two Players:Gamory Handheld Retro Mini Game Player
Gamory consoles are one of the best handheld consoles if you’re looking for something your kids can have fun with. It doesn’t take much time to get used to the controls, whether on the console or the game controller. If you’re an avid gamer, you can take this compact console to keep gaming, anytime, anywhere. Pros
Features 400 in-built classic games Rechargeable 800 mAh battery 3-inch LCD screen Supports 2 players Compatible with TV
Cons
The charging port may not be up to the mark.
Now that you have a list of handheld consoles worth buying, let’s move on to the buying guide to help you determine a few features you should look for in gaming consoles.
How To Choose The Right Handheld Console?
Types of games
Different gaming consoles feature different kinds of games. While some have classic games, others might feature newer games. Before you look for any other attributes, you should first check if the console has all the games that you’d genuinely enjoy.
Screen size and resolution
Gaming is fun only when the screen is big enough and offers high-resolution for an unparalleled experience. While 2.5-inch screens are ideal for classic or retro games, Android and 3D games are all the more delightful when you play it on a 3.5 or 4-inch screen. So, make it a point to check the screen size and resolutions based on the kind of games you intend to play.
Storage
If you plan on buying a gaming console that allows you to install or transfer games from your computer, the console should have a decent in-built memory that is expandable. 8 to 16 GB in-built memory should be good enough. As for expandable memory, inserting a memory card that is 128 GB would allow you to store games that require a lot of space.
Accessories
It is certainly more convenient when your gaming console comes with all the accessories, like AV cable, charging cable, controller, etc. that you’d frequently use. Ensure that the gaming system includes all the essential accessories unless you prefer to buy accessories of your choice.
Other Features
Many advanced gaming consoles are packed with features like ebook reader, camera, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity, earphone port, calculator, and stopwatch. If you regularly use all these features, your gaming console would be a useful backup when you forget your cellphone at home or when it runs out of battery.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose, an experienced writer in the field of toys and gifts, is a trusted reviewer because she understands the needs of a buyer and is skilled at online research. In this article, she has gathered the names of the best handheld consoles that can transform your gaming experience. You may read the post to understand the specifications, features, and pros and cons of each product. The article also has a detailed buying guide explaining the factors to consider when selecting a good console.
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