The Top 10 Mobile Handheld Gaming Systems

The modern capabilities of gaming are truly a marvel, but the fact that we can effortlessly carry the same power-ups with us wherever we go is truly astounding. Whether it's fresh interpretations of timeless classics or futuristic glimpses of even more of what we can anticipate in this boundless future, there are arguably no wrong turns in this field. Despite this, a handful of mobile gaming systems have ultimately distinguished themselves from the rest, and it is only fair to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the best portable consoles to acquire for yourself, regardless of how long you may have to wait.

ATARI FLASHBACK POCKET

If the Game & Watch was a blast from the past, then this nifty handheld containing 70 classic Atari games is a miniature time machine in its own right. Featuring Fatal Run, Night Driver, Double Dunk, and countless other fan favorites similar to the game-changing icon depicted in the image, there is a distinct feeling associated with playing some of your old favorites wherever you are. With a brilliant 2.8-inch display and SD card slot, the fun never has to end.

NINTENDO SUPER MARIO BROS. GAME & WATCH

The plumber-centric spin on Nintendo's first iconic handheld is a delight for players of all ages. For a look back at how simple games used to be, players will only have to deal with a D-Pad and two action buttons when tackling the game that changed everything. In addition, Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels is included with this Game & Watch. In addition, it functions as a shifting digital clock, and it may be just as entertaining to watch Mario battle Koopas, Goombas, and even time itself as it is to play.

RETROID POCKET 2+

It's refreshing to see a startup's take on crafting handhelds with playable games from the past, which is exactly what we have here. Retroid is a portable console manufacturer that has existed long enough to release a redesigned version of the Pocket 2+, the successor to their flagship console. Powered by Android and operating on a 4000 mAh battery, the console features a 3.5-inch touchscreen with a maximum resolution of 480p, proving that the emulation possibilities are limitless and that nostalgic, low-resolution graphics are prevalent.

BACKBONE ONE

Since Tetris became the first game available on a mobile phone in 1994, there has been a never-ending increase in mobile gaming. While Nokia and Blackberry devices contributed to its growth along the way, modern devices feature displays that are not only larger than older cell phone screens, but also those of Game Boy and PSP devices. Thanks to the manufacturers at Backbone, you can now utilize your iPhone's gorgeous display to transform it into a portable XBOX, PS5, Stadia, or any other console of your choosing. In addition, the Backbone One can connect to your iPad or computer via USB-C for those who prefer to relax and play.

NINTENDO SWITCH LITE

Nintendo's current generation of TV-free handhelds may be the quintessential handheld device. Released at the tail end of 2019, the Switch Lite takes inspiration from Nintendo's classic DS Lite with its sleek profile, variety of color options, and primary function as an ideal portable gaming console. In the months following its release on store shelves around the world, the pandemic ultimately struck and convinced countless individuals to play video games, making this console the market's hottest commodity. With a 6-hour battery life and a lightweight design, it's easy to play your favorite classic Nintendo games or some of the company's latest and greatest games wherever you go.

NINTENDO SWITCH OLED

This is the new premium version of Nintendo's now-iconic Switch console. In 2021, a few years after the introduction of the Lite, the original version received a significant visual upgrade with the introduction of the OLED version. With a 7-inch OLED display and crisp visuals, the new product is more vibrant than anything Nintendo has ever produced, establishing a new standard for what to expect from the renowned developers. With 64 gigabytes of internal storage, it doubles the storage capacity of the standard Switch and its colored variant, ensuring that you won't run out of space while downloading Mario Kart or browsing Nintendo's vast online store. An improved set of onboard speakers and a wide-body kickstand are the icing on the cake, with the latter being an incredibly useful addition in light of the numerous complaints about the original model's kickstand.

VALVE STEAM DECK

Steam has been the underground's preferred platform for the past decade or so, with virtually every option accessible from a computer without the need for an additional console. In light of the fact that you will soon be able to take your entire online catalog with you wherever you go, it is now somewhat necessary. The release of Valve's Steam Deck sent shockwaves through the PC community, and its specifications are nothing to scoff at. The two companies have implemented a custom APU designed to optimize handheld gaming in conjunction with AMD. In addition, it is rumored that they will soon unveil a dock for connecting to compatible displays. However, it will be sold separately from the Deck, which is available for pre-order with capacities beginning at 64 gigabytes.

APPLE IPAD AIR WIFI + CELLULAR

The iPad Air may not be at the top of the list when compared to the iPad Pro and iPad standard model, but from a gamer's perspective, it has the upper hand. With a paper-thin 0.24-inch profile and a maximum weight of exactly 1.01 pounds, Apple's most recent Air tablet is the ideal portable device for playing your favorite Apple Arcade games. As is the case with the majority of Apple's products today, the iPad Air is available with or without cellular connectivity, but the latter is essential for gaming on the go.

GPD MICROPC

While many other platforms are designed to benefit the average console gamer, the MicroPC from GPD is one of the few that offers comparable portability. High-octane is an understatement when describing the capabilities of this mobile office, which is a portable laptop with technical specifications that would make any gamer leap out of their seat. Powered by an Intel N4120 processor, an Intel UHD Graphics 600 coprocessor, and featuring 8 gigabytes of RAM, this handheld speed demon will prevent any potential lag when joining parties, whether you're on a train or a couch.