Top 5 Best Budget Handheld Gaming Consoles of 2024

Since the Game Boy’s inception, the greatest portable gaming options have changed, but there has never been a better moment to get one. Not only have we arrived at the point where you can play PC games on a true computer with devices like Valve’s Steam Deck, but hybrid solutions like the Nintendo Switch function as both a home console and a mobile device.

Again, things change quickly, and the greatest handheld game device available today is far more capable than its predecessor was even ten years ago. All things considered, we continue to believe that the Switch will appeal to a wider audience because everyone may enjoy playing the newest Mario or Pokémon adventure while traveling. But there are more choices.

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Last update on 2024-07-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Top 5 Best Budget Handheld Gaming Consoles of 2024

1.Nintendo Switch OLED

Last update on 2024-07-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

The Nintendo Switch OLED model improves on the fantastic formula that Nintendo’s powerful console undoubtedly launched, ushering in a new era of handheld gaming. By today’s standards, it’s not the highest spec console, and a lot has happened in the console industry since the original model’s 2017 release. However, it’s difficult to dispute its outstanding library and portability, which are two features that make it our best on-the-go system for 2023.
Although the Nintendo Switch OLED variant has taken the top rank, the original model of the device still has many of the same advantages. It is still lightweight, compatible with real game cartridges, and has detachable Joycons and a docking station. But if you choose the OLED version over the Switch Lite or you’re going to be in for a treat with the original version. The slightly larger 7-inch screen makes all the difference. The new display has amazing contrast and colors that turn grand adventures like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom into sheer eye candy.

Design: The OLED Switch bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor, yet it is distinguished by a few notable differences. To begin with, the OLED screen itself has a smaller bezel and is somewhat larger than other handhelds, which helps give it a visual advantage. Additionally, it features an upgraded kickstand around the back, which should please anyone who has ever come dangerously close to utilizing the flimsy flap that came with the original.

Although the Switch’s internal components aren’t very remarkable, they do the job in the end. The NVIDIA Tegra X1 SoC is powerful enough to deliver 1080p 30 frames per second images, and playing some demanding games in handheld mode lightens the load. However, most of the time you won’t have to worry about performance because Nintendo’s library optimizes for the hardware to guarantee a seamless experience. You should probably get a portable PC instead if frame rates are a concern for you.

Naturally, one of the few portables on this list featuring first-party games is the Nintendo Switch OLED, which boasts a tremendous catalog of games. While portable computers can be used in storefronts, the Switch features Zelda, Mario, Pokémon, and various other heavy hitters that’ll distract some players from ever thinking about the wild west of Steam. Arguably, the Switch’s catalogue of adventures is reason enough to invest in the hardware, and it’s the reason the platform is still going strong six years later.

2.Steam Deck OLED

Last update on 2024-07-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

When the original model debuted in 2022, it raised the bar for portable gaming PCs, but the new Steam Deck OLED variant elevates the device even further. Valve’s next portable system, now a platform unto itself, combines the same amazing, quick OLED visuals with the technology and software we all know and love, plus a few more enhancements.
With a ton of tricks up their sleeves, the original model and the Steam Deck OLED are essentially portable computers with complete functionality. This implies that you will be able to use two touchpads, haptic feedback, integrated controls, and a gyroscope to play games that are typically accessible for your rig. If you prefer consoles to conventional desktop configurations, you’ll definitely vibe with what the Deck has to offer.

Unlike the model we first tried a few years ago, the Steam Deck OLED, as the name implies, has a shiny new OLED display. Compared to LCD, switching screen type means you’ll be able to enjoy excellent contrast and colors that’ll put many full blown gaming monitors to shame, not to mention it’s also 90Hz.

Even though it’s still among the chonkiest handhelds available, the Steam Deck OLED weighs 640g, which is substantially less than its predecessor. Nevertheless, its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit in your hands, and if you spent a lot of time playing Wii U before the Switch came out, you will be acquainted with Valve’s high-up symmetrical stick arrangement. Its button layout mostly follows the modern PC controller playbook, so you won’t need to get used to any strange setups.
Once more, the Steam Deck isn’t the most potent portable computer available, but for the money, it still provides respectable performance. When using its 800p screen, Value’s proprietary AMD APU can run a significant portion of your collection at over 60 frames per second.you’ll even be able to play on a bigger screen using a Steam Deck dock. For the most part, you’ll have to make do with low settings to boost fps to an acceptable level when running new releases, but you’ll still notice the visual difference compared to Nintendo Switch.

It’s important to remember that the Steam Deck OLED has an AMD APU that differs from the original. It’s still RDNA 2, and the modifications are more accurately characterized as improvements that boost power and efficiency. However, when compared side by side with the LCD model, we did identify some tiny advantages during testing, which may be of interest to those of you who want to utilize every frame during portable gaming.

3.Asus ROG Ally

Last update on 2024-07-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

The Asus ROG Ally is a remarkable portable gaming PC that outperforms the Steam Deck, despite its many flaws. Because it’s a Windows device, it also touts complete PC compatibility, but in the end, that’s both a benefit and a drawback for the whole experience.
The Asus ROG Ally is a 7-inch handheld device with built-in controls, much as the Steam Deck. But the Ally kicks things up a notch with a faster AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and a 120Hz 1080p display. It can produce smoother graphics and unexpectedly high frame rates thanks to this combination, especially in demanding games.
One of the more stylish portable computers available is the ROG Ally, which also feels quite nice in the hands too. Weighing in at 608g, it’s actually slightly lighter than the Steam Deck, but still feels rugged and packs extra aesthetic quirks like RGB thumb sticks. Its white, form fitting shell stands out compared to the Deck, while its overall shape and curves provide comfortable access to its buttons, triggers, and asymmetrical sticks.

The ROG Ally’s hidden Z1 Extreme APU has quickly emerged as the new processor to beat. In most games, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Starfield, you may increase frame rate well beyond the limits of the Steam Deck. It falls short of more expensive competitors like the Ayaneo 2S, though, and you might find it difficult to fully utilize the 120Hz screen. Having said that, this is the best option if you’re searching for a more reasonably priced handheld PC that can sustain 1080p frame rates.
The Asus ROG Ally is a Windows portable PC that can run any program that a traditional computer can. To put it another way, you can install and use other stores, such as Steam, the Epic Game Store, PC Game Pass, and GOG all without having to rely on workarounds or compatibility layers (unlike the Steam Deck). That’s not to say you won’t encounter performance hurdles or issues relating to controller compatibility, and it’s worth noting that Windows handheld optimisation can be an issue in itself when trying to jump between apps and games.

4.Ayaneo 2S

Last update on 2024-07-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Although the Ayaneo 2S will break the bank, it delivers amazing frame rates in even the most demanding games. That being said, before making an investment in this portable powerhouse, bear in mind that it has the same shortcomings as other Windows handhelds.
You’ll enjoy the features of the Ayaneo 2S if you enjoy gadgets with lots of features. Although it may initially appear to be similar to other portable gaming PCs, it is equipped with a 1200p display, a Ryzen 7 7840U APU, up to 64GB of RAM, and a 4TB SSD (variant models available). Upon closer examination, the handheld’s exterior—which features three USB-C connections instead of one—also has something to prove. Because of this specific benefit, you can utilize the portable as a desktop PC, and that’s rather fitting given its capabilities.

In terms of design, one could argue that the Ayaneo 2S and the Asus ROG Ally are on the same page. While there are some similarities, such as an asymmetrical thumb stick arrangement with RGB lights underneath, there are also some subtle distinctions that give it a more upscale feel, such as its bezel-free screen and curved shape. Although it weighs a lot at 667g, we found that using it for lengthy periods of time was comfortable.
The Ayaneo 2S breaks through the performance ceiling for portable devices thanks to the Ryzen 7 7840U, a really potent CPU. With 800p low settings, it’s the only handheld we’ve tested that can run Cyberpunk 2077 at 60 frames per second, which is quite an accomplishment considering how demanding CD Projekt Red’s RPG is. Remember, though, that similar to the Asus ROG Ally, Windows related shenanigans can hamper performance if and when quirks and bugs occur, and it’ll be up to you to investigate.

At the risk of repeating myself, Windows handhelds are capable of running any application that a traditional PC can. As a result, the Ayaneo 2S boasts a vast library that spans PC Game Pass, Steam, the Epic Game Store, and more. To truly get up and running, you might occasionally need to fiddle with controller settings and other Windows choices, but that’s all standard if you enjoy playing PC games.

5.Evercade EXP

Last update on 2024-07-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Do you long for the heyday of the Game Boy? The Evercade EXP, on the other hand, is a contemporary portable that uses brand-new cartridges to run old favorites. In addition to being a necessity for anyone seeking a fully plug-and-play experience, it also contributes to the preservation of physical gaming and the availability of beloved games.
The Evercade EXP, which has a 4.3-inch 480p display, is essentially a throwback console. The console’s greatest feature is its expanding selection of cartridges, each of which has an emulator built in that was created especially for the games it comes with. Every edition includes a selection of classics from companies like Capcom and iREM, and overall, the experience is fairly genuine.

The Evercade EXP appears rather contemporary despite having a Game Boy cartridge aesthetic. Its landscape design and stark white color scheme are largely responsible for that, but its D-pad and conventional face buttons feel like throwback consoles. That’s obviously advantageous when playing old Sega Mega Drive and SNES games again on new hardware, and the arrangement keeps things from feeling eerie.

The EXP is one of the many vintage games that can be accurately accessed on the Evercade platform. While there are techniques like FPGA that can achieve 100% accuracy in comparison to emulation, Blaze’s built-in emulators are a good substitute, particularly if you’d prefer not to fiddle with ROMs and settings. Even official versions can have sluggish and odd-sounding music, like the fact the Evercade delivers almost perfect ports is pretty spectacular.

With 35 Evercade cartridges, there are currently over 300 games compatible with Windows XP, and the business plans to release even more. Even better, you may access the independent scene without using a PC or contemporary console because some of the carts include brand-new throwback releases rather than classics.

Best gaming handheld – FAQ

What is the best portable device for gaming?

The greatest portable gaming PCs in terms of power are the Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, and the soon-to-be-released Lenovo Legion GO. However, not everyone wants to play Steam games or increase frame rates, which is why more people are drawn to less expensive portable systems like the Nintendo Switch.

Which handheld has the best games?

The majority of portable gaming devices allow several shops. For instance, you’ll need to choose a Nintendo Switch if you want to play the newest Mario and Zelda games; yet, portable PCs like the Steam Deck let you access your Steam backlog on-the-go. It’s debatable if Nintendo games are superior to PC games, so you should choose the handheld that offers titles that suit your preferences.

What is the best alternative to the Switch?

Among all the current handhelds on the market, the Steam Deck is most likely the best option. You will have complete control over Valve’s huge storefront, even though you won’t have access to the customary selection of Ninty romps. This implies that you will be able to use a docking station at home or while on the go to run the newest games and a ton of independent content.