Top 5 Best Handheld Gaming Consoles in 2025

If you want to keep yourself entertained while away from home, consider the best handheld game consoles. In fact, they can be an excellent choice even if you only plan to use them in one location. Handheld consoles are all-in-one gaming machines that do not require a display or an external controller to operate, reducing clutter and freeing up the TV screen for other members of the household.

I’d also recommend a handheld if you’re new to console gaming or shopping for a child, as they’re easier to set up and use than a full-fledged home system. There are numerous options available right now, ranging from popular choices like the Nintendo Switch OLED to more niche alternatives such as the PlayStation Portal and Steam Deck OLED. Although this means you’ll be able to find something that meets your specific needs, deciding which one to go with can be difficult.

That is why I created this guide after conducting extensive hands-on testing and research. In addition to extensively testing each of the featured products, I attempted to account for a wide range of important variables in order to provide the most diverse possible options. This includes price, performance, design, compatibility, overall value, and a lot more. In addition, I keep track of the most recent product releases, frequently returning to this list to ensure it is up to date.

QUICK LIST

Last update on 2025-03-08 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Top 5 Best Handheld Gaming Consoles in 2025

1.Nintendo Switch OLED

Last update on 2025-03-08 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The Nintendo Switch OLED is the best model among the company’s current console lineup. While the internal specifications are the same as the stock Nintendo Switch, the screen has been significantly upgraded. The best Nintendo Switch games now look even better thanks to the larger 7-inch OLED panel.

This variant also includes a significantly improved kickstand and upgraded speakers, resulting in a far superior handheld gaming experience. All of the original Nintendo Switch library is also compatible with the Nintendo Switch OLED, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the countless incredible exclusive experiences such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Splatoon 3.

Almost three years after its initial release, the Nintendo Switch OLED remains arguably the best console in the Switch family, despite not being a significant upgrade over the standard Nintendo Switch. When you look at all of the small improvements, it begins to paint a bigger picture of why the OLED is well worth considering if you want one of the best handheld game consoles, even with a potential Nintendo Switch 2 on the way.

The 7-inch display significantly improves visuals over previous panels’ LCDs, boasting perfect blacks and vibrant colors, but even outside of the display, the Nintendo Switch OLED features enhanced speakers to make gameplay without headphones far more enjoyable. Overall, the console sounds noticeably better than its 2017 counterpart. This alone makes the best Nintendo Switch games sound clearer than ever.

In addition, the console has twice as much storage as the original Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite, with a total of 64GB. That is still a far cry from the PS5 and Xbox Series X, which provide much faster storage at significantly higher capacities. However, Nintendo Switch games are typically much smaller, and the console includes a Micro SD slot, allowing you to expand at a reasonable cost if necessary.

2.Nintendo Switch Lite

Last update on 2025-03-08 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The design is made of thick plastic and, in our tests, proved to be more durable than the original Nintendo Switch model, making it ideal for those who are prone to dropping or scratching their systems. I took a Nintendo Switch Lite to work every day in a small case in my rucksack, and after about a year of ownership, it looked almost brand new. Furthermore, the controllers are permanently attached to the system, making them impossible to lose while out and about.

The Nintendo Switch Lite is a compact version of the standard Nintendo Switch, making it an ideal travel companion for any gamer on the go. Despite its smaller size, it still has some impressive capabilities and performs similarly to its larger counterpart, making it a worthwhile addition to your setup if you’re looking for something slightly smaller.

For example, the Nintendo Switch Lite is significantly lighter and slightly smaller than the standard console, making it an ideal portable companion. However, if you prefer the flexibility of playing the Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch OLED handheld or docked, the Nintendo Switch Lite may be one to pass up because it does not include, nor is compatible with, Nintendo Switch docks.

However, if you’re a mobile gamer, the Nintendo Switch Lite offers numerous advantages. It has the potential to be an excellent alternative to the standard console due to its lighter weight and smaller size. But, as with any new release, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider before making the switch.

The primary distinction between the Nintendo Switch Lite and the original Nintendo Switch is that the Switch Lite is exclusively a handheld device. As a result, the Switch Lite is noticeably smaller and lighter than its predecessor. This comparison also applies to the Nintendo Switch OLED, which is slightly larger than the original Switch.

The Switch Lite measures 91.1mm x 208mm x 13.9mm and weighs 275g, as opposed to the original Switch’s dimensions of 102mm x 239mm x 13.9mm and weight of 297g. This means the device has a 5.5-inch LCD touch screen with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels.

In other words, the screen is smaller than the original Switch’s 6.2 inches, but it has the same resolution, so you don’t lose any picture quality. In fact, this gives the Switch Lite a pixel density of 267 pixels per inch (ppi), which is slightly higher than the original Switch’s 236 ppi.

However, on a smaller screen, small in-game writing can be difficult to read at times. We had to bring the console closer to our faces to read some text. It’s a minor issue, but it looks odd to onlookers on the morning commute.

3.Steam Deck OLED

Last update on 2025-03-08 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

A powerful, portable gaming PC that fits in your pocket is an appealing prospect. While it won’t fit in your pocket due to its massive size, the Steam Deck OLED provides all of the power of a respectable gaming laptop in a much smaller package.

It is available directly through Valve’s Steam client and, regardless of the version you choose, can run most Steam Deck Verified titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Apex Legends smoothly. However, I’ve discovered that some recent titles, such as Deathloop, perform poorly. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s something to consider when comparing the Steam Deck OLED to other options.

Because this device runs a modified version of the Linux operating system, not all games in your Steam library will work. That is not to say that a significant portion of your existing titles will be compatible right out of the box.

One of the other issues with Valve’s handheld that I discovered during my testing was that its battery life suffers greatly when playing more intensive games. I discovered that games like God of War really pushed the system to its limits, lasting only about two hours on standard settings while unplugged.

If all you want to know is whether the Steam Deck OLED is better than the original Steam Deck, then the answer is a definitive yes. This is easily the best Steam Deck model and one of the best handheld games consoles on the market right now thanks to an abundance of improvements that lead to a more comfortable and polished play experience.

The most significant of these is the new 7.4-inch OLED display, which is slightly bigger than the 7-inch LCD panel on the original model but offers a significantly more vivid picture with brighter contrast, better viewing angles, and much richer colors. The bright primary hues of titles like Hades 2 or Cult of the Lamb have simply never looked better.

Other changes are more subtle. The Steam Deck OLED is slightly lighter and features a larger fan for improved thermal performance. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E, allowing for faster downloads and more responsive online play for those with a compatible router. The Steam Deck OLED also benefits from increased battery life, with official figures claiming a “30-50%” boost. In practice, however, I quickly discovered that this was still insufficient, and I frequently had to deal with the handheld completely running out of charge while I was away from a socket.

4.Super Pocket

Last update on 2025-03-08 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The first handheld from HyperMegaTech (a new brand from Evercade creators Blaze Entertainment) is nothing short of a triumph in almost every way. The Super Pocket is an excellent retro player with a handy pocket-size design and a solid selection of built-in games from either Capcom or Taito, depending on which of the two licensed editions you choose.

When you first open the box, you’ll be struck by how small the Super Pocket is in person. At just 3 x 0.49 x 0.98 inches (7.8 x 1.25 x 2.5 cm) in size, it’s easily smaller than most modern phones. I was able to fit the Super Pocket into my pocket comfortably no matter what I was wearing, which is a real blessing if you intend to use it to keep yourself entertained during a commute.

The overall design is clearly reminiscent of the Nintendo Game Boy, but with some welcome modern touches. The smooth, rounded corners feel great in your palms and make for comfortable playing sessions. Furthermore, the D-pad is very responsive and the face buttons are also excellent with a springy tactile feel that is absolutely perfect for button mashing.

The Super Pocket’s bottom features a 3.5mm headphone jack, a power switch, and two LEDs (one to indicate whether the device is turned on and one to show whether it is currently receiving power). There’s also a USB-C charging port, which eliminates the need to frequently replace expensive single-use batteries. The device’s back is adorned with the volume rocker, shoulder buttons, and an Evercade cartridge slot for those who want to expand their game collection beyond the ones that come pre-installed.

The Super Pocket is available in two versions: the Taito Edition, which is mint green and black, and the Capcom Edition, which is yellow and blue. Both versions have their own built-in library of games, which focuses on popular titles from their respective publishers. The Taito Edition, in my opinion, is the most aesthetically pleasing and contains the most games (18 in total), but if you only want one, I would recommend the Capcom Edition.

This is because, while the likes of Space Invaders and Bubble Bobble are plenty of fun, nothing can really beat having immediate access to 12 brilliant Capcom games when the lineup includes bangers like Street Fighter 2: Hyper Fighting, Final Fight, and Mega Man. Still, you’re going to be having a good time no matter which you choose. A handy list of all the games included in both can be found on the HyperMegaTech website, so be sure to give it a read before making your decision.

5.PlayStation Portal

Last update on 2025-03-08 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The PlayStation Portal is an excellent companion device for the PlayStation 5. It allows PS5 owners to stream their games remotely via Wi-Fi or a tethered mobile connection. The Portal’s slick design and diverse feature set make it stand out. It functions as a PS5 DualSense controller with an 8-inch LCD screen squeezing into the middle, maintaining the ergonomics.

The screen is punchy and vibrant while the speakers are more than enough for most games. The downsides here are very minor and only extend to an irksome lack of Bluetooth support and the very slow battery charging speed.

While it’s not a handheld console by way of playing games natively (or streaming from the cloud), it superbly serves a very specific niche – which is to provide PS5 players with another way to play their PS5 remotely. While it’s not a handheld console by way of playing games natively (or streaming from the cloud), it superbly serves a very specific niche – which is to provide PS5 players with another way to play their PS5 remotely. 

The PlayStation Portal is the latest in Sony’s PlayStation 5 hardware lineup. Pitched firmly as a PS5 accessory that will enable portable access to your console and game library through an internet connection. It’s a simple prospect and one that utilizes Sony’s PS Remote Play app concept – but deploys it brilliantly in a dedicated device.

To be clear, the PlayStation Portal is exactly that: a small window into your PS5. While not strictly among the best handheld games consoles as it lacks the ability to play games natively like the Nintendo Switch, the PlayStation Portal isn’t trying to be that. It’s offering something entirely different. The terrific news is that it absolutely delivers on what it promises, and is a magnificent device for those who utilize Remote Play or want a portable way into their PS5.

Offering superb ergonomics as well as excellent design and build quality with all those exquisite DualSense controller features on top, this Remote Play beaut and its bright and sharp 8-inch LCD screen present a wonderful portable PS5 experience. One that I’ve already incorporated into my everyday home life.

How to choose a gaming handheld

The easiest way to choose a gaming handheld is to think about the kinds of games that you would want to use it to play. If you’re interested in playing Nintendo published titles on the go, like Super Mario Odyssey or Mario Kart 8, then you’re going to need to choose the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED, or Nintendo Switch Lite as these are the only platforms where such games are available. 

Likewise, if you want access to the latest PlayStation games and already own a PS5 with an expansive library, the PlayStation Portal is going to be your best bet. Do bear in mind, however, that the PlayStation Portal is a streaming-only device that requires a constant internet connection. If you need a device that can be played offline, consider other options.

If you want to play more PC-oriented games such as Valheim or Baldur’s Gate 3 then a portable PC such as the Steam Deck or Steam Deck OLED is going to be the best choice. You should also look at a Steam Deck or Steam Deck OLED if you’re most concerned about performance, as it features dramatically higher specs than the Nintendo Switch while maintaining a similar portable form factor. 

Best handheld games console – FAQs

Do handheld games consoles make good gifts?

Yes, handheld games consoles make great gifts. The reasons for this are simple. Firstly, many handheld games consoles are all-in-one machines that don’t require a TV or any external controllers to play. This makes them super convenient and means that you don’t have to worry about potential compatibility issues with certain displays. They can also be played in any environment, even out and about.

Handheld games consoles also appeal to a wide range of ages. Systems like the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck have libraries with a huge variety all designed for different age groups. Handheld consoles are also a good pick for younger children, as they are simpler to setup and use than home consoles while also often coming in much cheaper on the whole.

Is the Nintendo Switch better in docked or handheld mode?

Your experience with the Nintendo Switch will largely come down to personal preference. If you’re out and about a lot, then handheld mode may be the way forward with the console. Even so, having the flexibility to play docked when you’re at home can be a great added bonus. Obviously, with a Nintendo Switch Lite, you won’t have the flexibility to enjoy the console docked, but you can still enjoy the same great games.