Long-time gamers have fond memories of playing their Game Boy Color by the light of passing streetlamps in the back seat of a car. With modern consoles and PCs reigning supreme, many wonder how to recapture such memories. Where can you find the best modern handheld console for that portable experience?
There are still plenty of mobile gaming options besides your phone. Here are the six best modern portable consoles in 2024.
Steam Deck
Valve’s Best Entry
The Steam Deck has been making waves for years and has been wildly successful since its release. This console is the best choice for gamers looking to use their Steam library on the go.
When discussing modern portable consoles, one of the most important pieces to discuss is the Steam Deck. The Steam Deck is Valve’s entry into the industry, and it functions more like a portable PC than a true console. Most of the games you’ll play on this console come from your Steam library, making it important to have both.
As such, it’s a perfect item for people who are already PC gamers. It’smore convenientthan a laptop to access your library, but you’re restricted to your Steam library. It’s a great console for PC gamers, but if you’re looking to expand your library, this may not be your preference.
Nintendo Switch
Industry-Defining exclusives on the go
The Nintendo Switch is arguably the most popular portable console as a follow-up to the company’s industry-defining Gameboy franchise. You’ll need this console for the newest Nintendo exclusives, making it a must-have.
In the last decade or so, few portable options have reached the popularity of the Nintendo Switch. One of the main reasons for this is that the Switch is Nintendo’s modern console, making it a must-have for Nintendo fans. Most of Nintendo’s games are exclusively found on this console, so if you want the latest Zelda or Mario games, you had better have this in your arsenal.
Beyond exclusives, the Switch is also favored for its party games. It’s one of the few consoles around that still focuses heavily on couch cooperative play. However, it’s worth saying that the hardware can struggle to run some higher-end games, especially ones that aren’t native to Nintendo.
Super Pocket
Portable pocket-sized power
HyperMegaTech’s entry to the industry is most popular for its Capcom title, which we’ve focused on here. You can also use the device for Taito games and Evercade cartridges, expanding the library.
If you’re looking to recapture that classic feel, theSuper Pocketis one of the best options. This device comes preloaded with 12 Capcom Arcade classics. These include the Street Fighter franchise, Mega Man, and more. Additionally, it’s Evercade compatible, giving hundreds of games from these various cartridges.
The downside is that this isn’t a portable console that’s fit for most modern games. The batteries also won’t last exceptionally long, with Capcom boasting more than four hours of play. Once the battery runs out, you have a fast-charging USB-C port to rely on.
Blaze Evercade EXP
Retro and full sized
Many retro consoles have smaller screens to fit the retro vibe. The Blaze Evercade EXP is a full-sized portable console with a library of hundreds of retro titles.
Capcom’s forays into the mobile gaming space also include the Evercade EXP Handheld. This device is similar in size to a Switch or Steam Deck but focuses onarcade and retro games. As such, it’s an ideal pick for people who want on-the-go entertainment and not the latest AAA release in a modern portable package.
The Evercade has 18 games built into the device, but also boasts Evercade Library compatibility, offering hundreds of more titles. The battery life is about five hours with a USB-C charging port to stop you from worrying about disposable batteries. It’s a great budget option for people preferring retro gaming and will last through a modest plane flight, but may not fulfill the needs of someone wanting a full console.
Logitech G Cloud
For your Windows titles on the go
The Logitech G Cloud is excellent for console fans looking to bring their Microsoft titles on the go. There’s also compatibility with Steam and Nvidia Now for people with multiple libraries to consider.
The Logitech G Cloud console isn’t often discussed, but it’s one of the more notable products in the portable console market. It’s similar in price to the Switch OLED and more expensive than the Switch, making it a tough sell for Nintendo fans. Xbox fans prefer the G Cloud for its compatibility with titles.
Logitech has integration with the Xbox Cloud Gaming service, as well as Nvidia GeForce Now. These features allow gamers to use the G Cloud for a handheld experience of some of their favorite games. The battery also lasts upwards of 12 hours, making it superior to many other items on the market.
Asus ROG Ally
Great library, performance, and battery life
The ASUS ROG Ally is one of the most expensive portable consoles for good reason. This system offers incredible battery life, great performance, and wonderful graphics for a large library of games.
For gamers looking for everything on their PC in a portable package, the Asus ROG Ally is a phenomenal choice. This console runs Windows on all gaming platforms, including Steam, GOG, and XBOX Game Pass. Additionally, this device boasts strong computing power and exceptional graphics due to its Ryzen Z1 processor and AMD RDNA3 Architecture-based graphics.
The primary downside of this console is that it’s the most expensive on the market by far. At its price point, some may prefer to find a laptop that fits their purposes better and can perform more functions. But for convenient, portable play, the ASUS ROG Ally is a superior choice.
FAQ
Are Portable Consoles As Strong As Standard Consoles?
That depends on the console in question! The original Nintendo Switch had many performance issues, especially with more complex games. Higher-powered systems like the ASUS ROG Ally have few issues with high-performance games.
How Expensive Are Portable Consoles?
This varies depending on what you’re looking to buy. Performance-minded consoles are more expensive, while retro-focused consoles are often cheaper.
Can I Play Any Game On A Portable Console?
No, not all consoles can run any game. Many developers and publishers also still use exclusive titles, making it difficult to play some games on separate consoles. Research what console you’re considering before purchasing it, so you know what games it can play.
