The best handheld video games of recent years

The best handheld video games of recent years

Daniel Coutinho Avatar Avatar of Renato Reis
Get to know the main portable video games of recent years, whether they are more modern or that bring back retro games, and what are their greatest attributes and cost-benefits.

The portable video game console market is booming again with the recent arrival of portable PC consoles. This new category brings the world of PC games to this more flexible environment and makes it easier to play anywhere. In this text, we will list the best models in this segment and explain what you can do with each of them. See below:

Portable video game or portable PC console?

The best portable video games of recent years. Discover the main portable video games of recent years, whether they are more modern or bring back retro games, and what their greatest attributes and cost-benefits are.
The Game Boy was one of the first portable consoles to be hugely successful. (Image: Reproduction/Nintendo)

Since the conception of the first video games, major manufacturers have designed traditional models, which you only use at home, and portable ones, so you can enjoy games anywhere. A Nintendo was the first, with her classic Game & Watch, followed by the iconic lines Game Boy e Nintendo DS. SEGA, despite being somewhat unpopular, also gained prominence with the Game Gear, launched in 1990.

Taking a big step forward in the category, Nintendo launched in 2017 the Switch. The console was a hybrid of a tabletop video game and a portable product, which gained a legion of fans and became a cultural phenomenon. With 141.3 million units sold (May, 2024), it is also on track to become the best-selling console in history.

The best portable video games of recent years. Discover the main portable video games of recent years, whether they are more modern or bring back retro games, and what their greatest attributes and cost-benefits are.
Nintendo has always invested in portable experiences, with successes such as the Game Boy, Nindendo DS and Nintendo Switch. (Image: Reproduction/Nintendo)

Realizing this success, processor manufacturer AMD started a project in partnership with Valve, owner of the Steam games store, to bring this portable concept to the world of PC games. The result was the Steam deck, the first portable PC console, launching in 2022 and ushering in a new era.

Image of steam deck in use - steam deck is one of the best handheld video games out there and is very popular (image: google images)
The Steam Deck is one of the best portable PC consoles today and has been highly desired (Image: Reproduction/Steam)

That said, we can consider that both portable video games as portable PC consoles are… video games. The biggest difference here is that while handheld video games have more rigid proprietary platforms, with games that can only be played on them, handheld PC consoles bring the flexibility of using Windows and Linux systems, along with the advantage for the player to bring with them all the games they already used on their notebook or desktop.

With these differences in mind, let's look at the lists of recommendations:

handheld video games

Nintendo Switch

The best portable video games of recent years. Discover the main portable video games of recent years, whether they are more modern or bring back retro games, and what their greatest attributes and cost-benefits are.
Nintendo Switch is one of the best-selling consoles in the history of video games. (Image: Reproduction/TechRadar)

O Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console launched in 2017 by Nintendo. It can be used both in a traditional way – plugging it into your television – and as a portable device. Furthermore, the company, years later, launched an exclusive version to be played in portable mode known as Nintendo Switch Lite.

Its design includes a 6,2-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1280×720 pixels, as well as two removable Joy-Con controls that can be attached to the sides of the screen or used separately. O Nintendo Switch has a vast library of games, which includes exclusive titles from Nintendoas the The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Xenoblade Chronicles e Super Mario Bros. wonder.

Processor (CPU)NVIDIA Tegra Maxwell SoC
Graphics Card (GPU)GeForce ULP
Memory4 GB of RAM
Storage32 GB, with MicroSD card support
Fabric6,2″ (LCD)
Size (L x D x H)23,9 cm x 10,16 cm x 1,4 cm
Connectivity USB-C and Bluetooth cable
PagesUSB-C; Micro SD card slot; Nintendo Switch Game Card Slot Port
Battery4310mAh – 4,5 to 9 hours
Operational systemNintendo Switch system software
price and availabilityBRL 1.800,00 (Amazon, Bahia Houses e Kaboom!)

Nintendo OLED Switch

The best portable video games of recent years. Discover the main portable video games of recent years, whether they are more modern or bring back retro games, and what their greatest attributes and cost-benefits are.
Nintendo Switch OLED has an improved screen but maintains most of its internal specifications compared to the Switch. (Image: Reproduction/Polygon)

O Nintendo OLED Switch, released in 2021, is an enhanced version of the company's hybrid console Nintendo. This model presents a series of improvements compared to the original, while maintaining compatibility with all existing games and accessories. The most important change is the 7-inch OLED screen, which replaces the previous model's 6,2-inch LCD screen.

In addition to the screen, the OLED switch it also doubles the internal storage capacity from 32GB to 64GB, allowing gamers to store more games and data without the immediate need for an additional microSD card. O However, console has been redesigned to include a built-in Ethernet port, providing a more stable wired internet connection for online gaming. The console is seen as a premium experience for Switch base and a great option if you want a little more visual quality in your games.

Processor (CPU)NVIDIA Tegra Maxwell SoC
Graphics Card (GPU)GeForce ULP
Memory4 GB of RAM
Storage64 GB
Fabric7″ (OLED)
Size (L x D x H)25,9 cm x 9,98 cm x 2 cm
Connectivity USB-C and Bluetooth cable
PagesUSB-C; Micro SD card slot; Nintendo Switch Game Card Slot Port
Battery4310mAh – 4,5 to 9 hours
Operational systemNintendo Switch system software

O Nintendo OLED Switch It costs approximately R$1.899,99 and can be found in stores such as Amazon, Magazine Luiza e Kaboom!.

playstation portal

The best portable video games of recent years. Discover the main portable video games of recent years, whether they are more modern or bring back retro games, and what their greatest attributes and cost-benefits are.
PS Portal is not considered to be able to bring the portable experience to your PlayStation 5. (Image: Reproduction/Reviewed)

O playstation portal is a device of Sony designed to offer flexibility and convenience to gamers PlayStation, allowing them to play anywhere with a good internet connection and a compatible console. It is not a direct competitor to portable consoles like the Nintendo Switch, as it requires a PlayStation 4 ou 5 to run games and does not support Cloud Gaming. The console requires a constant connection to a PlayStation console to function, serving as an accessory. In terms of design, the playstation portal It has an 8-inch Full HD LCD screen with 1080p resolution. Integrates the controller's immersive features Dualense, such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, as long as games support them.

Processor (CPU)Not specified
Graphics Card (GPU)Not specified
MemoryNot specified
StorageDoes not have
Fabric8″ (LCD)
Size (L x D x H)33,7 cm x 15 cm x 9,5 cm
Connectivity Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
PagesUSB-C
Battery4370mAh
Operational systemDoes not have

O playstation portal It costs approximately R$1.349,00 and can be found in stores such as Amazon, Kaboom! e Fast shop.

Miyoo Mini+

The best portable video games of recent years. Discover the main portable video games of recent years, whether they are more modern or bring back retro games, and what their greatest attributes and cost-benefits are.
Miyoo Mini+ manages to deliver nostalgia in a small console for your pocket. (Image: Reproduction/Retro Dodo)

O Miyoo Mini+ is a portable gaming device that stands out for its portability, functionality and ability to emulate several classic consoles. It is an updated version of Miyoo Mini original, with improvements in performance and features.

The console is compact and lightweight, with a high-resolution color screen and physical buttons, providing a classic gaming experience. It has Wi-Fi connectivity and a USB port for charging and file transfer. The Miyoo Mini+ emulates several old consoles, such as NES, SNES, Game Boy, PlayStation 1 e Neo Geo, allowing gamers to enjoy a wide library of retro games on a single portable device.

Processor (CPU)ARM Cortex A7 Dual-Core
Memory128MB RAM
Storage64 GB
Fabric3,5″ (IPS)
Size (L x D x H)10,8 cm x 7,8 cm x 2,23 cm
Connectivity Wi-Fi
PagesUSB-C
Battery3000mAh
Operational systemDoes not have

O Miyoo Mini+ costs approximately R$400,00 (in direct conversion) and can be purchased at official import store.

Ambernic RG405M

The best portable video games of recent years. Discover the main portable video games of recent years, whether they are more modern or bring back retro games, and what their greatest attributes and cost-benefits are.
Being able to play PlayStation 2 games, Anbernic RG405M is one of the best laptops for retro gaming. (Image: Reproduction/Retro Dodo)

Developed by Anbernicus, known for its retro gaming devices, the RG405M combines classic design with modern features for nostalgic fun. O RG405M It has a 4-inch color LCD screen with a resolution of 800×480 pixels and is equipped with physical buttons, including directional buttons, action buttons and triggers, as well as analogue sticks for 3D games, standing out from the rest. Miyoo Mini+.

This console supports emulation of various retro consoles, such as NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Sega Genesis, Neo Geo and others. This gives players a wide library of classic games from various eras and platforms in the palm of their hand.

Processor (CPU)Unisoc Tiger T618 64-bit octa-core
Graphics Card (GPU)Mali G52
Memory4GB LPDDR4
Storage128 GB
Fabric4″ (IPS)
Size (L x D x H)16,3 cm x 7,6 cm x 1,59 cm
Connectivity Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
PagesUSB-C and TF Card
Battery4500mAh
Operational systemAndroid 12

O Ambernic RG405M costs approximately R$819,90 and can be purchased at official import store.

Analogue pocket

The best portable video games of recent years. Discover the main portable video games of recent years, whether they are more modern or bring back retro games, and what their greatest attributes and cost-benefits are.
Using FPGA, the Analogue Pocket is not a simple emulation machine. (Image: Reproduction/PCMag)

If you like vertical handheld video games like the old ones Game Boys, o Analogue pocket is a great option. It runs games Game Gear, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Neo Geo Pocket e Atari Lynx, using physical cartridges with adapters. Its hardware and software emulate these operating systems, allowing the use of retro physical media.

O Analogue pocket uses FPGA technology to run games on old platforms. It has a 3,5-inch LCD screen and a battery that lasts up to 10 hours. Provides original display for gaming GB, GBC and GBA, and can be connected to a computer via USB-C to create MIDI music, play it on larger screens with a dock and develop new games. It supports adapters for different cartridges and its buttons are mappable for customizing gameplay.

Processor (CPU)Not specified
Graphics Card (GPU)unspecified
Memoryunspecified
StorageNot specified
Fabric3,5″ (LCD)
Size (L x D x H)15,2 cm x 10,2 cm x 5,1 cm
Connectivity USB-C and Bluetooth cable
PagesUSB-C; micro SD card slot; Original style cartridge port (retro)
Battery4300mAh – 6 to 10 hours
Operational systemanalogue OS

O Analogue pocket costs approximately R$1.130,00 (in direct conversion) and can be purchased at official import store.

Super Pocket

The best portable video games of recent years. Discover the main portable video games of recent years, whether they are more modern or bring back retro games, and what their greatest attributes and cost-benefits are.
Super Pocket is a great console to have an arcade game in the palm of your hand. (Image: Reproduction/Screen Rant)

O Super Pocket is a portable console with a retro look and high functionality, developed by the Evercade line team. It has a 320×280 IPS screen, offering a clear visual experience. The device has a USB Type-C connector for charging and a slot for additional cartridges, allowing you to expand your game library.

Controls include physical buttons and a built-in D-Pad, providing precise and familiar gameplay. The console also has a difficulty setting feature, allowing users to adjust challenge levels as desired.

There are two distinct versions of the superpocket, each highlighting a unique collection of classic games. The version Capcom includes iconic titles such as Street Fighter II' Turbo: Hyper Fighting, Final Fight e Mega Man, while the version Taito features classics like Space Invaders, Elevator Action e Bubble Bobble.

Processor (CPU)1.2 GHz
Memoryunspecified
StorageNot specified
Fabric2,8″ (IPS)
Size (L x D x H)12,5 cm x 7,8 cm x 0,25 cm
Connectivity USB-C cable
PagesUSB-C
Battery+4 hours
Operational systemNot specified

O Super Pocket Capcom Edition costs approximately R$700,00 and can be purchased at Game Games.

Portable PCs

ASUS ROG Ally

The best portable video games of recent years. Discover the main portable video games of recent years, whether they are more modern or bring back retro games, and what their greatest attributes and cost-benefits are.
ASUS ROG Ally has enough power to run the latest generation games with cutting-edge graphics. (Image: Reproduction/CNET)

The newly launched ROG Ally from ASUS in Brazil has gained attention for its powerful hardware and performance, being a “pocket PC” that competes with the Steam deck. Using Windows 11 as the operating system, it allows the installation of various cloud gaming programs and services.

Although its housing is light and comfortable, reviews point to limited battery life, approximately 2 hours when running heavy games like The Last of Us e Cyberpunk 2077. Its high price is a negative point, despite being one of the best current laptop options.

Processor (CPU)AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Processor
Graphics Card (GPU)AMD Radeon
Memory16 GB LPDDR5
Storage512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
Fabric7″ FHD (IPS)
Size (L x D x H)28 cm x 11,1 cm x 2,12cm
Connectivity Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
PagesUSB-C; Micro SD card slot; 3,5 mm headphone/microphone jack
Battery2590 mAh
Operational systemWindows 11 Home

O ASUS ROG Ally can be found by R$ 4.772 at Carrefour.

ASUS ROG Ally X

The best portable video games of recent years. Discover the main portable video games of recent years, whether they are more modern or bring back retro games, and what their greatest attributes and cost-benefits are.
ASUS ROG Ally X is a true PC with great specs in the palm of your hand. (Image: Disclosure/ASUS)

O ASUS ROG Ally X is an enhanced version of the portable console from ASUS, designed to deliver better performance. It comes equipped with 24 GB of RAM and up to 1 TB of storage, ensuring space and speed for the most demanding modern games. The 80 WH battery promises greater autonomy, allowing longer gaming sessions without the need for frequent recharging.

In addition to internal improvements, the ROG Ally X features an improved design, with better ergonomics and ventilation. The console maintains the powerful processor AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme and has a 7-inch screen with 1080p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, providing clear and smooth graphics. It also features high-quality audio, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity and customization features through Armory Crate SE 1.5, consolidating itself as a robust option for gamers who want a more powerful laptop.

Processor (CPU)AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme Processor
Graphics Card (GPU)AMD Radeon
Memory12GB*2 LPDDR5
Storage1TB PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ M.2 SSD (2280)
Fabric7″ FHD (IPS)
Size (L x D x H)28 cm x 11,1 cm x 2,12cm
Connectivity Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
PagesUSB-C; Micro SD card slot; 3,5 mm headphone/microphone connector; Thunderbolt 4
Battery80WH
Operational systemWindows 11 Home

The release date of the new ROG Ally X has not yet been announced, but the product will be sold by US$ 799 — R$4.194 in direct conversion. The company highlights that the specifications, content and availability of the console are subject to change without notice and may vary from one country to another.

Lenovo Legion Go

The best portable video games of recent years. Discover the main portable video games of recent years, whether they are more modern or bring back retro games, and what their greatest attributes and cost-benefits are.
Lenovo Legion Go is one of the best portable PC consoles today. (Image: Reproduction/Rock Paper Shotgun)

O Lenovo Legion Go is a portable gaming device designed to deliver high quality on the go. Manufactured by Lenovo, it combines processing power, connectivity and portability to meet the needs of gamers who want to play on the go.

Equipped with a processor Ryzen Z1 Extreme and 8.8″ inch screen, the Legion Go offers PC performance with up to 16 GB of memory RAM LPDDR5X 7500 MHz and internal storage of up to 1 TB via SSD. Its controls are disconnectable, like the joy-cons of the Nintendo Switch, providing a customizable experience.

Processor (CPU)AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme
Graphics Card (GPU)AMD RDNA Graphics
Memory16 GB LPDDR5X
Storage256GB / 512GB / 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 22428
Fabric8.8” QHD+
Size (L x D x H)28 cm x 11,1 cm x 2,12cm
Connectivity Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
PagesUSB-C; Micro SD card slot; 3,5 mm headphone/microphone jack
Battery2590 mAh
Operational systemWindows 11 Home

O Lenovo Legion Go costs approximately R$6.300,00 and can be purchased at Kaboom!, Fast shop and Lenovo official store.

Steam deck

The best portable video games of recent years. Discover the main portable video games of recent years, whether they are more modern or bring back retro games, and what their greatest attributes and cost-benefits are.
The Steam Deck was one of the main responsible for popularizing the portable PC console. (Image: Reproduction/Rock Paper Shotgun)

When thinking about portable video games today, the Steam deck soon comes to mind, being a precursor to contemporary consoles in this category. With powerful hardware and access to the company's vast game library, Steam, offers excellent value for money. The possibility of playing most of the platform's games on a laptop is incredible and its battery has a minimum autonomy of 2 hours, even when running heavy games like Elden Ring e Cyberpunk 2077. In addition to its standard version, the Steam deck also has an edition Steam Deck OLED, which has improvements to its screen, battery and makes downloads faster.

Processor (CPU)Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz
Graphics Card (GPU)8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.6GHz
Memory16 GB LPDDR5
Storage256GB/512GB/1TB NVMe SSD
Fabric7,4” (HDR OLED)
Size (L x D x H)29,8 cm x 11,7 cm x 4,9 cm
Connectivity Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
PagesUSB-C; Micro SD card slot; 3,5 mm headphone/microphone jack
Battery5200 mAh
Operational systemSteamOS 3 (Linux based)

O Steam deck costs approximately R$4.100,00 and can be purchased at Amazon, Kaboom! e Carrefour.

AyaNeo Air Plus

The best portable video games of recent years. Discover the main portable video games of recent years, whether they are more modern or bring back retro games, and what their greatest attributes and cost-benefits are.
AyaNeo Air Plus is a great platform to play your favorite games anywhere. (Image: Reproduction/TechRadar)

O AyaNeo Air Plus is a portable gaming console that delivers a high-quality experience in a compact, lightweight form factor. Developed by Aya, it features a high-resolution screen and ergonomically designed physical controls, providing an immersive and comfortable gaming experience. Powered by a processor AMD Ryzen Low power consumption and an integrated RDNA 2 GPU, it is capable of running a wide range of modern games with stunning graphics and smooth performance.

In addition to functioning as a game console, the AyaNeo Air Plus runs the Windows 10 operating system, allowing access to various applications and services. With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, it makes it easy to download games and updates, as well as offering support for peripherals through USB ports.

Processor (CPU)AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
Memory32 GB LPDDR5
Storage512GB SSD
Fabric6” (IPS)
Size (L x D x H)23,7 cm x 9,14 cm x 2,31 cm
Connectivity Wi-Fi, USB-C and Bluetooth
PagesUSB-C; Micro SD card slot; 3,5 mm headphone/microphone jack
Battery46,2Wh
Operational systemWindows 11 Home

O AyaNeo Air Plus costs from R$5.000,00 (direct conversion) and can be purchased at official company store via import.

Razer Edge

The best portable video games of recent years. Discover the main portable video games of recent years, whether they are more modern or bring back retro games, and what their greatest attributes and cost-benefits are.
Despite being similar to the Steam Deck, the Razer Edge has a completely different proposal. (Image: Reproduction/CNET)

O Razer Edge is a next-generation portable console focused on delivering a high-quality cloud and Android gaming experience. Equipped with the Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 platform, the device has a 6,8-inch AMOLED screen with FHD+ resolution (2400×1080) and 144Hz refresh rate. The console comes preloaded with various gaming applications and services, such as Xbox Game Pass, NVIDIA GeForce Now e Steam Link and aims to be a platform with a simpler architecture and aimed at meeting the needs of gamers who want a gaming experience. cloud gaming.

Processor (CPU)Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen1
Memory6GB LPDDR5
Storage128 GB
Fabric6.8” FHD+ (AMOLED)
Size (L x D x H)16,8 cm x 8,4 cm x 1,1 cm
Connectivity USB-C, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth cable
PagesUSB-C; Micro SD card slot; 3,5mm Headphone
Battery5000mAh
Operational systemAndroid

O Razer Edge costs approximately R$3.060,00 and can be purchased at Tech Inn.

Logitech GCloud

The best portable video games of recent years. Discover the main portable video games of recent years, whether they are more modern or bring back retro games, and what their greatest attributes and cost-benefits are.
Based on cloud gaming, Logitech G Cloud can deliver quality gameplay on a lightweight device. (Image: Reproduction/CNET)

This Logitech laptop is robust and offers an experience based on cloud saved games, using applications such as Xbox CloudGaming e GeForce Now. It's a great option for those who have stable internet and want to save money on expensive smartphones or gaming PCs/notebooks, taking advantage of high-quality cloud gaming services.

O GCloud It is ergonomic, with customizable controls and weighs just 464 grams. It also allows connections via Bluetooth, enabling the use of wireless controls, mice and keyboards. It is an ideal console for those looking for clean designs and no wires around their devices.

Processor (CPU)Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G
Memory64 GB
Fabric7” (IPS)
Size (L x D x H)25,68 cm x 11,72 cm x 3,3 cm
Connectivity Wi-Fi, USB-C and Bluetooth
PagesUSB-C; Micro SD card slot; 3,5 mm headphone/microphone jack
Battery23,1Wh
Operational systemAndroid 11

O Logitech GCloud costs from R$1.545,00 (direct conversion) and can be purchased at official company store via import.

Today, there is no shortage of options on the portable video game market, as we saw above. This niche is quite rich and pleases all possible gaming tastes and preferences. Tell us in the comments which one you relate to the most and if you intend to acquire!

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