BackPortable gaming consoles buying guide: Game anywhere, anytime with our top recommendations and expert picks
Find the best portable gaming consoles with our buying guide. Explore top picks like Nintendo Switch OLED, Steam Deck, and ASUS ROG Ally. Game anywhere, anytime with powerful, versatile handheld consoles designed for immersive, on-the-go gaming experiences.
PremiumIf you enjoy gaming on-the-go and appreciate the ability to play wherever you are, you must understand that the world of gaming has evolved far beyond the confines of desktops and living rooms. With portable gaming consoles, users now have the freedom to play on their own terms.
In today’s mobile-centric environment, the allure of portable gaming consoles lies in their ability to offer high-quality gaming experiences wherever you are. Commute and travel a lot? Don't fret, a portable gaming console will keep you entertained and immersed. With the right portable gaming console, you can dive into vast worlds, complete challenging quests, or indulge in quick multiplayer matches without missing a beat.
This guide explains the benefits of portable gaming consoles while showcasing the latest options available, helping you navigate the best choices to suit your gaming needs.
Why portable gaming consoles?
The primary appeal of portable gaming consoles is, of course, mobility. Unlike traditional consoles tethered to your TV or PC gaming rigs that demand a stationary setup, portable consoles provide the flexibility to play on-the-go. They blend convenience with power, enabling gameplay that’s not only accessible but also engaging and visually impressive. Advances in technology have shrunk the gap between handheld devices and their more powerful, stationary counterparts, offering impressive graphics, a rich library of games, and even online multiplayer functionalities.Also read: Amkette EvoFox Deck gamepad review: A fun accessory for casual smartphone gamers
Key features to consider in a portable gaming console
Before jumping into specific models, it’s crucial to understand the key features that make a portable gaming console worth your investment:
- Performance: The heart of any gaming console is its performance capability, defined by its processor, graphics unit, and RAM. A good portable console should run games smoothly, without lags or significant frame drops. Look for devices that offer a balanced blend of performance and battery life.
- Game library: The best hardware is meaningless without great games to play on it. Some consoles offer exclusive titles that can’t be found on any other platform. Check if your favourite genres and franchises are available on the console you’re considering.
- Display quality: Since portable gaming means you’re staring at a small screen for long periods, the quality of the display matters significantly. Look for consoles with high-resolution screens, vibrant colours, and good brightness levels for outdoor play.
- Battery life: Gaming can be battery-intensive, so consider how long a device can last on a single charge. Some consoles offer fast charging options, which can be a game-changer during extended gaming sessions away from a power source.
- Portability and build: The size, weight, and build quality of the console affect how easily it can be carried around. While some prefer larger screens, others might value the ease of slipping their console into a pocket.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are essential for online multiplayer, cloud saves, and connecting accessories like headphones or controllers. Some consoles even support mobile data, expanding where you can play.
Before we discuss portable gaming consoles further, check out best gaming consoles you can buy right now:
Also read: BenQ X3100i projector review: A 4K gaming projector that doubles as a home theatre powerhouse
Portable gaming consoles vs traditional gaming consoles
| Feature | Handheld gaming consoles | Traditional gaming consoles |
| Portability | Highly portable; designed for gaming on the go | Not portable; designed to stay in one location |
| Performance | Generally lower performance due to compact size | Higher performance with powerful hardware |
| Game library | Limited to titles optimised for handheld use | Access to a wider and more diverse game library |
| Display | Built-in screens; size and resolution vary | Requires external display, usually higher resolution |
| Price | Generally more affordable than fixed consoles | Higher cost due to advanced hardware capabilities |
| Multiplayer capability | Often includes local multiplayer; online options vary | Robust online multiplayer and local co-op on large screens |
| Battery life | Dependent on usage; usually limited to a few hours | No battery; powered through direct connection to outlet |
| Storage options | Limited internal storage, often expandable via SD cards | Larger storage capacity with options to expand |
| Comfort for long sessions | May cause discomfort over extended periods due to size | Designed for long gaming sessions with comfortable controls |
| Versatility | Play anywhere, anytime | Fixed location; depends on connected TV or monitor |
Top portable gaming consoles to consider
1. Nintendo Switch OLED
Nintendo's latest iteration of the Switch adds a stunning OLED display, improving the vibrancy of its already colourful games. The Switch’s hybrid design allows it to function as both a home console and a portable device, offering unmatched versatility. It boasts a robust library filled with Nintendo exclusives like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, as well as a growing catalogue of third-party titles. Battery life averages around 4.5 to 9 hours, depending on the game.
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
| Versatile hybrid design | Weaker performance compared to other consoles |
| Impressive game library with exclusive titles | Reliant on Joy-Con controllers with durability issues |
| OLED screen delivers superior colour and contrast |
2. Nintendo Switch Lite
The Nintendo Switch Lite is a compact and lightweight version of the popular Nintendo Switch, designed for handheld gaming on the go. It features a 5.5-inch touchscreen display, built-in controls, and is compatible with a vast library of Switch games. While it lacks the hybrid versatility of its predecessor and does not support TV output, the Switch Lite is perfect for gamers seeking a dedicated portable console with excellent battery life, vibrant gameplay, and access to exclusive Nintendo titles.
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
| Compact and lightweight design | No TV output or docking capabilities |
| Affordable price compared to the original | Smaller screen size (5.5 inches) |
| Excellent battery life for portable gaming | Lacks detachable Joy-Con controllers and HD Rumble |
| Access to the full Nintendo Switch library | Limited to handheld-only games, not all games supported |
3. Steam Deck
Valve's Steam Deck is a powerhouse, essentially a portable PC in the guise of a handheld console. It runs a modified version of SteamOS, allowing access to your entire Steam library. With its AMD APU, it delivers PC-level gaming on the go. The Steam Deck is perfect for those who want to play a wide variety of games, from indie hits to demanding AAA titles. It also allows for customisation, including dual-booting with Windows, turning it into a fully functional PC.
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
| Access to a vast Steam library | Larger and heavier than most portable consoles |
| Powerful performance with customisation options | Battery life can be inconsistent depending on game settings |
| Large, ergonomic design for comfortable extended play |
4. ASUS ROG Ally
The ASUS ROG Ally is a newer entrant into the portable console space, directly challenging the Steam Deck with similar PC gaming capabilities. It’s powered by an AMD Ryzen processor, and supports Xbox Game Pass, allowing gamers to dive into hundreds of games with a subscription. Its slim design and impressive cooling system make it a strong competitor in the portable gaming market.
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
| High-performance hardware capable of running demanding games | Higher price point |
| Xbox Game Pass support for an extensive game library | Slightly bulkier compared to traditional handhelds |
| Superior cooling system keeps performance stable during extended sessions |
Also read: Lenovo Legion Go review: A bold leap into handheld PC gaming, but is it a smooth landing?
5. MSI Claw
The MSI Claw handheld gaming console, featuring the Intel 1st Gen. Ultra 7 155H processor, delivers powerful performance in a compact form. Equipped with built-in AI, 16GB RAM, and a 1TB NVMe SSD, it’s designed for serious gamers on the go. The 18CM FHD 120Hz display provides crisp visuals, while the Intel Arc graphics card ensures smooth gameplay. Running Windows 11 Home, it supports a broad range of PC games. At 675g, it's portable yet robust, offering a top-tier handheld experience.
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
| Powerful Intel 1st Gen. Ultra 7 155H processor | High price point |
| Built-in AI for optimised gaming performance | Heavier than other handheld consoles |
| 18CM FHD 120Hz display with excellent visuals | Potential heat build-up under load |
| 16GB RAM and 1TB NVMe SSD for smooth multitasking | Limited battery life during intensive gaming sessions |
6. PlayStation Vita (Legacy)
While technically not a current-gen device, the PS Vita still holds a special place among portable gaming consoles. Its OLED screen (on the original model) and a strong library of games, including many JRPGs and indies, make it a beloved choice for on-the-go gaming. Despite being discontinued, its community-driven content and emulation capabilities have kept it relevant.
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
| Beautiful OLED display (first-gen models) | Discontinued with no official support |
| Access to a rich library of classics and indies | Limited by outdated hardware compared to newer consoles |
| Strong emulation capabilities for retro gaming enthusiasts |
More portable gaming consoles to consider:
Additional considerations for your portable gaming console
Subscription Services: Many modern portable consoles offer access to subscription services like Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Now, and Nintendo Switch Online, which can greatly expand your gaming library without the need for individual purchases.
Accessories: From protective cases to additional controllers and screen protectors, investing in the right accessories can level up your portable gaming experience. Look out for official add-ons or well-reviewed third-party options.
Game compatibility and updates: Always ensure the games you want to play are compatible with your chosen device. Keep an eye on software updates, as these can improve performance, add features, or expand game compatibility over time.
Portable gaming consoles have come a long way, evolving into highly capable devices that cater to a wide range of gamers. Whether you’re drawn to the colourful world of Nintendo, the versatility of PC gaming on the Steam Deck, or the emerging powerhouses like the ASUS ROG Ally, there’s a portable console to fit your gaming style and needs. As you explore your options, consider what matters most—be it game exclusives, performance, portability, or customisation. The world of portable gaming is as diverse and dynamic as the games themselves, and the right console will keep you playing anywhere, anytime.
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FAQs
Question : What makes the Nintendo Switch Lite a good choice for portable gaming?
Ans : The Nintendo Switch Lite offers a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around. It has access to the vast Nintendo game library, including popular exclusives like Zelda and Mario.
Question : How does the MSI Claw compare to other portable consoles in terms of performance?
Ans : The MSI Claw features high-performance hardware like the Intel Ultra 7 processor and a 120Hz FHD display, making it suitable for demanding games. However, its larger size and weight make it less portable compared to other handhelds.
Question : What are the main drawbacks of using the Steam Deck for portable gaming?
Ans : While the Steam Deck offers access to a vast Steam library and customisation options, it is larger and heavier than most portable consoles. Battery life can also vary significantly based on game settings.
Question : Is the OLED display on first-gen consoles worth it?
Ans : First-gen consoles with OLED displays offer superior color and contrast, enhancing the gaming experience. However, these models are discontinued and lack official support, which may limit their long-term usability.
Question : What should I consider when choosing between handheld and hybrid consoles like the Nintendo Switch?
Ans : Hybrid consoles like the Nintendo Switch offer versatile gameplay options, allowing you to switch between handheld and docked modes. Consider your gaming habits, as hybrids provide flexibility, but handheld-only devices may offer better portability and comfort for on-the-go gaming.
Disclaimer: At Livemint, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Mint has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
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