If you’re feeling nostalgic, or just curious as to what today’s handheld consoles look like, look no further. We’ve compiled the best new and old handheld consoles you can get today.
Latest Handheld Consoles to Check Out
Retro Video Games to Play
Pokemon
Along with its release came the latest Animal Crossing game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The best part? You can even get the Animal Crossing version of the Nintendo Switch, which comes with blue and green JoyCons. Unlike the Switch, you can only play this device as a handheld. There are also significant differences in game options and battery life, among other things. But although it doesn’t come with the full capabilities of the Switch, it’s a more economic option that doesn’t compromise quality. In this latest release, the 2DS XL proves to be a better upgrade from its predecessor, the 3DS XL. Although it lacks 3D graphics, the 2DS XL comes with a faster processor, smaller bezels, and better battery life. Designed with portability in mind, the 2DS XL is also much lighter, making it easier to carry around. This console can run games from old handhelds like NES/Super NES, Gameboy/Gameboy Advance, and more. Plus, its Android system (RetroidOS) lets you run each emulator much more smoothly than other emulator consoles in the market. You may have to configure certain things so that you can run games from Sega Dreamcast or the PSP, but otherwise, it’s a great alternative. You can connect this device to GeForce Now and get your favorite PC games directly on the tablet. Running on Android 5.0 Lollipop, you get at least 11 GB of storage that you can use. It runs smoothly, with a decent enough frame rate (fps) for your daily gaming. As a plus, it even has a camera that you can use just like a normal tablet would. The Game & Watch is small, lightweight, and can run about three games. It fits snug into the palm of your hand and will give you a taste of nostalgia everywhere you go. The console can play Super Mario Bros 1 and 2, as well as the Gameboy Micro classic, Ball. Nintendo also recently announced a Legend of Zelda version coming out on the game’s 35th anniversary. You can play all kinds of retro games with this handheld device. There might be a slight learning curve at the beginning due to the awkward positioning of the buttons. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll spend hours lost in this handheld console. This edition comes in full color, and with several new upgrades. Its minigames can take you to various different locations, plus you can take care of generations of pets! Although this feels more like a toy than a console, this handheld game will surely keep you entertained for days to come. This console was home to many games that we know and love, such as Uncharted and The House in Fata Morgana. Memorable games include Tekken, the Patapon series, Mario and Pokemon Pearl. The graphics almost felt like PS2 graphics — quite a feat in those days. Although the load times weren’t great, it is still a great option that you can still find in stores today. Long before Pokemon Go had us hammering to go outside, the first-generation Pokemon games kept us company on boring days inside. Everyone knows these beloved creatures by now, but something about playing the original game just hits different. Collect Pokemon, and fill your Pokedex with new types. You can live out your dreams of becoming a Pokemon trainer and evolve your favorites. This beloved series is a childhood classic and is only fitting that you play it on a handheld console.
Legend of Zelda
Putting it into the perspective of today’s Breath of the Wild, the Legend of Zelda franchise has come a long way since its first release. Link’s adventures have spawned so many games that it is near-impossible to place a linear timeline of its story. Since it was made in the ‘80s, the game is available on nearly all of the major Nintendo consoles. Even today, you can check out Hyrule Warriors for the Nintendo Switch.
Tekken
This fighting game is a lot of fun to play on the PSP. Although the Tekken series centers mainly around the Mishima family, each playable character comes with their own unique storyline in the game. You can see this in the cinematic cutscenes you can access in the game. Although it seems like you’re just mashing buttons, there is a method to the madness that is Tekken. It’s a great game to play on the go with your console, perfect for passing the time outside.
Animal Crossing
Games like Animal Crossing are hard to come by. It’s a fun game to just relax and spend time on. You create and maintain a town of your own making, and invite villagers to live in. Part of Animal Crossing’s appeal is its heavy customizability. You can create your own clothes from scratch and decorate your house. The cute characters and beautiful graphics will draw you in. With a handheld console, you can enjoy this game even while lying down and relaxing.
Mario
This pair of beloved brothers have been a big part of our childhood. Mario is one of the classic games that you’ll find in the market. You will also find any Mario game in a number of consoles — handheld or otherwise — in various forms. Aside from the classic Super Mario game, there is also Mario Kart, Mario Party, Luigi’s Mansion, and more. The Mario series is a staple, especially with Nintendo consoles. And it has survived the test of time for a good reason — there are tons of potential for replayability.
Professor Layton
If you want something to challenge your brain, then the puzzles in Professor Layton may just be the thing you need. Centered on the English detective, the Professor Layton series is filled with elaborate mysteries and fun challenges. Together with a trusty assistant, Professor Layton must investigate alleged vampires, secretive towns, and much more. This is the perfect game to play on the Nintendo DS, especially as its design allows for dual-screen optimization. Join Professor Layton’s miscellaneous adventures and exercise your problem-solving skills with this fun game.
Ace Attorney
Much like the Professor Layton series, Ace Attorney requires a lot of critical thinking. In this game series, you play Phoenix Wright, an attorney that gets into a lot of unusual cases. To prove your client innocent, you have to look out for inconsistencies in witness testimonies and pair them with the right evidence. Ace Attorney is a great game to lose yourself into, with great graphics and unique plotlines.
Final Thoughts: What Is the Best Handheld Console?
Handheld consoles might be making a comeback. And that just means that we get more of the kind of gaming we experienced when we were younger. With new technology on the rise, there’s no doubt that handheld console gaming will improve greatly as time goes by. If you want the authentic, retro gaming feel, then the best handheld console for you may be Sony’s PS Vita. It still holds up as a great device for gaming and will certainly make you feel nostalgic. On the other hand, if you want the premium handheld console gaming experience, then the Nintendo Switch is the best option you can get. It supports a ton of new games coming out, as well as has the crisp, modern-day graphics that older consoles just don’t have. Either way, any device you choose will definitely boost your handheld gaming experience.
