Best Gaming Handhelds in 2024 to Match Your Budget
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Nintendo truly popularized handheld gaming when they first introduced the Game Boy in 1989. And since then, it’s been a log road. Throughout the early 2000s, handheld gaming kept growing with Nintendo and PlayStation dominating the market with devices like the GameBoy advanced, advanced SP, DS, and the PSP and its variations. Ever since then, we have seen a surge of new handheld devices, newer companies like Miyoo, and well-established companies like Steam. But among them, which ones are the ones that are worth getting?
While some might just come under $100, others can go up to $1000. Considering your budget is important and knowing the best device within your price point can help you get your hands on a device that will keep you company for years. So let’s take a look at the best handhelds available on the market in 2024.
1. R36S Retro Handheld (Under $50)
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The R36S Retro Handheld is the first entry on our list and it’s the best budget handheld gaming device to buy. It allows players to play across several retro consoles at an affordable price. The R36S Game Console features a Linux 64-bit system that supports wired handle functions and is compatible with 32-bit applications. Having Linux makes the handheld capable of multimedia playback too.
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Equipped with a robust 3500mAh Li-polymer battery, the R36S boasts an impressive 7-8 hours of usage. Its 3.5-inch IPS full-viewing-angle screen with a zero-distance OCA full-fit design delivers a high-quality visual experience, featuring a screen resolution of 640×480 for a vibrant and detailed display.
The R36S is compact and lightweight and comes with a 3.5-inch IPS screen which is perfect to play classic retro games at 640×480. With dimensions measuring 17.4cm x 8.4cm x 2.1cm, the R36S fits comfortably in the hand. At, this is the best handheld to get to enjoy retro games.
2. Miyoo Mini ($60 Category)
The Miyoo Mini Plus features a 3.5-inch display with a 640×480 resolution, but what makes it special is its popularity in the handheld community. This device is quite reliable, with its 3000 mAh battery that ensures extended gaming sessions.
Players can enjoy emulating systems up to the PSP, with GBA and NES games being the best to play on this device. Coming in with the Retro Arch OS, it gives players plenty of options for menu customizations and can support up to 128GB of storage. Players can play multiple runs of a game using the various save and load states available on the device.
3. Trimui Smart ($90 Category)
Third on our list is a unique device favored for its small form factor. Coming for under this device has a similar layout to the GameBoy Advance. This device can play games across ARCADE, NEO, FC, SFC, MD, GG/MS, GBA, PCE, PS, GBC/BG, and more.
Equipped with a 600mAh lithium battery, the game console supports a quick recharge through a type-C USB cable, with a charging time of just 1.5 hours. The console boasts a 2-inch high-definition display IPS screen with a 3D interface, powered by an ARM 628MHz processor and complemented by a 32GB TF card for ample storage. Making it a powerful portable console to get at the price.
4. PowKiddy X55 (Under $100 Category)
In the under $100 category, the Pow Kitty x55 stands out as an excellent handheld gaming device priced at $90. It comes with impressive features, including a 720p resolution screen making it the first one on the list with HD resolutions. The device is powered by an upgraded Rockchip RK3566 chipset enabling it to handle games up to the PS1 generation.
With the Pow Kitty x55 players can emulate consoles such as Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, Sega Saturn, and PSP.
5. Retroid Pocket Flip ($150 – $175 Category)
The Retroid Pocket Flip stands out with its T618 chipset, delivering enhanced performance for gaming enthusiasts. Players can emulate difficult systems like Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, and PSP games on the device with ease while being able to upscale retro games by multiple times its resolution. The device features a clamshell form factor, incorporating 3D analog sliders for precise controls. This design not only contributes to a unique gaming experience but also sets it apart by providing a console-like feel.
6. Nintendo Switch (Under $300 Category)
Moving into the $200 – $300 category, we have none other than the Nintedo Switch. This handheld device from 2017 is one of the leading factors for the return of handheld gaming. Nintendo has always been pioneers in the realm of handheld gaming. And the Switch takes everything a step further.
The introduction of detachable joy-cons and a dockable design gives players the flexibility of playing in handheld mode and on the TC screen. The Switch comes with Nintendo’s library of exclusive titles that are upto par with the Xbox and PlayStation. Of course, the time of the Switch getting watered-down versions of big games could come to an end with the rumoured Switch 2.
7. Ayn Odin 2 (Above $300 Category)
The recently released Ayn Odin 2 is a game-changer in the handheld gaming industry. Equipped with the high-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, it delivers powerful performance. The device can handle games up to the Nintendo Switch level, with limitations only on the emulator end.
This device rivals the Switch by having a competetive pricing and by providing players more options for games than the Nintendo Exclusive line.
8. Steam Deck (Above $549 Category)
The recently released Steam Deck OLED Edition offers an OLED screen and improved battery life, further enhancing its versatile and high-performance capabilities. Positioned similarly in price to the Rog Ally, it distinguishes itself with a console-like experience and a broader gaming ecosystem focus.
The specs of the device can be customized to personal liking, giving players a chance to decide how powerful they want their handheld to be. Players can play almost all famous PC titles on the Steam Deck and players can access all the games from their Steam Library on the handheld.
9. Asus ROG Ally (Above $700 Category)
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The $300 and above category introduces high-end handheld gaming PCs. The Asus Rog Ally is a Windows-based handheld PC featuring a 120Hz refresh rate and 1080p resolution. Its excellent controls and ergonomic design make it well-suited for modern games.
Despite being lightweight and enjoyable to hold, the device does have a limitation in battery life. Players can pick the device with the kind of specs they would like to and accordingly, the price of the device can change.
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With this, we conclude our list of the best handheld devices to pick up at any given price point. Let us know which handheld appeals to you the most in the comments section below.
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Written by:
Edited by:
Rohan Karnad