A 2024 study by the Entertainment Software Association found that 61% of Americans play video games for at least an hour per week, most of them on their smartphones. It makes sense because your phone functions as a portable gaming console that you can carry about in your pocket.
Even though I’ve played some incredible games on my phone, nothing compares to the enjoyment I’ve had using a portable gaming system like the Nintendo Switch. The top handheld gaming consoles and which one is ideal for you were discussed with professionals in the game industry.
GO Ahead and SkipThe top portable gaming consoles for 2024|How to choose a portable gaming system|Get to know our professionals|Why rely on NBC Select?
Our top picks
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Best overallNintendo Switch
$undefined$299.00Amazon
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For PC gamersValve Steam Deck
$undefined$399.00STEAM
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For mobile gamersBackbone One
$undefined$99.99Amazon
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How I picked the best handheld gaming consoles
We learned what to look for when purchasing a handheld gaming console from the professionals we spoke with. We selected handheld gaming systems by taking into account their recommendations as well as my and other NBC Select employees’ decades of gaming experience. These factors included:
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Game library:
The best handheld gaming consoles are the ones with hundreds of great games to play, according to our experts. I included handhelds with large libraries of top-selling games. -
Stable software:
Confusing software can make even the most capable gaming machine a pain to use. I chose handheld consoles that have stable software relatively free of bugs and confusing menus, and with years of software updates already completed. -
Accessibility:
Mobile gaming is popular and accessible, after all, most of us already have a smartphone in our pocket. I made a point to consider mobile gaming and mobile gaming accessories in my recommendations.
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The best handheld gaming consoles in 2024
Nintendo and Valve consoles, along with accessories that make gaming on your smartphone more comfortable, are recommended by our staff and experts.
Best overall:
Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch
- Excellent exclusive games
- TV and handheld mode
- Nintendo classic games library
- Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025
The Nintendo Switch is the greatest portable gaming system, according to our experts and NBC Select employees. Trent Garlipp, an independent game developer and the designer of the game A Walk With Yiayia, says, “I recommend the Switch to basically anyone with a passing interest in games, as it’s great for casual players and seasoned gamers.”
The Nintendo Switch’s greatest strength is its incredible game catalog. I’ve played amazing console-only games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Playing games like Splatoon 3 online versus other players is possible with the extra Nintendo Switch Online membership ($19.99 a year or $3.99 per month).Hundreds of games from earlier systems, including the Super Nintendo, Game Boy, and Nintendo 64, are available for download from Nintendo’s classics library.
With the accompanying dock, the system may be played on the go or connected to a TV or monitor. Additionally, two players can share the controller, allowing for enjoyable multiplayer gaming without requiring additional equipment to be carried around. The Switch’s small size makes it ideal for traveling and lounging on the bus, in my opinion.
Something to note: Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa has said the companyplans to make an announcement about the successor to the Switchin the first quarter of 2025.
Battery life: 4.5 to 9 hours |Screen: 6.2-inch LCD touchscreen, 60Hz refresh rate |Resolution: 1280 x 720 |Storage: 32GB internal storage plus microSD card slot |Size: 9.5 x 4 x 0.55 inches |Weight: 0.88 lbs
An upgraded Switch:
Nintendo Switch OLED
Nintendo Switch OLED
- Vivid OLED screen
- Improved design
- Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025
The original Nintendo Switch has been improved upon in this edition. It plays the same games, but has a bigger, more vibrant screen, more internal storage space, louder speakers and a wider kickstand. It is $50 more expensive than the original Switch, but the improvements are noticeable, and may be worth the extra cost if you play games often.
Battery life: 4.5 to 9 hours |Screen: 7-inch OLED touchscreen, 60Hz refresh rate |Resolution: 1280 x 720 |Storage: 64GB internal storage plus microSD card slot |Size: 9.5 x 4 x 0.55 inches |Weight: 0.93 lbs
For PC gamers:
Valve Steam Deck
Valve Steam Deck
- Massive game library
- Good battery life
- PC crossplay
- Some less-polished titles
If you are looking for a more powerful console with a bigger library of games, Garlipp recommends the Steam Deck. It is capable of playing hundreds of graphically-intense games likeBalder s Gate 3andElden Ring.
The Steam Deck is a good fit for people who already play games on their PC or laptop, in my experience. That s partly because, instead of buying physical game cartridges, you download games from Valve sSteamstorefront. Steam saves your games on the cloud, so you can easily switch between playing on your Steam Deck and playing on yourgaming laptopor computer.
Visually, the Steam Deck is similar to the Nintendo Switch, albeit bigger, with more buttons, and with extra trackpad controls on either side. It can connect to a TV, headphones, controllers and other devices through theSteam Deck Docking Station(sold separately). For games, I recommend sticking to titles listed on the brand s officialSteam Deck Verifiedpage for the most polished experience possible.
Battery life: 3 to 12 hours |Screen: 7.4-inch OLED touchscreen, 90Hz refresh rate |Resolution: 1280 x 800 |Storage: 512GB internal storage plus microSD card slot |Size: 11.73 x 4.6 x 1.92 inches |Weight: 1.41 lbs
For mobile gamers:
Backbone One
Backbone One
- Great ergonomics
- Works on most phones
- Nothing at this time
Gaming on your phone won t compare to a gaming console like the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck, but it s by far the most affordable option, according to our experts. Plus, attaching a controller to your phone like the Backbone One can make it much more comfortable and capable.
This model connects to your phone s charging port and mounts to the sides, making it feel more like a traditional gaming controller. The version linked above uses a USB-C connection, compatible with most Android phones and the iPhone 15 and 16. For older iPhones, shop theLightning port modelinstead.
Be aware that not all games arecompatible with the Backbone Onedouble check that your favorites are included.
Battery life: n/a |Screen: n/a |Resolution: n/a |Storage: n/a |Size: 6.94 (contracted) 10.14 (expanded) x 3.7 x 1.28 inches |Weight: 0.3 lbs
For powerful performance:
Asus Rog Ally X
Asus Rog Ally X
- Powerful performance
- Detailed
- Fast screen
- Pricey
- Learning curve
The Asus Rog Ally X is the newest and most powerful device on this list. It is best for tech and gaming enthusiasts looking for the most performance and customization. Unlike other handheld gaming consoles, the Rog Ally X runs the Windows operating system, meaning it can natively browse the web, download software and handle tasks more common for a laptop than a gaming console.
It has a faster, more detailed screen than the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, plus much more internal storage space for games built-in. It also gets brighter than its competitors, which can help when playing games in a bright environment. Like other handhelds, it can connect to a TV, controllers and other devices through itsAsus Rog Gaming Charger Dock(sold separately).
You can download and play games on several storefronts like Steam, Epic Games and Xbox Game Pass with ease.
Battery life: unlisted |Screen: 7-inch LCD touchscreen, 120Hz refresh rate |Resolution: 1920 x 1080 |Storage: 1000GB internal storage plus microSD card slot |Size: 11.02 x 4.37 x 1.45 inches |Weight: 1.49 lbs
A micro SD card for extra storage
Sandisk Ultra 256GB microSDXC Card
$21.99
$25.99
Amazon
$21.99
$24.99
Sandisk
Samsung Pro Plus 256GB microSDXC Card
$22.99
$39.99
Amazon
$22.99
$29.99
Best Buy
$22.99
$39.99
Samsung
While all of our recommended consoles have some storage space built in, you may want to invest in a decent SD card too, says Shimomura. More and more games are being sold exclusively as digital downloads, meaning you ll need more storage space to keep all your favorites downloaded at the same time. I use aSandisk Ultra microSD cardin my Nintendo Switch, and Shimomura recommendsSamsung Pro Plus micro SD cardsfor a good value.
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What is a handheld gaming console?
A handheld gaming system is any device you can reasonably take with you on the go. Handheld gaming systems can fit easily into a bag or backpack, have hours of battery life, and do not require a constant internet connection or a big TV screen to use, in my experience.
One of the big appeals of a handheld gaming console over something like a Playstation or Xbox is flexibility, says Garlipp. Being able to pick up a handheld [console] and bring it to a different part of your house or put it in a bag before heading out feels a lot more convenient and flexible than having to park yourself in one place and commit to playing a game , says Garlipp.
How to shop for a handheld gaming console
Our experts say that shopping for the right handheld gaming system is about understanding your own gaming habits. Take some time to reflect on the following before buying your new device.
What kinds of games do you, your friends and your family play?
Games are the most important part of any gaming console if the console doesn t have games you enjoy, you won t have a good time, no matter how advanced the technology is.
Look at the games first, and if they appeal to you, that s the handheld to get, says Garlipp. If you plan to play games with friends and family, ask them what console they are playing on, and try to match with them.
How much time do you spend gaming?
A game designed to be played on the go is usually built to be played in small, bite-sized sessions, says Shimomura. That means you will make good progress even if you only play for 15 or 30 minutes at a time.
If you like this bite-sized approach, handhelds like the Nintendo Switch or your phone are a good match. If you enjoy hours-long gaming sessions, options like the Steam Deck have more sprawling titles that might be a better fit.
Will kids use this console?
The Nintendo Switch has the most accessible, easiest-to-understand design, making it the best fit for children, in my experience. The Switch also has many kid-friendly games that are rated E for everyone by theEntertainment Software Ratings Board, titles likeSuper Mario Bros. WonderandPokemon Scarlet.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
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Trent Garlipp
is an independent game developer and creator ofA Walk With Yiayia
.
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David Shimomura
is the editor-in-chief atUnwinnable
, a website and digital magazine focused on gaming and cultural criticism.
Why trust NBC Select?
I am areporterat NBC Select who covers technology and fitness including recent stories onsmartwatches,streaming devicesandwireless earbuds. For this piece, I leveraged my gaming experience and the experience of other NBC Select staffers. I also spoke with industry experts and researched handheld gaming consoles currently on the market.
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