Unlike home consoles, which need to be plugged into a TV to work, portable consoles have a screen and battery, making them easy to carry. So you can play your favorite video games without necessarily being at home. Which portable console to buy in 2023? Discover our selection in this guide.
Credit: ©leungchopan/123RF.COM
Credit: ©leungchopan/123RF.COMPicking the Best Portable Consoles in 2023
Portable consoles are attracting more and more users. And with good reason, because they are nomads is a great advantage to be able to play on the go. Some consoles are 100% independent, others are hybrid and can also be connected to your TV like the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch Oled or Retro Console RG503.
At a time compact and light, the portable console is now powerful enough to offer a great gaming experience as well. Those nostalgic for retro video games are not left out as some portable consoles specialize in retro gaming.
Are you a gamer and don’t miss any of the latest video games released? Would you like to rediscover the sensations of the retro video games of your childhood? In this guide you will find a wide selection of the best portable consoles to buy in 2023.
Next generation portable consoles
Nintendo Switch OLED
Nintendo Switch OLED (white) at the best price
Nintendo Switch OLED (Blue / Neon Red) at the best price
Released in October 2021, the Switch OLED is an updated version of the Nintendo Switch. Equipped with a 7-inch OLED panel, this new model offers intense colors and high-contrast images. The sound from the speakers is also clearer thanks to an upgraded stereo system.
It contains the same processor and benefits from double the storage capacity from 32 to 64 GB.
In addition to the two USB ports, the Nintendo Switch has an HDMI port that allows you to connect the portable console to a TV, as well as an Ethernet port to enjoy a more stable connection for online gaming. This Nintendo console gives you access to a large catalog of iconic games such as The Legend Of Zelda, Pokémon or Super Mario. You can also play non-exclusive games like Final Fantasy, Hogwarts Legacy: Hogwarts Legacy, Fifa 23 or even Minecraft.
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| The + | THE – |
|---|---|
| The OLED screen, its gaming comfort, its contrasts | No incredible improvements over the classic model |
| The foot is checked and corrected | Joy-Con unchanged |
| Better speakers |
Nintendo Switch Lite
Launched in 2019, the Nintendo Switch Lite is a cheaper, lighter and more compact version. Aside from the screen size difference of only 5.5 inches, the Switch Lite cannot be placed on a dock to play on a TV. It is therefore a 100% portable console.
It is available in five colors: blue, yellow, gray, turquoise, coral.
Not to be overlooked: although the Nintendo Switch Lite is compatible with Switch games, the console does not support games that can only be played in living room mode, such as Super Mario Party. For portable mode compatibility, please refer to the icon on the back of the game box.
also to read : Comparison Nintendo Switch Lite and Switch: what are the differences.
| The + | THE – |
|---|---|
| Attractive price | Smaller screen |
| available colours | Cannot play on TV |
| Switch-like experience in handheld mode | Some games are not compatible |
steam deck
Photo credit: Steamdeck
Click here to buy the Steam deck
Valve’s Steam Deck was released in February 2022. Its 7-inch IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 1280 x 800px has a refresh rate of 60Hz. Thanks to an AMD Zen 2 processor, accompanied by an RDNA 2 GPU, with 16GB With RAM and storage ranging from 64GB to 512GB depending on the model you choose, this portable console is powerful enough to play the latest PC games. This gives you access to a wide range of games available in the Steam library.
While the Nintendo Switch is aimed at a more family audience, the Steam Deck is aimed more at gamers looking for performance. Valve offers an optional dock that allows you to connect the Steam Deck to an external display. You can therefore connect your console to a TV.
| The + | THE – |
|---|---|
| Compatible with many PC games | optional dock |
| Expandable Storage | Mediocre autonomy |
| Small but nice | Disappointing screen resolution |
An XPlayer 1S
An XPlayer 1S at the best price
The One Netbook One XPlayer 1S is available in 2 models and is equipped with either an Intel Core i5 or an Intel Core i7 processor. With its 16GB of RAM, it’s an ultra-powerful, high-end portable console.
It features an impressive 8.4-inch FHD IPS touchscreen display with a maximum resolution of 2560×1600px.
It is a real pocket computer with the Windows 10 operating system. You can buy the keyboard as an option. This handheld console allows you to play most AAA games compatible with 720p resolution.
| The + | THE – |
|---|---|
| 8.4 inch FHD screen | high price |
| Runs on Windows 11 | Impressive console (but comes in a mini version) |
| 1TB SSD hard drive |
Razer Edge
Click here to buy the Razer Edge
Launched in the US earlier this year but not yet available in France, the Razer Edge is a portable console that offers a completely different philosophy. In fact, it works on Android. It consists of a 5G tablet and a detachable controller. There is a model with a WiFi connection, but also a model that offers a 5G connection.
It is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 processor, a gaming-optimized derivative of the Snapdragon 888+. With its 8GB of RAM, the Razer Edge 5G works like a pocket computer.
The handheld console comes with a 6.8-inch AMOLED touchscreen that has a 144Hz refresh rate. So it’s a smooth and responsive screen to play AAA games with. With the Razer Edge you have access to a large games library from Google Play as well as PC and Xbox games.
also to read : Get started with the Razer Edge 5G, the highly affordable Android portable console.
| The + | THE – |
|---|---|
| Full HD AMOLED display | Currently only available in the US |
| Refresh rate up to 144 Hz | Pretty close to a gaming smartphone without the phone part |
| Expandable Storage |
Portable retro gaming consoles
Console Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda
Game & Watch Console: The Legend of Zelda at the best price
Available since November 2021, Nintendo Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda was released to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the saga.
The console includes three games that allow nostalgics to find Link in their childhood surroundings. So you have:
- The Legend of Zelda Released on the NES in 1987
- Zelda II: The Adventures of Link Released on the NES in 1988
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening Released on the Gameboy in 1993
Retrogaming lovers will also have the pleasure of discovering the 11 new illustrations in the standby mode, which is triggered after 3 minutes of no activity on the console. The clock feature also hides animations when the numbers displayed are the same.
| The + | THE – |
|---|---|
| Successful design | Only 3 games |
| Perfect console for nostalgic fans of The Legend of Zelda | high price |
| Can be used as a clock |
Evercade EXP
Evercade EXP at the best price
The recently released Evercade EXP is Blaze Entertainment’s second retro gaming console. After Evercade, which was a great success in 2020, the English company has decided to expand its retrogaming offer.
There is no talk of plug and play or downloading games to the console. The Evercade EXP works the old-fashioned way, using physical cartridges made by Blaze Entertainment. The console comes with 18 Capcom games by default. To play other games, you must purchase cartridges, each containing between six and twenty games.
On the technical side, the Evercade EXP doesn’t miss out. The console features a 4.3-inch IPS display with a resolution of 800×480px. Thanks to the TATE mode, you can rotate the screen by 90° and play games vertically. The 720p-compatible mini-HDMI port lets you connect your console to your TV.
Updating the console can be done over WiFi, and charging is done through the USB-C port.
| The + | THE – |
|---|---|
| Large library of 300 games | Few games integrated into the console |
| Ability to play on a TV | Pretty small screen |
| Very good rendering of games |
Bernic RG353M
Click here to buy the Anbernic RG353M
Founded in 2017, Anbernic is a Chinese brand specializing in retro gaming. The RG353M is a compact and well-designed portable game console, especially thanks to its aluminum alloy body. It features a 3.5-inch IPS touchscreen with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. With its RK3566 chip and 2GB of RAM, the RG353M is powerful enough to run Batocera, a retro game emulator. It can emulate games up to PS1.
Equipped with a dual operating system Android 11 and Linux, the console has an HDMI output so you can synchronize the image with your TV screen.
| The + | THE – |
|---|---|
| Compact size | small screen |
| Good battery life | More expensive than a Switch Lite |
| 4:3 screen perfect for retro gaming | |
| Solid aluminum construction |
Bernic RG503
Anbernic RG503 at the best price
The RG503 is the brand’s largest console. It is equipped with a 4.95-inch Samsung OLED screen with a resolution of 960 x 544 pixels. Its 16/9 format is reminiscent of the PSP. Just like the RG353M, the Anbernic RG503 comes with Batocera to emulate retro games. It is available with a memory of 64 or 128 GB, which integrates 20,000 or 30,000 classic games respectively. The console can emulate games from PSP, PS1, N64, Dreamcast, among others, but also arcade games.
To increase maneuverability, you can connect a controller via Bluetooth. Also, a 3500mAh battery lets you play for 6 hours without being plugged into an outlet. Finally, the console aims to be versatile as it can also be used to play music, watch movies or even read books.
| The + | THE – |
|---|---|
| Easier to handle because bigger | 16:9 format that adds black bars to retro games |
| nice screen | plastic shell |
| Tens of thousands of integrated games |
game date
Credit: Playdate
Click here to pre-order the playdate
Since its announcement in 2019, there has been a lot of talk about this little yellow console with its black and white screen and small crank. The American company Panic took the opposite view of all other console manufacturers, choosing originality over performance. In fact, this very small console looks more like a first generation Game Boy than a Nintendo Switch.
The release of the games is not common as the games are released in the form of a season. The first 12-month season made it possible to discover 2 new unreleased games each month, giving access to a total of 24 games developed specifically for the console. The first people who pre-ordered the Playdate received their copy a few months ago and were able to enjoy the first season of games. Given the enthusiasm of the players, Panic started a new pre-order phase. That’s the only way to get to the console. More game seasons are planned to expand the console’s catalogue.
| The + | THE – |
|---|---|
| Ultra original concept | Very high price |
| Recognizable and successful design | Preorder only |
| Original games from independent studios |
Why buy a portable console?
Unlike gaming smartphones that keep all the features of a regular smartphone, handheld consoles are mainly used to play video games. These compact and lightweight devices are easy to carry and provide hours of fun. Some consoles are hybrid. You can use them on the go, but you can also connect them to a TV to play them on a big screen at home.
You can of course play on a smartphone or tablet. But the handheld console offers a completely different experience. Many games released on home consoles and PCs are adapted for handheld consoles. The catalog therefore includes real video games, better made and with more complex graphics. You can enjoy current titles as well as retro gaming classics that take you back to childhood.
Home console or portable console, what is the best choice?
Handheld consoles and home consoles share functionality but different philosophies.
Home consoles want to offer the best possible gaming experience by integrating the latest technologies. They are therefore more powerful to allow the display of increasingly realistic graphics and the most immersive gaming experience possible. They’re also more expensive, but they can also serve as a true connected multimedia platform for your TV.
Less powerful portable consoles have many other advantages. The main screen and its integrated screen that allows you to play independently. Modern batteries allow a considerable autonomy to be able to play for several hours on the go. Some mobile consoles like the Nintendo Switch wanted to offer an innovative gaming experience, especially thanks to detachable Joy-Cons.
In the end, the choice between a home console and a portable console therefore depends on your needs and usage. The two types of consoles complement each other and if possible the ideal is to get both types of consoles.
There are many portable consoles out there, but not all are created equal.
To choose the right portable console, in addition to the design, color and size of the screen, you must also pay attention to more technical aspects such as performance, autonomy, games available, storage space or more accessories.
In general, you can choose between more family-friendly consoles like the Nintendo Switch, which offers games with a playful and colorful universe, or more gaming-oriented consoles with action and racing games like the Steam Deck.
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