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BEST HANDHELD VIDEO GAME CONSOLES OF 2026

Updated
Updated
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
Valve Steam Deck
Valve
Steam Deck
Steam Deck
Valve's Steam Deck delivers PC gaming in a handheld form. It allows you to take your entire Steam library on the go, providing a powerful and flexible gaming experience.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Full PC gaming experience
  • Customizable controls
  • Install additional software
CONS
  • Heavier than other handhelds
  • Shorter battery life on high settings
Sony PlayStation Vita
Sony
PlayStation Vita
Sony PlayStation Vita
Sony's PlayStation Vita offers an impressive library of games and a robust OLED display, providing a high-quality handheld gaming experience.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • High-quality OLED display
  • Wide range of games
  • Supports remote play with PS4
CONS
  • Limited internal storage
  • Shorter battery life
BEST OF THE BEST
Nintendo Switch OLED
Nintendo Switch OLED
Screen Size: 7 inches
Resolution: 720p (handheld mode)
Storage: 64GB
Battery Life: 4.5 to 9 hours
Weight: 0.93 lbs

The Nintendo Switch OLED is an enhanced version of the beloved Nintendo Switch console. The most notable upgrade is its 7-inch OLED screen, which delivers vivid colors and high contrast, making your games look better than ever.

The console features a wide adjustable stand for tabletop mode, providing more stability and better viewing angles during gameplay. Additionally, it includes enhanced audio in handheld and tabletop modes, a wired LAN port built into the dock, and 64GB of internal storage for all your gaming needs.

Whether you're at home or on the move, the Nintendo Switch OLED ensures you have an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience.

PROS
  • Vibrant OLED display
  • Improved audio quality
  • Adjustable stand for stability
CONS
  • Higher price point
  • Still 720p in handheld mode
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
Valve Steam Deck
Steam Deck
Screen Size: 7 inches
Resolution: 1280x800
Storage: 64GB/256GB/512GB
Battery Life: 2 to 8 hours
Weight: 1.47 lbs

Valve's Steam Deck is a revolutionary handheld gaming console that brings the full power of a gaming PC to the palm of your hand. It runs on a custom AMD APU that combines a Zen 2 CPU with RDNA 2 graphics, allowing it to handle AAA games with ease.

The Steam Deck features a 7-inch touchscreen, a control layout reminiscent of modern game controllers, and customizable back buttons. It runs SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system, but it also allows you to install other game stores or even a different OS.

This flexibility makes it a versatile gaming device that can adapt to your gaming preferences. The Steam Deck is available in multiple storage options, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.

PROS
  • Full PC gaming experience
  • Customizable controls
  • Install additional software
CONS
  • Heavier than other handhelds
  • Shorter battery life on high settings
Sony PlayStation Vita
Sony PlayStation Vita
Screen Size: 5 inches
Resolution: 960x544
Storage: Expandable via Memory Card
Battery Life: 3 to 5 hours
Weight: 0.49 lbs

The Sony PlayStation Vita remains a popular choice for handheld gaming enthusiasts. It features a 5-inch OLED display that delivers crisp and vibrant visuals, making your games look stunning. The Vita boasts a wide range of games, from blockbuster hits to indie gems, ensuring there's something for everyone.

With dual analog sticks, a rear touchpad, and a front touchscreen, the Vita offers intuitive and responsive controls. It also supports remote play with the PlayStation 4, allowing you to stream and play your PS4 games on the go.

The Vita's compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, so you can enjoy your favorite games wherever you are.

PROS
  • High-quality OLED display
  • Wide range of games
  • Supports remote play with PS4
CONS
  • Limited internal storage
  • Shorter battery life
Anbernic RG351MP
Anbernic RG351MP
Screen Size: 3.5 inches
Resolution: 640x480
Processor: RK3326 quad-core
RAM: 1GB
Battery Life: 6 to 8 hours
Weight: 0.66 lbs

The Anbernic RG351MP is a handheld gaming console designed for retro gaming enthusiasts. It features a 3.5-inch IPS display with a resolution of 640x480, providing clear and vibrant visuals for your favorite classic games.

The console supports a wide range of retro gaming systems, including NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, PlayStation, and many more. It runs on a powerful RK3326 quad-core processor and includes 1GB of RAM, ensuring smooth performance across all supported systems.

The RG351MP also includes dual analog sticks, a D-pad, and multiple face buttons, offering a familiar and comfortable control layout. With its sturdy metal shell and compact design, the RG351MP is both durable and portable, making it easy to take your retro gaming collection on the go.

PROS
  • Great for retro gaming
  • Clear and vibrant display
  • Durable metal shell
CONS
  • Limited to retro games
  • No official support for modern titles
Screen Size: 5.5 inches
Resolution: 720p
Processor: Intel Core i7
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 1TB SSD
Battery Life: 3 to 5 hours
Weight: 1.28 lbs

The GPD Win 3 is a powerful handheld gaming console that bridges the gap between a gaming PC and a portable device. It features a 5.5-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 720p, providing crisp and clear visuals.

The Win 3 is powered by an Intel Core i7 processor and includes 16GB of RAM, ensuring it can handle demanding PC games and applications. The console includes a sliding keyboard, allowing for easy text input and navigation.

It also features dual analog sticks, a D-pad, and multiple face buttons, offering a familiar and comfortable control layout. The Win 3 runs Windows 10, providing compatibility with a wide range of PC games and software.

With its compact design and powerful performance, the GPD Win 3 is a versatile choice for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike.

PROS
  • Powerful performance
  • Sliding keyboard for easy input
  • Runs Windows 10
CONS
  • Shorter battery life
  • Heavier than other handhelds

How our picks compare

SpecificationNintendo Switch OLEDValve Steam DeckSony PlayStation VitaAnbernic RG351MPGPD Win 3
Screen Size7 inches7 inches5 inches3.5 inches5.5 inches
Resolution720p (handheld mode)1280x800960x544640x480720p
Storage64GB64GB/256GB/512GBExpandable via Memory Card-1TB SSD
Battery Life4.5 to 9 hours2 to 8 hours3 to 5 hours6 to 8 hours3 to 5 hours
Weight0.93 lbs1.47 lbs0.49 lbs0.66 lbs1.28 lbs
Processor---RK3326 quad-coreIntel Core i7
RAM---1GB16GB