The Google Play Store offers a vast selection of fantastic games for your smartphone. However, it’s important to acknowledge that phones are not specifically optimized for extended gaming sessions. Despite the availability of outstanding Android controllers, there are occasions when a dedicated gaming handheld is preferable. This is precisely where Android handhelds shine, seamlessly blending the versatility of Android with the practicality of a gaming console.
Not all Android handhelds are equal. Some manufacturers design certain devices specifically for cloud gaming, which can limit their capability to handle demanding Android games. Conversely, others focus primarily on emulating retro games, resulting in screens that are not suitable for streaming high-end AAA titles. Nonetheless, the advantage of owning an Android handheld lies in the wide array of choices available, catering to various specific use cases and offering a range of capabilities.
While Android handhelds have been around for years, there has been a noticeable increase in enthusiasm for handheld gaming recently, thanks to the influence of companies like Nintendo, Valve, and Asus. This surge in interest has prompted major hardware manufacturers such as Logitech and Razer to invest in developing their own Android handhelds. As a result, the market now offers a plethora of options, ranging from cloud gaming consoles to dedicated offline handhelds. Selecting the ideal device for your needs can be a daunting task, which is why we have curated this list of the finest Android gaming handhelds to assist you in finding the perfect match.
Best Android Handheld Consoles for Gaming in 2023
Ayn Odin
Price Range: $279
Pros
- The robust hardware effortlessly handles native games without any difficulty
- The durable build design is ideal for extended gaming sessions
Cons
- Setting up emulators can be a complex process
- It is unnecessary for those who exclusively engage in gaming through a single method
The Ayn Odin is an exceptional Android gaming handheld that may have flown under your radar until now. This remarkable device not only meets all the essential criteria for an Android handheld but also offers additional features that make it our top choice overall. Equipped with a 6-inch 1080p screen, the Ayn Odin shares a similar size and appearance to the Nintendo Switch Lite. However, it surpasses the Switch Lite in terms of functionality and ergonomic design, providing a more comfortable grip during gameplay.
The base model of the Ayn Odin houses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset, accompanied by an integrated Adreno 630 GPU. With this hardware configuration, the Ayn Odin offers more than sufficient processing power to handle native Android games with ease.
What sets it apart from most other handhelds is its impressive capability to handle emulated consoles, including the PlayStation 2. If you desire additional RAM and storage capacity, there is an option to upgrade to the Pro model for $289. However, it’s worth noting that the performance difference between the Pro model and the Base model may not be noticeably significant, especially considering the convenience of expanding storage via the SD card slot. Priced at $199, the Lite variant of the Ayn Odin features a slightly less powerful chipset but compensates with the inclusion of Android 11, WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2.
Logitech G Cloud
Price Range: $330
Pros
- The ergonomic design ensures comfortable use and a pleasant gaming experience
- The generous screen size provides ample visual space for an immersive gaming experience
Cons
- The product is priced higher than its perceived value
- The performance of native games is underwhelming and falls short of expectations
Despite being marketed as a cloud gaming handheld, the Logitech G Cloud is equipped with hardware that is fully capable of running native Android games and even emulated consoles. While it may be the largest Android handheld on our list, its size is primarily attributed to its ergonomic grip, ensuring comfortable gameplay. Boasting a 1080p screen and an Xbox-style layout, the Logitech G Cloud offers an optimal gaming experience, particularly for cloud gaming, which aligns with its name and purpose.
While the G Cloud is capable of running graphically demanding Android games, achieving a consistent 60FPS may require adjusting the video settings. Similarly, when it comes to emulated games, 2D games generally run smoothly with minimal issues, while 3D games from PS2 emulators and similar platforms may experience poorer performance.
The Logitech G Cloud is undoubtedly an impressive all-in-one device, but its exceptional performance comes with a higher price tag. At $350, it may be considered a significant investment, particularly for a handheld primarily focused on streaming. However, the price reflects the quality and features you receive. Logitech has spared no expense in ensuring a comprehensive offering, including essential ports like a 3.5mm audio jack, USB-C, and a MicroSD card slot. The battery life is also noteworthy, with the advertised 12-hour duration, as long as you primarily engage in streaming games.
Abyxlute
Price Range: $209
Pros
- The compact size offers portability and convenience
- It is exceptionally well-suited for emulating older consoles
- The device boasts a high-quality build, ensuring durability and reliability
Cons
- The device becomes uncomfortable to hold after extended periods of use
- The screen size is small, limiting the visual experience
- The speakers lack strength and may not deliver a satisfactory audio experience
During our testing of the Abyxlute console, we found that it effectively fulfilled its purpose as a top-budget streaming console. Although it possesses more drawbacks compared to the Logitech G Cloud, its price of just $209 makes it a significantly more affordable option. Despite the lower price point, the Abyxlute does not compromise on essential features. The 7-inch screen provides crisp visuals, while the 8-hour battery life ensures ample gaming sessions. However, it is worth noting that the console’s ergonomic design could be improved, as the rounded edges are still somewhat angular. Additionally, when holding the console, your hands may cover the speakers, making headphones a necessary accessory due to the weaker volume output.
The performance of the Abyxlute console varies across different Android games. While I encountered difficulties in achieving high frame rates with demanding titles like Genshin Impact, less resource-intensive games such as Dead Cells ran smoothly at a consistent 60FPS after adjusting the settings. In terms of emulation, it’s advisable to focus on games from the GBA, N64, or PS1 era for the best experience.
Despite its cost-cutting measures, the Abyxlute manages to offer impressive capabilities at its affordable price point. While occasional performance issues may arise, it is truly remarkable what this Android gaming handheld can achieve considering its low cost. The value it provides is hard to surpass, making it an enticing option for budget-conscious gamers.
Razer Edge
Price Range: $600
Pros
- The OLED screen offers vibrant and vivid visuals
- The hardware is exceptionally powerful, delivering impressive performance
Cons
- The screen ratio is awkward and may not provide an optimal viewing experience
- It doesn’t provide significant advantages compared to an Android controller
In 2022, Razer introduced the Kishi V2, a convenient snap-on controller for mobile phones that delivered an exceptional gaming experience without being overly expensive. Building upon this success, Razer launched the Razer Edge, which can be regarded as an Android gaming tablet bundled with the Kishi V2 controller. This tablet features a stunning 6.8-inch OLED screen and powerful hardware capable of handling any native Android game. Powered by the Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 chipset, the Razer Edge outperforms its competitors in the realm of Android gaming handhelds.
The Razer Edge offers a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, WiFi 6E support, 128GB of internal memory and 6GB of RAM (with an option to upgrade to 8GB). With this robust configuration, the device can effortlessly handle any game you throw at it, whether you’re streaming AAA titles or playing the most demanding Android games. However, it’s worth noting that the screen’s unusual 20:9 aspect ratio may result in pillar boxing, particularly when playing streamed games, which may appear with black bars on the sides of the screen.
It is important to reiterate that the Kishi V2 controller is a distinct device separate from the Razer Edge tablet. It is not specifically designed or modified to fit the tablet; rather, it is the same controller that can be snapped onto your phone. The Razer Edge tablet, on the other hand, offers a few days of usage with intermittent gaming, and for longer gaming sessions, it can be fully recharged in less than two hours.
Retroid Pocket 3+
Price Range: $149
Pros
- The compact size ensures portability and convenience
- It is an excellent choice for emulating older consoles
- The device boasts a high-quality build, ensuring durability and reliability
Cons
- The device becomes uncomfortable to hold after extended periods of use
- The screen size is small, limiting the visual experience
- The speakers lack strength and may not deliver a satisfactory audio experience
While there are Android gaming handhelds with superior hardware and ergonomics, few strike a balance quite like the Retroid Pocket 3+. Despite its compact 4.7-inch screen and small form factor, this device is primarily designed for emulators, but it does not impose any limitations when it comes to streaming or playing native Android games. With an impressive 128GB of storage, running out of space becomes a rare concern, while the 4,500mAh battery ensures extended playtime, making it ideal for long trips or gaming sessions on the go.
With a price tag of $149, the Retroid Pocket 3+ offers competitive pricing in the market. While cheaper Android gaming handhelds can be found, they often make compromises in certain areas to achieve that price point. In contrast, the Retroid Pocket 3+ manages to include some convenient extras. The inclusion of a Micro HDMI port is a notable touch, and the presence of a built-in 3.5mm audio jack is something to be appreciated. Powered by the Unisoc Tiger T618 processor, commonly found in budget Android tablets, and equipped with 4GB of memory, the device is capable of handling most emulated or Android games you wish to play.
Anbernic RG353P
Price Range: $140
Pros
- The compact design offers a sleek and space-efficient form factor
- The device boasts a distinctive and eye-catching appearance
- It is capable of handling certain native games with ease
Cons
- The small screen size may not be suitable for modern games, which often require larger displays
- The touchscreen does not significantly enhance the overall experience
The Anbernic RG353P embraces its retro identity, positioning itself as one of the top Android gaming handhelds for playing GBA or PSP games. Powered by a 1.6GHz RK3566 CPU, it may not possess the capability to handle the same level of games as the Razer Edge or Ayn Odin. However, with its chipset and 2GB of RAM, the RG353P effortlessly runs games from the PS1 era and earlier, providing a seamless gaming experience.
The Anbernic RG353P is equipped with a 3,500mAh battery, supporting its objective of being an excellent retro handheld. Depending on the emulator being used, you can expect approximately 5 hours of gaming time. While it is technically an Android handheld, capable of running native Android games and utilizing game streaming apps, the device’s 3.5-inch blocky screen falls short of providing an optimal gaming experience.
Considering its features and capabilities, the Anbernic RG353P is reasonably priced at $150. It stands out as the top choice among Anbernic products currently available. The inclusion of a touchscreen, which proves advantageous for emulating Nintendo DS games, along with the addition of rounded grips, makes a noticeable difference in enhancing the overall user experience.
