Isn’t the handheld console outdated? Oh no, it’s not! While the industry took quite a knock when the smartphone hit the scene, handheld consoles have upped the game and are making an incredible comeback. Quite frankly, the smartphone isn’t designed for gaming and the whole experience could be a whole lot better on a console. It’s no secret that we humans don’t like being bored. This is where gaming comes in to fill the void. Let’s take a closer look at the best handheld consoles available today.
Nvidia Shield K1
This is no ordinary tablet. The K1 has a ramped up processor and excellent graphics. It’s the perfect companion for retro gamers on the go. It runs on an Android platform which means that it’s compatible with most popular smartphone games. It’s also powerful enough to run N64, Dreamcast, and PlayStation games. Not enough? The K1 also gives entry to Nvidia’s GeForce Now streaming service, allowing the player full access to PC-quality games wherever a Wi-Fi connection is available.
PlayStation Vita
The successor of the PSP, the Vita is every bit as awesome, but better. Unfortunately, Sony is no longer producing the console due to poor sales and we cannot fathom why. The PSP had sales upwards of 76 million units worldwide, with the Vita coming in at a low 16 million. The reason it made this list is that it’s still widely available in Japan and there are plenty of places to find a preowned one. The gameplay is incredible and uses cartridges for all the major PlayStation releases. Can’t find the right cartridge? Buy it digitally on the PlayStation store.
Nintendo 2DS XL
Perfect for the kids. Nearly all the games available for this console are family-friendly, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t much to choose from. The array of games in this console’s arsenal is rather impressive. Nintendo has taken it a step further to give parents extra peace of mind by incorporating excellent parental controls on the console to set up a time restrictions, block certain content, and prevent access to the eShop.
Nintendo Switch
From their first release of the Game Boy console in 1989, Nintendo has dominated the market. The Nintendo Switch is by far, the ultimate best handheld console ever made. Not only is it portable, it also doubles up as a regular console with connectivity to a TV. Top game names for both single and multiplayer games are available in cartridges or for download. Nintendo went even further with this console to introduce Nintendo Labo, a series of DIY craft kits that work with the Switch to bring them to life. Just be aware that although this is the best console on this list, it, and it’s accessories are also the most expensive.
New Nintendo 3DS XL
Think of this one as the big brother of the 2D XL. The games are even interchangeable between the two consoles. Like the name says, there is a 3D element to the screen during gameplay. Fortunately, Nintendo figured out how to create 3D effects without the need for 3D glasses. Sales for this console were very good, so there is a great market in second-hand cartridges in circulation at great prices. Games can also be downloaded in the eShop and stored on a microSD card for later gameplay.
What are you waiting for? Go get your game on!
