Android phone vs. handheld gaming console: It’s not an easy decision

Beyond the Alphabet(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Beyond the Alphabet is a weekly column that focuses on the tech world each in and out of the confines of Mountain View.With the rise in recognition of gaming handhelds, you may be questioning as to which is best between your Android cellphone vs. handheld gaming consoles. There are positively execs and cons to each, with various issues and concessions to make.As somebody who has been diving headfirst into the world of gaming handhelds, I’ve typically questioned this query. If you are on the fence, I’m going to do my greatest to try to break it all the way down to make your determination just a bit bit simpler.Reasons to stay together with your Android cellphone(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)The most evident cause why you would possibly wish to use an Android cellphone for cell gaming is that, chances are high, you are studying this on one. The Play Store is filled with totally different retro emulators, to not point out being able to obtain remakes of unique classics. Frankly, it is good having the ability to have a single machine for every little thing you want, particularly when you’ve got a Samsung cellphone, full with DeX.This also needs to, no less than usually, take away considerations about efficiency. There’s a fairly good likelihood that the cellphone you could have is already extra performant than any of the Android-based handheld consoles on the market. The solely exception is the AYN Odin 2 and its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, as the most recent Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is just now turning into extra broadly accessible.It additionally helps that there are a plethora of how to skip utilizing the touchscreen, due to the bevy of accessible sport controllers. You can both pair it with one thing just like the 8BitDo Pro 2 or flip your cellphone right into a Nintendo Switch with the likes of the GameSir X3. With this, you are not restricted to no matter kind issue the devoted handheld has.(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Lastly, together with your cellphone in tow, controller or not, you’ll be able to play just about no matter sport you need from anyplace. Have a couple of minutes and wish to hearth up some Xbox Game Pass? Or perhaps you are away from dwelling and wish to play some Cyberpunk with the assistance of GeForce Now.You technically may do that with a handheld, offered that you just’re keen to make use of your cellphone as a cell hotspot. But that can simply find yourself draining your cellphone’s battery, together with the hand held, and you will want a beefy moveable charger to maintain them each from operating out of juice.Why you should not use your cellphoneThere are two massive causes that I believe it’s best to keep away from utilizing your cellphone, the primary being that lots of the greatest Android telephones do not have expandable storage. It’s nonetheless irritating realizing that you just’re caught with no matter storage choice you decide whenever you purchase the cellphone. Thus, you will have to plan accordingly if you wish to have your cellphone pull double-duty as a conveyable gaming handheld.The different cause comes all the way down to utilizing the touchscreen, because it’s advantageous doing so in a pinch, however not that nice relating to longer gaming classes. Some Android gaming telephones, just like the RedMagic 9 Pro, attempt to alleviate this with the assistance of digital shoulder triggers. However, that is extra of an exception to the rule and never a function you are more likely to discover on many different telephones.Plus, whereas it is nice having the ability to throw a controller in your bag, it is simply one thing else that it’s essential bear in mind to seize. And, in case you go for a Bluetooth controller, you will have to ensure you bear in mind to cost it after your final gaming session away from dwelling.Reasons to go together with a devoted gaming Android handheld console(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)Something I’ve come to like about having a devoted handheld console is that it lets me disconnect. Sure, I may set up the entire similar Android apps from my cellphone, and in some circumstances, I do. But I haven’t got to fret about notifications getting in my manner, individuals calling me, or the rest that I must cope with on my cellphone. Yes, I perceive that Do Not Disturb is a factor, however at that time, there is a fairly good likelihood that I’ll miss one thing necessary.Another factor that these gaming handhelds have of their favor is the inclusion of a microSD card slot. It’s not like these units ship with 8GB of storage, however having the ability to put my total library of ROMs onto a microSD card after which slap it in no matter handheld I’m utilizing provides a stage of comfort you simply will not discover with most Android telephones.Then there’s the story of ergonomics, and whereas it might sound higher to have your decide of what controller to make use of, it is simply not a necessity right here. As the recognition of those handhelds has risen, so has the help from the group. So, in case you had been to seize the AYN Odin 2 or Retroid Pocket, you may get a grip attachment, whether or not it is direct or via Etsy. Or, you could possibly 3D print one your self in case you’re so inclined.(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)As for comfort, utilizing your cellphone would possibly seem to be the higher selection, as you’ll be able to simply take it out and play a sport when you’re in line. But having a devoted handheld signifies that you will not have to fret about saving or dropping your progress when it is your flip in line or if it’s essential shortly swap over to a distinct app.In the identical vein as comfort and ergonomics, a devoted handheld removes the necessity to fear about mapping controls. Many of one of the best Android video games already function controller help, and a handheld supplies one natively. In many circumstances, you can also map on-screen controls to a bodily button without having to modify forwards and backwards between totally different apps.Last however actually not least, there is a nostalgia issue to contemplate. Imagine having the ability to re-live your childhood with a contemporary Game Boy just like the RG353V, with a vibrant display screen and twin thumb sticks. And in case you go outdoors the world of Android handhelds, there is a flourishing market of Linux-based choices which are even smaller and extra pocketable. So, whereas it is superior having the ability to have a lot energy in a tool like our cellphone, typically, the nostalgia is simply too good to cross up.Why you should not seize a handheld console(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)As I alluded to earlier than, with a number of exceptions, you are not more likely to discover a handheld with as a lot energy as your cellphone. Even the AYN Odin 2 has since been usurped by the Galaxy S24 Ultra and OnePlus 12 now that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is offered. The overwhelming majority of Android handhelds both run processors which are vastly outdated or do not have sufficient “oomph” to play what you need.Another consideration to make is the software program, even when it is operating Android. One instance of a possible frustration is what we noticed with the Pimax Portal, because it’s operating a customized model of Android 10. Because of this, paired with the constraints of the Yuzu emulator, I could not play Switch video games till a modified model of the app was launched.Even in case you needed to make a journey down reminiscence lane with the RG353V, the Play Store is not instantly accessible out of the field. Instead, you will have to take a while to tinker with the software program to get every little thing working. Is it value it in the long term? Definitely. But it type of takes away from the attract of a “pick up and play” machine.Is there a “right” or “wrong” selection?(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)I’m not going to take a seat right here and let you know that you just want a devoted handheld console for gaming. It may not be within the finances, or there may be too many compromises that you just’re not keen to concede.So, no, there is not any improper determination right here, as the facility of Android provides us the pliability to remodel just about any machine right into a handheld console. It’s only a matter of working throughout the confines of the cellphone you could have, whether or not it isn’t highly effective sufficient or ensuring you retain your storage good and tidy.