It’s no secret that cellular gaming has exploded, and in some ways, surpassed “traditional” gaming. Being capable of take out your telephone and play the very best Android video games whilst you’re ready in line gives an unparalleled stage of comfort. However, the market began to see a little bit of a shift following the discharge of the Steam Deck.Not solely are you able to play your favourite video games from anyplace, however you are not simply restricted to what’s accessible within the Play Store. While Android gaming handhelds have been round for years, they too have seen a moderately dramatic uptick in recognition. It’s helped spawn units just like the Logitech G Cloud and Razer Edge and even sparked Qualcomm to introduce a devoted chip only for a majority of these units.Although the market is filled with all kinds of selections, we’re rounding up simply a few of our favorites which are working Android. This implies that you will not discover the Steam Deck right here, however you may simply uncover that you do not want one thing that strong.At a look
Best general
Best general
When you take a look at every thing that the AYN Odin 2 has to supply, and what it is able to, you may shortly perceive why the Odin 2 is our favourite Android handheld.
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Best worth
Best price range choose
Retroid is aware of make a stable Android handheld, even when it is working customized software program. But, the Pocket 2S gives unimaginable worth in comparison with a lot of the competitors.
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Best vertical
Best vertical handheld
If you are on the lookout for simply the correct amount of nostalgia, whereas taking part in far more than simply GameBoy video games, then you definitely will not be disillusioned with Anbernic’s RG353V.
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Best display screen
Best display screen
It’s not typically that we discover ourselves selecting a show with solely a 60Hz refresh price. Ayaneo manages to shock us with the OLED panel discovered on the Pocket AIR.
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Best cloud gaming
Best for cloud gaming
Although it is pricier than it needs to be, Logitech’s G Cloud gives top-of-the-line cloud gaming handhelds. It additionally helps that the G Cloud is extremely snug to carry and does extra than simply stream video games.
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Best on-the-go gaming
Best for gaming on the go
The Razer Edge got here as a little bit of a shock, because it’s primarily only a 7-inch pill with a removable controller. But, it is fairly a bit extra highly effective than its closest competitors, at a value.
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Best flip design
Best DS-style handheld
Unfortunately, gaming handhelds styled just like the Nintendo DS lineup are few and much between. Thankfully, the Retroid Pocket Flip picks up the flak.
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Best aspirations
Shooting for the moon
Even in the event you ignore the claims of turning this right into a VR headset, the Pimax Portal nonetheless gives one of many extra distinctive experiences on this phase.
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Best general(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)1. AYN Odin 2 Best overallSpecificationsDisplay: 6-inch, 1920 x 1080, 60Hz, LCDProcessor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2Memory: 8GB / 12GB / 16GBStorage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GBMicroSD card: Up to 1TBBattery: 8,000mAhConnectivity: Wi-Fi 7 / Bluetooth 5.3HDMI Out:: YesEmulation: Up to Nintendo SwitchOS: Android 13Causes to purchase+Flagship smartphone efficiency+Very ergonomic+Minimal bloatware+Perfect for virtually any sort of cellular gamingReasons to avoid-Refresh price is proscribed to 60Hz-Colors are restricted relying on what model you get-Relatively costlyIf you are on the lookout for probably the most performant and spectacular Android handheld gaming console, then it does not get any higher than the AYN Odin 2. It’s powered by the identical Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip that is present in lots of the finest Android telephones, such because the Galaxy S23 Ultra and OnePlus Open. With this, you are assured a stage of efficiency that you simply will not discover anyplace else within the house.The Odin 2 is available in three totally different configurations, providing totally different quantities of RAM and storage. This begins with the Odin 2 Base, because it consists of 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, whereas the Odin 2 Pro options 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Rounding out the pack is the Odin 2 Max, outfitted with 16GB of storage and 512GB of storage. For these anxious about working out of house, you may be completely satisfied to know that there is a microSD card slot, providing you with room for much more video games.In phrases of efficiency, what extra can we actually say? It’ll deal with the entire finest Android video games from the Play Store with ease, and issues get much more thrilling with regards to emulation. After configuring all your emulators, the Odin 2 is able to taking part in every thing from the NES all the best way as much as some Switch video games. However, it is vital to notice that the state of Switch emulation on Android continues to be a piece in progress however is shifting at an extremely speedy tempo.The greatest factor holding the Ayn Odin 2 again is the value for the Pro and Max fashions. For $369, you are already solely $30 away from the value of the LCD Steam Deck, which is far more performant and may play all your favourite video games, together with lots of the finest PC video games. And the $459 price ticket for the Odin 2 Max is sort of in “no man’s land” between the Steam Deck LCD and the brand new Steam Deck OLED. So the choice will actually come down as to whether you desire a gaming handheld solely for emulation and Android, or in the event you additionally need the flexibleness to play PC video games.Best worth(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)2. Retroid Pocket 2S Best valueSpecificationsDisplay: 3.4-inch, 640 x 480, LCD, 60HzProcessor: UNISOC T610Reminiscence: 3GB / 4GBStorage: 32GB / 128GBMicroSD card: YesBattery: 4,000mAhConnectivity: Wi-Fi 5 / Bluetooth 5.0HDMI Out:: Yes, through micro HDMIEmulation: Up to (some) Nintendo GameCubeOS: Android 11Causes to purchase+Fantastic worth+Can play some PS2 video games+Able to obtain video games from the Play Store+microSD card slot and Micro HDMI portReasons to avoid-Display may be too small for some-The bezels are annoyingFor fairly some time, Retroid dominated the retro gaming handheld scene with the likes of the Retroid Pocket 2. Since then, the corporate has ramped up its manufacturing of latest handhelds, all working some type of Android. Our present favourite choose is the Retroid Pocket 2S, which is working a personalized model of LineageOS.This takes us again into the realm of horizontal-styled handhelds however is kind of a bit extra performant than was initially anticipated. It’s able to working video games at full pace all the best way as much as the PS1 earlier than you begin working into slow-downs and different points with GameDice, Wii, and the 3DS. It’s additionally small and light-weight making it nice for shortly selecting it up and taking part in a sport, even when for only a few minutes.Even with the Retroid Pocket 4 starting to ship, the Pocket 2S nonetheless gives unimaginable worth for underneath $100. The two greatest detractors are all in regards to the display screen, because the 3.5-inch show feels fairly small. Maybe, Retroid might launch an up to date model with a bigger display screen and ditch the bezels altogether.Best vertical handheld(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)3. Anbernic RG353V Best vertical handheldSpecificationsDisplay: 3.5-inch, 640 x 480, LCD, 60HzProcessor: Rockchip RK3566Reminiscence: 2GBStorage: 32GB eMMCMicroSD card: Dual microSD card slotsBattery: 3,200mAhConnectivity: Wi-Fi 5 / Bluetooth 4.2HDMI Out:: Yes, through mini HDMIEmulation: Up to (some) Nintendo 64OS: Android 11Causes to purchase+Supports Linux, Android, and customized firmware+Fantastic construct high quality+Dual microSD card slots+It’s a Game Boy on steroidsReasons to avoid-Play Store not put in out of the box-Emulation efficiency begins to drop with the PSP-Only one speakerUp thus far, the checklist has been comprised of gaming handhelds which are extra paying homage to a Nintendo Switch, and never these from our childhood. The Anbernic RG353V scratches the “itch” of wanting a contemporary Game Boy, with out coping with bodily modding an unique handheld. The RG353V is a little bit of an outlier, as nicely, because of the truth that it runs each Linux and Android, whereas sporting twin microSD card slots.The greatest catch right here is that whereas it dual-boots with Android, you’ll be able to’t simply begin downloading the very best Android video games from the Play Store. Instead, you may must sideload and set up each the Play Store and Play Services APK. However, since that is solely outfitted with 2GB of RAM, you are in all probability higher off solely counting on the Android aspect to sideload varied emulators that run higher in comparison with the Linux partition.We’re hoping to see a extra highly effective successor to the RG353V over the following yr, particularly contemplating how steadily new handhelds are hitting the market. This is basically since you’ll in all probability run into bottlenecks while you begin stepping into N64, PSP, and Dreamcast video games. Not to say that the RG353V is kind of a bit costly, even in the event you opted for the RG353VS that solely gives Linux.Best display screen(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)2. Ayaneo Pocket AIR Best screenSpecificationsDisplay: 5.5-inch, 1920 x 1080, 60Hz, OLEDProcessor: MediaTek Dimensity 1200Reminiscence: 8GBStorage: 256GBMicroSD card: Up to 1TBBattery: 7,350mAhConnectivity: Wi-Fi 6 / Bluetooth 5.2HDMI Out:: YesEmulation: Up to (some) Nintendo SwitchOS: Android 12Causes to purchase+Beautiful AMOLED show+Built-in SIM card tray+Cooling system is extremely powerfulReasons to avoid-Limited availability-AYASpace isn’t very intuitive-Price-to-performance is not niceIn late 2023, Ayaneo made waves as the corporate was introduced as a accomplice with Qualcomm for an upcoming Snapdragon G3x Gen 2-powered system. This was revealed to be the Ayaneo Pocket S, however outdoors of the design and a few gameplay footage, we aren’t certain precisely what to anticipate simply but. Before then, the Pocket AIR was launched, making an attempt to offer a performant Android gaming handheld console with a number of further tips.Arguably, the most important promoting level of the Pocket AIR is the distinctive cooling system that has been built-in. Ayaneo pulled from its expertise creating and creating varied Windows handhelds, implementing an “X86-level active cooling system.” It’s not a lot that the MediaTek Dimensity 1200 has overheating issues, however this cooling system ensures that you will by no means have to fret about efficiency degradation whereas taking part in video games.The inclusion of the Dimensity 1200 was a bit stunning, as this chip was launched again in 2021, providing an analogous stage of efficiency to the Snapdragon 870. Ayaneo additionally shocked us, because the Pocket AIR encompasses a SIM card tray, permitting you to play video games from anyplace, without having to be linked to Wi-Fi.Besides bumping up towards the efficiency limitations of the Dimensity 1200, our greatest grievance in regards to the Pocket AIR is with the software program. Out of the field, Ayaneo consists of its personal AyaHome launcher, together with AyaSpace in your sport library. However, it isn’t the best expertise, and it did not take lengthy earlier than I simply downloaded and converted to utilizing Daijisho.Best cloud gaming(Image credit score: Logitech)5. Logitech G Cloud Best cloud gamingSpecificationsDisplay: 7-inch, 1920 x 1080, LCD, 60HzProcessor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 720GMemory: 4GBStorage: 64GBMicroSD card: YesBattery: 6,000mAhConnectivity: Wi-Fi 5 / Bluetooth 5.1HDMI Out:: Yes, through USB-CEmulation: Up to PS2OS: Android 11Causes to purchase+Not only for cloud gaming+Comfortable and ergonomic design+Excellent battery lifeReasons to avoid-Expensive in comparison with the competition-No Wi-Fi 6 assistThere wasn’t a variety of love for the Logitech G Cloud when it was first launched, as its main focus was to function as a cloud streaming handheld. You might even go as far as to consider it as a PlayStation Portal however for cloud gaming providers. But, it did not take lengthy to comprehend that, in contrast to the Portal, there’s far more that you are able to do with the G Cloud.It’s positively underpowered, as Logitech opted for the Snapdragon 720G and simply 4GB of RAM. But, that is loads of juice for a lot of of your favourite Android video games, and even allows you to dabble with emulation, to a sure diploma. On that entrance, the G Cloud can emulate as much as Sega Saturn with ease, whereas additionally being performant sufficient for some GameDice, Wii, and even the PS2.If there’s one factor that’s holding the G Cloud again, even at present, it is the value. Logitech launched this Android gaming handheld with a retail worth of $349, however it appears that there is a everlasting worth drop right down to $299. Even on the worth, $299 is a troublesome promote for a handheld that does not embrace issues like Wi-Fi 6.Best on-the-go gaming(Image credit score: Razer)6. Razer Edge Best on-the-go gamingSpecificationsDisplay: 6.8-inch, 2400 x 1080, OLED, 144HzProcessor: Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 1Memory: 6GB / 8GBStorage: 128GBMicroSD card: Yes, as much as 2TBBattery: 5,000mAhConnectivity: Wi-Fi 6E / Bluetooth 5.2HDMI Out:: Yes, through USB-CEmulation: Up to (some) Nintendo SwitchOS: Android 12Causes to purchase+Beautiful AMOLED show with 144Hz refresh price+You can get one with 5G built-in+Controller is removable+MicroSD card supportReasons to avoid-Very expensive-5G mannequin solely accessible by means of Verizon-Wi-Fi mannequin does not have as a lot RAMOn the other finish of the spectrum from the Logitech G Cloud is the Razer Edge, which was introduced in late 2022, and subsequently launched early in 2023. Power is not a lot of a problem right here, because of the Snapdragon G3x Gen 1, together with the gorgeous 6.8-inch AMOLED touchscreen show, full with a 144Hz refresh price.At its core, that is simply an Android pill with the Razer Kishi V2 Pro controller connected. But, there are two variations of the Edge, as you’ll be able to go for both the mannequin with simply Wi-Fi, or sport on the go along with 5G. This alone offers the Edge a leg up on lots of the different gaming handhelds in the marketplace. Plus, there’s even a microSD card slot, which got here as a little bit of a welcome shock.Unfortunately, the Razer Edge suffers from the identical drawback because the G Cloud because it’s simply actually too costly. At $400 or $600, you are firmly planted in the identical worth vary because the Steam Deck, which is kind of a bit extra highly effective than what you get with the Edge. Razer additionally pulled a “fast one” with the discharge, as the corporate did not initially reveal that the Wi-Fi-only mannequin would have 6GB of RAM in comparison with the 8GB of RAM within the 5G model.Best flip design(Image credit score: Retroid)7. Retroid Pocket Flip Best flip designSpecificationsDisplay: 4.7-inch, 1334 x 750, LCD, 60HzProcessor: UNISOC Tiger T618Reminiscence: 4GBStorage: 128GBMicroSD card: YesBattery: 5,000mAhConnectivity: Wi-Fi 5 / Bluetooth 5.0HDMI Out:: Yes, through micro HDMIEmulation: Up to (some) Nintendo GameCubeOS: Android 11Causes to purchase+Clamshell design is nice for portability+Buttons might be simply remapped+All-day battery life+Expandable storageReasons to avoid-Emulation restricted to some GameDice and never a lot more-Slider joy-sticks may take some getting used to-You’ll discover higher efficiency elsewhere, for much lessWhile the marketplace for moveable and pocketable gaming handhelds has exploded in recognition, many of those are restricted to both Game Boy or Nintendo Switch type elements. That’s to say that there simply have not been very many Advance SP or Nintendo DS/3DS handhelds to select from. Retroid is attempting to alter that narrative because it launched the Retroid Pocket Flip in early 2023.Flip open the lid, and also you’re greeted with a 4.7-inch touchscreen, together with twin analog sliders and your conventional button format. Retroid additionally solved one of many bigger issues with gaming handhelds in that the corporate makes it simple to remap controls with out inflicting a headache. And, when it comes to energy, we’re emulation as much as the Sega Saturn, whereas additionally with the ability to deal with lots of the finest Android video games.You can attempt to play a few of your favourite GameDice video games on the Pocket Flip, however, there simply aren’t many who play nicely. Something else to bear in mind is that the slider joysticks do not sit as excessive up as different handhelds on this checklist. This was finished to keep away from contact between the sticks and the display screen, however it would in all probability take some getting used to whereas taking part in video games.Best for preventing video games(Image credit score: Anbernic)8. Anbernic RG ARC-D Best for preventing gamesSpecificationsDisplay: 4-inch, 640 x 480, LCD, 60HzProcessor: Rockchip RK3566Reminiscence: 2GBStorage: 32GB eMMCMicroSD card: YesBattery: 3,500mAhConnectivity: Wi-Fi 5 / Bluetooth 5.0HDMI Out:: Yes, through micro HDMIEmulation: Up to (some) Nintendo 64OS: Android 11Causes to purchase+Everything you could possibly need from a handheld with this design+Bright and colourful show+Expandable storage+Perfect for preventing video games and side-scrollersReasons to avoid-Google Play Store isn’t put in out of the box-Android model is dearerAt the tail finish of 2023, Anbernic shocked many with the discharge of the RG ARC-D and ARC-S. The former is the one that you’ll be wanting in the event you’re on the lookout for an Android gaming handheld, because it dual-boots each Linux and Android. What makes this so distinctive is that Anbernic constructed a handheld that appears like a SEGA Saturn controller with a touchscreen in the course of it.Even the D-Pad and button format is similar, with the Black colour coming with purple Start and Select buttons to match the aesthetic. Of course, this format implies that you will not discover a joystick, however the ARC-D is virtually good for side-scrollers and preventing video games. Some may discover this to be a disappointment, however retro emulation efficiency caps out across the N64 and Dreamcast, so there are fewer video games to fret about.It should not come as an excessive amount of of a shock, however whereas working Android, the ARC-D does not include the Play Store or Play Services pre-installed. That’s as a result of this is similar internals because the aforementioned RG353V, simply in a very totally different physique. The ARC-D can also be dearer than its counterpart, the ARC-S, which solely runs a modified model of Linux.Best aspirations(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)Best aspirationsSpecificationsDisplay: 5.46-inch, 1920 x 1080 (LCD), 3840 x 2160 (QLED), 144HzProcessor: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2Memory: 8GBStorage: 128GB / 256GBMicroSD card: YesBattery: 4,000mAhConnectivity: Wi-Fi 6E / Bluetooth 5.1HDMI Out:: Yes, through micro HDMI (QLED-only)Emulation: Up to (some) Nintendo SwitchOS: Android 10Causes to purchase+Design stands out from different Android handhelds+QLED show is an absolute delight+Great for emulation+Build high quality is fantasticReasons to avoid-Don’t get it for VR-Expensive-Only working Android 10One Android gaming handheld that piqued the curiosity of many was the Pimax Portal, because it was one of many first units to observe the Nintendo blueprint of detachable controllers. But, that is not how the corporate initially positioned the Portal, as evidenced by the quite a few cameras on the system. Pimax is attempting to create a two-in-one system, providing you with a conveyable gaming console, together with a competitor to the Meta Quest 2.It even shares the identical chipset because the Quest 2, together with utilizing a surprising 4K QLED show with a 144Hz refresh price. Despite working Android 10 out of the field, the Portal nonetheless gives stunning ranges of efficiency as a handheld. Thanks partially to builders, a modified model of the Yuzu Nintendo Switch emulator was launched, bringing compatibility to the Portal.On its personal, the Portal is a fairly superior Android gaming handheld, even with it working an outdated model of Android. However, the Portal VR Kit that is wanted to show this right into a modular VR headset has solely shipped to a handful of customers however hasn’t been broadly launched. Because of that, it is robust to suggest the Portal at its present (discounted) worth of $399.Prepare for an inflow of Android gaming handheldsWhy you’ll be able to belief Android Central
Our skilled reviewers spend hours testing and evaluating services and products so you’ll be able to select the very best for you. Find out extra about how we take a look at.The gaming handheld market is not slowing down any time quickly, as there are much more choices to contemplate on the horizon. One of which is coming within the type of the Ayaneo Pocket S, a tool that was shaped out of a partnership between Ayaneo and Qualcomm. We aren’t certain simply but when the Pocket S will likely be launched, however Ayaneo has provided a look at what we are able to anticipate from gameplay.With that in thoughts, the Odin 2 from AYN is hands-down the very best Android gaming handheld, a minimum of for now. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, might be configured with as much as 16GB of RAM, and is only a pleasure to make use of. There are some things we would prefer to see in a future iteration, similar to an OLED show, and even only a quicker refresh price. But, given its worth in comparison with the very best Android telephones of final yr, the Odin 2 blows every thing else away.What in the event you’re on the lookout for a gaming handheld with a extra “retro vibe?” You needn’t look any additional than the Anbernic RG353V, particularly if you would like a contemporary GameBoy. As we talked about beforehand, we’re actually hoping for an up to date and extra highly effective model to be launched, however the RG353V nonetheless packs a punch and hits the nostalgia bone, all on the similar time.Round up of at present’s finest offers