Know the best handheld video games of 2022. What games do they run? Which emulators? Where to buy and what cheapest? All this and much more.
I recently saw an article about portable consoles on a well-known site and found the content to be far from what I expected. In other words, they only recommended the national Nintendo Switch.
Not here! Get ready to check out a complete article, with everything there is to best in the laptop business right now. Which ones are worth buying and which ones are most powerful handheld consoles today. By the way, you will meet the best chinese laptops.
By the end of this article, you will understand how the general market for portable consoles is and understand what the best options are today.
Note: the article is organized in ascending order. From the cheapest and least powerful handheld console to the most expensive and most powerful.
Table of Contents
- The best cheap handheld consoles 2022
- 1 – Powkiddy X39
- 2 – Anbernic RG300
- 3 – PowKiddy RGB10, RGB10MAX e RGB10MAX 2
- 4 – Anbernic RG351V
- 5 – Anbernic RG503
- 6 – Anbernic RG353P
- 7 – Powkiddy X18S
- 8 – Nintendo Switch Lite
- 9 – A premium mid-range smartphone + GameSir X3
- 10 – Anbernic Win600
- 11 – Steam Deck
The best cheap handheld consoles 2022
1 – Powkiddy X39
In the search for a companion for your smartphone, the Powkiddy X39 is a cheap solution for those who don't want to spend a lot.
The Powkiddy X39 portable console can emulate old systems like Atari, Mega Drive, Super Nintendo, everything and even PlayStation 1 (Nintendo 64 no!). It's a good console to give away, or to give yourself.
Resources:
- ATM 7051 4-core cortex A-9 900mhz processor
- Memory RAM: 1 GB LDDR2
- Ideal for older retro consoles
- Emulates up to PS1 (some games)
- Bodies 4:3
- HDMI output (mini)
- Accepts additional controls via USB
- It comes with more than 440 games
Price: ~ R$ 250 reais
link to buy
2 – Anbernic RG300
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keuDdG099Hg
Or portable console Anbernic RG300 it's a slightly more expensive console, and less powerful than the X39, but it justifies its price thanks to its great construction.
The Anbernic RG 300 aims exactly at nostalgia by borrowing the look of the Game Boy Color, but with hardware capable of emulating other things as well. Despite being ideal for emulating Game Boy and Game Boy Advance, it can run many consoles with 2D games.
Resources:
- Dual-core de 500Mhz
- RAM Memory: 128 MB
- Emulates even SNES and NEOGEO (PS1 is not good!)
- Bodies 4:3
- Mini HDMI Output
- Accepts additional controls via USB
- It already comes with more than 3 thousand games
Alternatives: Powpocket mini, Powkiddy 2022 x51
Price: ~ R$ 300 reais
link to buy
3 – PowKiddy RGB10, RGB10MAX e RGB10MAX 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsRuLvie57U
Enquanto or PowKiddy X39 is the ideal option for those who want to stay in 2D and only in pre-fifth generation console games, RGB10 and its variants are great options for emulate well up to PS1.
With a design very similar to the Nintendo Switch Lite, the PowKiddy RGB10 is an almost complete emulation station for those who enjoy older retro games.
RGB10 Resources:
- 336GHz RK1.5 Processor
- GPU: Mali-G31
- Memory RAM: 1 GB LDDR3
- Storage: 64 GB
- 3.5 screen inches
- Now yes, emulates PS1 very well
- Bodies 4:3
- Mini HDMI Output
- Accepts additional controls via USB
- Wi-Fi
- Emulec System (in Spanish)
- Comes with over 3 games
Price: ~ R$ 450 reais
link to buy
RGB10 Max Resources:
- 336GHz RK1.5 Processor
- GPU: Mali-G31
- Memory RAM: 1 GB LDDR3
- Storage: 256 GB
- 5.5 screen inches
- Mini HDMI Output
- Emulates up to N64, but with audio problems
- Accepts additional controls via USB
- Wi-Fi
- Emulec System (in Spanish)
- Comes with over 13 games
Price: ~ R$ 600 reais
RGB10 Max2 Resources:
Same hardware as the RGB10 Max, but with a smaller screen and more anatomical shape.
- 336GHz RK1.5 Processor
- GPU: Mali-G31
- Memory RAM: 1 GB LDDR3
- Storage: 128 GB
- 5 screen inches
- Mini HDMI Output
- Emulates up to N64, but with audio problems
- Accepts additional controls via USB
- Wi-Fi
- Emulec System (in Spanish)
- Comes with over 13 games
Price: ~ R$ 700 reais
link to buy
Alternativas: PowKiddy RGB20s, RGB10s, Anbernic RG351P, RG351V.
4 – Anbernic RG351V
https://youtu.be/Eqxnv_IcAjU
Still in the footprint of the Game Boy format, we have a Anbernic RG351Vwhich is the best handheld console made in Game Boy Color format.
Your hardware, screen, everything is made for perfectly emulate consoles up to the fifth generation (PS1 and N64).
Resources:
- Processador: RK 3326 1.5 GHZ
- RAM Memory: 1 GB DDR3
- Storage: 48 GB
- Ideal for gaming up to the N64
- Canvas 4:3 – 640×480 pixels
- Mini HDMI Output
- Accepts additional controls via USB
- Spanish language
- System Linux ArkOS
- Support some PC ports like Undertale, Diablo 1, Stardew Valley, AM2R (Another Metroid 2 Remake)
- Wi-Fi
- Possibility to download games directly from the laptop
For those who liked what the console offers, but did not like the format, a good alternative is the RG351P. The same hardware, but with a “landscape” format.
Alternativa: Powkiddy rgb20s, Retroid pocket 2, Powkiddy A20.
Price: ~ R$ 650 reais
link to buy
5 – Anbernic RG503
https://youtu.be/Bq_xwIlWfR0
O Ambernic RG503 is a portable console that goes up another step on the emulation scale and can already satisfactorily run games like N64 and even Dreamcast and PSP (some games only).
In addition to the processing power, 5-inch screen and the larger format, it will appeal to people with big hands (like me). Being a good company for those who want to leave their smartphone in their pocket or backpack.
Note: From this price range, it is already good to consider a smartphone used with a GameSir controller (like the X2).
Resources:
- Processor: quad-core 64 bit Cortex-A55, main frequency up to 1.8GHz
- Memory RAM: 1 GB LDDR4
- Storage: 16 GB or 64 GB
- N64 games without problems (setup here)
- Some DreamCast and PSP games
- 16:9 OLED Fabric – 940×544 pixels
- Memory LDDR4 1 GB
- Mini HDMI Output
- Accepts additional controls via USB or Bluetooth
- Spanish language
- Wi-Fi
- Possibility to download games directly from the laptop
Price: ~ R$ 800 reais
link to buy
6 – Anbernic RG353P
O Arbenic RG353P is a portable console in which we return to that smaller format with a 3.5 inch screen, but with more powerful hardware than the RG503. Its focus is to be an improved version of all previous consoles of the brand, but focusing on bringing better fidelity to the emulation.
In the RG353P, we have 2 GB of LDDR4 RAM and dual system with Android 11 and Linux.
The screen size, however, will be a drag for a lot of people. But as I said, the RG353P is a portable console in which Arbenic seeks to go back to its origins, focusing on emulation quality and pixel perfect.
The big star here is the dualboot system that allows, for example, to run games via Xcloud.
Resources:
- Processor: RK3566 64BIT
- Memory RAM: 2 GB LDDR4
- Storage: 80 GB
- Emulation up to the PSP
- Possibility to use Xbox Game Pass
- Bodies 4:3 – 640×480 pixels (touch)
- Mini HDMI Output
- Accepts additional controls via USB and Bluetooth
- Spanish language
- System Linux ArkOS e Android 11
- Support some PC ports like Undertale, Diablo 1, Stardew Valley, AM2R (Another Metroid 2 Remake)
- Wi-Fi
- Possibility to download games directly from the laptop
Price: ~ R$ 870 reais
link to buy
7 – Powkiddy X18S
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9moR96MbCI
If you were happy with the possibility of using the Android system, know that there are a multitude of portable consoles with the Google system.
Among them, one of the best and cheapest options as a portable console is the Powkiddy X18S.
This console comes with Android 11, large screen and “notebook” / “Nintendo 3DS” format.
From notebooks with hardware like the X18S, you will see that the PSP emulation it is already possible without problems. The vast majority of games will run just fine, including heavier titles like God of War.
Resources:
- Processor: T618
- GPU: Mali-G52
- Memory RAM: 4 GB LDDR4
- Storage: 64 GB
- Android 11
- Emulation up to the PSP
- Possibility to use Xbox Game Pass
- Canvas 5.5 – 1280×720 pixels (touch)
- Mini HDMI Output
- Accepts additional controls via USB and Bluetooth
- Spanish language
- Support some PC ports like Undertale, Diablo 1, Stardew Valley, AM2R (Another Metroid 2 Remake)
- Wi-Fi
- Possibility to download games directly from the laptop
Alternativa: GPD XD Plus, Anbernic 552
Price: ~ R$ 990 reais
link to buy
8 – Nintendo Switch Lite
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIi6m2S6qh4
Now yes! Since we have surpassed the level of R$ 1 thousand, analyzing the purchase of a Nintendo Switch Lite starts to make sense. Especially if your goal is to enjoy Nintendo games or indie games that are released on this Handheld console.
Nintendo Switch is one of the best companions for your smartphone in portable game.
The Nintendo Console can be found on Aliexpress with prices ranging from R$1.100 to R$1.300 reais.
The price will depend on the dollar and promotions on Ali. However, at Amazon, the national model appears for BRL 1.460 reais.
Amazing games like The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild e Super Mario Odyssey can be played natively no console original.
A portable console that needs no introduction. Even after so long (the first was released in 2017), the Switch remains a benchmark in portable gameplay.
Alternatives: Nintendo Switch OLED in Spain can be a good alternative for those who want to play both outside and inside the house with the console connected to the TV or Monitor.
Price: ~ R$ 1.300 reais
link to buy
9 – A premium mid-range smartphone + GameSir X3
As the price range has already risen to the level of a standard Nintendo Switch, it is worth considering a second smartphone, or even your only cell phone, for game emulation.
This goes against the original idea of this post, which is to give you tips for a second gaming device. But in the price range that we are going to suggest below, it might be better to buy a controller like the GameSir X3 and turn your main smartphone into a full emulation station.
Nowadays Android is capable of emulating several systems, including PS2 and Switch. However, it is good to remember that it is necessary to have a good smartphone with a processor, preferably, Snapdragon 855 onwards.
GameSir X3 was our choice, as depending on the system chosen for emulation, the cooler on the back can help the smartphone cool down and contain the heat. Mainly when using emulators like Dolphin, AetherSX2 e EGG NS.
Price: ~ R$ 570 reais
link to buy
Attention
From this point on, the portable consoles that we are going to indicate are very powerful, but at the same time they are too expensive, and this may not pay off for most users.
10 – Anbernic Win600
https://youtu.be/7DodK9UgzBs
Considered Anbernic's most powerful device, Win600 is a true all-in-one emulation station for old consoles.
Instead of Android and Linux system, this laptop, as its name implies, comes with Windows 10 and SteamOS. Therefore, in addition to emulating old systems, it can run Windows games natively.
The screen is 6 inches with a resolution of 1280X720 pixels. The processor is an AMD Athlon Silver 3050e with Vega 3 GPU. The notebook also comes with SSD storage and 4GB @ 8Mhz DDR2400 RAM.
This notebook is new, but don't get too carried away with its marketing. Despite saying that it will run up to PS3, it can't emulate it all yet. Staying maxed out there in PS2 and Wii U emulation.
By the way, there is a criticism in the community about the fact that the notebook only uses a stick of 8 GB of RAM. Without dual channel, the console loses a lot of performance, as the video memory is integrated.
Resources:
- Emulates everything up to PS2 and Wii U
- Runs heavy games like Resident Evil III Remake
- Body 1280×720 IPS
- CPU Atlhon Silver 3050e
- GPU: Radeon Graphics VEGA 3
- RAM: 8 GB DDR4
- Storage: 256 GB m.2 SATA
- 5 Wifi
- Bluetooth 4.2
Price: ~ R$ 1.800 reais
link to buy
11 – Steam Deck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTAAglPCdvg
Behold, we have arrived at the consumer dream of anyone who wants a portable console, the Steam Deck.
The Steam Deck purchase price can vary a lot, as there is no way to buy it in Spain. So it can go for BRL 2.600 to BRL 5.
A portable console for everyone to dominate.
Created by none other than Valve, the Steam Deck has its own system, the Steam OS, and is compatible with hundreds of games from the store that bears the same name. He can run incredibly heavy games like Death Stranding and Elden Ring.
The best option to buy is the one with NVMe SSD, as the eMMC option causes some texture loading problems in some heavy games. So if you're going to spend a fortune, spend it right.
Resources:
- Processor: AMD Zen 2 2.4-3.5 Ghz
- GPU: 8 Unid RDNA 2 *1.6 TFlops
- Memory RAM: 16 GB LDDR5
- Storage: 64GB, 256GB and 512GB
- Steam OS
- Switch and PS3 emulation with ease
- 7 inch screen – 1280×800 pixels (touch)
- HDMI output
- Accepts additional controls via USB and Bluetooth
- Spanish language
- Emulates everything, even your mother….
And here we end our list, for now, of portables. I made the article in a bit of a hurry to post soon, but it will be updated soon with more portables and alternatives.
my thanks to john Baptist for helping me with this list.
Read also:
- Best TV BOX ANDROID for XCLOUD and GEFORCE NOW
- The Best Mobile Controls of 2022
- Best old handheld video games (PSP, 3DS, GBA) 2022
[originally published July 12, 2022]
