Despite the hype around the PS5 and Xbox Series X, many gamers still prefer portable and handheld consoles. There are different reasons behind the popularity of these consoles like their versatile nature and portability. So, if you are among those fans, go through this blog to know what portable console to buy in 2022.
Portable gaming consoles have many quality features that put them in a different class of their own. You can watch your favorite shows on Spectrum cable or Netflix, and then pull a gaming session on one of these bad boys before going to bed. The ease of playing and reduced hassle are some of the major features of these consoles.
Here are some consoles you can consider buying:
Nintendo Switch
For a console gaming enthusiast, Nintendo is generally the obvious choice after PlayStation and Xbox consoles. You can choose from three Switch options based on your preference. These are the classic Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED, and Nintendo Switch Lite. The Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED serve doubles as both handheld consoles and regular consoles by connecting to TV screens. These devices can run many games from famous franchises like Legend of Zelda and Smash Bros. Also, you can play many cross-platform games like Genshin Impact.
Based on the price, range of playable games, and the OG Nintendo games, the Switch range is among the top choices.
Steam Deck
Are you a fan of games by Valve(or Steam)? If you don’t know what Valve or Steam is, it is a gaming company known for creating PC games. The company has now launched its own portable gaming console called Steam Deck. Surprisingly, this console can smoothly run a number of PC games.
You can play the OG Elden Ring, Portal, and various other games on this new console. The build quality and sturdiness are some qualities worth mentioning in this console. However, it may be better to buy this console if you are a fan of the available games. Because, for new users, the library may seem a bit limited. But overall, it is a solid portable gaming console.
Analogue Pocket
For old-school gamers who want to enjoy games from Game Boy or Game Boy Advance, the Pocket packs a solid experience. It looks and feels like a Game Boy Advance. This portable console can run Sega cartridges and Game Boy games by using the adapter or direct insertions of cartridges. The small screen of the Pocket console is a high-resolution display. This console charges with a regular USB Type C cable.
On the flip side, there are some major limitations of this console. For example, it cannot run emulations and ROMs. Plus, there are no designated stores to download games for Pocket. In the true sense, this console is a reincarnation of the older portable consoles.
Nintendo 2DS XL
The Nintendo 2DS XL is an older game from Nintendo that has been a favorite of a lot of people. Two screens, flip, easy controls, and a wide library of games make this console a worthy option even today. However, it can be hard to get your hands on one of these today because its production has been discontinued for more than 2 years now. But if you can find a good deal, it is still worth spending your money on.
Apple iPad Air
Apple iPad Air may not be the best fit for the definition of portable consoles but offers a solid gaming experience. So, there is no harm in counting iPads as portable gaming consoles. The benefits of playing games on an iPad Air include bigger screen real estate, a massive range of games available on the App Store, and so much more. More importantly, if you already have one, you may not have to invest in a separate device for gaming.
New Gen Android Phones
Just like using an Apple iPad Air for gaming, new Android phones provide a solid gaming experience. With more gigs of RAM, faster processors, better displays, and bigger batteries, Android phones are excellent for gaming. The Google Play Store has so many exciting games available to play with an ever-growing library. PUBG, Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact, League of Legends: Wild Rift, and so many others have made mobile gaming an important part of the gaming universe. So, if you don’t have a designated portable console, pick up your phone instead.
With all these options, it is up to you what you prefer for a good gaming session.