Top 5 Best Handheld Gaming Consoles in 2021

Games are enjoyed by all no matter whether you are a kid or an elder, do you agree? There are various types of games available in the market from board games, puzzles however the most popular of them all are video games. A handheld gaming console is a portable electronic device that with a built in screen, game controls and speakers that produce a video signal displaying video game imagery.

It may be tough to select a video game console that is right for you as there are numerous options. So, here is a list of the best 5 handheld gaming consoles of 2021 to make it easy for you to choose from. Some of these are older models however there are places to purchase re-furbished models that can still be purchased.

1. Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch has made it to the list of the best 5 handheld gaming consoles due to its uniqueness. If you are at home and feeling bored, all you need to do is connect the switch and play on the big screen. Not only indoors but you may also play it outdoors as it is easy to carry.

This console has numerous games to keep you entertained and engaged for hours with its collection comprising of The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Odyssey, and a lot more. Its hybrid design has captured the hearts of millions of game lovers and its potential has successfully gained the attention of various developers.

Developers have not only ported older but current titles as well to their system. The Nintendo Switch with model number HAC-001(-01) has a much better battery life compared to the original Switch. The new Nintendo Switch OLED is all set to be launched in October 2021.

2. Nintendo Switch Lite

If you are budget conscious and have been searching for a Nintendo Switch which isn’t costly then Nintendo Switch Lite is perfect for you. This system fulfils every expectation that comes with the brand name especially being at a great price and access to all of the games of the standard Nintendo Switch.

This lite version has a 5.5-inch display while the standard version has a 6.2 display. The Switch Lite weighs 9.7 ounces which are less than the normal Switch weighing 10.5 ounces. Although the weight difference isn’t much, if you hold the Lite version, you will feel how light the system is.

3. New Nintendo 3DS XL

The new Nintendo 3DS XL is a dual-screen portable system that has taken a back seat with Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite since there launch. It features a C-Stick placed above the face buttons, a bump up to 256 MB of RAM, additional processor cores, and an NFC to support Amiibo.

This version is known for featuring a wide and popular collection of games including Super Mario 3D Land, The Legend of Zelda: A Link between Worlds, Pokeman Fire Emblem Awakening, and Pokemon Sun and Moon. This version is harder to find in a brand-new condition, but you may be able to get it from third-party sellers.

4. New Nintendo 2DS XL

The new Nintendo 2DS XL is a cheaper version and the newest member of the Nintendo 3DS XL family. Most of the parts of this version are similar to the Nintendo 3DS XL as they share close hardware enhancements comprising of an updated processor, C-Stick, and NFC for Amiibos.

This version has a thin design similar to the Nintendo 3DS XL and has a camera and microphone moved to the hinge. The microSD card of this version can be accessed through a side port. The Nintendo 2DSXL has made it to the list of best handheld gaming consoles; it was launched merely a few months after the launch of the Nintendo Switch.

5. GPD XD Plus

A GPD XD Plus appears similar to Nintendo 3DS XL and may be mistaken as the latter. It is similar in size of an average smart phone but double the thickness. It has a charging port, face buttons, and four additional buttons placed at the top. It is only when you have played this handheld console you can truly appreciate what makes GPD XD Plus different from Nintendo’s handheld consoles.

If you are playing a GPD XD Plus for the first time you will enjoy the advantage of having two analog sticks. This handheld gaming console has more buttons compared to Nintendo 3DS XL. The buttons comprise of start, select, back, home, volume up and down, etc. These buttons come in handy since it runs on an Android 7.0 Nougat which means this is capable of running emulators and roms making this the ultimate portable emulation machine.

These are the top five handheld gaming consoles of 2021, have fun selecting your next gaming device!