The best handheld game consoles, according to hackers
18 handheld game consoles recommended in Hacker News comments over the past year, ranked by how many separate people recommend each one.
- Most recommendedNintendo Switch143 people recommend it
- Built to lastSony PlayStation Portableowners report a median of 21 years
- Least regretModRetro Chromatic10 recommend, 1 criticize
All handheld game consoles
- Nintendo SwitchA hybrid handheld/TV console with strong exclusive and kid-friendly games and lots of fun per dollar; critics cite underpowered hardware, console bans and hard battery repairs.143recommend
- Playdate handheld consolePeople recommend it for its simple, creative black-and-white handheld, good build quality, and enjoyable developer experience. The most common caveat is its high price, with the lack of a backlight also criticized.43recommend
- Sony PlayStation PortableHandheld praised for its screen, multimedia and PS1 and SNES emulation, and it still holds up. Critics note aging batteries and Wi-Fi trouble.24recommend
- Nintendo 3DSFans praise its pocketable retro charm, cheap used availability, and homebrew community. Critics mainly point to the low resolution and small screen.21recommend
- Nintendo DSPeople recommend it as a pocket-sized, long-lasting handheld with fun games and an easy touch screen, still enjoyable years later. Critics note a rough, hard-to-emulate software ecosystem.18recommend
- Game Boy AdvanceRecommended for simple hardware, a mature C compiler and a large game library. Common caveats: a weak stock screen and sound, and costly physical games.17recommend
- Sony PSPOwners recommend the PSP for its strong game library, easy modding and emulator support, and nostalgia. Critics point to bloating batteries and Wi-Fi that lacks WPA2 and WPA3.13recommend
- Nintendo Game BoyFun, polished games on a fuzzy, lo-fi screen with a CRT-like glow; the main caveat is ghosting and slow pixel response.12recommend
- PlayStation VitaPeople recommend it for its PSP compatibility, dual analog sticks, better screen and cheap used price. Critics find it clunky and used units pricey and hard to find.11recommend
- ModRetro ChromaticPeople recommend it for fun replaying childhood games, with responsive play and solid build. Some won't buy it over the maker's military and autonomous systems ties.10recommend
- Retroid PocketSmall Android handheld that people use for PC gaming and emulated retro games, praised for its compact size and surprising power.8recommend
- New Nintendo 3DS XLRecommended as the peak of handheld gaming, with easy custom firmware and better 3D than the original. Some critics say the 3D effect doesn't wow.8recommend
- Miyoo Mini PlusRecommended for its 640x480 screen that plays most retro consoles at native resolution, a cheap but decent emulator people find better than expected.7recommend
- Nintendo Game Boy ColorPeople recommend it for durability and cheap used prices; the original display's narrow color gamut is the main caveat.7recommend
- AYN ThorAndroid handheld that people recommend for running demanding PC and Windows games on a small device, with little to adjust once it is set up.6recommend
- ArduboyHandheld game console people recommend for making your own games, learning to solder, and kids' game projects. One comment cites a $99 price.5recommend
- Anbernic handheldRecommended as cheap retro handhelds that feel good to play and can be easily modified; one critic reports random failures and disabled features.5recommend
- PS VitaRecommended as a favorite dedicated handheld for its convenience, battery and game library, though Sony's support was poor and games had to be made for it.5recommend