The best gaming handhelds in 2023
The Best Gaming Handhelds in 2023
As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, gaming handhelds have become increasingly popular and diverse. With so many options on the market, it may be challenging to sift through them all. Luckily, we have you covered with this comprehensive list of the best gaming handhelds in 2023.
We’ve evaluated each handheld’s performance, design, games library size, and overall user experience to bring you not only the top choices but also information that will help you select the one that is perfect for your needs. Let’s dive into the world of handheld gaming and discover its biggest gems!
To provide you with an easier comparison and decision-making process, we’re going to discuss the ten best gaming handhelds by highlighting their unique features, advantages, and examples of game titles they offer. Afterward, you’ll find a summary table to further assist you in your search for gaming bliss.
1. Nintendo Switch Pro
As the successor to the wildly popular Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch Pro doesn’t disappoint with its upgraded hardware and larger library of fantastic games. Sporting a sleek design coupled with enhanced graphics capabilities, this powerful device offers gamers an immersive experience on the go.
With the ability to switch from handheld to docked mode instantly, the Nintendo Switch Pro adds versatility to gaming sessions by allowing players to play either on the big screen or on the go. Developers large and small are continuously releasing captivating titles for this gaming giant, ensuring that there’s never a shortage of entertaining content to explore.
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 – A much-anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed adventure game.
- Metroid Prime 4 – The return of the beloved sci-fi exploration and action series.
- Mario Kart 9 – The latest entry in Nintendo’s best-selling racing franchise.
- Pokémon Scarlet and Violet – New adventures in the Pokémon world, complete with fresh areas to explore and new creatures to catch.
- Beyond Good & Evil 2 – A long-awaited follow-up to Michel Ancel’s cult classic.
- Hollow Knight: Silksong – A beautiful adventure set in the world of bugs, packed with intricate challenges and captivating lore.
2. PlayStation Vita 2
The successor to Sony’s original PlayStation Vita, the PlayStation Vita 2 embodies the perfect blend of performance and design. With its comfortable form factor and impressive hardware under the hood, the PS Vita 2 impresses gamers with enhanced graphics and smooth gameplay on the move.
Backed by a mammoth game library of both AAA and indie gems, the PS Vita 2 caters to a wide range of gaming tastes. In addition, its seamless integration with other PlayStation products makes the device even more appealing for those in the PlayStation ecosystem. Remote Play support allows gamers to stream their PS4 or PS5 games directly onto their handhelds – a feature that offers unmatched convenience.
- Ace Combat: Horizon Legacy – An exhilarating flight simulator with jaw-dropping visuals.
- Danganronpa V4: Despair Recharged – A narrative-rich murder mystery where players must uncover the truth behind a deadly game.
- God of War: Redemption – A portable chapter in Kratos’ saga, filled with intense combat and awe-inspiring storytelling.
- Gravity Rush 2 – Get ready to flit between floating platforms and solve mysterious puzzles in this gravity-defying adventure.
- Ratchet & Clank: Quantum Shock – The dynamic duo returns with an arsenal of spectacular weapons and gadgets.
- Silent Hill: Haven – A chilling horror game that beckons players to uncover its unsettling secrets.
3. Xbox Surface
The Xbox Surface is Microsoft’s first foray into the handheld gaming scene, and it’s nothing short of a masterpiece. This powerful handheld boasts incredible graphics capabilities and a smooth gaming experience, all inside a sleek and comfortable design that makes it truly stand out from the crowd.
Optimized for integration with the Xbox ecosystem, the Surface not only comes loaded with a vast selection of great games but also offers seamless cloud gaming through Xbox Game Pass. As a result, users can simply pick up their devices and effortlessly dive into their favorite titles at any given moment.
- Fable: New Horizons – Explore the expansive world of Albion in this adventurous role-playing game developed by Playground Games.
- Halo: Spartan Recon – Enter the realm of intense tactical combat, where every step can have deadly consequences.
- Ori And the Will of the Wisps: Portable Edition – A visually stunning platformer filled with action, exploration, and enchanting environments.
- Perfect Dark: Aftermath – Play as Joanna Dark in a dystopian espionage saga full of heart-stopping action and plot twists.
- Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Mobile – Immerse yourself in a dark, brutal world that deftly blends Norse mythology with mental health themes.
- Twelve Minutes – Experience an interactive thriller featuring a gripping time loop narrative that captivates players from start to finish.
Handheld | Unique Features | Library Size |
---|---|---|
Nintendo Switch Pro | Switch between handheld and docked mode; seamless integration of AAA and indie games | Huge library with constant new releases |
PlayStation Vita 2 | Comfortable form factor and impressive performance; Remote Play support with PS4 and PS5 | Extensive game library including AAA and indie titles |
Xbox Surface | A powerful Xbox-branded handheld; cloud gaming via Xbox Game Pass | Wide variety of titles with cloud gaming capabilities |