Phones are great for gaming, but sometimes you crave the tactile feel of actual buttons. We've put together this guide to highlight our top picks for the best Android gaming handhelds. We'll dive into their specs, functionality, and gaming capabilities. Whether you're into retro gaming, looking for devices from well-known brands, or seeking something with high-end specs, we've got you covered. Take a look and see if any of these catch your eye!
Best Android Gaming Handhelds
-----------------------------Let's dive into our curated list of the best Android gaming handhelds!
Odin 2 PRO
What's not to love about the AYN Odin? The Odin 2 PRO ups the ante with even more impressive specs, capable of running virtually any Android game and handling emulation with ease.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8Gen2 CPU
- Adreno 740 GPU
- 12GB RAM
- 256GB Storage
- 1920 x 1080 6" LCD Touchscreen Display
- 8000mAh Battery
- Android 13
- WiFi7 + BT 5.3
The AYN Odin 2 Pro can also emulate GameCube and PS2 titles, as well as a wide range of 128-bit games. The only potential downside is that, unlike its predecessor, the Odin 2 does not support running Windows as easily. However, the original Odin is still available for those who prioritize Windows compatibility.
GPD XP Plus
This is a standout choice. The GPD XP Plus offers swappable peripherals for the right-hand side, allowing for unparalleled customization of your gaming experience. Here are its specs:
- MediaTek Dimensity 1200 Octa-Core CPU
- Arm Mali-G77 MC9 GPU
- 6GB LPDDR4X RAM
- 6.81" IPS Touch LCD Screen with Gorilla Glass
- 7000mAh Battery
- Supports up to 2TB microSD
The GPD XP Plus is ideal for gamers who want to enjoy a wide range of games, from Android titles to PS2 and Nintendo GameCube games. While it's on the pricier side, the ability to customize peripherals justifies the cost, making it a powerful and versatile device.
ABERNIC RG353P
The Abernic RG353P is a robust, retro-style handheld console perfect for retro gaming enthusiasts. It even features a mini-HDMI port! Its weight gives it a premium feel, and with 2 SD card slots and a headphone jack, you can fully immerse yourself in portable gaming. Its design evokes the classic SNES, but let's look at the specs:
- RK3566 Quad-core 64-bit Cortex-A55 1.8GHz CPU
- 2GB DDR4 RAM
- Android 32GB/Linux 16GB (expandable)
- 3.5" IPS 640 x 480 Touchscreen Display
- 3500mAh Battery
- Android 11/Linux
The Abernic RG353P features dual boot functionality for Linux and Android 11, allowing you to play Android games as well as classics from the N64, PS1, and PSP.
Retroid Pocket 3+
The Retroid Pocket 3+ boasts a sleek, simple design that we absolutely adore. While the Retroid Pocket 2S is also impressive, the Retroid Pocket 3+ offers upgraded features at a slightly higher price. Its size strikes a perfect balance—not too small, not too big—making it comfortable to hold and easy to carry.
- Quad-core Unisoc Tiger T618 CPU
- 4GB DDR4 DRAM
- 128GB Storage
- 4.7" Touchscreen Display 16:9 750 x 1334 60FPS
- 4500mAh Battery
It handles Android games exceptionally well and is perfect for playing 8-bit retro games. Fans of the Gameboy and PS1 will love how smoothly it runs their favorites. N64 games also run well, though you might need to tweak some settings. It can handle most Dreamcast titles and a good number of PSP games, so be sure to check compatibility before diving in.
Logitech G Cloud
We're big fans of the Logitech G Cloud's design. Its sleek model with comfortable ergonomic hand grips makes gaming a joy. Despite its slim profile, it's one of the most powerful Android handhelds. While it doesn't sport the retro look of its competitors, its modern aesthetics are undeniably appealing. Here are the specs:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G Octa-core CPU up to 2.3GHz
- 64GB Storage
- 7" 1920 x 1080p 16:9 IPS LCD Display 60Hz
- Rechargeable Li-Polymer Battery, 23.1 watt-hour
The Logitech G Cloud excels at running Android games and can even handle Diablo Immortal with its Snapdragon 720 processor. Thanks to its reliance on cloud gaming, it's incredibly convenient for quick gaming sessions. The screen's high-quality visuals enhance your gaming experience even further.
You can purchase the Logitech G Cloud from the official website!
Looking for games to play on these fantastic Android gaming handhelds? Check out our list of the best new Android games this week, or dive into the world of emulation. The choice is yours!
