Phones are great and all, but sometimes you want some actual buttons. We created this guide to showcase our personal choices for the best Android gaming handhelds. We go over the important stuff, such as specs, what the console does, and what it can run. Some are designed with retro gaming in mind, some are from big names, there are small and big specs available, so take a peek and see if any catch your eye.
Best Android Gaming Handhelds
Let’s crack on with our list!
Odin 2 PRO
What’s not to love about the AYN Odin? Well the Odin 2 brings even fancier specs to the table with its PRO version, which will plough through pretty much any Android game going, and take on emulation as well.
- Qualcomm Kyro 64bit
- Adreno 740
- 12GB RAM
- 256GB Storage
- 1920 x 1080 6” LCD Touchscreen Display
- 8000mAh Battery
- Android 13
- WiFi7
The AYN Odin 2 Pro can also emulate GameCube and PS2 titles, as well as a wide range of 128-bit games.
The only downside we can see is unlike its predecessor, the Odin, the Odin 2 isn’t able to run Windows, or certainly not as easily as before. The original Odin is still available though, so if Windows is a priority, then fill your boots.
GPD XP Plus
This one’s a special one. The GPD XP has swappable peripherals for the right-hand side, making it easier than ever to customise your emulation experience. That sounds great, but what are the 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
The GPD XP is brilliant for those of you who want to play a wide variety of games, from Android to the PS2, and even the Nintendo GameCube. It’s important to note that this console is on the pricier side, but with the addition of peripheral customisation, we can’t really argue with it. It’s a powerful device, with amazing capabilities.
ABERNIC RG353P
Abernic RG353P is a sturdy, retro-style handheld console – perfect for those who love retro gaming. It’s even got a mini-HDMI port! The weight of the console makes it feel like a premium piece of technology. With 2 SD card slots and a headphone jack, you can enjoy portable gaming to the fullest. The resemblance to the SNES is fantastic, but what are the specs?
- RK3566 Quad-core 1.8ghz CPU
- 2GB RAM
- Android 32GB/Linux 16GB (expandable)
- 3.5” IPS 640 x 480 Touchscreen Display
- 3500MAH Battery
- Android 11/Linux
The Abernic RG353P also has a dual boot for Linux and Android 11 – perfect! Not only can it handle Android games brilliantly, but you can also enjoy classics from the N64, PS1, and PSP.
Retroid Pocket 3+
The Retroid Pocket 3+ has a beautiful sleek design that oozes simplicity – we love it. While we could easily put the Retroid Pocket 2S on our list, the Retroid Pocket 3+ is undoubtedly a more upgraded version, but at a slightly higher price. The size of the handheld console is perfect. It’s not too small, and it’s not too big. It’s comfortable to hold in your hands, and it’ll fit in your bag for on-the-go gaming.
Let’s go over the specs:
- Quad-core Unisoc Tiger T618 CPU
- 4GB DRAM
- 128GB Storage
- 4.7” Touchscreen Display 16:9 750 x 1334 60FPS
- 4500mAh Battery
It can handle Android games amazingly, as well as your favourite 8-bit retro games. For fans of the Gameboy console and the PS1, you’ll be happy to know that this handy little device runs them perfectly! N64 games also run very well on the Retroid Pocket 3, but you’ll have to play about with the settings a bit.
It can also handle most Dreamcast titles and a good majority of PSP games, though make sure to check before you get your heart set on anything.
Logitech G Cloud
We’re big fans of the Logitech G Cloud’s design. The sleek model with comfortable ergonomic hand grips makes gaming an absolute pleasure. Despite the slim size, it’s still one of the most powerful Android handhelds. While the overall design isn’t as retro as its competitors, the more modern look is incredibly pretty. It may look great, but what are the specs?
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G Octa-core CPU up to 2.3GHz
- 64GB Storage
- 7” 1920 x 1080p 16:9 IPS LCD Display 60Hzz
- Rechargeable Li-Polymer Battery, 23.1 watt-h
It runs Android games amazingly well, and it can even handle Diablo Immortal with the Snapdragon 720 processor – brilliant! With the device relying on cloud gaming, it’s easier than ever to hop in and out of games during your free time. The screen is also gorgeous, allowing you to enjoy your favourite Android games with high-quality visuals.
You can buy the Logitech G Cloud on the official website!
Want something to play on the best Android gaming handhelds? Well look no further than our best new Android games this week. …or emulate. You can do that too.
