Buzz
The PlayStation Portal handheld has been fully revealed, and let’s be honest: It’s far from the dream handheld device. Instead, it functions as a PS5 accessory, enabling game streaming from your console over a wifi connection. Essentially, it’s an upgraded version of PlayStation Remote Play, priced at $200.
It’s decent if your goal is to play Returnal outside your house. But what if you desire a genuine portable gaming device—one that operates independently of a console or even a wifi network?
Nintendo Switch Lite
Priced at $200, the Nintendo Switch Lite delivers a complete handheld gaming experience, capable of running Zelda, Mario, and countless other titles. Unlike devices reliant on constant internet access, it operates offline, and similar to the Portal, its controls are integrated with the screen. However, as the Lite version, it comes with compromises: a smaller 5.5-inch touchscreen compared to the 6.2-inch display on the standard Nintendo Switch ($300) or the 7-inch screen on the Switch OLED ($350). Additionally, it lacks TV connectivity, a feature available on the original Switch. Despite these limitations, it remains a highly enjoyable gaming device, especially given the extensive library of first- and third-party games accessible across all Switch models.
Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld
Why restrict yourself to just PS5 games when you can access a broader gaming library? The Logitech G Cloud is a 7-inch Android-powered device that supports Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and Google Play, offering access to a wide range of subscription-based games. It also supports media apps and boasts an impressive 12-hour battery life. While it’s priced at $300, the expanded gaming options and versatility make it a worthwhile investment.
Retroid Pocket 3+
The Retroid Pocket 3+ is an affordable Android gaming handheld, retailing at just $150 (though currently listed at $180). While it supports Android games, it excels at emulating classic titles. Featuring a 4.7-inch touchscreen, 4GB of RAM, and the Unisoc T618 chip, it handles emulation for systems up to Dreamcast and PSP with ease, providing access to a vast library of retro games for on-the-go play.
AYN Odin Pro
For those willing to invest a bit more for top-tier emulation, the AYN Odin Pro is a standout choice. Normally priced at $324, it’s currently available for around $260. This Android-based handheld excels at emulating classics from GameCube, PS2, and Wii. Powered by a Snapdragon 845 processor, 8GB of RAM, and an Adreno 635 GPU, it outperforms the Pocket 3+ mentioned earlier. It features a larger 6-inch 1080p screen and a more ergonomic design, making it ideal for extended gaming sessions.
Backbone One
Your smartphone packs more power than many dedicated gaming devices, so why not turn it into a gaming console? The Backbone One offers a premium control setup for iPhones and Android devices. Priced at just $99, it even includes a PlayStation edition, allowing you to enjoy PlayStation games via cloud gaming at half the cost of the PlayStation Portal.
Steam Deck
Let’s be honest: The Steam Deck isn’t a budget-friendly handheld, but its overall value makes it worth the investment. Starting at $399 for the 64GB model (typically $450 on Amazon), it’s cheaper than a PS5. It also provides access to a vast library of games from the Steam store. Powered by a custom Zen 2 APU developed with AMD, it allows you to play AAA titles on the go without needing a PC or PS5. Additionally, it includes an NVMe slot, enabling you to upgrade the SSD to 512GB or 1TB if desired.
The main drawback is its size. While the 7-inch IPS LCD screen is impressive, the console itself is bulky, weighing 1.5 pounds, measuring two inches thick, and nearly a foot long. Battery life varies widely, lasting between two to eight hours depending on the game. Extended gaming sessions can be tiring. However, the joysticks are excellent, and the dual touchpads make PC-style games easy to navigate.
ASUS ROG Ally
While the Steam Deck is impressive, it operates on SteamOS, a Linux-based system. A Windows-powered handheld, like the ASUS ROG Ally, brings the full PC gaming experience to your fingertips—albeit at a steep $700 price tag. Still, this matches the combined cost of a PS5 and Portal, making it a top-tier alternative.
For $700, you get Windows 11 Home, an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU with RDNA3 graphics, 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and a 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD. This setup can handle any AAA game on its 7-inch Full-HD touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate. The ROG Ally is slimmer and lighter than the Steam Deck. Plus, as a Windows device, it supports games from any launcher or service, not just Steam.
It’s the nearest equivalent to a fully portable gaming PC, and we absolutely adore it for that reason.
Explore all our top alternatives to the PlayStation Portable:
Nintendo Switch Lite
Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld
Retroid Pocket 3+
AYN Odin Pro
Backbone One (iPhone)
Backbone One (Android)
Steam Deck
