Best Handheld Gaming Consoles of 2018

Handheld gaming consoles are quickly becoming prevalent on the scene, whether you are a child receiving your first gaming device or hold a sentimentality for how the new era of gaming is developing. These devices are a popular video game option for gamers who like to play video games on the go. These game consoles are versatile and continue to upgrade each year as game devices become more advanced. Portable games continue to be the most necessary convenience for gamers worldwide. The clamshell design has been popular over the years for handheld game systems, because players can play games in a compact way and keep their game devices safe. However, new handheld consoles are taking things to the next level with even more sleek design features. Here are some of the best handheld gaming consoles on the market today and the unique features they offer so that you can get out of your gaming chair and play around the world.

Handheld gaming consoles such as the Nintendo Switch are taking over in 2018 because of its advanced design that allows it to be used as a portable gaming system, as well as with a TV game console or a computer. It has a long battery life for up to 6.5 hours of gaming time, along with Wi-Fi compatibility to connect with up to seven other game consoles for multi-player gaming; good news for players anticipating the numerous, fantastic Nintendo Switch games coming out in 2018. The Switch is by far one of the most popular handheld gaming consoles in 2018, and right now, it’s almost impossible to find it in stores.

The Nintendo New 3DS XL is Nintendo’s second most popular handheld gaming console out right now after the Switch, and rightfully so. Its clamshell design with large dual screens for heightened video game play make this game device one of the best on the market. This game console has all the features needed with Wi-Fi, music, internet browsing, online shopping, and more. It has downloadable memory and a long battery life. Of course, this game device can also play 3D portable games, which makes it unique to the other systems circulating the market right now.

The New Nintendo 2DS XL is still one of the best portable game devices because its clamshell design features two large screens to play games. Even though it doesn’t have 3D, it still is compatible with 3DS games as well as Nintendo DS games. This video game system is perfect for on the go gaming, and the lower price of only $150 makes it a great choice for kids who want an upgrade from previous Nintendo systems.

The Sony Playstation Vita is a fantastic handheld gaming system because it can be used as a streaming device for the Playstation 3 or 4, and allows you to keep playing your games even when you’re away from your TV. This handheld gaming console is Wi-Fi compatible and has a long battery life as well. The PS Vita uses a memory card to store portable games, and games can be downloaded into its memory from larger game devices.

If all you want to play is Super Mario, then skip over the Nvidia Shield. This handheld gaming device is a unique addition to the line of gaming consoles out there, but this one is for serious video gamers who want to add to their collection. The Nvidia Shield has a excellent battery life and it is very powerful; however, it is heavy and hard to carry around. For this device, you must own a computer to connect it to back at home. While this device is more like a tablet, it can be used to watch Netflix, surf the Internet, and play high-end PC games away from home. If you know what you’re getting into with this one, it’s a great option.

Though the PSP 3000 is the Playstation Vita's older brother, this portable gaming device is still a solid option that can be bought used on Amazon for users who want something cheaper. The PSP 3000 has built-in Skype capability, Wi-Fi capability, a memory card slot, and a significant battery life. There are still a wide variety of portable games available for this handheld gaming console, so don’t count this one out if you’re on a budget!

While Nintendo has many handheld gaming consoles out on the market, they have continued to sell their simplest gaming device, the Nintendo 2DS. This gaming device has evolved from any early-generation model, easily handled by children who don’t need all the extra features that the XL versions include. The Nintendo 2DS is one solid piece, as opposed to a clamshell design, which makes it harder to break for younger players. It still plays portable games and uses a memory card functionality like the other Nintendo gaming devices, and it is a cheaper option then newer generation handheld gaming consoles out there.

Because of how fast the handheld gaming console world is changing, many old devices continue to die out as new ones are added into the market. The DS by Nintendo had to be sifted out as the 2DS, the 2DS XL, the 3DS XL, and the Switch came onto the scene. There were just too many better options to keep the older versions around. But that doesn't mean this option isn't one to be contended with, if you can manage to get your hands on it.

Even more outdated than the Nintendo DS is the Gameboy Advance and its predecessors. The Gameboy spoke to a whole different generation of users, and I think the Gameboy Advance will always have a special place in the hearts of many millennials to this day. Many people still have their Gameboy Advances tucked away as vintage relics from their childhoods. Maybe some of them even still work! But of course, the Gameboy Advance had to die out as times and technology have changed. We had to let go of the greatness that started it all, but we will never forget you, Gameboy!

While we don’t know what handheld gaming consoles will come on the scene next, it’s exciting to see how advanced each new portable device is. It goes to show that with each new year, these devices will continue to get more compact, have more features, and become more innovative. The technology and gaming world are on the rise, and the best is yet to come.