10 Best Handheld Games Reviewed & Rated in 2024

Entertainment Value

This console premiered at a great time since the PlayStation 5 isn't set to come out anytime soon and the hype from the Xbox One was just dying down. Nintendo seemingly made a comeback with their gaming system that could be used as a portable, handheld device and also as a stationary game console. After years of perfecting the GameBoy, which is what they've been known for over the last decade, they were finally able to create a system that was high-quality, top of the line, and able to keep up with its competitors.

What makes the Switch so great are the methods of gameplay this console provides; your child has the option of splitting the controller in half and playing single-player games with one separate controller for each hand or engaging in multiplayer gameplay, a stationary option in which the console itself remains unmoved in its dock, or portable gameplay. What we're really interested in, however, is the third option -- This console allows the main dock to be left stationary while the actual motherboard can be pulled out, connected to the controller, and used as a handheld game. The concept behind this system is nothing short of genius with its unanimously excellent reception. With access to popular games such as Breath of the Wild and the recent Square Enix ports, your child will have a blast showing this thing off to his or her friends.

Value

This console is all-encompassing as far as gameplay goes. You can easily switch back and forth between portable and console play without missing a beat. The ability to transition back and forth allows for freedom and versatility.

Design

The quality of the graphics never seems to lack even though you're switching between two game modes. Nintendo has always been slightly behind with their consoles and quality, which is why the Switch is bringing their reputation up and gaining the attention of game developers.

Entertainment Value

You'd think that Nintendo was reigning supreme when it comes to consoles and that's not completely inaccurate. The 3DS is what essentially replaced the GameBoy and features a dual-screen feature that's helpful when opening multiple menus, exchanging in-game dialogue, etc. The New 3DS has been upgraded to look sleeker and feature much more high-quality images and gameplay.

The processing power has also been increased for much smoother gaming quality that's noticeable when compared to earlier models. Facial tracking has been added as well as a C-stick which is helpful for more exact game mechanics. All the previous games created for the 3DS are also backward compatible with this system so you won't have to worry about purchasing an entirely new game library for your child. It's a great option for gaming on the go when trips can be boring or monotonous.

Value

While previous models produced complaints as far as gameplay and system glitches go, the New 3DS is living up to its name. It's the most modern system you can get right now as far as portable games go and it has an overwhelming number of games to choose from.

Design

This game system is super slim, allowing it to easily slide into a backpack or carrier bag with no problems whatsoever. It doesn't take long to start up or shut down and its increased processing power adds a smoothness that other handheld games often lack.

Entertainment Value

Perhaps your child is a fan of PlayStation game and desires something that he or she can just take on the go with them. The Vita was the answer to that and gamers everywhere often opt for this on road trips over anything else. With the same high quality that goes into producing the PlayStation, Sony produced the Vita with the capacity to handle many of the same games that you'll find on the PlayStation Network. This is great news for those who might not be all about stationary, traditional console gameplay and thoroughly enjoy being able to bring their gameplay along with them. This edition of the Vita even allows kids to stream their PlayStation 4 games straight to their device when they're not at home, making it a very similar system to the Nintendo Switch. Recently, over 150 games from the PlayStation 3 have also been added to the Vita library, allowing it to be somewhat backward compatible as well. That's not all this device does, though, if you can believe it -- It also functions as a full tablet, allowing your child to download apps and use the internet for social media purposes, music, watching shows and movies, etc.

Value

The fact that streaming is now a feature on this device is what sets it apart from any other portable gaming device out there. Kids can now go back and forth between their PlayStation 3 and 4 games and their Vita, allowing the utmost freedom and versatility when it comes to game systems.

Design

Where the Switch remains as just a gaming device, the PlayStation Vita goes so far beyond what you'd expect. It's essentially a tablet that allows for portable PlayStation gaming which is a great attribute to have for kids who are always on the move.

Entertainment Value

Nintendo offers a wide variety of games to choose from and the 2DS can support the whole bunch. Super Mario is a classic and a great starter for beginning gamers. This system is perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s just the right size for any age to be able to handle pretty easily and since you can sync up with other players, it’s not a bad way to help kids be more social!

Value

With Nintendo games spitting out new handheld gaming systems every few years, some of the old iterations are a little more price-friendly. The 2DS is still compatible with 3DS games so you won’t be hunting for outdated cartridges or anything like that, either. It’s not a cheap toy but for all of the entertainment it provides, we think it’s pretty reasonably priced and a nice alternative to some of the newer and thus more expensive systems.

Design

The blessing and the curse of the 2DS is that it doesn’t fold down. This makes it a little clunkier during travel and transportation but it also means there aren’t extra screw and weak structural points that might fall prey to excited, rough little hands. The graphics are great, there’s an option to control sound, and it’s still pretty easy to tote around with you!

Entertainment Value

This might be the sweet spot for games. It can operate most of the DS games, as well as 2DS and 3DS games. There’s a web browser option and you can buy games right off the Nintendo store and download them instead of going out to look for cartridges every time your child finishes a game and is in the market for a new adventure.

Value

This is a solid median as far as price goes. It’s more expensive than some of the simpler handheld games but it’s also more complex and versatile. It’s pretty modern as far as generations of technology go, but it’s not the 3DS so it’s still cheaper than the most current systems out there.

Design

The 3DS features zoom options as well as a C stick control for enhanced gameplay. The graphics are good, the screens are bright, and it folds up nice and easy. You can choose from 3 different color schemes: orange/white, black/turquoise, or purple/silver.

Entertainment Value

With the new Sonic the Hedgehog movie set to premiere within the next year or so, SEGA’s getting some renewed publicity. This system includes 85 total games, many of them classics, from Pacman to Sonic to Virtue Fighter.

Value

Given that this is a 2017 model, it’s a more price-friendly option. The technology is still up-to-date and the quality of the software is great. It’s a lightweight option that rarely glitches or bugs out in terms of loading and playing games. And with so many options, kids will stay entertained for hours.

Design

This portable gaming center can easily be carried in a purse or backpack. It’s small, light, and the graphics and screen quality are surprisingly high for something so inexpensive insofar as games go. Some customers complained about the speaker quality and a few got lemons but customer service replaced those units quickly.

Entertainment Value

The goal of the game is to keep your party as alive and healthy as possible as you make your way across the Oregon Trail in 1848. This game is a fun strategic challenge and requires logical thinking as well as some imagination and role-playing. Kids and adults alike will love the fun graphics and easy-to-understand structure.

Value

This game is on the low end in terms of price. It isn’t a console that allows you to play multiple games, but the one game it does offer is classic and pretty fun. Pop culture reveres The Oregon Trail for a reason, so show your family exactly what they’ve been missing out on!

Design

From the design of the console to the graphics, sound, and gameplay, we love that no one’s tried to update this game. Part of its charm is its nostalgia. Though it’s a little clunkier than some of its competition, we appreciate the aesthetic choice and it’s still a lightweight, easily portable unit.

Entertainment Value

We love that there’s an option to play Game Boy Game Paks on newer systems. That opens up tons of options when it comes to choosing games and even helps take down the price of some of those games pretty significantly since they’re technically for an older console. The stylus is a nice addition and we think the metallic pink cover is a neat, unique choice too.

Value

At around a quarter of the price of the 3DS XL, the Nintendo DS Lite might be the right system for you, especially if you have young children you’re introducing to games. We know they lose things, break things, get bored quickly, etc. Start with a smaller investment to see if they like it and then work your way up as they’re older and more capable of handling expensive toys!

Design

These pocket-sized gaming systems are roughly the size of some of the larger phones out there now. The DS Lite is easy to travel with. It’s slim, chic, and compact. Both LCD screens are bright and the lower one is even touchpad enabled.

Entertainment Value

In this new version of Simon, players level up by following a sequence of colors. It isn’t a continuous string of patterns like it used to be; you’ll first have to repeat three colors, then four, and so on, and the game restarts between each level so you aren’t just building onto the pattern you already know. You can press two or three colors at once, however, which is an interesting twist and provides a challenge for developing motor skills.

Value

This is easily one of the less expensive options as far as handheld games go. It’s simpler than its competition but it does provide both solo mode and multiplayer mode in which you pass the console between players and take turns.

Design

This is light, small, and great for car rides. It doesn’t have a silent option or volume control, so consider whether you’ll be using this in public frequently. But it’s an easy game structure that young kids will enjoy.

Entertainment Value

These are nostalgic for many of us but they’re cute, simple little accessories even for newcomers to the Tamagotchi world. Kids love pets and role-playing care-taking games. The Tamagotchi Mini allows them to do all that and slip the egg right back into their pocket when they’re ready to move on! This version has fewer games and activities than the one many of us are used to but it’s a cute throwback and great for kids ages eight and up.

Value

One of the more inexpensive options out there, this is a fun and cute toy. It isn’t super versatile, so maybe use it as a stocking stuffer or small gift. It’s adorable and will bring back lots of fun memories for the older crowd, though!

Design

Literally small enough to fit in the palm of your hand (with room to spare), this little game is a great accessory to put on a keychain or clip to a backpack! When you have downtime, ditch the phone and the social media scrolling and check in on your cute Tamagotchi egg instead.