Which portable console to buy in 2024 so as not to regret it. There are 5 options

Summer is approaching, which means it’s time for vacations, events and travel. Many people are probably thinking about how to entertain themselves or their loved ones on the road. A smartphone is quite suitable for such a task, but taking the battery out of the game and being left without communication at the most inopportune moment is a so-so option.

You can use it instead of a smartphone Portable gaming, only there are so many different ones on the market that it’s dizzying. I want one that is pleasant to hold in my hands, that there are no problems with games, that is not too expensive and that lasts a long time.

Today I want to answer the question in a free and unusual way: which portable gaming console to choose in 2024 to enjoy interesting games on the road, at home and anywhere.

1. Choose Nintendo

To begin with, I would like to share my personal preference – this is the DS line from Nintendo. I have already talked about them in detail in a separate article, so let’s summarize them briefly:

✔️ The 3DS console can be easily placed in any pocket without worrying about the screen or buttons.
✔️ Library of unit consolidation by account form factor
✔️ Retro potential on a huge console, pulls many old titles on PS1

If you’ve never played a Nintendo game, the 3DS might be your starting point. Especially if you immediately realize that these games are primarily about gameplay.

However, it is worth considering that there are many revisions of the 3DS, and choosing from them is quite expensive. At the same time, the 3DS is increasingly entering the low-price segment for connoisseurs.

It is useless to look for a new one; search on Avito at an average price of 11-15 thousand. Which one to choose – see my separate material.

Meet Nintendo DS Lite. The most popular and best-selling portable console in the world. Yes, it destroyed the PSP financially.

It’s very easy to find it in good condition for relatively little money on Avito, and everything for running games for free will already be included there. What can such an old thing do and why is it needed now?

✔️ Own library of games with famous mechanics.
✔️ Library of retro emulators, including protective Nintendo Game Boy emulations among portable computers.

For a low cost, you will get a lightweight, compact and very convenient device on which you can play Mario and Zelda, enjoy exciting Japanese projects, and also remember games from SEGA or Dandy.

Where can I buy: on Avito, but you can also try your luck on AliExpress. Reassembled consoles into a new case are periodically reviewed there. Prices are the same everywhere, from 10 to 17 thousand rubles. Relevant for both DS and 3DS.

2. Choose Sony

But what if you don’t want to be in these Mario or is this all Nintendo, but want to play on the road, for example, “God of War” or “Need for Speed”? Then you should pay attention to Sony. Yes, they lost the handheld race, but they have a lot to offer.

I’ll say in advance that no matter how unpleasant this may be, you should immediately benefit from purchasing a PSP of any revision. There are enough reasons for this. But the main thing is:

✔️ Open screen, see who is sick in 2024.
✔️ To this day, the console has not been preserved in the best way – finding a PSP in good condition at a reasonable price.

I have a PSP 3000 in my collection, but I’ve had it for a very long time. Although I have always treated gaming devices with care, when small scratches appeared on the glass of the case, it became uncomfortable to hold in my hands.

You could look for an unusual PSP Go, but it has its own characteristics: for example, problems with memory and control. There is also a budget PSP E-1000 with a matte body. However, is it worth considering?

Unfortunately, this model has an even worse screen, the body creaks and plays even out of the box, and there is only one speaker. Therefore, I do not recommend it for purchase.

And I have already mentioned this beauty on the site in a separate article. This is the Playstation Vita of the first revision.

At the moment, PS Vita can be considered one of the best gaming combines in principle. And let’s talk briefly again:

✔️ The console has its own, albeit small, but strong library of exclusive games, from the mainstream Uncharted to the niche Gravity Rush.
✔️ There is something to play both in indie and multi-platform, for example a full-fledged Mortal Kombat, Terraria and even several variations of FIFA.
✔️ Full backwards compatibility with PSP and PS1. In addition, some games have patches to improve graphics.
✔️ A large number of fan ports of classics. From the GTA trilogy to The World Ends With You. And work on porting games is still being carried out by enthusiasts.

As a result, we get an excellent device with comfortable ergonomics, a rotating display and a good selection of games.

Where can I buy: If you decide to purchase a PSP, there are two wires. First, find specialized sellers on Avito who assemble consoles in high-quality cases. They usually also replace the old screen with a more modern one.

The second option is to be patient and have a soldering iron. A kit for replacing the screen, case and the console itself for modification can be purchased on AliExpress. In both cases it will be quite expensive.

I recommend buying only the first revision of PS Vita. Among the people and in advertisements on Avito, it was saved as PS Vita Fat. Its main advantage is its magnificent OLED screen, on which everything looks amazing. For 9-12 thousand rubles you can find a fully assembled console in excellent condition.

3. Choosing a modern retro console

In recent years, many portable retro consoles with charging emulators have appeared on the market. These devices offer a wide variety of makes, models, and emulation platforms. Personally, I settled on the Anbernic RG 35 XX. Why him? It’s simple:

✔️Compact size and convenient frontal shape, the console can be carried in your pocket.
✔️ Excellent IPS screen with good viewing angles.
✔️ Full set of buttons and vibration.
✔️ Retro platform emulation for PS1 inclusive. Games pair well with modern software that enhances interaction.

I was once skeptical about office consoles because I had previous experience with them back when the PSP was a thing. However, now technology has improved, and this allows you to comfortably play old games on a good screen without having to waste your best time on complex settings.

I’m happy to take this thing with me wherever I go.

Where can I buy: either OZON and Yandex Market, or AliExpress. There are no nuances, just choose the model to your liking. Prices range from 4 to 10 thousand rubles.

There are options and they can even run games on PSP, PS2 and even GameCube, but there are too many subtleties when using them. For similar modeling, it is better to pay attention to the examples from the fourth section of this material.

4. Choose a powerful and productive console.

At the moment, the most accessible way to enjoy big games on a small screen is the Nintendo Switch, despite some subtleties. On this console you can run both many indie projects and full-fledged large games with other consoles and PCs.

Should you buy a Nintendo Switch in 2024? The answer to this question can be found here. But if you don’t want to read the “King” article, here are some key points:

✔️ Switch professes the same Nintendo philosophy as the company’s past consoles. An unusual gaming experience is at the forefront here.
✔️ This is an excellent solution from an ergonomic point of view. You can play both stationary and portable.
✔️ HD vibration surprises even in 2024.
✔️ Large library of exclusives and ports for every taste. Pirated firmware dilutes all this with excellent emulation even for PSP and GameCube.

Everyone knows that next year the Nintendo Switch will finally retire. Nintendo has already confirmed that the successor will be released before the end of April 2025. Despite the peculiarities of some graphics in multi-platform games, the console is still an option for traveling and spending time with children (I will talk about this separately).

However, our list of recommendations does not end there. There is one more contender.

His Majesty Steam Deck is a portable computer from Valve. Although it is often called a console, this is not entirely true.

We won’t be looking at other similar devices from Chinese manufacturers like the Aya Neo, as they truly look like real PCs, which takes them from handheld gaming consoles to portable gaming stations for the home.

Briefly about Steam Deck:

✔️ This is a full-fledged portable PC with custom hardware and additional “plug and play” software.
✔️ Huge library of games, including the newest projects.
✔️ Extreme potential for emulating various consoles for the Nintendo Switch infrastructure.
✔️ Ability to install full-fledged Windows.

As a result, we have the ideal solution for games for every taste: from classic PC games to modern projects. Of course, there are some disadvantages, such as not very long battery life and the rather large size of the device, but the advantages outweigh it.

Where can I buy: Both devices can be bought in Russian stores, but the prices may surprise you. If you are considering the Nintendo Switch, we recommend paying attention to the “own version”, which can be found on Avito, preferably in the OLED revision. You can also change the version without restrictions, which is presented on Yandex Market and OZON, where prices on average reach 30 thousand rubles.

With Dec the situation is a little more complicated. On Avito you can find inexpensive versions with an LCD screen at prices ranging from 30 to 40 thousand rubles. The updated OLED version will cost about twice as much. It is not recommended to even consider purchasing in regular stores, as the prices are inadequate. For the same OLED they are asking 104 thousand.

Choose this console so as not to be disappointed

Choosing a portable device is a very personal process that varies from person to person. Even now, debates continue on the Internet about which is better: 3DS or PS Vita, Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck, and why the PSP did not actually lose to the Nintendo DS, and all its holders are over-aged children.

But as an owner of portable consoles, I can say for sure that there is no one thing that could replace everything. Some have unique game mechanics, others have exclusive games, others are pleasant to hold in your hands, and so on.

So you choose your heart, this article describes the common distinguishing features of different consoles. In my opinion, it is better to buy all the devices mentioned above. I guarantee you won’t regret it.

I hope you enjoyed reading. Have a nice day.