Buying for yourself or someone else? Four easy steps and we’ll match you with the right handheld. No jargon. Compare your top picks side by side, then buy or refine your selection.
1 Games2 How3 Style4 Budget5 Your matchesI want to play up to… Pick your most demanding system, everything below is covered.
Arcade & 8/16-bit NES, SNES, Mega Drive, Game Boy, GBA PlayStation 1 The PS1 classics N64 & Dreamcast Early 3D favourites Nintendo DS Two-screen games PSP PlayStation Portable PS2 & GameCube Needs the most power Android & streaming Play Store games, cloud and PC streaming
Pick at least one to continue.
Analogue sticks Want dual-stick control for 3D games?
Yes, two sticks Not fussed
Next
How will you play? Pick any that fit. Skip if you are not sure.
Out and about Light, fits a pocket or bag On the couch Long, comfy sessions On the TV too HDMI, USB-C or wireless casting For a child Simple to pick up and play
Hand size Small Average Big
Next
Which style suits you? Pick the shapes you like. Skip if any will do.
Vertical Game Boy style Horizontal PSP style, wide grip Clamshell Flips shut, GBA SP style Dual screen DS style
Screen Compact Small and light Big and immersive The most screen for the money No preference
Controls layout D-pad on top Nintendo and PlayStation style Stick on top Xbox style No preference
Next
The Handheld finder needs JavaScript. You can browse every handheld in the shop instead.
