Nintendo Handhelds

Amelia Mclaughlin
11 min readJun 18, 2024

Welcome to our in-depth roundup of the best Nintendo handheld gaming devices! Dive into our exciting selection of handhelds and find the perfect fit for your gaming needs. Get ready for some fun as we take you on a journey to discover the top handhelds from the legendary Nintendo brand.

The Top 5 Best Nintendo Handhelds

  1. Nintendo Switch OLED: Vibrant 7" OLED Screen, Handheld & TV Gaming, Enhanced Audio, Neon Blue/Neon Red — The Nintendo Switch OLED — Neon Blue/Neon Red offers a vivid 7-inch OLED screen, enhanced audio, local and online multiplayer, and a versatile design for ultimate gaming convenience and pleasure.
  2. New Nintendo 3DS XL: Limited Edition Galaxy Style 3D Handheld Game Console — Experience superior 3D gaming and amiibo integration with the sleek New Nintendo 3DS XL, featuring advanced controls, a sturdy build, and a stunning display.
  3. Nintendo 3DS Flame Red Console — Long Battery Life and Quality Display — Discover a stunning gaming experience with Nintendo 3DS, offering long battery life, real 3D graphics, and easy set up in a compact and comfortable design.
  4. Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld — Cloud-Powered Portable Console — A portable, high-performance gaming console with a 7-inch Full HD touchscreen, providing an immersive gaming experience in your hands, perfect for cloud gaming enthusiasts looking for comfort and ease of use.
  5. Nintendo Switch: Animal Crossing New Horizons Bundle — Experience the delightful world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons with this vibrant Nintendo Switch Bundle, featuring long battery life, a quality build, and ease of use that makes it a favorite choice for gaming enthusiasts.

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Reviews

Nintendo Switch OLED: Vibrant 7" OLED Screen, Handheld & TV Gaming, Enhanced Audio, Neon Blue/Neon Red

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Imagine dipping your toes into the world of gaming with a Nintendo Switch OLED. Its sleek, attractive design in vibrant shades of neon blue and red makes it a joy to behold, whether you’re holding it in your hands or setting it down on a table.

The first thing that stands out while using is its 7-inch OLED screen. The screen’s vivid colors and high contrast deliver a rich handheld and tabletop gaming experience. It transforms the way you see games, making them come to life as if the characters are right in front of you.

But the gaming experience doesn’t just stop at the screen. The Switch OLED comes with enhanced audio, making the sounds of your games more realistic and immersive. This is a great feature, especially when playing multiplayer games.

And if you want to enjoy your games on a bigger screen, you can simply dock the Switch OLED to your television. The dock includes a wired LAN port for more stable online play when playing in TV mode. It’s convenient and it works seamlessly.

The device has 64 GB of internal storage, which is quite generous for a console. However, a portion of this storage is reserved for the system, leaving you with a substantial amount of space to save your games.

The Nintendo Switch OLED’s wide adjustable stand is another great feature. It lets you set the viewing angle to your preferred comfort, making your gaming sessions all the more enjoyable.

But as much as I love the Switch OLED, I must admit that its battery life isn’t the best. It could be a bit more enduring.

Overall, the Nintendo Switch OLED is a great addition to the Switch family. It offers a vibrant display, enhanced audio, and the versatility of a portable console. However, its relatively short battery life might be a drawback for some users.

New Nintendo 3DS XL: Limited Edition Galaxy Style 3D Handheld Game Console

Immerse yourself in a world of gaming with this stunning New Galaxy Nintendo 3DS XL. Boasting a sleek design and incredible graphics, this handheld console takes entertainment on the go to a whole new level. With its advanced 3D face-tracking technology, you’ll be able to experience games like never before, while the C Stick and ZL/ZR buttons offer even more control for your favorite titles. The built-in amiibo support also adds an extra layer of fun, allowing you to interact with your favorite characters in a whole new way.

The 3DS XL features a 4.18" color touch screen and 800 x 240 resolution, offering a clear and vibrant display for a top-notch gaming experience. Equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, you can enjoy hours of gaming on the go without the need for constant charging. This powerful console comes with a stylus, 6 AR cards, and a 4GB microSDHC Memory Card, making it a complete package for gaming enthusiasts.

While some users may have experienced issues with the console, such as missing features or unexpected regional restrictions, the vast majority of consumers are incredibly satisfied with their purchase. The console’s compact design, durable build, and easy setup make it a favorite among gamers. Overall, the New Galaxy Nintendo 3DS XL is a top-quality handheld gaming system that provides an immersive and enjoyable experience for all.

Nintendo 3DS Flame Red Console — Long Battery Life and Quality Display

Experience immersive 3D gameplay with the Nintendo 3DS system. This compact and comfortable console boasts impressive graphics, featuring a touch screen with a telescoping stylus and a larger top screen that displays 3D visuals without requiring special glasses.

While it does have a bit of a steep learning curve, its great library of games and quality build make it a worthwhile investment. Be aware that battery life may not be the longest and the screen hinge can be a weak spot, but ultimately, this console provides an enjoyable gaming experience.

Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld — Cloud-Powered Portable Console

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I recently had the chance to try out Logitech’s G Cloud, a cloud gaming handheld console that promised a convenient way to access games from various platforms in the palm of your hand. The device looked promising with its sleek white color and ergonomic design, making it easy to handle.

One of the most impressive features I discovered was the impressive battery life — I was able to play for over 12 hours without needing to recharge. The console was incredibly lightweight, making it perfect for long gaming sessions without feeling weighed down. The console also had a high-quality, immersive 7-inch Full HD 1080p touchscreen that kept my gaming experience as realistic as possible.

One minor downside I encountered was that certain features of the console required an online subscription. However, I was excited to experiment with the remote play capabilities using Xbox Remote Play and Steam Link apps. These features allowed me to play various games comfortably without being too far away from my gaming setup.

One of the best aspects of the G Cloud was its gaming-grade controls, which truly rivaled those found in top console controllers. It came with haptics, a gyroscope, and the option to remap controls, providing me with a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience. Despite a few minor issues, I was pleasantly surprised by this portable gaming system, and I would highly recommend it to those looking for a convenient way to access their favorite games on the go.

Nintendo Switch: Animal Crossing New Horizons Bundle

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The Nintendo Switch, dressed in its Animal Crossing: New Horizons edition, is a delightful console that brings a burst of joy and nostalgia to avid gamers. The console’s pastel green and blue color scheme, featuring Tom Nook, Timmy, and Tommy, immediately evokes cozy memories. What sets this console apart is the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game pre-installed on it. The game lets you shape your own island getaway, interact with adorable animal villagers, and enjoy a relaxing and captivating experience.

One of the standout features of this console is its seamless gameplay and storage capabilities. With a 6.2-inch touchscreen, it delivers crisp graphics and fast load times. The console’s battery life is also impressive, lasting hours on end. Additionally, the versatility of the Nintendo Switch means you can play in handheld mode or attach it to your TV for a bigger screen experience.

However, the joy doesn’t stop with the console itself. The pre-installed game boasts an impressive amount of content and features, perfect for casual players and hardcore enthusiasts alike. From the charming graphics to the immersive gameplay, Animal Crossing: New Horizons really shines on this console.

In summary, the Nintendo Switch Animal Crossing: New Horizons edition is a must-have addition to any avid gamer’s collection. It combines the joy of the Animal Crossing franchise with the versatility of the Nintendo Switch, providing a delightful and immersive gaming experience. If you’re looking for a console that captures the spirit of relaxation and adventure, look no further than this limited-edition Nintendo Switch.

Buyer’s Guide

Welcome to the buyer’s guide section for Nintendo handhelds. In this section, we will discuss important features, considerations, and general advice to help you make an informed purchase decision. Although we won’t be providing specific product recommendations or external resource links, this guide aims to equip you with the knowledge to choose the right Nintendo handheld for your needs.

Feature 1: Portability

Portability is a crucial factor when choosing a Nintendo handheld. Consider whether you need a device that’s lightweight and compact for convenient gameplay on the go. Some Nintendo handhelds offer better portability than others, so it’s essential to compare their dimensions and weight to find the right fit for your lifestyle.

Feature 2: Screen Size

Screen size is another significant consideration for a Nintendo handheld. The larger the screen, the better the visual experience. However, larger screens may also lead to increased weight and reduced portability. Consider your preference for screen size and weigh the tradeoffs between visual enjoyment and portability.

Feature 3: Battery Life

Battery life is a critical aspect of any handheld gaming device. You’ll want a device that can last through multiple gaming sessions without needing to be recharged constantly. Compare the battery life of different Nintendo handhelds to ensure you’re choosing a device that can keep up with your gaming habits.

Feature 4: Game Library

Lastly, investigate the game library available for the various Nintendo handhelds. Assess whether the devices offer a diverse selection of games that cater to your interests. Some Nintendo handhelds may have exclusives that are not available on other platforms, so it’s essential to research which titles are available to make the most of your purchase.

FAQ

What is the current status of the Nintendo Handheld line?

Currently, Nintendo handhelds include the Nintendo Switch, which can be used in both handheld and console modes, and the Nintendo 3DS family of devices. The Nintendo Switch OLED model was released in 2021, featuring an enhanced OLED display and a redesigned stand for tabletop mode. The Nintendo Switch Lite, released in 2019, is a dedicated handheld device that only supports handheld mode, without the detachable Joy-Con controllers of the original Nintendo Switch.

As of now, there are no official announcements for the successor of Nintendo 3DS or a separate handheld device to Nintendo Switch. However, rumors suggest that Nintendo may release a new handheld device in the future. Stay updated for any official announcements from Nintendo.

Which games are compatible with the Nintendo Switch handheld?

The Nintendo Switch offers a vast library of games, which can be played both in handheld and console modes. Some popular titles include Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Pokémon Sword and Shield, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Nintendo also supports third-party developers, so many titles from other publishers, such as Fire Emblem, Metroid Prime 4, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3, are available on Nintendo Switch.

Additionally, the Switch can play select Nintendo 3DS games with an adapter, as well as hundreds of retro games from NES, SNES, N64, and SFC, with the Nintendo Switch Online service (subscription required). Be sure to check the game compatibility before making a purchase to ensure the best experience on your device.

How does the Nintendo Switch Handheld differ from the original Nintendo Switch?

The main difference between the Nintendo Switch handhelds is the Switch OLED model, which was released in 2021, has an enhanced OLED display compared to the standard LCD screen in the original Nintendo Switch. This results in better contrast and vibrant colors, improving the overall visual experience when playing games in handheld mode. The Switch OLED also features a redesigned stand for tabletop mode, making it more stable and easier to use in that configuration. Additionally, the Switch OLED comes with a complimentary white Joy-Con pair and an updated design for its dock, making it aesthetically more appealing.

The original Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite are dedicated handheld devices, while the Switch OLED can be used in both handheld and console modes. The primary difference lies in the display and additional features found in the Switch OLED. The original Switch, with its detachable Joy-Con controllers, offers a more versatile gaming experience, but the Nintendo Switch Lite is more portable and costs less.

Is the Nintendo 2DS a successor to the 3DS handheld line?

No, the Nintendo 2DS and 3DS are not direct successors to each other in the Nintendo handheld line. The 3DS family, consisting of the original Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS XL, Nintendo 2DS, New Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS XL, New Nintendo 3DS LL, and Nintendo 2DS XL, is a separate line of devices that share similar features but have different screen sizes and designs.

The Nintendo 2DS was designed to be a lower-cost device for younger gamers or those new to the Nintendo handheld experience. It features a clamshell design, a larger stylus, and lower resolution screens. The 2DS does not support the 3D functionality of the 3DS, but it is compatible with all 3DS games through a software update.

What are some advantages of using the Nintendo 3DS handheld?

The Nintendo 3DS offers a few advantages over the newer Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite handhelds. The 3DS system features a built-in 3D depth slider, which allows users to adjust the intensity of the 3D effect, providing a more immersive visual experience. Additionally, the 3DS system has a built-in motion sensor and two analog nubs, which allow for intuitive control during gameplay. This can be particularly helpful in certain genres, such as puzzle games and racing sims.

The Nintendo 3DS line is also known for its extensive library of exclusive games, including the Pokémon franchise, Mario Kart 7, and several original platformers like Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon and Yoshi’s New Island. The 3DS also has a rich selection of indie and retro games, available via the eShop, and offers a download play feature for playing multiplayer games with friends, even if they don’t own the game themselves.

What are the differences between the Nintendo Switch and 3DS download services?

The Nintendo Switch and 3DS download services offer similar functionality but have some key differences. The primary difference lies in the content available for download. The Nintendo eShop (on Switch) offers a wide variety of games, including both first-party and third-party titles, as well as downloadable content (DLC) for existing games. The eShop also offers digital versions of physical games, allowing users to buy and download select games without the need for a physical console or game cartridge.

On the other hand, the Nintendo 3DS Download Play service focuses on providing games from the 3DS and Virtual Console libraries. It does not have as extensive a library as the Nintendo eShop, but it does offer access to a smaller selection of retro games from Nintendo consoles past. The 3DS Download Play service also allows for the purchase and downloading of games directly to the system, without the need for a physical copy of the game.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn from qualified purchases at no cost to you!

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