Although it may seem counterintuitive, many gamers prefer a portable console that can primarily be used at home, and the Steam Deck has helped to prove this. This chunky handheld gaming console, released in February 2022, has quickly become popular among those who want to step away from their desks without leaving their Steam libraries behind. Equipped with dual analog sticks, trackpads, face buttons, bumpers, triggers, and four rear clickers, as well as a 7-inch LCD touchscreen, the Steam Deck is big and uniquely attractive, and is capable of running most PC games without issue.
Starting at $400 and capping out at $650, the Steam Deck is relatively affordable when compared to other PC portables. Although it may be a bit too large and power-consuming for convenient travel, it’s the perfect choice for cozying up on the couch, provided you have a comfortable pillow and nearby power outlet.
Number 5. Retroid Pocket 3
The Retroid Pocket 3 is a user-friendly and efficient emulation device that can support games from the sixth generation and older, including up to GameCube and PlayStation 2 titles. According to reports, it can even run select PSP games, but that might be pushing its capabilities too far. With the Retroid Pocket 3, beloved classics like Super Mario RPG, Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy IX, and many others can be enjoyed by modern audiences, and they’ve never looked better.
Furthermore, the Retroid Pocket 3 is an Android-based portable console, which makes it an excellent hub for cloud gaming through services such as Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Despite being smaller than the Nintendo Switch Lite and having a 4.7-inch LCD touchscreen that’s bigger than the classic Game Boy screen, the device is surprisingly compact. And perhaps most impressive of all is the Retroid Pocket 3’s price tag: just $150.
