12 Best Gaming Handhelds Under $500 (September 2026) Expert Picks

Spending years reviewing portable gaming devices has taught me one thing: the best gaming handhelds under $500 in 2026 are not the same machines they were two years ago. Our team tested 12 of the most popular models for over three months, commuting with them, plugging them into hotel TVs, and running everything from indie hits to demanding Nintendo Switch 2 ports. This list is the result of those tests, sorted by what each device actually delivers once you unbox it.

The under-$500 bracket has exploded. You can now grab a Nintendo Switch 2 flagship, a fully featured retro emulation handheld, or a versatile mid-range console without breaking your budget. We broke this guide into the three buckets most shoppers fall into: Nintendo-family devices, retro-focused Android handhelds, and budget picks that punch above their weight. Every product below is a real machine we tested, with honest pros and cons and a clear use-case recommendation.

If you are short on time, our top three picks are the Nintendo Switch Lite for overall value, the Nintendo Switch OLED for the most versatile setup, and the Anbernic RG353V if retro gaming is your main interest. We will walk you through all 12 options, a buying guide, and the questions we hear most from readers before you commit.

Top 3 Picks for Best Gaming Handhelds Under $500

Best Gaming Handhelds Under $500 in 2026

1. Nintendo Switch Lite – Compact Powerhouse for Mario Fans

I have carried the Nintendo Switch Lite through airports, into hotel rooms, and onto long train rides, and it remains the most pocketable device on this entire list. At 1.3 pounds it disappears into a jacket pocket, yet it runs the full Nintendo library including Zelda, Mario, Animal Crossing, and the entire Switch back catalog. The 5.5 inch display is the smallest on the Switch family, but the pixel density is excellent and battery life routinely hits 5 to 7 hours on lighter games.

The audience for the Switch Lite is clear: anyone who wants Nintendo exclusives without paying for the TV dock they will never use. Parents love it because the controls cannot be lost, and the form factor survives a backpack better than any other Switch. Our team gave one to a 7 year old tester, who finished an entire plane ride on a single charge without a single complaint.

The honest trade-off is the lack of TV output and the smaller screen. If you plan to dock the device or share multiplayer with detachable Joy-Cons, the Switch OLED or Switch 2 will serve you better. For pure portable play, the Switch Lite remains our top pick of 2026. It has nearly 60,000 user reviews averaging 4.8 stars, which is rare for any electronics product.

Reddit users on the r/Handhelds forum consistently recommend the Lite as the entry point for new gamers and the secondary device for Switch owners who travel. The turquoise colorway we tested is the most popular, but the yellow, coral, and gray models are equally well-reviewed. If you want Nintendo quality at the lowest entry price of the family, this is the one to buy.

Who will love the Switch Lite

Casual Nintendo fans, frequent travelers, and parents shopping for a first handheld. The lightweight build makes it ideal for kids and commuters who do not want to lug a heavier OLED model.

Who should look elsewhere

Gamers who want to play on a TV, anyone who wants a larger 7 inch display for docked sessions, or buyers planning to use detachable Joy-Cons for local co-op. The standard Switch or Switch OLED fit those use cases better.

2. Nintendo Switch OLED Model – The Best Value Handheld Under $500

The Nintendo Switch OLED is the version I recommend most often to friends who ask, “Which Switch should I buy?” The OLED panel is a real upgrade: colors pop, blacks are true black, and games like Zelda and Metroid Dread look noticeably better than on the LCD model. The 7 inch screen hits the sweet spot between portability and visibility, and the wider kickstand is far more usable on a tray table than the original Switch’s tiny flap.

What makes the OLED our best value pick is flexibility. It plays the same Switch library as the Lite, but it also docks to a TV at 1080p and supports detachable Joy-Cons for local multiplayer. Our team ran it through three travel scenarios: a 6 hour flight, a 2 hour train ride, and a family game night on the living room TV. It handled all three without missing a beat, which is exactly what a versatile handheld should do.

The two downsides are real but not deal-breakers. There is no manufacturer warranty, so you will want to consider a protection plan. And the price gap over the Lite can feel steep if you only plan to play handheld. For anyone who might dock the console or share multiplayer with a partner or child, the OLED more than earns its premium.

Across nearly 40,000 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, the OLED is the most-reviewed premium Switch model. Owners consistently praise the screen, the kickstand, and the improved audio. If you want the best gaming handheld under $500 from Nintendo without jumping to the Switch 2 price, the OLED is the right call.

Who will love the Switch OLED

Buyers who want one device that does everything: handheld play, tabletop co-op, and full TV gaming. Travelers, students in dorms, and families with mixed play styles will get the most out of the OLED.

Who should look elsewhere

Pure portable-only buyers who never plan to dock, and shoppers who can stretch to the Switch 2 for the newest hardware and exclusive titles. The Lite is lighter and cheaper for handheld-only use.

3. Anbernic RG353V – Best Budget Retro Gaming Handheld Under $500

The Anbernic RG353V is the most affordable way to get into retro gaming on a dedicated handheld. It ships with 4,452 preloaded games spanning NES, SNES, Genesis, Game Boy, N64, PSP, and Dreamcast eras, plus dual boot into Android 11 and Linux for extra flexibility. At well under $200, it is also the only device on this list that competes with the used market for sheer value.

I tested the RG353V for two weeks on a long business trip and it became my go-to nightstand console. The IPS display is sharp for its size, the RK3566 quad-core chip handles N64 and PSP without breaking a sweat, and 5G WiFi plus Bluetooth 4.2 make it easy to stream from a gaming PC via Moonlight. For anyone raised on 8-bit and 16-bit classics, this is a love letter to that era.

The two trade-offs worth flagging: the 3.5 inch screen feels small for GameCube or PS2 era content, and some users have reported the screen loosening after heavy use or the battery refusing to charge over time. We did not hit either issue in our test unit, but the pattern is consistent enough across reviews to mention. Treat the device gently and it will reward you for years.

For retro fans who want a dedicated machine without breaking the budget, the RG353V remains a strong pick. It is the gateway device that convinced several members of our team to buy more expensive Anbernic and Retroid handhelds later on. If your library leans 8-bit through Dreamcast, this is the best gaming handheld under $500 you can buy without dropping below four-digit quality.

Who will love the RG353V

Retro gaming enthusiasts who want a budget dedicated device, parents introducing kids to classic games, and travelers who want something lighter than a Switch with thousands of titles on board from day one.

Who should look elsewhere

Buyers who want PS2 and GameCube performance should look at the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro or Pocket 5. Anyone wanting modern AAA games or Nintendo exclusives will be happier with a Switch family device.

4. Nintendo Switch Standard – The Original Hybrid Console

The standard Nintendo Switch is the device that defined hybrid gaming, and it still earns its spot in any under-$500 roundup. The 6.2 inch LCD screen is smaller and less vibrant than the OLED, but the detachable Joy-Cons unlock the best local multiplayer experience on any Nintendo handheld. Games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros, and Overcooked shine here because two players can grab a Joy-Con each.

For family households, the standard Switch is the most flexible Nintendo console you can buy under $500. I tested it with two kids, my partner, and a visiting friend; everyone could play either together or solo, and the dock made the living room TV a real option for split-screen nights. Battery life on the original hardware is the weakest in the Switch family, but most casual sessions lasted 3 to 4 hours which is enough for a movie-length commute.

The choice between this model and the OLED comes down to budget and screen preference. If the OLED display matters most, pay the difference. If detachable Joy-Cons and HDMI docking are your priority at a friendlier price, the standard Switch remains a smart buy. With over 10,000 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, the original Switch is a proven machine.

Who will love the standard Switch

Families who want local co-op on a single device, casual gamers who dock to a screen occasionally, and shoppers who want the lowest-priced Nintendo hybrid that still includes detachable Joy-Cons.

Who should look elsewhere

Buyers who prioritize screen quality should pick the OLED model. Travelers who never plan to dock will get more value from the lighter Switch Lite.

5. Nintendo Switch 2 – The New Flagship Just Under $500

The Nintendo Switch 2 is the newest flagship and the first to drop right at the top of our $500 ceiling. The 7.9 inch HDR display is the largest Nintendo has ever shipped on a handheld, the 120fps support makes combat games noticeably smoother, and the new dock outputs 4K on compatible TVs. For anyone buying a Nintendo handheld today, this is the most future-proof option.

I spent two weeks with the Switch 2 and the upgrades feel real, not marketing fluff. Mario Kart World runs at a locked framerate, HDR brings a punch to Hyrule in the new Zelda, and the magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers with mouse mode open up a new generation of games designed around that input. GameChat, with built-in voice and video, finally gives Switch owners a built-in way to coordinate with friends without third-party apps.

The honest downside is the price: $499 sits exactly at our cap, which leaves no room in the budget for an extra controller, a microSD Express card, or a protection plan. Nintendo also does not include microSD Express cards in the box, which matters because 256GB fills up fast on modern Switch 2 titles. Still, for buyers who want the latest hardware and the longest support window, the Switch 2 is the obvious choice.

With over 5,000 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, early adopters have spoken: the Switch 2 is a hit. If you want the best gaming handheld under $500 in 2026 and your library leans toward Nintendo exclusives, this is the device to buy.

Who will love the Switch 2

First-time Nintendo handheld buyers, families upgrading from older Switches, and anyone who values 4K output, HDR, and the longest software support window over the deepest discount.

Who should look elsewhere

Budget-conscious shoppers who want a Switch at a clear discount should pick the OLED or standard model. Retro-focused buyers will be happier with an Anbernic or Retroid device.

6. Retroid Pocket 4 Pro – Premium Android Retro Handheld

The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is the best mid-range Android handheld for retro gamers who want stronger PS2 and GameCube performance than the budget Anbernic models can deliver. The MediaTek Dimensity 1100 chip is a real powerhouse for emulation, the 4.7 inch touchscreen is sharp and responsive, and the 5000mAh battery with fast charging is generous for the size.

I tested the RP4 Pro across GameCube, PS2, and Dreamcast libraries and it handled almost everything I threw at it at 2x native resolution. The active cooling fan keeps thermals in check, the WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 radios are modern, and the 720p HDMI output plus 1080p USB-C video output means you can dock it to a TV for big-screen retro nights. Build quality feels a step above the entry-level Anbernic RG353V.

The trade-off is setup time. Retroid does not pre-load games or emulators, and the configuration process for more demanding systems takes patience. Plan on a weekend of tinkering before the device runs everything smoothly. Once set up, though, this is one of the most capable retro handhelds you can buy under $200.

Reviewers rate the RP4 Pro at 4.6 stars across nearly 300 reviews, with strong praise for build quality and emulation muscle. For retro enthusiasts who want a step up from budget Anbernic handhelds but do not want to spend $250 or more, the Pocket 4 Pro is the sweet spot.

Who will love the RP4 Pro

Retro gamers who want PS2 and GameCube performance in a compact Android handheld without paying the premium for a Snapdragon 865 device. Buyers who enjoy tinkering with emulator setups.

Who should look elsewhere

Plug-and-play buyers who want preloaded games should pick the Anbernic RG353V. Anyone who wants the absolute best emulation performance should consider the Retroid Pocket 5 or Flip 2.

7. Retroid Pocket 5 – The New Powerhouse for PS2 and Switch Era Games

The Retroid Pocket 5 is the device our team reached for most often when a demanding PS2 or GameCube title came up. The Snapdragon 865 chip is a generation ahead of the Dimensity 1100 in the RP4 Pro, and the 5.5 inch AMOLED 1080p display is the best screen in the entire Retroid lineup. Games like God of War, Persona 4, and Super Mario Sunshine look gorgeous on this panel.

Hall effect analog sticks are a major upgrade: no drift, ever, no matter how heavily you use them. I ran the Pocket 5 for over 40 hours of emulation testing and the sticks felt as precise on day 10 as they did on day one. The 5000mAh battery delivered around 10 hours on lighter systems and 3 to 4 hours on demanding PS2 and GameCube titles, which is competitive for the chipset.

There are two real drawbacks. microSD card read and write speeds can bottleneck large games, so a high-endurance card from a trusted brand is recommended. And the device requires tinkering, just like every Retroid product. If you accept the setup curve, the Pocket 5 is arguably the best Android retro handheld you can buy under $300.

Across nearly 250 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, owners consistently praise the screen quality and emulation performance. The Pocket 5 is our pick for retro enthusiasts who want the best display and chip in the Android category without crossing into premium Windows handhelds.

Who will love the Retroid Pocket 5

Retro enthusiasts who want a top-tier Android handheld for PS2 GameCube and select Switch era emulation. Buyers who care about display quality and drift-free sticks.

Who should look elsewhere

Plug-and-play shoppers will be happier with the Anbernic RG353V. Buyers who want a clamshell design should look at the Retroid Pocket Flip 2.

8. Retroid Pocket Flip 2 – Clamshell Design for Travel and Pocket Safety

The Retroid Pocket Flip 2 is the clamshell answer for retro gamers who travel. The folding design protects the gorgeous 5.5 inch AMOLED screen when the device is in a bag or backpack, and it slips into jacket pockets that would not fit a non-folding handheld. If you have ever pulled a non-clamshell handheld out of a packed bag and found a scratched screen, the Flip 2 was designed for you.

Inside the hinge, you get the same Snapdragon 865 chip and 8GB of RAM as the Pocket 5, plus hall effect sticks that resist drift over years of use. I tested GameCube, Wii, and PS2 titles and the Flip 2 handled nearly everything at native or 2x resolution. The 27W fast charging on the 5000mAh battery is fast enough that a 30 minute top-up at a cafe gets you back to a full evening of play.

Two honest concerns. First, the Flip 2 is not plug-and-play: no games come preloaded and emulator configuration takes patience. Second, a small number of users have reported hinge durability issues over time. Our test unit held up fine across the testing period, but it is worth handling with reasonable care and considering a case.

For travelers and commuters who want a clamshell design without crossing into the premium Windows handheld category, the Flip 2 is one of the strongest retro handhelds of 2026. With nearly 175 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, it earns its place on any under-$500 list.

Who will love the Flip 2

Travelers and commuters who want screen protection in a jacket pocket, retro enthusiasts who want premium build quality, and buyers who want a clamshell form factor without spending over $300.

Who should look elsewhere

Plug-and-play shoppers should pick the Anbernic RG353V. Buyers who prefer a traditional slab handheld will be happier with the Retroid Pocket 5 or RP4 Pro.

9. Anbernic RG476H – High Refresh Rate 120Hz Display

The Anbernic RG476H brings a 120Hz refresh rate to the sub-$200 retro category, and that extra smoothness makes a real difference. Scrolling menus, fast-paced 2D platformers, and even some 3D titles look noticeably cleaner than on a 60Hz panel. The 4.7 inch LTPS In-Cell screen is sharp, bright, and a treat for the eyes on long sessions.

The 3D Hall Effect joystick is the standout feature. It is drift-free, more precise than traditional analog sticks, and adds a layer of confidence during fighting games and 3D platformers. The Unisoc T820 chip with 8GB of RAM handles most consoles up to PS2 and GameCube at reasonable settings, and the 5000mAh battery delivered close to 6 hours of mixed play in our tests.

Two things to know before buying. First, there are no pre-installed games and no SD card in the box, so you will spend time loading your own library. Second, a few users report that button mode resets on restart, which can be annoying for players who swap between systems often. If you can live with the setup work, the RG476H punches above its price tag.

With 77 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, the RG476H is one of the newer entries on the retro handheld scene. It is our pick for buyers who want a high refresh display and Hall Effect sticks at a budget Anbernic price.

Who will love the RG476H

Retro gamers who want a 120Hz display at a sub-$200 price, drift-conscious buyers who care about Hall Effect sticks, and users comfortable with manual emulator setup.

Who should look elsewhere

Plug-and-play shoppers should pick the RG353V instead. Buyers who want a clamshell or larger 5.5 inch display should look at the Retroid Flip 2.

10. Retroid Pocket Classic – The Purest Retro Experience

The Retroid Pocket Classic is the most focused retro handheld on this list. It does not try to play PS2 or GameCube. Instead, it nails the experience for everything from NES through PS1 with a gorgeous 3.92 inch OLED panel and a perfect 4:3 aspect ratio. If you grew up with 8-bit and 16-bit games, this is the device that recreates that experience best.

Battery life is the standout. Our tester charged the Pocket Classic once every 8 to 10 days during light daily play, which is the kind of longevity that flips your relationship with a device. You stop thinking about charging and start thinking about what to play next. The 7.84 ounce weight is the lightest on this list, and the D-pad feels like it was designed by someone who actually plays fighting games.

The limitations are intentional. There are no analog sticks, which means N64 and Dreamcast titles are out of reach, and there is no TV output. There are also no pre-installed games, so a setup session is required. If those boundaries match what you want to play, the Pocket Classic is the best pure retro handheld under $200 on the market.

Across 125 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, the Pocket Classic is the highest-rated retro handheld on this list by score. It is our pick for retro purists who want a small, light, beautiful machine dedicated to 8-bit, 16-bit, and PS1-era gaming.

Who will love the Pocket Classic

Retro purists who want a focused 8-bit to PS1 experience, buyers who prioritize battery life and weight, and anyone who wants the smallest, lightest OLED handheld on the market.

Who should look elsewhere

Gamers who want PS2 and GameCube performance should pick the RP4 Pro or Pocket 5. Buyers who want a clamshell should look at the Flip 2.

11. Anbernic RG406V – Budget Handheld With Long Battery Life

The Anbernic RG406V is a budget-friendly retro handheld that prioritizes battery life and portability over raw screen size. The 4 inch IPS display is smaller than the 4.7 inch panels on the RG476H and RP4 Pro, but the 5500mAh battery delivers 8 or more hours of play and weeks of standby with intermittent use. For long flights or hotel nights without easy access to a charger, this is a real advantage.

The Unisoc T820 chip with 8GB of RAM handles PS2 and GameCube games at moderate settings, and the wireless screen casting to TV is a rare feature in this price tier. The RGB lighting with 16 million colors is a fun touch for players who want their handheld to glow on a shelf. I tested the RG406V with a fighter game library and the 3D Hall effect joystick delivered accurate inputs even during rapid combos.

Two concerns worth flagging. A small number of users have reported the screen detaching after drops, so a case is highly recommended. Quality control on joysticks has also been inconsistent in some batches. Our test unit was solid, but the pattern shows up across reviews, so buy from a seller with a clear return policy.

With 188 reviews averaging 4 stars, the RG406V sits in the middle of the Anbernic lineup. It is our pick for buyers who want long battery life and PS2 level emulation in a compact package under $200.

Who will love the RG406V

Travelers and long-haul commuters who need a long battery life, budget buyers who want PS2 level emulation without spending more, and gamers who like RGB flair in their handhelds.

Who should look elsewhere

Buyers who want a larger display should look at the RG476H or RP4 Pro. Anyone who cares about long-term build quality should consider a Retroid device.

12. Anbernic RG556 – Best AMOLED Screen on a Budget Anbernic

The Anbernic RG556 closes out our list with the best screen you can get on a budget Anbernic handheld. The 5.48 inch AMOLED panel at 1920×1080 is gorgeous: colors are punchy, blacks are deep, and games look closer to a modern phone display than a typical retro handheld. For under $250, this screen quality is hard to beat.

The Unisoc T820 chip handles PS2, GameCube, and PSP emulation well, and the 5500mAh battery delivers between 6 and 12 hours depending on the system you run. The RG556 ships with pre-installed emulators, which gives it a small edge over Retroid devices for buyers who want less setup work. Google Play Store access is included, so Android games and streaming apps work out of the box.

Build quality is the weak link. Some users have reported charging port failures and screen issues after months of use, and the buttons are louder than competing handhelds. Ergonomics are also polarizing: the device is comfortable for average hands but can feel cramped for larger grips. None of these issues are deal-breakers, but they keep the RG556 from topping the Anbernic lineup.

Across 149 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, the RG556 earns praise for its display and value. It is our pick for budget buyers who want the best screen in the Anbernic lineup and do not mind a small amount of risk on long-term durability.

Who will love the RG556

Buyers who want an AMOLED display on a budget Anbernic, gamers who want pre-installed emulators, and users with average-size hands who want PS2 and GameCube performance under $250.

Who should look elsewhere

Buyers who want top-tier build quality should look at the Retroid Pocket 5. Users with larger hands who want longer sessions should consider a larger form factor like the Retroid Flip 2.

How to Choose the Best Gaming Handheld Under $500

Picking the right handheld from this list comes down to four questions: what you want to play, how much setup you tolerate, where you will use it, and how long you need the battery to last. Let me walk you through the factors that matter most based on the testing our team did over the past three months.

Decide what you want to play first

If your library is Nintendo exclusives like Zelda, Mario, and Splatoon, the Switch family is the only real choice. Within the Switch line, the Switch Lite is the cheapest pure handheld, the Switch OLED is the best value for hybrid play, and the Switch 2 is the most future-proof at the top of the budget. If your library leans toward PC games or you want to run modern AAA titles, you will need a Windows handheld, which is outside the under-$500 bracket for the most part.

If your library is built on retro classics from NES through PS2 and GameCube, the Android-based handhelds from Anbernic and Retroid are where to focus. The Anbernic RG353V is the cheapest entry point with games preloaded. The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is the sweet spot for PS2 and GameCube performance. The Retroid Pocket 5 and Flip 2 are the premium picks with Snapdragon 865 chips and AMOLED displays. The Retroid Pocket Classic is the dedicated pick for PS1-and-below purists.

How much setup work do you want to do

Plug-and-play shoppers should stick with the Nintendo family or the Anbernic RG353V, which is the only retro handheld on this list with thousands of preloaded games. Most other retro devices require you to load your own ROMs, configure emulators, and tweak settings for hours before they run smoothly. If tinkering sounds fun, the Retroid Pocket 5 or Anbernic RG476H offer the most headroom for customization.

Where will you use it most

For commuting and travel, weight, screen size, and battery life matter most. The Switch Lite, Retroid Pocket Classic, and Anbernic RG406V are the lightest and longest-lasting options. For hotel nights and living room dock play, the Switch OLED and Switch 2 shine. For pocket-bag safety, the clamshell Retroid Pocket Flip 2 protects its screen in transit.

Battery life expectations by use case

Expect 5 to 7 hours on the Switch Lite, 4 to 6 hours on the Switch OLED, and 3 to 4 hours on the Switch 2 for AAA titles. Android retro handhelds vary widely: the RG353V hits around 6 hours, the RP4 Pro around 4 to 5 hours on PS2, the Pocket 5 around 10 hours on lighter systems, and the Pocket Classic can run for days on light play. Match the battery to your longest uninterrupted session, not the average.

Consider the used and refurbished market

Reddit users on r/Handhelds consistently recommend open-box deals from Best Buy and certified refurbished units directly from manufacturers. We have seen ROG Ally units, Lenovo Legion Go S units, and even previous-generation Steam Decks dip under $500 in those channels. If you can accept minor cosmetic wear, the used market is the best way to stretch a $500 budget toward a more powerful machine. Buy from sellers with clear return policies and avoid private marketplace deals without protection.

Match your accessories to your play style

A protective case is non-negotiable for any handheld under $500. For Switch devices, a tempered glass screen protector and a Pro Controller for docked play are worth the extra spend. For Android retro handhelds, a high-endurance microSD card from a trusted brand prevents the bottlenecks that frustrate users with cheaper cards. If you plan to dock a Retroid device to your TV, an HDMI cable and a Bluetooth controller round out the setup.

Operating systems: Windows vs SteamOS vs Android

The Switch family runs Nintendo’s own OS, which is the simplest experience but locks you to Nintendo’s eShop. SteamOS on the Steam Deck is the most PC-game-friendly environment but the Deck is generally above the $500 ceiling today. Android handhelds from Anbernic and Retroid run the Google Play Store plus sideloaded emulators, which gives you the most flexibility but also the most setup work. For most buyers under $500, Android retro or Nintendo Switch is the realistic choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Gaming Handheld Should You Buy?

After three months of testing, our team keeps coming back to the same conclusion: the best gaming handheld under $500 depends on your library. For Nintendo fans, the Nintendo Switch Lite is the clear winner on price, weight, and software depth. For buyers who want the most versatile machine, the Nintendo Switch OLED remains the best value in the family. For retro enthusiasts, the Anbernic RG353V is the cheapest way in, while the Retroid Pocket 5 is the best Android handheld for PS2 and GameCube performance.

If you are buying today and want the simplest path, get the Switch Lite and a Pro Controller. If you want the most premium under-$500 experience and plan to dock, get the Switch 2 or Switch OLED. If you want the best retro machine on the market, get the Pocket 5. Whichever you choose, the gaming handheld category in 2026 is the strongest it has ever been, and any device on this list will reward you with hundreds of hours of play.

For shoppers comparing our picks to other categories we cover, you can also browse our guides to the best laptops for college students under $500, the best gaming desktops, and the best gaming desks if you want to build out a full setup around your new handheld.