Phones are fantastic, but sometimes you crave the tactile satisfaction of actual buttons. That's why we've put together this guide to highlight our top picks for the best Android gaming handhelds. We delve into the crucial details like specifications, functionality, and game compatibility. Whether you're into retro gaming or prefer the latest from big names, there's a range of options with varying specs to suit your needs. Take a look and see if any of these catch your eye.

Best Android Gaming Handhelds

Let’s dive into our top picks!

Odin 2 PRO

What's not to love about the AYN Odin? The Odin 2 PRO version brings even more impressive specs to the table, capable of running virtually any Android game and handling emulation with ease.

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8Gen2 CPU
• Adreno 740
• 12GB RAM
• 256GB Storage
• 1920 x 1080 6” LCD Touchscreen Display
• 8000mAh Battery
• Android 13
• WiFi7 + BT 5.3

The AYN Odin 2 Pro also supports emulation of GameCube and PS2 titles, alongside a wide range of 128-bit games.

The only downside we've noticed is that, unlike its predecessor, the Odin 2 doesn't support Windows as easily. However, the original Odin is still available if running Windows is a priority for you.

GPD XP Plus

This one's a standout. The GPD XP Plus offers swappable peripherals for the right-hand side, allowing for unparalleled customization of your emulation experience. But what about the specs?

• MediaTek Dimensity 1200 Octa-Core CPU
• Arm Mali-G77 MC9 GPU
• 6GB LPDDR4X RAM
• 6.81″ IPS Touch LCD Screen with Gorilla Glass
• 7000mAh Battery
• Supports up to 2TB microSD.

The GPD XP Plus is ideal for those who want to play a variety of games, from Android to PS2 and Nintendo GameCube. While it's on the pricier side, the ability to customize peripherals justifies the cost. It's a powerful device with incredible capabilities.

ABERNIC RG353P

The Abernic RG353P is a robust, retro-style handheld console perfect for retro gaming enthusiasts. It even features a mini-HDMI port! The weight of the console gives it a premium feel. With two SD card slots and a headphone jack, you can enjoy portable gaming at its best. Its resemblance to the SNES is fantastic, but let's look at the specs:

• RK3566 Quad-core 64-bit Cortex-A55 1.8ghz CPU
• 2GB DDR4 RAM
• Android 32GB/Linux 16GB (expandable)
• 3.5” IPS 640 x 480 Touchscreen Display
• 3500MAH Battery
• Android 11/Linux

The Abernic RG353P also features dual boot functionality for Linux and Android 11. It's perfect for playing Android games and classics from the N64, PS1, and PSP.

Retroid Pocket 3+

The Retroid Pocket 3+ boasts a sleek and simple design that we absolutely adore. While the Retroid Pocket 2S is also commendable, the 3+ offers an upgraded version at a slightly higher price. The size is just right – not too small, not too big, making it comfortable to hold and easy to carry for on-the-go gaming.

Here are the specs:

• Quad-core Unisoc Tiger T618 CPU
• 4GB DDR4 DRAM
• 128GB Storage
• 4.7” Touchscreen Display 16:9 750 x 1334 60FPS
• 4500mAh Battery

The Retroid Pocket 3+ excels at running Android games and your favorite 8-bit retro games. Fans of the Gameboy and PS1 will be pleased with its performance, and it handles N64 games well with some adjustments to settings. It also supports most Dreamcast titles and a significant number of PSP games, though it's wise to check compatibility before setting your heart on specific games.

Logitech G Cloud

We're huge fans of the Logitech G Cloud's design. The sleek model with ergonomic hand grips makes gaming a joy. Despite its slim profile, it's one of the most powerful Android handhelds. While it may not have the retro charm of its competitors, its modern aesthetic is undeniably attractive. Let's explore the specs:

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G Octa-core CPU up to 2.3GHz
• 64GB Storage
• 7” 1920 x 1080p 16:9 IPS LCD Display 60Hz
• Rechargeable Li-Polymer Battery, 23.1 watt-h

The Logitech G Cloud runs Android games exceptionally well, even handling Diablo Immortal with its Snapdragon 720 processor. As a cloud gaming device, it's perfect for quick gaming sessions. The screen quality is outstanding, enhancing your gaming experience with high-quality visuals.

You can purchase the Logitech G Cloud on their official website!

Looking for games to play on these fantastic Android gaming handhelds? Check out our list of the best new Android games this week, or dive into the world of emulation – the choice is yours!