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The best Android handheld consoles usher in an extraordinary amount of compatibility and functionality. It makes sense that many retro and handheld developers have chosen it as their platform of choice as it’s light-weight, open-source in many cases, and extremely simple to use.
There’s plenty of devices out there relying on Android to bolster the user experience and technical optimisation within games, There’s quite a few Linux based handhelds out there, the Steam Deck OLED, for one, and the Miyoo Mini Plus too. While Android is originally based on the Linux kernel, it doesn’t necessarily mean that one or the other will be more powerful – this is going to depend on the hardware. In light of that, let’s dig into the best Android handheld games consoles.
Our pick of the best Android handhelds
Our top choice for an Android based handheld has to be the AYN Odin Pro. It’s sporting the classic split-controller design that the PSP and Nintendo Switch rock, while also packing a powerful processor inside. It’s a vastly different product to what you’d expect from the Logitech G Cloud (a remote streaming console), and has the upper-hand over the Retroid Pocket 3 Plus.
That said, there’s so many variations of Android handhelds, each with different price ranges and performance possibilities, so we’re going to walk you through each one.
1. AYN Odin Pro
AYN Odin Pro
Operating System
Android 10
Screen Size
6-inch
Resolution
1080p
SoC
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
Battery
6600mA
RAM
8GB LPDDR4
- Sleek form factor
- Lasting battery life
- Clear, crisp display
- Difficult to set up fully
The AYN Odin Pro is the best Android based handheld for a range of reasons. In terms of performance within Android handhelds, it’s going to squeeze the most out of native gaming and emulation. It’s got the capabilities to emulate the PS2, which is pretty impressive compared to others which generally cap towards the PS1.
This is all afforded by the Qualcomm SD845, an Android SoC that’s been around for quite some time now. Despite its age, it’s running at lightning fast clock speeds up to 2.8GHz, while relying on a Qualcomm Adreno 630 for graphics rendering. There’s also 8GB of LPDDR4 RAM if you pick up the Pro model.
Internally, the specs are fast and you won’t be left feeling like you’re limited by the hardware. But it’s the exterior that makes the AYN Odin Pro a really worthwhile Android device. There’s a 6-inch 1080p display that packs a higher resolution than that of the Steam Deck OLED and original variant. Despite its size and display fidelity, the 6600mA battery is hardly dented by hours of lightweight gaming you’re going to sink into it.
It also has quite a narrow and sleek form factor, being much less of a physical presence than the Steam Deck or any handheld gaming PCs. This is one of the main reasons why Android based systems are preferred for retro handheld systems. It’s such a lightweight OS that the hardware it needs to function doesn’t have to “top of the range,” which often also implies bulkiness. Hence, we’re recommending a handheld with a SoC from 2017, despite it now being 2023.
2. Razer Edge
Razer Edge
Operating System
Android
Screen Size
6.8-inch AMOLED
Resolution
1080p, 144Hz
SoC
Snapdragon G3X Gen 1
Battery
5,000mA
RAM
8GB LPDDR5
- Display size, speed and clarity is brilliant
- Fastest gaming performance on Android
- Amazing display
- Just a tablet a controller
- Expensive
The priciest option on this list also happens to be our premium choice. The Razer Edge has a unique design. It’s a device with the form factor of a smartphone, limited to the functionality of a tablet. It kind of reminds me of an iPod Touch. It has a gorgeous display. An AMOLED panel refreshing at 144Hz neatly crammed into a 6.8-inch display is the peak visual experience you’re going to be able to enjoy from the best handheld games consoles.
To me, the existence of the Razer Edge is a bit strange. It’s fantastic device to hold in your hands, being weighty enough to feel premium but discrete enough that it’s not uncomfortable to hold. The display is incredible – one of the best handheld experiences available right now – but this is all undermined by the fact that top-level smartphones have just as visually impressive displays. The Razer Edge is a trimmed down smartphone wedged between an expandable controller. If you’re happy with the notion that this device is really only going to be for handheld gaming, then it makes sense to pick up. If you’re looking for something a little more than that, consider the best gaming phone instead.
The Razer Edge comes with the Razer Kishi V2. This, like the Backbone One, is a snap-on controller that your main device fits between. This controller has very click-y tactile switches that are very noticeable. Personally, I’m all for a good tactile switch, though there’s definitely a contingent of gamers out there who’d prefer a membrane switch more akin to what you’d get in the DualSense controller or on the Nintendo Switch.
Primarily, the Razer Edge is going to be a cloud and remote streaming device for you. However, it does run Android and has a pretty beefier SoC inside. You’re also going to be able to enjoy emulators and native Android games on the console pretty easily, with capabilities ranging between running PS2 games, Genshin Impact, and more.
3. Logitech G Cloud
Logitech G Cloud
Operating System
Android
Screen Size
7-inch LCD
Resolution
1080p, 60Hz
SoC
Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G
Battery
6,000mA
RAM
4GB LPDDR4
- Large display
- Good controls
- Long lasting battery
- Expensive for what it is
- Struggles with native performance
The Logitech G Cloud is a device fairly similar to the Razer Edge. While it’s certainly different in its form and design featuring an all-in-one body rather than snap-on shell, it’s still a device that primarily aims to conquer remote streaming.
It features a 1080p LCD display which runs at 60Hz. This is as fast as most Android and remote play games will run, and you’re going to be enjoying 450 nits brightness to boot. It’s also quite a bit larger than other Android handhelds too.
This device has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, featuring an Octa-Core CPU running at 2.3GHz and the Qualcomm Adreno 618. This is the most disappointing aspect of the Logitech G Cloud, as it’s going to struggle with some Android games and emulators. That’s not necessarily a deal-breaker as it’s clearly a cloud-streaming device, through which the Logitech G Cloud really shines.
It has a 12+ hour battery when remote playing games to it. This is one of the absolute best qualities that the Logitech G Cloud brings to the table over its competitors, and is definitely something to consider when choosing a device.
4. Retroid Pocket 3 Plus
Retroid Pocket 3 Plus
Operating System
Android
Screen Size
4.6-inch LCD
Resolution
1334 x 750
SoC
Unisoc Tiger T618
Battery
4500mA
RAM
4GB LPDDR4
- Ergonomic design
- Compact size
- Natural display
- Notoriously difficult to configure properly
- Relatively low resolution
The Retroid Pocket 3 Plus offers a brilliant amount of cost-effectiveness while also being functional and performance based. Other handhelds such as the Miyoo Mini Plus and RG35XX might be far cheaper, though they’re not going to be able to broach the power and speed that the Retroid Pocket 3 Plus packs into its shell.
It has a slightly smaller display than all the others mentioned, scaling in at 4.7-inches. That said, it’s still more than large enough to offer a clear, crisp image. This is especially worthwhile when you consider the games you’ll be playing on the RP3P. Older games are often designed for low-resolution displays with higher PPIs than standard devices. This lets the pixelated design of 8, 16 and 32-bit games to look natural and seamless within the hardware it’s displayed on.
Internally, you’re going to be gaming on a Unisoc Tiger T618 SoC. It’s not quite as fast as the AYN Odin Pro, and while you’re going to be able to emulate up to the PS2 and PSP, it might be a little choppy at times. That said, this is a great little device for anyone not looking to offload all their money on a retro handheld.
Set-up is very tricky
It’s important to note that setting up the Retroid Pocket 3 Plus is notoriously technical and laborious. There’s no shame in relying on internet resources to guide you through this process.
5. Retroid Pocket Flip
Retroid Pocket Flip
Operating System
Android
Screen Size
4.6-inch LCD
Resolution
1334 x 750
SoC
Unisoc Tiger T618
Battery
5000mA
RAM
4GB LPDDR4
- Cost effective
- Familiar design
- Great emulation choice
- Analog are small
The final inclusion on this list evokes the famous clamshell design of the Nintendo DS. While it doesn’t feature the Dual Screen that Nintendo’s handheld is famous for, it still touches on many of the same notes. A particular advantage to this design is that your display won’t be wedged between your fingers, and you’re going to enjoy a slightly tighter and more ergonomic hold.
It’s virtually identical to the Retroid Pocket 3 Plus is basically all ways aside from design. It has a slightly larger battery, though it has shorter joy sticks akin to that on the PSP. This is so that the device can fold in half snugly. If you’re planning to play lots of games that rely on these, you’re probably more suited to the Retroid Pocket 3 Plus, which has larger and more grippy caps.
How we pick the best Android based games console
We’ve tested out some of the most capable Android devices, though the truth is that you can’t always compare them. The Razer Edge isn’t really comparable with the AYN Odin Pro as they perform extremely different functions. That said, this is one of the most important differentiators for evaluating products. Our list should provide options that touch on a range of budgets, and each budget is going to have a very different use.
We’re content with labelling the AYN Odin Pro as the best Android handheld console. Other notable mentions include the Retroid Pocket 3 Plus, our budget choice, and the Razer Edge, which is the preferred choice for remote streaming. You should have a pretty decent set of options with this list, though there might be some notable omissions. The PlayStation Portal, for one, does run on Android. However, it’s running proprietary PlayStation software that means you’re not going to be able to do the same things on it as you would other devices.
There’s a few handhelds yet to release we’re pretty excited about too. When they eventually come, we’re going to make sure this guide is updated with all the latest Android based handhelds so you know where to go for any retro gaming desires you have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Android a good operating software for retro gaming?
If you choose to go with an Android based system, you’re going to benefit from all the bells and whistles that open-source software brings. There’s going to be plenty of games and apps available to you from the Google Play Store, alongside licensed emulators and remote streaming apps too.
Can you use Android handheld consoles as smartphones?
You won’t be able to use any of these devices as “smartphones.” They will generally not feature cellular hardware, nor would you be able to use them as you would a phone.
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