Which portable game console to choose: TOP 10 best game consoles

Portable consoles allow you to immerse yourself in game worlds from anywhere: riding the subway or taxi, waiting in line, and so on. With them, the gamer is not tied to the TV and wires, and the variety of games is not inferior to stationary consoles.

Our rating includes the 10 best portable models from the world's most popular brands and unknown manufacturers, specializing in timeless classics of the gaming industry. When compiling the TOP, the most important aspects were taken into account:

• variety of games offered;
• availability of the set-top box;
• maintainability and durability;
• popularity among users.

In addition to the technical characteristics, player reviews and reviews of professional gamers were also taken into account, so along with modern models of recent years, retro consoles that are still produced either by a manufacturer with a brand or Chinese replicas are also included here. In the second case, there is no need to talk about the brand component, but even such set-top boxes will perfectly brighten up your leisure time, and they will not require a significant investment.

Palmexx SUP Game Box 400 in 1

Price: from 650 rub.

Let's start with the most budget option. A portable console for an extremely modest price that plays 8-bit Nintendo . The console is equipped with a built-in battery, which allows you to use it both on the road and at home. Also included is a cable for connecting to a TV, which will even allow you to play some games in co-op.

When purchasing, you should pay attention to the build quality of a particular instance. Considering the price and country of manufacture, it is worth taking this seriously. Users also complain about duplicate games in the catalog - despite the name, you shouldn’t count on 400 unique games.

In any case, this product provides an optimal price/quality ratio for its price, giving players a variety of retro games in a convenient form factor at the lowest possible price.

BEST PORTABLE CONSOLES IN 2021

Today I would like to deviate from the rules. Among handheld consoles, it is difficult to objectively identify who is better or worse. Therefore, in this review I will analyze the most interesting models in a somewhat chaotic order. But don’t worry – you won’t get confused, especially since there will still be several categories. Forward!

1. Nintendo Switch Gray

The Nintendo Switch Gray, unlike other handheld consoles, is expensive and not completely portable. This console can be easily connected to the TV and played with friends. In total, it can function in three different modes.

This console supports multiplayer games. If your friends have this gadget, you can easily enjoy the gameplay together by connecting up to 8 devices. You can also play online (but for this you need to sign up for a paid subscription).

Among the advantages of Nintendo Switch Gray: comfortable joysticks, the ability to use the device in different ways (both portable and a full-fledged console), the ability to play with friends. Cons: high price, expensive games.

Price: RUB 22,490

Sony PSP Vita

The portable version of the legendary Sony PlayStation is not much inferior to it in terms of functionality: a powerful 4-core processor with a frequency of 2000 MHz with the ability to reduce it for longer battery life ensures ideal operation of even the most demanding games. The 5-inch diagonal screen with a resolution of 960×544, created using OLED technology, impresses with its brightness and color clarity.

Rear and front cameras with a resolution of 1.3 and 0.3 MP allow you to create virtual reality around the player, and the function of connecting to the Internet via Wi-Fi gives you the opportunity to fight with real people, and not just against a computer. A 1750 mAh battery will give you up to 4 hours of unforgettable immersion into the game world. Games can be saved both on the 1 GB internal memory and on a memory card, which is purchased separately.

The console has an ergonomic design: the mechanical control buttons are located in such a way that the hands do not strain when pressed. The convenient shape and weight of 260 grams allow you to not part with the console and literally carry it in your pocket.

Price: ₽ 14290

SEGA Genesis Gopher 2

Don't let the name of the SEGA Genesis Gopher 2 gadget fool you. On this portable console you can play not only Sega games, but also enjoy iconic Dendy, Gameboy and Nintendo toys. The gadget comes with 500 different games: and if this is not enough, you can always download something yourself. Its highlight is the ability to save gameplay at any time.

Almost everyone on the Internet criticizes this mini console. Users do not like the build quality of the gadget, some note that sound and image are out of sync in Dendy games, and for some gamers, SEGA Genesis Gopher 2 completely broke after several months of use. Buy this gadget at your own risk.

Price: ₽ 2748

Palmexx SUP Game Box 400 in 1

A simple and affordable way to remember the dashing nineties: an eight-bit portable in the game-boy format. As many as 400 classic hits from Super Mario Bros. are hardwired into memory. to Chip & Dale. The device runs on replaceable batteries from older Nokia models. One hour and a half charge is enough for six hours of play.

Yes, the plastic of the case is far from great. Of course, this will not be very convenient for a person with large hands to play. And, of course, the quality of the SUP Game Box, like all Chinese retro consoles, remains a matter, first of all, of luck. However, the price of less than 1000 rubles leaves no room for other opinions: definitely take it.

Price: ₽ 1000

5. Nintendo Switch Lite gray

“Big N” remains true to its tradition of releasing its budget version some time after the release of the next console. It happened with the Wii and Wii mini, it happened with the 3DS and 2DS, it happened with the Switch and Switch Light - its updated, simplified and cheaper version.

There's no pair of removable Joy-Cons, no docking station, no fancy HD rumble feature—the display and controls are now combined into a single, non-separable body. Because of this, compatibility with games out of the box leaves much to be desired: for some projects - especially "party" games - the same Joy-Cons will have to be purchased separately.

On the other hand, Switch Lite is a great way to join one of the best gaming lines in Nintendo history for only 15,000 rubles.

Price: ₽ 15,000

Advantages and disadvantages

Such a device has both pros and cons that need to be considered in advance.

Main advantages:

• assistant for parents - the console will help distract the child on the road so that he does not become capricious;
• variety of games and applications;
• compact dimensions;
• versatility - the device can not only be a toy, but also be used as a player, video player and mini-computer;
• there are games for young children that contribute to the overall development of the child;
• Puzzles help develop thinking, develop perseverance and teach concentration.

There are also some disadvantages:

• for children – a strong passion for virtual games;
• small screen.

Results

The article gave the TOP game consoles from Aliexpress. What exactly to choose should be decided by the gamer himself, based on his own criteria.

Game console for children

There are models that are popular with children. Choose a console depending on the age of the child. For preschoolers, ordinary, simple consoles will do: Gameboy, Dendy, Sega. They are distinguished by the simplicity of the games, which will appeal to kids.

Schoolchildren aged 7-14 years old will not be left indifferent to the PlayStation Pro, Nintendo Wii and PS Vita consoles, which are equipped with a solid game library. Teens will appreciate portable devices and desktop models such as the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 4, which are characterized by high-quality games.

Parents are required to monitor the time their child spends in the game. Uncontrolled spending time with your favorite gadget is the cause of headaches, visual and central nervous system disorders, and other diseases.

Top rating of the best consoles for children

SEGA Genesis Nano Trainer

Characteristics:

Stationary sample; Memory: RAM - 64 KB + 9 KB RAM; video memory - 64 KB VRAM; Processor: 8-bit Zilog Z80, 16-bit Motorola 68000; Power supply: network - 100-240V, 300mA, 50/60Hz, 5V; batteries - 4×AA; Support: SD card; IR port (for connecting joysticks); Wireless gamepad.

game console SEGA Genesis Nano Trainer

For collective leisure time, the SEGA Genesis Nano Trainer model is suitable. The original design - the head of Sonic the Hedgehog - will evoke positive emotions in boys and girls. The console is connected to the TV receiver using a cable; the built-in game card contains many toys.

They will remind most adults of childhood and give them the opportunity to return there again. The game console was specially produced for children, therefore, there are no ruthless and overly lively games available. The purpose of toys is to improve motor skills and physical activity of the child. Regulated use of SEGA Nano Trainer promotes children's development.

It supports not only classic games, but also allows you to take part in various sports thanks to the motion sensor. In tennis, baseball and football you will need to directly control the athletes, and this is exciting and entertaining.

Advantages:

• Ease of Management;
• appearance;
• compactness;
• There are more than 120 games in the range;
• development of motor skills.

Flaws:

• no power supply;
• Comes with 1 gamepad.

Average price – 1550 rubles.

Xbox 360 + Kinect

Characteristics:

Support: Lan, Wi-Fi; OS: Triple-core Power PC processor; Memory: built-in – 250 GB, RAM – 512 MB, video memory – 10 MB; Included: headset, wireless arm, AV cable, Tomb Raider and Halo 4 games.

Xbox 360 Kinect game console

A stationary console from Microsoft, for which a large number of video games have been developed for older and children's audiences of gamers. The Xbox Live service helps provide parental controls and limit your child's gaming activities. In addition, Kinect is connected to the console. This is a specific accessory - a non-contact touch joypad that allows you to observe the gamer’s movements and transfer them into the game. Video games released for Kinet:

• Sports;
• Adventure;
• Harry Potter;
• Star Wars;
• Dance central 3.

The child will get pleasure from such a game, and most importantly, a charge of energy and vigor.

Video review of the gadget:

Characteristics:

Support: Wi-Fi, 3D; OS: Android 4.2; Monitor: 7-inch, multi-touch, resolution 1024×600; Processor: 4-core RockChip; Memory: RAM – 1 GB, built-in – 8 GB; Cameras: front -0.3 MP; rear – 2 MP; Battery life: 4 hours.

game console EXEQ GET 2

Exeq on Android, a portable console, is distinguished by its originality. It combines the potential of an ordinary tablet and the brilliant specifics of a gaming console - powerful performance, varied multimedia functionality, the option of switching touch control to analog, and a unique appearance.

The “Android” console provides extensive capabilities for the latest Android games and old-generation gaming systems: Nintendo64 and SEGA, Game Boy and Dendy, without bypassing PlayStation and PlayStation Pro. Exeq brand products from Russian manufacturers are a welcome gift for both children and adults.

Built-in 3G and Wi-FI modules allow you to set up virtual communications, download content from the Internet and communicate on social networks. For lovers of photography, the product is equipped with video and photo cameras, suitable for contacts via Skype and for interesting and exciting leisure time.

Test review of the console - in the video:

Advantages:

• equipment;
• rapidity;
• good battery;
• does not heat up during operation;
• advanced multimedia capabilities;
• lightness of the console;
• hull strength;
• bright screen.

Flaws:

• working with emulators;
• weak speaker;
• not very high quality assembly;
• from PlayMarket does not support many games;
• amount of memory for programs.

Average price – 6291 rub.

Top rating of the best stationary consoles

Sony PlayStation 4 Pro

Characteristics:

OS: 8-core AMD processor; Memory: RAM - 8 GB; built-in – 1 GB; Support: Bluetooth, Ethernet, Wi-Fi; Includes: USB cable, wireless controller, headset, HDMI cable; Plays HD video.

game console Sony PlayStation 4 Pro

An option to have a great time and watch a video in high definition. The most popular TV console from a Japanese manufacturer that is constantly improving the quality of its products, starting with design. The internal filling is powerful and productive. Finished in black with a matte finish, it looks like a space rocket component and looks elegant. The console will decorate any environment.

The appearance of touch keys allows you to turn it on and off with a light touch. The drive opens almost silently.

In the 4th generation Sony PlayStation gamepads are wireless, comfortable to use in the hand, and the keys are easy to operate. It is considered a bestseller and the best console. Learn more about the console's characteristics in the video:

Characteristics:

OS: AMD processor with 8 cores; Included: headset, HDMI cable, wireless controller; Memory: built-in – 500 GB, RAM – 8 GB; HD support.

Microsoft Xbox One S game console

The product from Microsoft is distinguished by quality. It is one of the high-quality set-top boxes, competing with SPS 4. Its compact size and impressive design are not typical for a gadget. The power supply takes up additional space on the TV receiver.

However, the technical parameters of the Microsoft device are no worse than those of its opponent.

The manufacturer has taken care to reduce the energy consumption of the set-top box. The control panel is made of matte plastic, which is a pleasure to use, the location of the keys is comfortable. In the absence of experience playing on a console, adaptation to coordination of actions and functions occurs rapidly.

Advantages:

• easy firmware;
• convenient gamepad;
• work without noise;
• great interface;
• small dimensions of the attachment;
• Kinect;
• supports more than 6000 games.

Flaws:

• the power supply is bulky;
• console case design;
• color palette;
• the graphics are worse.

Price – 21340 rub.

Microsoft Xbox One X

Microsoft Xbox One X game console

The console comes in a black box without bright elements. The assembly reliability is high, nothing creaks. The model is made of dense matte plastic, and can be installed in both horizontal and vertical positions. This console deserves to be considered one of the modern generation consoles, since the changes in architecture, when compared with XOS, are very dramatic.

Important! The performance of the model has increased 4 times.

The cooling system of the model operates almost silently at nominal loads, but in resource-intensive games the cooler slightly increases the speed. The console is equipped with a storage device with a capacity of 1 TB, but by the standards of 2021 this is not enough, since the gluttony of games has recently increased greatly.

When the console is first launched, it makes it clear that the gamer is looking at a modern generation model in an attractive video presentation. Microsoft changed the interface many times until it settled on this option. It cannot be said that everything in it is clear, since most of the options need to be searched, but if you delve into it, you can interact with it comfortably.

Advantages:

• one of the most powerful consoles on the market;
• the cooling system operates almost silently;
• compactness;
• excellent performance in all games;
• A monthly subscription to Xbox Game Pass gives you the opportunity to enjoy almost all the legendary projects on the Xbox One platform.

Flaws:

• a small number of unique games;
• gamers considered the cost too high.

The average price is 31,000 rubles.

Sony PlayStation 3 Super Slim

game console Sony PlayStation 3 Super Slim

The set-top box has become smaller and more economical in terms of energy consumption when compared with its predecessor. A huge improvement in design features is that the console drive does not have a receiving hole and an automatic disk receiving device.

Interesting information! To place a BD disc with a game into the device, you need to slide the flap, which is located at the top of the model, to the side.

Due to the fact that the disk is separated only by a thin plate made of plastic, the spin-up of the disk on this console is much noisier when compared with the PlayStation 3 Slim. Most gamers also think that the sliding shutter design doesn't look as expensive as the glossy finish of its predecessor.

The cooler in this model operates almost silently, and the functioning of the cooling system is comparable to the performance of its predecessor (very effective). Apart from the appearance and the new way to load discs, the consoles are almost no different.

Advantages:

• silent operation;
• small dimensions;
• lightness;
• a lot of games;
• ability to connect a USB keyboard and mouse from a personal computer.

Flaws:

• most users did not like the new method of loading disks;
• "cheap" design.

The average price is 19,000 rubles.

Sony PlayStation 2 Slim

game console Sony PlayStation 2 Slim

This is an eternal classic, which, even after the stop of production and production of new models of game consoles (PlayStation 3 and 4), remains in demand. The phenomenon of this console lies in its long life cycle. It was produced for 13 years, which in itself is, in some way, an achievement in the long history of the gaming industry.

Interesting information! PlayStation 2 is the leader in speed and number of sales.

What always attracts the attention of gamers to this model is its truly incredible gaming collection. It is this factor that makes the console so popular. At first glance, fans of this console, who have a large collection of games, do not want to switch to modern generations of PS models. On the other hand, a large number of users who play, for example, on the PlayStation 4, want to get their hands on such a game collection in order to play on a large TV screen.

Another advantage of this model is the ability to play discs such as DVDs and CDs, which avid gamers most likely have enough of.

Advantages:

• convenient joystick;
• can be connected via USB keyboard and mouse;
• you can play games from the first generation of PS consoles;
• DVD compatibility;
• Supports memory cards and gamepads from PS first generation.

Flaws:

• Graphics capabilities are outdated for 2021.

The average price is 13,000 rubles.