Android Handhelds

An Android handheld is a portable, all-in-one gaming device that runs on the Android operating system rather than a desktop OS (like Windows) or a proprietary console system (like Nintendo’s).

While they look similar to a Nintendo Switch or a Steam Deck, they are essentially high-performance smartphones built into a controller shell, optimized specifically for gaming.

Key Components

• Form Factor: They typically feature a central screen flanked by integrated “sticks and buttons” (D-pad, Hall effect joysticks, and triggers).
• The OS: Since they run Android, you have access to the Google Play Store. This allows for a massive library of native mobile games (like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile).
• Emulation: This is their primary “superpower.” Android has a mature ecosystem of emulators, making these devices perfect for playing retro games from consoles like the NES, PS1, GameCube, and even some PS2 or Switch titles.

Recommended Android Handhelds

	Title	Link	CPU	GPU	RAM	Storage	Display	Controller	Connectivity	Ports	Dimension	Weight	OS	Features
	Retroid Pocket 6	Link	GoldPlus @ 3.2GHz Gold @ 2.8GHz Silver @ 2.0GHz	Adreno 740 @ 680MHz	8GB / 12GB LPDDR5x	128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1 + TF Card Slot	5.5-inch AMOLED, 1080p @ 120Hz (550 nits)	3D Hall Effect sticks, Analog L2/R2	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3	USB-C (4K60 DP Out), 3.5mm Jack	210.4 x 86.6 x 17.2 mm	320g		Active cooling, Official OTA support, RGB Ring, Customizable Macro Buttons (M1/M2).
	AYANEO Pocket EVO	Amazon	Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 2	Adreno A32	Up to 16GB LPDDR5X	Up to 1TB (UFS 4.0)	7-inch OLED, 1920 x 1080, 120Hz, 800 nits	Master controller with Hall sticks	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3	USB-C	260.5 x 100 x 17 mm	478g		World’s first 7″ 120Hz OLED Android handheld, RGB lighting
	Odin 2 Portal Pro		Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2	Qualcomm Adreno 740	12GB LPDDR5X	512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via MicroSD)	Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (FHD) Refresh Rate: 120Hz Brightness: 800 nits	Integrated Gaming Controls Hall Effect Joysticks (with RGB lighting) Xbox-style button layout Analog Triggers	Wi-Fi 7 Bluetooth 5.3	1x USB 3.1 Type-C (Video output/DisplayPort 4Kp60 support) 1x 3.5mm Headphone Jack 1x MicroSD Card Slot	257 x 98.6 x 17.2 mm	430g	512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via MicroSD)	Odin 2 Active Cooling System 3D Curved Touch Glass Configurable RGB Lighting Dual Front-Facing Speakers
	Razer Edge		Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 1	Adreno 660	6GB / 8GB LPDDR5	128GB UFS 3.1	6.8-inch AMOLED, 2400 x 1080 @ 144Hz	Detachable Razer Kishi V2 Pro	Wi-Fi 6E, 5G (on select models)	USB-C	260 x 85 x 11 mm	401g		144Hz ultra-smooth display, detachable controller for tablet use.
	Anbernic RG556	Amazon	Unisoc T820	Mali-G57 MP4	8GB LPDDR4X	128GB UFS 2.2	5.48-inch AMOLED, 1080p	Hall Effect joysticks and triggers	Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0	USB-C (1080p DP), 3.5mm Jack	223 x 90 x 15 mm	331g		Ergonomic molded grips, excellent value for mid-range emulation.
	AYN Odin 2 Mini	Amazon	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2	Adreno 740	8GB / 12GB LPDDR5x	128GB / 256GB UFS 4.0	5-inch Mini-LED, 1080p (1100 nits)	Hall Effect Sticks	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3	USB-C, Micro HDMI, 3.5mm Jack	198 x 85.8 x 19.5 mm	320g		High-brightness Mini-LED display, Vita-inspired ergonomics.
	Retroid Pocket 5	Amazon	Qualcomm Snapdragon 865	Adreno 650	8GB LPDDR4x	128GB (UFS 3.1)	5.5-inch AMOLED, 1080p, 60Hz	Hall Effect Sticks, Analogue Triggers	Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1	USB-C (DP 1080p), 3.5mm Jack	199 x 78 x 15 mm	280g		Ergonomic glass front, active cooling, lightweight design.
	AYAYNEO Pocket S	Amazon	Qualcomm Snapdragon G3x Gen 2	Adreno A32	Up to 16GB LPDDR5X	Up to 1TB (UFS 4.0)	6-inch IPS, 1440p (2560 x 1440) or 1080p	Hall Effect joysticks, linear triggers	Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3	USB-C	213.9 x 85 x 14 mm	350g		Ultra-thin metal body, borderless screen design.

Related posts:

Mini PCs PC Gaming Handhelds UMPC PC Gaming Tablets High-wattage Power Banks