Gaming Handhelds

The DS shines with its huge library of both DS and GBA games libraries. Giving you everything from quick puzzle games like Tetris and Picross to longer adventures like Pokémon and Golden Sun. Compact, durable, and easy to carry, it’s a fantastic all-rounder for gaming on the go.

The DS has a massive library of affordable games, most ranging from $10–$30 (with a few rare exceptions like the Pokémon series). The console itself can usually be found for around $60–$100, depending on condition and model. The best places to look are eBay, local retro game stores, or occasionally thrift shops and pawn stores.

Like the DS, the 3DS shines with its variety. You can jump between quick titles like Mario Kart 7 and Animal Crossing: New Leaf to longer adventures such as Fire Emblem: Awakening, Bravely Default, or Pokémon X and Y. It’s a great system for anyone who wants deep games but still enjoys portability.

Because of its popularity and modding potential, 3DS prices have risen in recent years. You might find base models for around $100, but most range from $150–$250. The best places to look are eBay, retro game shops, or local listings.

–Original 3DS: The base model, about the same size as a DS Lite. Works well but runs a bit slower than the later “New” versions.

–3DS XL: A bigger version of the original for players who prefer a larger handheld and don’t mind extra bulk. Usually costs slightly more than the original model.

–2DS: The most affordable model with a solid, non-folding design. It’s missing the 3D feature, but some find it the most comfortable to hold compare to the other models.

–New 3DS & New 3DS XL: Upgraded versions of the originals with faster performance and better load times. These are also going to be the priciest models on the market.

–New 2DS XL: Combines the power of the “New” models with the classic flip design. Doesn’t have 3D, but it’s just as strong performance-wise as the top-tier models. Typically priced around the same as the New 3DS or XL.

This one is harder for me to recommend a specific model, because each has there pro’s and con’s. I would say for most people the original 3DS or XL is the best. The 2DS is usually the cheapest but not the most portable because of it’s slab like design and the “New” models are just too expensive to recommend for most people. This one is really up to your own personal tastes though.

While the PSP has a few quick pick-up games like Frogger or Mega Man, it mostly offers longer, more immersive titles like Final Fantasy and God of War. The system delivers an almost at home console experience compared to the DS, and is ideal for players who enjoy sitting down for longer sessions.

You can usually find PSP systems on eBay or at local retro game stores. Most used systems fall between $70–$100, while games can range from $10–$20 for common titles to $70–$100 for rare ones.

The PSP came in four different models, but the 1000, 2000, 3000 models are most of what you’ll find. They are very similar to each other but basically the higher the number the nicer quality of system but the more expensive it will be. There is also one other model called the PSP Go which is a smaller system that is similar to those old phones that would have a sliding keyboard, the problem with this system is that it’s digital only so if you want to play on this you’ll have to mod it and download games through a computer, making it very inaccessible for most people.

Basically just try to find the 3000 model for a good price if you can, but the other models aren’t that much worse so it’s not a huge deal if you end up getting the other models.

The systems library is filled with many different experience because it is both a portable and at home console (except for the lite model). There quick to pick up games like Mario Kart 8, big game like Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and indie game you can easily download like Hollow Knight, Celeste, and Stardew Valley. The system is made to be both portable and stationary, so the games are at home games that you can just bring with you.

This system is still recent, so finding it in stores shouldn’t be too hard. Prices can vary by used and new, used options usually will run $100 for the Lite model and around $120-$150 on the original model. New options will run you $200-$400. Game prices range from $20-$60 and since it is still current there are sales you can take advantage of and you can find used games at place like GameStop or eBay for cheaper.

-Original Switch: Able to play on both a TV and in handheld form, with detachable controllers (Joy cons). A great mid-range priced console.

-Switch OLED: An upgraded Switch with a better OLED screen, but overall the same system. The most expensive of the group

-Switch Lite: The smallest of the group, but lacks the ability to hook up to a TV. Best for portability and is the cheapest model.

The hard part about recommending this system is that the Switch 2 just came out, though I’m not going to recommend that because of its high price and size making it less than ideal for true portability. I would say if you are just wanting to try the Switch or are only going to play it in portable mode then get the Lite model. If you ever think you would want the ability to play on a TV then get the original model. I don’t see any reason to recommend the OLED model unless you can get it for around the same price as the original.