The world of portable game consoles has changed a lot since AMD launched its processors for portable formats on the market. The maximum explosion point was Steam Deck release, a console that has opened up an infinite range of possibilities that other manufacturers have been able to take advantage of with the most varied proposals.
But beyond 7 or 8 inch devices with analog sticks and prices with several zeros, there is also another cheaper and very capable format that has fallen in love with thousands of users around the world. In this guide we are going to review the different types of portable consoles that you can buy today depending on the format and capabilities of each console.
Steam Deck type consoles
Although the format already existed, the Steam Deck has been the console that has changed everything, and was mainly the cause of a wave of ultraportable PCs coming to light with dozens of different manufacturers.
Steam Deck OLED
With the most established classic model, the most modern version of the Valve console is the version with an OLED screen. It does not include changes at the hardware level (beyond battery optimization, better WiFi and lighter weight), so performance is similar. According to the manufacturer, there is still a long way to go for a Steam Deck 2, so for now the only option with Steam OS is the OLED version, which looks great. The best? Its incredible price.
Price: From 569 euros.
AYANEO-KUN
A full-fledged monster that has an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor, which can be equipped with up to 64 GB of RAM and 4 TB of storage. Its incredible 8,4-inch screen looks great, although it inevitably has an impact on its size.
It is an expensive console that starts at 1.112 euros for the model with 16 GB and 512 GB of storage, but it currently offers one of the best performance results with all types of games.
Price: From 1.112 euros.
MSI Claw A1M
MSI's first portable console hits the market at the end of March with the peculiarity of betting on the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor. It is a console with a very similar appearance to the ASUS ROG Ally, with a 7-inch screen and basic configuration 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage.
With a price of 879 euros, it is a machine that shows promise, although at the moment we have not been able to test it to find out how well it performs with the most current games.
Price: From 879 euros.
ASUS ROG Ally
ASUS did not hesitate to get on the portable console bandwagon, and presented its ROG Ally at the end of 2023, its console with the Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor based on the Ryzen 7. It is still a great bet for playing all types of games, and That is why it remains on the list of best laptops of 2024. The brand confirmed that there will be a second generation, but for now we have to wait.
Price: From 569 euros.
Game Boy type consoles
Another very popular format that offers much more interesting prices are the consoles designed for emulators that have a format similar to that of the original Game Boy. They are more compact, portable and, although they are less powerful, they are great for playing emulators and always carrying them with you.
Miyoo Mini Plus
One of the most desired compact laptops for its price, technical specifications and excellent finish. With a price tag of $69, the console offers a 3,5-inch screen with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels that draws a lot of attention due to its tiny bezel.
Inside is a Cortex A7 processor capable of running the main emulators, and on its back we will find 4 triggers so as not to lose the L2 and R2 functions.
Price: From 69 dollars.
Ambernic RG35XX Plus
Another model very similar to the Miyoo that also includes 4 triggers and that with a quad-core H700 processor is capable of running all types of emulators. One of its peculiarities is that it has an HDMI output so you can send the image to a TV.
Price: From 64 dollars.