10 Games Best Played On Handheld Consoles

Nowadays, instead of only being able to enjoy console and PC games at home, it’s possible to play almost any video game during your commute in a car, thanks to advancements in technology.

Different formats suit certain individuals more effectively than others. Engaging deeply in a narrative-rich environment can be disrupted when one is abruptly removed from it for extended periods, leading to loss of context and memory lapse upon return.

It’s quite enjoyable to discover that many games initially designed for home consoles can run smoothly on portable devices, providing an engaging pastime during travel. It’s gratifying to launch these games and pass the time, no matter how long the journey.

I will examine various games that aren’t limited to handheld devices only, but can be enjoyed on platforms such as the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck. These games offer fantastic gaming experiences on these specific systems.

10. Forza Horizon 5

Road Trip

If you’re willing to endure the large 175 GB installation size, Forza Horizon 5 is an excellent choice for portable gaming, thanks to its open-world design and the enjoyment derived from racing games during shorter playtimes.

Playing this entire game has been one of my most memorable experiences, and that sentiment is amplified when I play it on a handheld device, as I never feel overwhelmed to accomplish numerous tasks simultaneously.

Despite its casual, instant-play design, it remains engaging for extended gameplay periods. However, its high system demands may pose an issue, as it sometimes struggles to operate smoothly on devices like the Steam Deck.

As someone who’s always on the lookout for fun ways to utilize excess storage, I can wholeheartedly suggest immersing yourself in a thrilling adventure! If your hardware has an extra 200 GB capacity and you’re seeking something unique to do with it, consider navigating through festivals while disregarding GPS directions as you skillfully dodge 200 cacti. It’s a fun, unconventional way to put that extra space to good use!

9. Super Meat Boy

Fast and Frantic

Quick, accurate gameplay suits portable devices nicely, and Super Meat Boy stands out due to its concise levels that allow multiple playthroughs within mere minutes each.

As someone who’s deeply fond of classic mobile gaming, I find it remarkably similar to many old-school titles, where the structure consists of concise stages that seamlessly flow into one another. This design not only keeps me engaged for hours on end but also ensures a sense of familiarity whenever I return to play again. Each stage is self-contained, making it effortless to jump back in without feeling lost or disoriented.

This game is packed with numerous collectibles, characters, and opportunities for speedrunning, ensuring an abundance of content that will keep you engaged for a long time. It’s one of those games I turn to when I’m looking for something to do on my Nintendo Switch during my spare moments.

Not only is this game remarkably simple, making it incredibly user-friendly and compatible with a wide range of devices, but you can perish amidst sawblades just about anywhere, regardless of the platform you prefer for portable gaming.

8. Puyo Puyo Tetris 2

Something For Everyone

Remarkably, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2, arguably the greatest puzzle game ever, blends two exceptional titles seamlessly, enhancing each one. Since they are both swift and intensely competitive puzzle games, they are ideal for playing anytime, anywhere.

Whenever I find myself in a dull moment with someone, I can’t help but whip out my go-to game, Puyo Puyo. It’s a breeze to pick up, even for those who haven’t played it before, yet it offers a depth that keeps me coming back for more!

Regardless of whom I’m competing with, my skill set in Tetris seems to evenly counterbalance my lack of ability in Puyo Puyo, making each game a thrilling experience. It’s always fascinating to observe this equilibrium as I engage in friendly matches with whoever happens to be nearby.

Truly, using a setup where you and another person can both control games simultaneously from two controllers, either wireless or handheld, offers an incredibly enjoyable experience when playing with strangers.

7. Persona 5 Royal

Take Your Time

In simpler terms, if you were to play Persona 5 Royal casually and take breaks, it would require approximately 150 hours of gameplay. Without the ability to break it up into smaller chunks, it might be challenging to fully appreciate the game.

This role-playing game is rich in storylines, and offers handy summaries for those who might find themselves confused. It has a feel of an engaging, episodic anime series, making it effortless to jump back into, regardless of how much time has passed since your last play session.

You’ll find it effortless to get back into the swing of things with this social simulation game. Have a day filled with networking and boosting your rank, then venture into Mementos for a while to level up.

Jumping back into this social sim is a breeze. Spend a day catching up with friends and improving your standing, then head over to Mementos to rack up some experience points.

Most times, I would end up resting comfortably in my bed, savoring the moments of tranquility as I made steady progress, taking life one day at a time. However, I wouldn’t recommend watching the beach scene in public, as it’s less than enjoyable.

6. Portal 2

Moving Along

Growing up, I often watched my siblings play Portal 2 on our Xbox 360, and I’ve always yearned to have my own copy of the game. Although I’ve purchased it multiple times, what truly quenched my thirst was being able to carry the game around with me.

1. Initially, witnessing Portal 2’s high-quality graphics run smoothly on the Nintendo Switch struck me as quite extraordinary.

2. Moreover, using gyro aim while playing it on the Steam Deck has undeniably been the most enjoyable experience I’ve had with a controller in terms of gameplay.

Each session typically lasts a few minutes, and it’s quite fulfilling to complete several of them within the time available. Additionally, having the workshop layout at hand makes the experience even more enjoyable.

Regardless of the location, this game remains just as amazing as ever. Carrying it around makes me feel like a contemporary conqueror overpowering technology from 2011, and that sense of triumph is quite rewarding.

5. Hades

Rip And Tear

As a devoted gamer, it’s no secret that games in the roguelite/roguelike genre are always a given when it comes to lists like these. That’s because they’re designed with an endless replayability factor, making them incredibly engaging and easy to jump into.

Even the underworld ruler, Hades, adheres to this principle, immersing you in an expansive challenge with numerous chambers. Regardless if you manage a few battles or try to flee from the depths of Hell during gameplay, each experience is rewarding and fulfilling.

With its roguelike structure, battles yield exceptionally rewarding results that significantly boost your advancement, and gradually whittling it down is exhilarating.

As a gamer, I can’t imagine playing Hades on any platform other than a portable one. Sitting down in front of a TV to play feels like a major time commitment for me, but being able to take this game with me and play it in bits and pieces makes it feel more like an enjoyable project rather than a daunting task.

4. Monster Hunter

Investing In Questing

Instead of specifically listing each Monster Hunter game like World, Rise, Generations Ultimate, and Wilds, I chose to include the series in its entirety on this list. Regardless of which game within the franchise you play, you’ll consistently appreciate the portable experience for the same enjoyable reasons.

In these games, the hunts are designed to divide your tasks into manageable, short quests lasting between 10 and 45 minutes. It’s as if starting the game, completing a few quests, and feeling a sense of achievement is just the right duration.

Additionally, the exceptionally slow pace of the combat seems particularly suitable for a handheld device. It gives off an impression of strategizing, similar to playing a board game, rather than intense focus on a complex, fast-paced boss battle.

These items are convenient to use whenever you desire, not overly demanding or consuming large chunks of time that make them seem like a significant obligation, and they tend to be engaging enough to keep you returning whenever you find yourself with an extra hour.

3. Sonic Mania

Spinning To Win

In most Sonic games, the main focus is on racing at maximum speed, repeatedly playing through levels to improve your skills, until you can reach peak speeds. However, if your skills aren’t advanced enough yet, you might find it challenging to achieve this top speed.

In Sonic Mania, the level design is notably refined, offering an unprecedented smoothness and fun as you race through the stages. On a portable device, it seems as though there’s never been a better moment to challenge yourself with speed runs on these levels.

This game boasts some exceptional level designs within its series. The drop dash feature provides a highly gratifying gaming experience, and every character introduces fresh elements to keep each playthrough engaging and entertaining, ensuring endless enjoyment.

I really enjoy taking out my Nintendo Switch for a gaming session, often completing multiple levels at once. During long flights back home, I sometimes indulge in finishing the whole game, and it’s always a delightful experience.

2. Balatro

Genuine Addiction

It’s worth mentioning that Balatro has gained notoriety as an exceptionally captivating game, frequently giving off an addictive vibe. This is due to its mesmerizing graphics and music, and the intense affection players seem to develop for it.

Instead of engaging in actual gambling, enjoying simulated games on your mobile device where the demise of your “banana” (representative icon) offers a chance to triple your “Hanging Chad Bloodstone flush deck,” can be an extraordinary experience.

For the first time, I experienced Balatro on my Steam Deck, and I found myself completely captivated, playing until 7 am without realizing. Its controls are seamless, and being able to carry it around could potentially lead to some risky situations.

The game’s instant success as a top-selling mobile title the moment it launched suggests it was perfectly suited for handheld devices, making it effortless to start playing.

1. Stardew Valley

Farming To Forever

I’ve admired Stardew Valley for quite some time, yet I struggled to become deeply engrossed in it. However, that changed when I started playing it on the Nintendo Switch, and all of a sudden, I was optimizing my autumnal cranberry harvest like a pro.

Stardew Valley’s design, which divides the gameplay into countless days while motivating players to make the most of their time and accomplish as much as possible, showcases remarkable creativity. This setup ensures that each day spent in the game feels productive and valuable.

Each day brings a constant stream of fascinating, diverse tasks alongside your personal preferences for when things get accomplished.

Day after day, there’s a multitude of cool and unique activities to tackle, along with arranging tasks according to your preferred schedule.

The content is captivating to such an extent that it’s hard to stop reading, and when you must take a break, you can easily pick up where you left off without feeling disoriented or impeded by the time away, as if you never left in springtime.

2025-04-06 16:40