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The Ultimate Guide to Handheld Gaming Consoles for Traveling

Isabella-Viktoria Helm
/
April 14, 2023

Traveling can be a fantastic way to experience new cultures, see the world, and create lifelong memories. But let's face it, long journeys can also be dull at times. One way to stay entertained on the go is by investing in a portable gaming console. In this blog post, we will explore the best handheld gaming consoles and travel-friendly games that are perfect for keeping you entertained during your next trip.

Handheld Consoles vs. Gaming PCs and Traditional Game Consoles

While handheld gaming consoles provide a portable and travel-friendly gaming experience, it's essential to consider the differences between them and other gaming platforms, such as traditional game consoles and gaming PCs. Handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Steam Deck offer the advantage of portability and a vast library of games, but they may not have the same processing power as a gaming PC or a stationary game console, which could impact the performance of certain games.

Strategy Games and the Ultimate Gaming Experience

If you're a fan of strategy games, many handheld consoles offer excellent titles to keep you entertained during your travels. For example, games like Civilization VI and Fire Emblem: Three Houses are available on the Nintendo Switch, providing a deep and engaging strategy experience on the go. However, not all games from this genre may be available on handheld consoles, so it's crucial to check the compatibility and availability of your favorite titles before setting out on your journey.

Balancing Game Time and Battery Life

One aspect to consider when choosing a handheld gaming console for travel is the battery life, as it can determine how long you can enjoy playing games during your trip. The original Nintendo Switch, for example, has a battery life of approximately 2.5 to 6.5 hours, depending on the game being played. Newer consoles like the Nintendo Switch OLED offer improved battery life, allowing for more extended periods of gaming without the need for frequent recharging.

First Party Games, Card Games, and Nintendo eShop

Handheld consoles, especially the Nintendo Switch, are known for their extensive library of first-party games. These games, such as Super Smash Bros, provide an unparalleled gaming experience and can be easily purchased through the Nintendo eShop. Additionally, the eShop offers a wide selection of digital card games like Slay the Spire and Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales, which can be stored on the console's internal storage, making them easily accessible during your travels.

Expanding Your Gaming Library

Handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch have a huge library of games, including both digital and physical titles. With new consoles continually being released, the selection of available games is ever-expanding, ensuring that you'll never run out of entertaining titles to play during your journey. Whether you prefer strategy games, first-party titles, or card games, handheld consoles offer a diverse and engaging gaming experience, making them an ideal choice for travel.

A Comprehensive List of Handheld Gaming Consoles

The market is teeming with handheld gaming consoles, each offering unique features and gaming experiences. Here's a list of some popular handheld gaming consoles:

  1. Nintendo Switch
  2. Nintendo Switch Lite
  3. Nintendo Switch OLED
  4. Steam Deck
  5. Sega Game Gear

Cheap Portable Gaming Consoles

If you're on a budget, consider the Nintendo Switch Lite or Sega Game Gear as affordable options. Both offer excellent performance and a great value for your money.

Classic Handheld Consoles: Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, and Game Boy

For those who appreciate a dose of nostalgia or simply enjoy the vast libraries of games from past handheld consoles, the Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, and Game Boy are excellent options. These classic handheld gaming consoles offer a unique gaming experience and are perfect for revisiting some beloved titles during your travels. Some example games for these consoles include:

  1. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver (Nintendo DS) - Remakes of the classic Pokémon Gold and Silver games, with updated graphics and new features. Perfect for people who love the classic game.
  2. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (Nintendo 3DS) - An innovative and engaging adventure in the iconic Zelda series, featuring a blend of 2D and 3D gameplay.
  3. Mario Kart 7 (Nintendo 3DS) - A portable version of the popular racing series, featuring new tracks, characters, and items.
  4. Tetris (Game Boy) - The timeless puzzle game that defined the Game Boy era and still provides endless entertainment.
  5. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (Game Boy) - A top-down adventure game in the Zelda series, filled with puzzles, dungeons, and memorable characters.

These classic handheld consoles and their diverse game libraries are sure to provide hours of enjoyment for both casual and seasoned gamers alike, making them excellent choices for travel entertainment.

What is the Best Handheld Gaming Console?

The best handheld gaming console ultimately depends on your needs and preferences. For most people, the Nintendo Switch and its variants are the top choices, offering a vast library of first and third-party games. The Switch Lite is an excellent option for those who prioritize portability and affordability, while the Nintendo Switch OLED offers a larger, more vibrant screen and other improvements for an extra cost.

The Steam Deck, a handheld PC, is also an attractive option for those who want to play PC games on the go with excellent performance.

Portable Gaming for Consoles: Travel-Friendly Games

When it comes to games for traveling on a plane or a road trip, the Nintendo Switch offers a plethora of travel-friendly games, both classic and new. For example, popular titles such as Mario Kart, and Animal Crossingcan be played on the Switch, offering hours of entertainment.

Fun Games to Play While Traveling

Below is a list of fun games to play while traveling, suitable for various handheld consoles:

  1. Mario Kart (Nintendo Switch) - a classic racing game for all ages
  2. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Nintendo Switch) - a relaxing life simulation game
  3. Stardew Valley (Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck) - a charming farming and life simulation game
  4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch) - an open-world adventure game
  5. Hollow Knight (Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck) - an atmospheric and challenging platformer
  6. Celeste (Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck) - a beautiful and challenging platformer

Digital Travel Games for Larger Groups

If you're traveling with a group and prefer digital games, there are plenty of multiplayer options available on handheld consoles that cater to larger groups. These games provide hours of entertainment and can be easily enjoyed on the go, making them perfect for your next trip. Some examples of digital games suitable for larger groups include:

  1. Overcooked! 2 (Nintendo Switch) - A chaotic and fun cooperative cooking game that can be played by up to four players, requiring teamwork and communication to successfully complete each level.
  2. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Nintendo Switch) - A popular fighting game featuring a wide variety of characters, suitable for up to eight players to compete in exciting and action-packed battles.
  3. Mario Party (Nintendo Switch) - A classic board game-style experience with a collection of entertaining mini-games that can accommodate up to four players, making it perfect for friendly competition and teamwork.
  4. TowerFall (Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck) - A fast-paced archery combat game for up to four players, where quick reflexes and strategic thinking are essential to come out on top.
  5. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes (Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck) - A unique cooperative game for larger groups, where one player attempts to defuse a virtual bomb while the other players, using a bomb defusal manual, communicate instructions to the defuser.

These digital games offer engaging experiences for larger groups, ensuring that everyone stays entertained and connected during your travels. Be sure to consider these options when selecting games to play on your preferred handheld console while traveling with friends or family.

The Best Travel Game: Finding the Perfect Fit

Determining the best travel game can be subjective, as it ultimately depends on individual preferences, gaming interests, and the specific context of your journey. However, when choosing the ideal travel game, there are some key factors to consider:

  1. Portability: The game should be easy to carry and not take up too much space, making handheld console games a perfect choice.
  2. Battery life: A travel game should not drain the battery of your handheld console too quickly, ensuring that you can enjoy gaming for extended periods without needing to recharge.
  3. Pick-up-and-play: The ideal travel game should be easy to pick up and put down, allowing you to play in short bursts during breaks or longer sessions during extended periods of downtime.
  4. Multiplayer options: If you're traveling with friends or family, a game that offers multiplayer options can provide a shared entertainment experience and create lasting memories.
  5. Entertainment value: The game should be engaging and enjoyable, providing a captivating experience that keeps you entertained throughout your journey.

Taking these factors into account, some excellent games include:

  • Stardew Valley (Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck): With its relaxing gameplay and ability to save progress frequently, Stardew Valley is an excellent choice for gaming on the go.
  • Mario Kart (Nintendo Switch): This classic racing game is easy to pick up and play, offers multiplayer options, and provides endless entertainment during your travels.
  • The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch): This open-world adventure game offers an immersive experience, allowing you to explore at your own pace and save your progress whenever necessary.

Ultimately, the best travel game is one that meets your individual needs and preferences, offering a perfect balance of portability, battery life, accessibility, and entertainment value. So, consider these factors when selecting the ideal game to accompany you on your next adventure.

Unidice: The Ultimate Handheld Gaming Console

Unidice: A Revolutionary Digital Dice Experience

Unidice is a digital dice that can be customized via a connected mobile app. It has six digital displays that can be controlled and customized from within a dedicated smartphone app to be compatible with pen and paper and tabletop games. It can replicate up to six dice in one and is a must-have for any lover of board games, pen & paper games, or the simple act of rolling dice. The Unidice is not just any ordinary dice - it’s an electronic dice that’s built to deliver the ultimate gaming experience with every dice roll.

Unidice offers an extensive range of games available for the dice gaming console known as Unidice. This particular console utilizes a digital dice which is capable of communicating with smart devices, providing an enhanced experience for both physical and digital gaming. With six displays that respond to your every move, the Unidice allows you to shake, tilt, roll, and play your favorite games in a whole new way.

Unidiced Fantasies: The Ultimate TTRPG Companion

Unidice also offers an ultimate TTRPG Companion called Unidiced Fantasies. It allows you to create your own or import premade character sheets and let Unidice take over the calculations and comparisons for you! You can modify your character sheet anytime! Add special sound effects to liven up your dice rolls!

Unidice is a revolutionary product that has changed the way we play board games and tabletop games. It has brought together the physical and digital worlds of gaming in a way that has never been seen before. With its customizable features and extensive range of games available, it’s no wonder why it’s become such a popular product among gamers worldwide.

Compact & Robust: The Unidice Advantage

Despite being packed with advanced technology, Unidice is absolutely tiny compared to other electronic dice. Its compact design and incredibly strong build make it an excellent choice for those who prefer the feel of a proper dice

Built-in Battery: Powering Your Unidice Experience

Unidice comes with its own battery, allowing you to recharge it conveniently using a standard USB cable. With a single charge, you can enjoy hours of gameplay without worrying about replacing batteries. Simply recharge your Unidice when the battery runs low, and you're ready to roll again.

Unidice App: Customizing Your Dice for Immersive Gameplay

The accompanying app, compatible with a typical cell phone, allows you to choose dice and phone play sound effects, creating a unique and immersive gaming experience. Using Bluetooth protocol, the app communicates with Unidice and lets you select from a range of dice sets, including regular and colorful options that can be individually controlled. The dice light up when rolled and provide smooth, random results with each roll.

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