Handheld gaming devices - cheap ones

roytom2

Are there any cheap handheld gaming devices available new? I like the look of the PS Vita but I think it’s getting a bit old. Secondhand ones could be a risk. I can’t afford a Switch, although I assume it would be the best current choice?
Some of these cheap handhelds sometimes get reviews on YouTube.
Ideally I’d like a cheap one (less than £50) that has a decent size screen, decent resolution and has the ability to play decent games that have good graphics. I think this is certainly asking for too much but I’d like the informed opinions of anyone who owns one of these please.
 Thanks 

dan958

I've got a Vita and Switch. I like them both, but I definitely prefer my vita, but that could just be due to my catalog on Vita being much larger.
What sort of games are you looking to play? Because you sure aint getting something for less than £50 with those requirements you are after.
The OG PSP and the vita also have the added befit of being able to throw emulators on them (any maybe the Switch, I dont follow that homebrew scene for switch)

roytom2

thanks.

Its mainly games with decent colourful graphics in 3D, Super Mario possibly or other cartoon like games.
moving up in price would a used 3DS XL be any good? I think the Vita is probably better overall but older. 

The 3DS XL doesn’t seem to do that well in reviews - is that because it cannot be easily modded?

dan958

The vita is a JRPG machine, so if you like those, get that.
I have a 3ds XL and I have no issues with it, although my game library for that is also smaller - but colourful games is where the 3ds (and nintendo in general ) shines

vita has the benefit of having some PSP, ps1, and ps2 classics available on the store.

roytom2

I’m now thinking of the Vita, although I wonder if the 3DS XL might do? Is the slim Vita the one to go for? Am I right in thinking the original Vita had a poorer screen & a small internal memory?
cheers 

dan958

roytom2 said:

I’m now thinking of the Vita, although I wonder if the 3DS XL might do? Is the slim Vita the one to go for? Am I right in thinking the original Vita had a poorer screen & a small internal memory?
cheers 

The slim vita is slim, has a better battery, and small internal storage (you'll need a memory card anyway, and those are pretty expensive as they are proprietary.
The original vita is fatter (which I prefer), and has a better screen (OLED, whereas slim is just LCD), but no internal storage.
But as I said before, I only really recommend the Vita if you like JRPGs, or visual novels. The console is bursting with those. Games like Steins;Gate, Persona 4 golden, Trails of cold steel, freedom wars etc

ToxicWomble

A pack of cards - 100s of games possible solo or with friends and no batteries required