If you are a hardcore gamer and want to play games on the go, your first thought would be to buy a handheld console like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch.
However, smartphones are becoming more and more viable options in mobile gaming. There are many great titles on iOS and Android, plus many accessories that will give you a console experience. You can also get a dedicated gaming phone if you feel like it.
If you can’t decide between the two, here are six questions to consider before buying.
1. Do you play games specific to a platform?
You will have to go with the console if you are looking for specific titles. For example, the Nintendo Switch has several exclusive games and franchises such as Kirby, Animal Crossing, Pokémon, and more. If you have an extensive Steam library, the Steam Deck is something you can take your PC games with you on a journey. It also has other unique capabilities, such as letting you sync seamlessly between your computer and the handheld console.
However, Android and iOS smartphones also have an extensive game library. You may also find that smartphone games are more suited to portable gaming, allowing you to easily sync your progress across devices and with shorter rounds lasting between 10 and 30 minutes – great when you’re out and just waiting for someone.
Moreover, many game developers are porting their PC titles as smartphones get more performance. You can now find popular PC and console titles such as Call of Duty, Apex Legends and Diablo on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
2. How long can you play on a single charge?
Battery life is a mixed bag between consoles and smartphones. For example, the Nintendo Switch lasts between four and a half and nine hours of gaming. On the other hand, tests show that the Steam Deck only gets two to eight hours of gaming.
Smartphones also vary considerably in battery life. If you compare the iPhone 12 Pro Max and the iPhone 13 Pro Max, you will see that the latter can offer up to 22 hours of video playback. But if you’re going to play high-end games with it, you’ll probably get less than half of that.
However, a clear advantage that most smartphones have over game consoles is fast charging. The Steam Deck does not support the various fast charging standards, while the Nintendo Switch only supports up to 30 watts. And while smartphone charging speeds vary, the most popular devices typically charge at 45 watts or more, so you can charge faster.
3. Do you prefer to travel light?
The smartphone will definitely beat the game console in terms of portability. That’s because they’re designed to fit in your pocket, while most handhelds need to be in a bag for storage and transport. Handheld game consoles are also only useful for gaming. While you could surf the web and watch movies on it, especially for the Steam Deck, they aren’t very efficient at those tasks.
Furthermore, you usually take your smartphone with you, because it is your all-round device. In addition to gaming, you use the smartphone for transport, navigation, photography and videography, communication and much more. So if you are on the road and unexpectedly get some free time, you can easily pull out your smartphone and start playing.
4. Are you okay to play with virtual controls (on screen)?
Of course, the smartphone can’t beat the controller of a handheld console. Despite the flexibility that touchscreens offer, physical buttons and joysticks are still better for hardcore gaming. That’s because you can use tactile response (ie feel the controls) to move in your game. Plus, the extra buttons on the shoulder and back of handheld consoles give you more control.
But when you’re gaming on your smartphone, you’re usually stuck with on-screen controls. Not only will your fingers block elements on the screen, but you’re also limited to pressing two buttons simultaneously. Some gaming smartphones have extra shoulder buttons and other features that enhance the experience, but these models are rare.
You could get a smartphone controller like the Razer Kishi V2 to help you game better, but it’s an extra accessory that you’ll have to lug around with you.
5. How Much Can You Afford?
If you already own a decent smartphone and have to choose between upgrading to a flagship model or a handheld game console, you’ll find that the latter is much cheaper than phones.
At the time of writing, the Nintendo Switch costs $299, while you can get a base model Steam Deck for $399. You can also get the 256GB and 512GB Steam Deck models for $529 and $649. One problem that haunts game consoles, particularly the Steam Deck, however, is lack of availability.
Smartphones are easily available in the market, but you will have to pay significantly more to get the best gaming performance. The iPhone 13 Pro Max and Galaxy S22 Ultra both have a launch price of over $1,000. You can also opt for dedicated gaming phones like the Black Shark 5 Pro, Redmagic 7S Pro and ROG Phone 6 Pro, but their prices still range between $699 and $1,100.
6. Do you want a gaming device that you always have with you?
When purchasing a handheld gaming device for specific titles, stick with the console that carries it, such as the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck. But the smartphone is the right choice if you want something well-rounded and always with you.
And to enhance your smartphone gaming experience, you should opt for a flagship device and a third-party controller. Or you can choose a gaming smartphone – these devices are usually built for long gaming sessions. Thanks to their advanced cooling systems, you can play for a long time without experiencing thermal throttling.
But if you have a two-year-old smartphone that still works well and you’re considering upgrading to a flagship just for gaming, you might want to consider buying a handheld game console instead. After all, many smartphone brands today have extensive support for software updates, which means you can use them for longer.
The best portable gaming device is one that fits your lifestyle
If you are in a perfect world, you can afford to get all the portable game consoles and smartphones you want. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for most people. Both options have pros and cons, and you need to weigh which one is more important to you.
If you want an excellent gaming experience and don’t need flagship specs for your smartphone, why not a mid-range Android phone and a Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck? But if you’re always on the go and don’t have the time and energy to lug around a separate device, then a flagship smartphone or a gaming-focused phone is the way to go.
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