How many inch screen is good for gaming?

Whether you're gaming on a handheld console, laptop, monitor, or TV, choosing the right screen size is crucial for an enjoyable experience. But the “best” screen size varies depending on your gaming setup, play style, and portability needs.

📏 Ideal Screen Sizes by Gaming Device Type

Device Type Recommended Screen Size Why This Size?
Handheld Consoles 5" – 7" Balanced portability and visual comfort
Gaming Laptops 15" – 17" Good size for gaming and mobility
PC Monitors 24" – 32" Sharp visuals, immersive gaming, desk-friendly
TVs for Console Gaming 40" – 65" Large, cinematic experience with proper viewing distance

🎯 What About Handheld Gaming Screens?

  • 5 to 6.5 inches is generally the sweet spot for handheld consoles.

  • Smaller than 5" can strain your eyes for long play, and bigger than 7" starts affecting portability.

  • Examples:

    • Nintendo Switch Lite: 5 inches

    • Steam Deck: 7 inches

    • Anbernic RG353M: 5 inches

🧠 Tips for Choosing Your Screen Size

  • Consider how far you’ll sit from the screen. Bigger screens require you to sit farther back for comfort.

  • For portable gaming, smaller screens help with battery life and ease of carrying.

  • For immersive gaming at home, bigger screens enhance detail and engagement.

  • Don’t just chase screen size—look for resolution and refresh rate too, as these affect game clarity and smoothness.

Final Thought

A good gaming screen size balances your device type, gaming preferences, and lifestyle. For most handhelds, 5 to 7 inches is ideal. For home setups, choose a screen that fits your space and how you sit.

Here are a few quick questions, if you want to shop a console, you need to consider

  1. Where do you mostly game?

    • At home (desk or living room)

    • On the go (commuting, travel, etc.)

    • Both

  2. What types of games do you usually play?

    • Retro / emulators (Game Boy, NES, SNES, etc.)

    • AAA modern games (Elden Ring, Call of Duty, etc.)

    • Mobile / indie games

    • Competitive shooters or fast-paced games

    • Puzzle / casual games

  3. How important is portability to you?

    • Very important — must fit in a pocket or small bag

    • Somewhat important — I don’t mind carrying a small case

    • Not important — mostly stationary gaming

  4. Do you prefer touchscreen, physical buttons, or both?

  5. What’s your budget range?

    • Under $150

    • $150–$400

    • $400+