What is the best handheld game console for kids?

In a world of smartphones and tablets, handheld game consoles remain a favorite among kids — offering entertainment, education, and even family bonding. But with so many options, which handheld console is truly the best for kids in 2025?

Let’s break it down by age, budget, and game library to help you make the right choice.

🏆 Top 5 Best Handheld Consoles for Kids

1. Nintendo Switch Lite

✅ Best Overall for Most Kids (Ages 6–12+)

  • Pros: Lightweight, durable, access to the full Nintendo game library (Mario, Pokémon, Animal Crossing).

  • Cons: Cannot connect to a TV like the original Switch.

  • Price: ~$199

  • Where to Buy: Nintendo Switch Lite on Amazon

🎮 Great games:

  • Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

  • Luigi’s Mansion 3

  • Super Mario Odyssey

  • Pokémon Scarlet/Violet

2. Nintendo Switch (OLED Model)

✅ Best for Families / Shared Gaming (Ages 7–Teen)

  • Pros: Detachable Joy-Cons for multiplayer, vivid OLED screen, dockable to TV.

  • Cons: Pricier and slightly less rugged.

  • Price: ~$349

  • Where to Buy: Nintendo Official Store

🎮 Great games:

  • Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

  • Kirby and the Forgotten Land

3. LeapFrog LeapPad Academy

✅ Best for Younger Kids (Ages 3–7)

  • Pros: Educational, sturdy design, parental controls.

  • Cons: Not for older kids or teens.

  • Price: ~$100

  • Where to Buy: LeapFrog Store

🎮 Includes:

  • Educational games

  • Reading and math apps

  • Puzzle and creativity apps

4. PlayStation Portal (Streaming Only)

✅ For Older Kids with a PlayStation 5 at Home (Ages 10–Teen)

  • Pros: Access to PS5 games via remote play, high-quality screen.

  • Cons: Needs a PS5 to work; limited without Wi-Fi.

  • Price: ~$199

  • Where to Buy: PlayStation Portal

5. R36S Retro Handheld Console

✅ Best for Retro Game Lovers & Budget Gifting (Ages 8+)

  • Pros: Affordable, preloaded with thousands of classic games (NES, GBA, PS1).

  • Cons: No new modern games, shorter battery life.

  • Price: ~$60–$100

  • Where to Buy: Gameloopx Retro Consoles

🧠 How to Choose the Right Console for Your Child

Criteria What to Look For
Age Simple interface for under 7; diverse games for older kids
Durability Rugged build, screen protection, drop-resistant
Game Library Family-friendly titles, educational games, or classics
Parental Controls App/game restrictions, screen time limits
Price Balance features with budget – more expensive isn’t always better

🚫 What Games to Avoid for Kids

  • Too much violence: Games like Call of Duty or GTA are not suitable for young kids.

  • Online-only games: They can expose kids to online chat or in-app purchases.

  • Unrated emulators: Be cautious with unknown ROMs or bootleg games.

✅ What Games Are Kid-Friendly?

  • Minecraft (creative, multiplayer, education)

  • Super Mario Bros. Wonder

  • Animal Crossing: New Horizons

  • LEGO Star Wars / LEGO Harry Potter

  • Sonic Mania

🎁 Final Thoughts

The Nintendo Switch Lite is often the best all-around handheld for kids, thanks to its game library and ease of use. For younger kids, go with educational options like the LeapPad. If your family already owns a PS5, the PlayStation Portal is a great complementary handheld.

Looking for a budget-friendly retro device? Check out the R36S or other retro consoles at Gameloopx