Handheld gaming devices today come packed with cutting-edge hardware, immersive gameplay, high-quality graphics, and connectivity. These consoles are integrating with our daily lives and expanding the possibilities.
As such, the global handheld gaming console market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.87%, reaching USD 25.32 billion by 2031. This growth is attributed to increased demand for these portable devices and technological advances.
This article will explore the trends likely to dominate the handheld game console market in 2024. We’ll also recommend the best options for resellers looking to stay ahead and meet the evolving demands of this thriving market.
Table of Contents
Handheld game console trends in 2024
Handheld game consoles to buy in 2024
Conclusion
Handheld game console trends in 2024
Immersive displays
Many handheld game consoles in 2024 come with enhanced display technologies that provide immersive gaming experiences. These include:
OLED and AMOLED screens: Most systems will come with either OLED or AMOLED displays. The former is preferable for its deep blacks and high contrast ratios, while the latter tend to have faster refresh rates and consume less power.
Overall, higher adaptive refresh rates of 90‒120Hz are best for gaming and multimedia experiences. On some systems, gamers can also control the pixel rate, producing better battery life than traditional LCDs.
Higher resolution and memory: The CPU and GPU are at the heart of any serious gaming gear, helping to pack a graphical punch.
The most recent handheld gaming consoles have processors that handle 3D rendering, textures, and lighting effects to improve the visual fidelity of smaller screens.
Some consoles have up to 16 gigs of RAM for seamless running of AAA title games with impressive detail.
High dynamic range (HDR) support: The latest handheld game consoles also feature HDR support, which improves contrast and shows a wider range of colors.
Powerful processing and graphics
Manufacturers use chips that pack higher clock speeds, helping them to handle complex 3D rendering. Most advanced processors also enable devices to handle complex game mechanics, AI calculations, and simulations more efficiently.
Other capabilities include dedicated GPUs, ray tracing technology that simulates how light interacts with virtual environments, increased RAM, and cross-platform compatibility, allowing seamless integration with different gaming ecosystems.
In addition, techniques such as dynamic resolution scaling help adjust a console’s clarity and maintain a consistent framerate in demanding gaming scenes.
Most recent handheld gaming consoles also employ anti-aliasing techniques like multisample anti-aliasing (MSAA), which reduce jagged edges, further enhancing the gaming experience.
The future is even brighter for handhelds with technologies like deep learning super sampling (DLSS), which promises higher resolution and performance using AI-powered upscaling.
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) integration
Many newer handheld gaming consoles incorporate augmented reality (AR) to mimic the real-world gaming environment.
Some models use sensors for head tracking and motion detection. These sensors create an immersive experience by recognizing the spatial layout of the surroundings.
You can expect a newly released console to support VR features, either through built-in screens or by connecting to external VR devices.
Cross-platform connectivity
Handheld consoles increasingly allow users to transition seamlessly between their devices and other gaming platforms.
The most recent handheld consoles support games like Rocket League, Fortnite, and Apex Legends, which offer built-in cross-play functionality.
Their cross-platform multiplayer functionality includes cooperative and competitive modes.
Many handheld consoles also allow players to link their gaming accounts to other platforms. is essential for players wanting to track their progress, achievements, and link in-game purchases across different devices.
Other features include voice-capturing capabilities, unified friends lists that include players from various platforms, cross-platform tournaments, and more.
Cloud gaming services
Handheld game consoles now support game streaming on remote servers. The catch is most handhelds require fast internet to ensure low latency and a smooth gaming experience.
Gamers with access to cloud gaming services can gain access to a library of games hosted on remote servers.
One notable feature in cloud gaming platforms is syncing game progress across devices. This allows players to start a game on one console and continue playing on other devices.
Most console manufacturers partner with cloud gaming providers to offer regular upgrades, enhancing the overall user experience.
Handheld game consoles to buy in 2024
1. Best for kids: M3 Sup 900 in 1 Mini Retro Gaming Console
This newly upgraded 16-bit handheld game console has a 3.5-inch HD LCD color screen and is packed with 900+ built-in classic games on a high-quality display.
This device also features a 1020mAh battery, a built-in memory card for game extensions, is made with high-quality materials, and is available in multiple colors. The console’s high-precision 3D rocker enables a more exact and interactive gaming experience.
If you want a larger display, simply connect it to a TV using the AV cable (included in the package).
2. Best console with photography: X7 Handheld Game Console
The X7 handheld game console has a 4.3-inch touch screen, a 1200mAh battery, and WiFi compatibility. It also supports 18 languages.
It comes with 9,968 different types of games, including 500 classics. It also has an 8GB internal memory, allowing it to store thousands of games, video files, and songs.
Other notable features are its 300,000-pixel HD rear camera that allows the user to capture moments and a microphone with a noise-reduction chip for noiseless HD recording.
3. Best for classic games: Y X70 Handheld Classic Game Console
The Y X70 handheld game console features a 7-inch HD screen, 32GB storage (expandable up to 64GB with a TF card), a long-lasting 3500mAh lithium battery, and TV connectivity.
The console has 10 two-player simulation games that can be played courtesy of two wired controllers. Its sensitive 3D rocker allows for flexible response and 360° high-precision control.
This console also has video and music playback with superior sound thanks toa pair of high-quality speakers.
4. Best large screen: Topleo X40 Handheld Portable Game Player
The Topleo X40 has a massive 7-inch HD touchscreen and an easily rechargeable 2500mAh Li-ion battery, and comes packed with a massive library of 10,000 built-in games.
Two-player gameplay is available via two wired gamepads. The console also supports MP3 audio and MP4 video formats, with 16GB built-in memory, expandable via TF card. This allows users to listen to music, watch videos, read e-books, and even take photos thanks to its built-in high-quality rear camera, display, and speakers.
The package includes the game console (with a gamepad option), earphones, a charging cable, and a TV output cable.
Conclusion
As more handheld game consoles hit the market, it’s clear that technological advancements and immersive experiences are shaping the future.
So, considering stocking consoles with these features is not just a strategy; it’s a necessity, with the future of handheld gaming consoles promising exciting opportunities for resellers to exceed their customers’ expectations. Embrace these trends and offer your customers a dynamic, exciting, and immersive gaming experience.
If you’re looking for the latest in handheld gaming technology, you’re bound to find exactly what you need among the thousands of options on Alibaba.com.
