Handheld gaming console
This device offers a wide variety of games for on-the-go entertainment, perfect for commuters or travelers seeking portable fun.
Games & Puzzles
Portable electronic games
5 kinds worth knowing, 10 picks, and what to check before you buy.
People who buy portable electronic games are often looking for something to fill a commute, a long car ride or a quiet evening in the recliner. They get bought for kids, for grandparents who like a simple puzzle, and for adults who miss the games they grew up with. The ones that get used tend to be simple: they turn on fast, the buttons make sense and the games are easy to follow. A handheld gaming console suits someone who already plays. A mini arcade machine works as a fun desk piece that nods to the past. Before you choose, think about how the person will use it: alone or with others, for a few minutes or for hours, at home or out and about.
Kind 1 of 5
Handheld consoles for people who already play
A handheld gaming console is a small, self-contained system with a screen, controls and either built-in games or a way to add more. Retro-style models come loaded with classic titles and suit adults who want the games they remember. Current-generation handhelds suit teens and adults who follow new releases. Before you buy, find out which games the person wants to play and check that the device can run them. Look at how it charges, how long a charge lasts, and whether games come included or have to be bought separately. For older players, a clear screen and good-sized buttons matter more than a long feature list.
Retro handheld console
Relive classic gaming memories with a device pre-loaded with beloved titles from past eras, appealing to nostalgic players.
Kind 2 of 5
Simple single-purpose games to take along
Not every portable game needs to be a full console. Single-purpose devices do one thing well: a puzzle game, a digital pet to care for, a card game like solitaire, or learning games for younger kids. They suit grandparents, young children and anyone who finds a menu-heavy console frustrating. Check what powers it, whether the sound can be turned off, and how easy the screen is to read in normal room light. For kids, find out whether the difficulty goes up as they improve, so it doesn't end up forgotten after a week.
Electronic puzzle game
A compact electronic puzzle provides engaging mental challenges, suitable for individuals who enjoy brain teasers and logic problems.
Digital pet simulator
This interactive virtual pet offers companionship and responsibility in a small electronic device, great for all ages.
Educational handheld game
Combine learning and play with an electronic device designed to teach various subjects, perfect for young learners.
Electronic card game device
Enjoy popular card games in a digital format without the need for physical cards, suitable for travel or solo play.
Kind 3 of 5
Murder mystery dinner games for hosts
A murder mystery dinner game turns a meal into an evening of play. Each guest gets a character, clues come out over the courses, and the table works out who did it. It suits people who love hosting, book club groups and families looking for something different over the holidays. Before you buy, check how many players the game needs and whether that fits the person's usual guest list. Look at how much preparation the host has to do, and whether the story's tone suits the crowd, whether that's lighthearted or more serious.
Murder Mystery Dinner Game
Someone at this dinner party is the murderer — a whole hosted evening, boxed
Kind 4 of 5
Mini arcade machines for the desk or shelf
A mini arcade machine is a small version of a stand-up cabinet, with a joystick, buttons and one or more classic games built in. It suits adults who grew up with arcades, and it works as a desk ornament that also gets played. Check which games are included, since that's the main reason someone will pick it up. Look at whether it runs on batteries or plugs in, and how loud it is, if it's going on an office desk. The controls on smaller models can feel cramped, so a slightly bigger size is often more comfortable to play.
Mini arcade machine
Recreate classic arcade experiences in a compact form, ideal for nostalgic gamers or those who appreciate retro entertainment.
Kind 5 of 5
Handheld arcade and sports games
Handheld arcade games are pocket-sized devices built around one quick style of play, like a sports game, a shooter or a classic maze game. They suit kids on a road trip and adults who want a game they can pick up and put down in a few minutes. Check that the controls respond well and the screen is big enough to follow the action. If the person likes one sport, a game built around it will usually get more play than a general collection.
Portable sports game
Experience simplified versions of popular sports on a small electronic screen, offering quick and engaging play.
How to choose portable electronic games as a gift
- Find out which games the person already likes, and let that decide between a full console and a simple single-game device.
- For grandparents and younger kids, choose clear screens, larger buttons and a quick start over a long feature list.
- Check how the device is powered, and add batteries or a charging cable if they aren't included.
- Consider where it will be played; a mute option matters for commutes, waiting rooms and shared living spaces.
- For a group gift, a murder mystery dinner game gets the whole table playing instead of one person on a screen.
Usually safe to skip
- Consoles that need extra games bought separately, unless you know the person already owns titles or plans to buy them.
- Tiny keychain games with cramped buttons, which tend to feel fiddly and get set aside after a few tries.
- Collections that claim hundreds of built-in games but are mostly near-duplicates, which quickly disappoint anyone who remembers the originals.
Questions people ask about portable electronic games
- Is a handheld gaming console a good gift for someone who doesn't play video games?
- Usually not a full console. Someone new to gaming tends to do better with a simple device built around one game, like a puzzle or card game, that turns on and starts right away without menus or accounts.
- What is the difference between a mini arcade machine and a handheld arcade game?
- A mini arcade machine looks like a small stand-up cabinet and is meant to sit on a desk or shelf. A handheld arcade game is held in your hands and made for carrying around. Pick based on whether the person will play at home or on the go.
- How many people do you need for a murder mystery dinner game?
- It depends on the game, so check the player count before you buy. Most are built for a set range of guests, and each person plays a character, so match the game to the size of group the host usually has over.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All portable electronic games picks
Showing 1–10 of 10
