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Discover our ranking of the 6 best compact gaming consoles based on our tests.

Ranking

#1 🏆 Best choice
Switch (OLED Model) - Neon Blue/Neon Red

Nintendo

Switch (OLED Model) - Neon Blue/Neon Red

⭐ Très bien noté 🔥 Populaire
  • OLED screen looks much better than the old LCD, especially in handheld
  • Improved full-width kickstand makes tabletop mode actually usable
  • Dock with wired LAN port gives more stable online and downloads
The Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) Neon Blue/Neon Red is basically the best version of the Switch idea, without changing what the Switch actually is. The OLED screen, better kickstand, slightly sturdier feel, and wired LAN in the dock all make the day-to-day experience nicer, especially if you play a lot in handheld or tabletop mode. Games don’t run faster, but they do look better on the new display, and that alone makes older titles feel a bit fresher.Who is it for? If you’re new to the Switch and plan to use it often on the go, this is the model I’d buy. If you own a worn-out launch Switch and mainly play portable, the upgrade is also pretty easy to justify. If you mostly play docked or you already have the newer standard Switch with better battery, the OLED feels more like a nice-to-have than a smart upgrade. Performance is unchanged, Joy-Con drift is still a potential issue, and 64 GB storage fills up fast if you buy a lot of digital games.Overall, I’d rate it as a strong, but not mind-blowing, upgrade. It gets the job done very well for Nintendo fans and handheld players, but it doesn’t magically fix the aging hardware. Just be clear on why you’re buying it: for the screen and the convenience, not for raw power.
8.6 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#2
Switch Lite Dialga & Palkia Edition

Nintendo

Switch Lite Dialga & Palkia Edition

⭐ Très bien noté 🔥 Populaire
  • Lighter and more comfortable for long handheld sessions than the regular Switch
  • Proper D-pad and solid overall controls for 2D and indie games
  • Pokémon Dialga & Palkia design looks good and holds up well over time
The Nintendo Switch Lite Dialga & Palkia Edition is a good handheld console for people who mainly want to play on the go and like the Pokémon theme. It’s lighter and easier to handle than a regular Switch, the D-pad is nicer for many games, and the Pokémon artwork looks clean without being over-the-top. Performance is the same as any other Switch, so games run as expected, and the smaller screen actually looks a bit sharper in many cases.On the downside, you’re completely locked into handheld mode. No TV output, no detachable Joy-Con, and if a stick drifts, the whole unit needs attention. Battery life is okay but not spectacular, and you’ll definitely want to budget for a case and screen protector. If this is your first and only Switch and you think you might want to play on a TV or do regular multiplayer with friends on one console, I’d say look at the standard Switch or Switch OLED instead.If you already know you just want a portable machine for solo play—for commuting, bed, sofa, and trips—this model makes sense, and the Pokémon design is a nice bonus if you’re into the series. It’s not perfect, but for the price and use case, it’s a pretty solid little console that does what it’s supposed to do without fuss.
8.6 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#3
Switch Lite Hyrule Edition - International Version

Nintendo

Switch Lite Hyrule Edition - International Version

  • Nice Zelda-themed gold design that still looks fairly discreet in daily use
  • Lightweight, compact handheld with a proper d-pad and comfortable controls for shorter sessions
  • International version works with physical games from any region without issues
The Nintendo Switch Lite Hyrule Edition is basically a regular Switch Lite wrapped in a Zelda skin, and that’s exactly how it behaves. No secret hardware boost, no special software extras – just the usual Lite experience with a gold shell, green accents, and the Hylian Crest on the back. As a handheld, it’s light, easy to carry, and comfortable for short to medium sessions. The d-pad is better than the standard Joy-Con layout for 2D and retro games, and performance is the usual Switch level: good enough for Nintendo titles and indies, but not a powerhouse.Where it really makes sense is if you’re a Zelda fan or a collector who likes themed hardware. The design is tasteful enough that you can use it daily without feeling like you’re carrying a toy, and it does scratch that “nice to own” itch. Battery life is fine for commutes, durability feels solid as long as you’re not reckless, and the international version works with carts from everywhere. On the downside, you’re locked into handheld mode only, no TV output, no detachable Joy-Con, and the smaller screen won’t please everyone. It’s also not the best raw value if it’s much pricier than a plain Lite.If you mainly play solo in handheld and you like the Zelda theme, this is a pretty solid choice. If you want big-screen play, couch multiplayer, or don’t care about the design, you’re better off with a standard or OLED Switch. It’s a nice handheld for a specific type of user, not a universal upgrade for everyone.
8.6 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#4
Switch Lite - Blue Blue Console

Nintendo

Switch Lite - Blue Blue Console

  • Compact and lightweight, much more comfortable for handheld use than a regular Switch
  • Integrated controls with a proper D‑pad, great for platformers and 2D games
  • Lower price than standard Switch models while keeping the same handheld performance and game library
The Nintendo Switch Lite Blue is a straightforward product: a compact, handheld‑only Switch that focuses on being easy to carry and simple to use. No TV output, no detachable Joy-Cons, no gimmicks. In daily use, that focus actually pays off. It’s lighter, feels more solid as a single piece, and is easier for kids and commuters to handle than the standard model. Performance is the same as a regular Switch in handheld mode, battery life is decent (3–7 hours depending on the game), and the D‑pad makes 2D and platformer games more pleasant.It’s not perfect. You lose any option to play on a TV, the screen is still just a basic LCD, and storage is limited so you’ll need a microSD card. Long sessions can still get a bit tiring without a grip, and stick drift is always a possibility over time. But for the price, and for the use cases it targets – kids, travel, second console in a Nintendo household, or people who just want a no‑nonsense handheld – it gets the job done well.If you want a single console to do everything, including couch gaming on a big screen, skip this and look at a regular Switch or Switch OLED. If you already have a main console or you only care about portable gaming, the Switch Lite Blue is a pretty solid, budget‑friendly option that still makes sense in 2025.
8.4 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
🌟 Excellent See full review →
See offer Amazon
#5 💰 Best price
Retro Game Console with 620 Video Games,Classic Mini Game System with Wired Controller,HDMI and AV Output Plug and Play Video Games (Ash Grey)

Generic

Retro Game Console with 620 Video Games,Classic Mini Game System with Wired Controller,HDMI and AV Output Plug and Play Video Games (Ash Grey)

  • Affordable price point
  • Large selection of games
  • Easy setup
In summary, the Retro Game Console with 620 Video Games is a decent pick for someone who doesn't mind a few quirks in exchange for a nostalgia-filled experience. It’s not perfect, but it’s functional and offers a wide array of games that can be fun for short play sessions. However, if you’re expecting high-quality emulation or a premium build, you might be left wanting.This console is best suited for casual gamers or those looking to introduce younger family members to the games of the past. It’s a fun trip down memory lane but doesn’t quite hold up to more modern standards. If you’re a hardcore retro gaming fan, you might want to invest in a more robust system.
6 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
👌 Good See full review →
See offer Amazon
#6
Wii U Premium Pack - game consoles (Wii U, Black, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 1080i, 1080p, 480i, 480p, 720p, DDR3, LCD)

Nintendo

Wii U Premium Pack - game consoles (Wii U, Black, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 1080i, 1080p, 480i, 480p, 720p, DDR3, LCD)

🔥 Populaire
  • Backwards compatibility with most Wii games and accessories
  • Fun local multiplayer with classic Nintendo titles in HD
  • GamePad allows off-TV play and some useful second-screen features
After spending time with the Wii U Premium Pack, my conclusion is pretty straightforward: it’s a fun but outdated console that only makes sense if you know exactly why you’re buying it. For families who want to play Mario, Zelda, and other Nintendo titles together on the couch, and especially for people who already own Wii games, it still offers a good time. Backwards compatibility is a big plus, and the GamePad, while bulky, can be handy for off-TV play and certain games.However, you have to accept its limits. The hardware is old, the online ecosystem is basically on life support, and the GamePad battery is short by modern standards. The used nature of most units also means you’re gambling a bit on condition: dirty consoles, missing accessories, and worn batteries are common stories. If you’re looking for a modern, future-proof system with active online support, you’re better off with a Switch or another current console.So, who should get this? People who want a cheap entry into Nintendo’s older HD era, who don’t mind second-hand hardware, and who mainly care about local play and physical games. Who should skip it? Anyone expecting up-to-date features, a strong digital store, or long-term support. In that case, the Wii U will feel more like a museum piece than a daily driver.
6 /10
★★★★★ ★★★★★
👌 Good See full review →
See offer Amazon

Comparison table : Compact gaming consoles

Overall score Value for money Design Battery Comfort Durability Performance Presentation
Switch (OLED Model) - Neon Blue/Neon Red
#1 Nintendo
Switch (OLED Model) - Neon Blue/Neon Red
See offer Amazon
8.6/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Switch Lite Dialga & Palkia Edition
#2 Nintendo
Switch Lite Dialga & Palkia Edition
See offer Amazon
8.6/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Switch Lite Hyrule Edition - International Version
#3 Nintendo
Switch Lite Hyrule Edition - Internation...
See offer Amazon
8.6/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Switch Lite - Blue Blue Console
#4 Nintendo
Switch Lite - Blue Blue Console
See offer Amazon
8.4/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Retro Game Console with 620 Video Games,Classic Mini Game System with Wired Controller,HDMI and AV Output Plug and Play Video Games (Ash Grey)
#5 Generic
Retro Game Console with 620 Video Games,...
See offer Amazon
6/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ - - - ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Wii U Premium Pack - game consoles (Wii U, Black, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 1080i, 1080p, 480i, 480p, 720p, DDR3, LCD)
#6 Nintendo
Wii U Premium Pack - game consoles (Wii...
See offer Amazon
6/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ - ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Frequently asked questions

According to our tests, the best compact gaming consoles is the Switch (OLED Model) - Neon Blue/Neon Red with a score of 8.6/10.

The cheapest compact gaming consoles in our comparison is the Retro Game Console with 620 Video Games,Classic Mini Game System with Wired Controller,HDMI and AV Output Plug and Play Video Games (Ash Grey).

The most popular compact gaming consoles is the Switch (OLED Model) - Neon Blue/Neon Red with 5 495 customer reviews.

To choose a compact gaming consoles, we recommend comparing performance, build quality, value for money and user reviews. Our comparison table above helps you make the right choice.

We have tested 6 Compact gaming consoles to establish this ranking.
#1 Switch (OLED Model) - Neon Blue/Neon Red
Nintendo
Nintendo Switch OLED - Neon Blue/Neon Red
8.6/10 Best choice
See offer Amazon
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