We are living through a golden era for gaming on the go. From full blown handheld consoles to versatile smartphones, gamers can enjoy a wealth of experiences across a range of form factors.
Of course not all portable gaming gadgets are created equal, so here are the top contenders to take for a spin in 2022.
Nintendo Switch OLED
The Switch is fast becoming one of the best selling consoles of all time, and the recent hardware refresh which added an OLED screen in place of the older LCD panel is much appreciated.
While the power under the skin is much lower than other consoles, the portability combined with the quality of the first party games is hard to match. There’s also ample support for third party titles, whether you’re into arcade classics or modern shooters.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
One of the world’s most powerful mobile devices, the Galaxy S22 Ultra is the pinnacle of what can be achieved in the smartphone space right now, and has received rave reviews as a result.
It’s got enough grunt to make light work of even the most demanding gaming experiences, and being an Android-based handset it also supports every other conceivable format of play you could imagine. So whether you’re into online first person shooters, or you want to spin the reels at some of the best Irish casinos in the market, this Samsung flagship has got you covered.
The price is the main downside, but on the right pay monthly contract it becomes more manageable as an option.
Realme GT 2
You might not have heard of mobile brand Realme, but its latest release is definitely going to help it make its mark, thanks to the sheer value for money it represents.
For gaming, the 6.6 inch QHD screen is a welcome inclusion. And with the Snapdragon 888 chipset paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, it is no slouch in the number-crunching department either.
Add in the hefty 5000mAh battery, and it’s easy to be impressed by just how much bang for your buck you get with this wallet-friendly phone.
Soundpeats Free2 Classic Earbuds
The name may be a bit of a mouthful, but we loved the cost-conscious Free2 Classic Earbuds from Soundpeats. And for gaming on the go, where you don’t want to disturb other people with the audio from your interactive entertainment, having wireless audio accessories like this to hand is essential.
Don’t expect market-leading sound quality, but also don’t be fooled into thinking that because these are affordable earbuds, they’ll also be unable to deliver a decent experience. Compared with equivalent budget products, they are a breath of fresh air, and with bonuses like integrated touch controls and Bluetooth call support, they’re good for more than just gaming.
Razer Kishi
If you are a fan of the idea of the Switch, but you don’t want to carry around a portable console as well as your smartphone, then the Kishi controller accessory from Razer is a good investment.
This is a tried and tested solution for adding physical controls to a touchscreen device, and it adds in a pair of analogue sticks, a D-pad, face and shoulder buttons to transform the way you can play.
Versions of the Kishi for both iOS and Android devices are available, but compatibility is not universal, so do check carefully to see if your phone is supported.
So with 2022 well underway, now’s the perfect time to gear up on portable gaming gadgets, and as you can see there are options in all price points.