The Top Portable Gaming Devices for Your Summer Travels

Various methods of entertainment have long been popular for use during travel – whether it’s portable travel board games or a deck of cards to play with the family after dinner, or a book (or E-reader) to immerse yourself in on the plane. But one that’s increased dramatically in recent years? Digital gaming.

While handheld consoles have been around for decades, it was the launch of Nintendo’s Game Boy in 1989 which popularised portable gameplay. Fast-forward to today, and multiple brands and models are available. And, thanks to increased power, capabilities and portability of modern devices – plus the increased accessibility of Wi-Fi – the popularity of handheld gaming has skyrocketed.

But which is the best device to take on your travels? Discover the top portable gaming devices for your next holiday. And, to make life even easier, why not use online gift cards for your game play? #1 in global mobile top up, gift cards and payment cards, MobileTopUpUK is a quick, easy and secure platform to purchase your gaming gift cards and accessories.

Why Portable Gaming Devices Are Essential for Travellers

A great boredom-breaker, portable gaming devices are an easy, convenient source of entertainment while travelling.

• For long journeys – they’re perfect to inject fun into road trips, long-haul flights and waiting time.
• Packing light – most devices are lightweight and slot easily into hand luggage or backpacks.
• Connections – gamers can still feel connected to friends by playing co-op or multiplayer games.
• Play anywhere – many games can also be played offline, which is ideal for areas with little signal or no Wi-Fi.
• Something for everyone – with expansive libraries, gaming consoles provide entertainment for both frequent gamers and more casual players.

The Best Portable Gaming Devices for Travel

Nintendo Switch

• Versatility – the hybrid design supports both handheld and docked mode.
• Play for longer – the standard Switch has impressive battery life, offering 4.5-9 hours. The Switch Lite provides 3-7 hours.
• Family-friendly games – the Nintendo Switch boasts an impressive array of games including the popular Mario Kart and Zelda.
• Engage with new friends – detachable Joy-Cons makes in-person multiplayer possible.

Ideal for: Family holidays and solo travellers

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Steam Deck

• PC games on-the-go – if you’re a fan of PC games, it’s easy to continue your progress while away from home.
• Console-like experience – powerful hardware runs the latest AAA games seamlessly. The device offers large internal storage options, plus microSD support.
• Control with comfort – the device was built with long session-comfort in mind, with full-size controls designed to work for a range of hand sizes.
• Offline play – when your internet connection isn’t so great (or non-existent), you can still play multiple games.

Ideal for: Hardcore gamers seeking high performance

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Gaming Smartphones
Such as the Asus ROG Phone or the Nubia RedMagic 10 Pro.

• Easy gaming – ideal for quick, casual gaming sessions.
• Variety – smartphones offer access to huge mobile game stores.
• Compact – you get your phone, gaming and media in one single device with this pocket-sized device.
• Battery life – most smartphones boast a very decent gaming battery life, some lasting days with moderate use.

Ideal for: Casual gamers who like to travel light

PlayStation Portable (PSP) or PlayStation Vita

• Affordability – available on the used market, you can often get them for a good price.
• Nostalgic – these devices can hold many classic games and PlayStation-exclusive titles, including Star Wars, Grand Theft Auto, Final Fantasy and God of War.
• Compact – with the PSP the smaller of the two, they are both very portable and lightweight.
• Good battery life – the PS Vita lasts 3-5 hours, while the PSP can last 6-10 hours (depending on usage).

Ideal for: Retro gaming enthusiasts and Playstation fans

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Essential Accessories for On-the-Go Gaming

It’s not just the device itself you want to consider when planning portable gaming sessions. The accessories are almost as important – from chargers and cases to headphones and controllers, make sure you’ve got everything you need for smooth gameplay, anywhere and anytime.

Portable Power Banks
Ever been just about to complete that level and your battery dies? Make sure that doesn’t happen when you’re out and about by taking a portable powerbank with you. They’re compact and lightweight, and can provide multiple charges. Taking multiple cables also means they’ll charge multiple devices, too.

Wireless Controllers
Packing wireless controllers means that no matter where you’re staying, you can enjoy an enhanced travel gaming experience, especially on larger screens or with cloud gaming.

Protective Cases
Keep your device safe during travel with a protective case. It will protect your screen from scratches, plus shield your device from any toiletry or drink bottle explosions.

Headphones or Earbuds
Using headphones or earbuds while playing helps you retain an immersive experience while you travel. Plus, it means you won’t disturb others around you.

Where to Buy Gaming Devices and Accessories

Once you’ve chosen your device (and the accessories to go with it), you can buy it directly from the retailer or any approved third party sellers. If you’re buying a PSP or PS Vita, you’ll need to search on second-hand sites like Ebay, or find refurbished models on marketplaces like Amazon.

When buying your device, accessories and games, it’s easy to do so using a gaming voucher – you can get these at online platforms like MobileTopUpUK (which is #1 for global mobile top up, gift cards and payment cards) – it’s fast and secure. Plus, when you’re off travelling, gift cards can help you stick to a budget for buying games or making in-game purchases.

Portable Gaming Devices: a Summer Travel Must-Have

Whether you’re in need of entertainment on a long-haul flight, a car journey distraction or some downtime when you’re away with the family, a portable gaming device is an ideal companion. Compact and lightweight, they slip easily into your case, hand luggage or backpack, and can provide hours of family fun or solo play – especially if the weather isn’t on your side! While all have decent battery life, multiple games to enjoy and are travel-friendly sizes, it’s important to weigh up the individual design of each to find which one suits your needs best.