A long taxi ride. The queue at the bank. A power cut on a Sunday afternoon. These are exactly the moments a handheld console was made for. Pull it out, pick up where you left off, and the time disappears.
But a parent buying a first console, someone who plays FIFA on weekends and a gamer who argues about frame rates all need very different things. So we have ranked every handheld you can get from Gadget Craze, in stock or on order, and rated each one for three kinds of player. Find your type, find your handheld.
THE QUICK LIST
The best handhelds in Uganda right now
Ranked by the Gadget Craze team. Scores out of 10. Tap any handheld to jump to its review.
Which gamer are you?
Not sure where to start? Find yourself below. Every review also rates the handheld for each type of player, so you can see at a glance whether it suits you.
“I just want to play”
New to gaming, buying for the kids or after a gift.
“I play when I can”
Evenings, weekends and long journeys.
“I live for frame rates”
Steam library, high settings, PC power.
New to handhelds? The jargon, decoded
Uganda tip: if your internet drops often, choose a handheld that plays games on the device itself: a Switch, Steam Deck or ROG Ally. Cloud and remote play work best on fibre or strong home Wi-Fi.
The reviews
Nintendo Switch 2
The handheld most people should buy. Bigger, sharper and far more powerful than the original, and it still plays most of your old Switch games.
- ✓Big, sharp 7.9-inch 120Hz screen
- ✓Plays most Switch 1 games
- ✓256GB storage and 4K TV mode
- ✕The priciest Nintendo yet
- ✕Fast storage needs microSD Express cards
Good to know: handheld prices are rising worldwide because of a global memory-chip shortage. Nintendo raised the Switch 2 price in the US in September 2026, so it is unlikely to get cheaper soon.
Steam Deck OLED
Your whole Steam library in your hands. The OLED screen is stunning, and SteamOS makes a gaming PC feel as easy as a console.
- ✓Gorgeous 90Hz HDR OLED screen
- ✓Plays your existing Steam library
- ✓Comfortable for long sessions
- ✕Demanding games drain the battery in 3 to 4 hours
- ✕Some multiplayer games with anti-cheat do not run
Order note: the Steam Deck OLED is currently available on order only, in 512GB and 1TB. Message us on WhatsApp to confirm the latest price and delivery time. Valve raised prices worldwide in May 2026 (the 512GB went from US$549 to US$789).
ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X20
The most powerful handheld here. A gaming PC that boots straight into Xbox, with a gorgeous OLED screen and sticks built to resist drift.
ALLY X20
- ✓Top-tier performance for PC and Xbox games
- ✓Drift-resistant magnetic thumbsticks
- ✓Beautiful 7.4-inch HDR OLED with VRR
- ✕Very expensive (US$1,299 internationally)
- ✕Windows needs more tinkering than SteamOS
Want something cheaper? we can also order the ROG Xbox Ally (US$599 internationally) and the ROG Xbox Ally X (US$999). Message us on WhatsApp for local prices and delivery times.
Nintendo Switch OLED
A gorgeous screen and the whole Switch library for a lot less than a Switch 2. Still a brilliant family console.
- ✓Vivid 7-inch OLED screen
- ✓Plays on the TV with the included dock
- ✓Huge, family-friendly game library
- ✕720p screen and older chip
- ✕No access to new Switch 2-only games
Logitech G Cloud
The marathon handheld. Light, comfortable and good for 12+ hours, with the whole Google Play Store on board.
- ✓12+ hours of battery
- ✓Light and comfortable to hold
- ✓Google Play Store built in
- ✕Needs strong Wi-Fi for streaming
- ✕Not powerful enough for big games on the device
PlayStation Portal
Your PS5 on a big 8-inch screen, so you can keep playing when someone else wants the TV.
- ✓Big, bright 8-inch 1080p screen
- ✓Full DualSense haptics and adaptive triggers
- ✓Simple to set up
- ✕You need a PS5 and strong Wi-Fi
- ✕Cannot play games on its own offline
Uganda tip: use 5GHz Wi-Fi close to your router for the smoothest stream. Remote play from your own PS5 works anywhere you have good home Wi-Fi.
Nintendo Switch Lite
The perfect first console. Small, tough and simple, with nothing to lose under the sofa.
- ✓Light and tough for small hands
- ✓Built-in controls, nothing to lose
- ✓Plays the huge Switch library
- ✕Cannot connect to a TV
- ✕Smaller 5.5-inch, 720p screen
Backbone One for Xbox
The cheapest way to a real handheld feel. Clip in your iPhone and it becomes a console.
- ✓Low-latency direct connection
- ✓Charges your phone while you play
- ✓Folds flat and weighs about 138g
- ✕Lightning model: will not fit iPhone 15 or newer
- ✕Only as good as your phone
Check before you buy: send us your phone model on WhatsApp and we will confirm it fits.
Porodo Gilcore Cooling Game Controller
Turns almost any phone into a handheld, with a built-in cooling fan that keeps it from overheating mid-match.
- ✓Cooling fan helps stop lag and frame drops
- ✓Fits most phones, Android and iPhone
- ✓Macro buttons, vibration and RGB lighting
- ✕Bluetooth adds a touch more delay than a plug-in controller
- ✕Some competitive online games do not allow macros, so check the rules
Backbone or Gilcore? the Backbone One plugs straight into Lightning iPhones for the lowest delay. Have an Android or an iPhone 15 or newer? The Gilcore is the one for you.
Green Lion GP Pro 5 E5
The cheapest standalone handheld we sell, with a bigger 5-inch HD screen and a battery that lasts most of the day.
- ✓Best price in this guide
- ✓5-inch 720p IPS screen
- ✓Up to 10 hours of battery
- ✕Retro games only
- ✕Basic build compared with a Switch
Porodo Retro Arcade Console
Pocket-sized nostalgia. Switch on and play classic games: no accounts, no downloads, no internet.
- ✓Truly pocket-sized
- ✓Preloaded, zero setup
- ✓Great gift for nostalgic grown-ups
- ✕Small 3.5-inch screen
- ✕Retro games only
Picking up a Switch? Add a game and protection: Nintendo Switch Sports, Hogwarts Legacy and the Switch OLED tempered glass screen guard (2-pack).
Compare every handheld
| Handheld | Score | Best for | Screen | Needs internet? | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch 2 | 9.5 | Everyone | 7.9" 1080p 120Hz | No | UGX 2,250,000 |
| Steam Deck OLED | 9.0 | Pro / PC | 7.4" OLED 90Hz | No | On order, from UGX 3,000,000 |
| ROG Xbox Ally X20 | 9.0 | Pro / PC | 7.4" OLED HDR | No | On order |
| Nintendo Switch OLED | 8.5 | Families | 7" 720p OLED | No | UGX 1,450,000 |
| Logitech G Cloud | 8.0 | Casual | 7" 1080p | For streaming | UGX 980,000 |
| PlayStation Portal | 7.5 | PS5 owners | 8" 1080p | Yes (PS5 + Wi-Fi) | UGX 950,000 |
| Nintendo Switch Lite | 8.0 | Kids | 5.5" 720p | No | UGX 950,000 |
| Backbone One | 7.5 | iPhone users | Your phone | Depends on game | UGX 300,000 |
| Porodo Gilcore Controller | 7.5 | Mobile gamers | Your phone | Depends on game | UGX 120,000 |
| Green Lion GP Pro 5 E5 | 7.0 | Budget | 5" 720p | No | UGX 200,000 |
| Porodo Retro Arcade | 6.5 | Gifts | 3.5" | No | UGX 300,000 |
Prices correct at the time of writing. Check each product page for the latest price. Scores are the Gadget Craze team's overall rating.
Gaming in Uganda: 4 things to sort before you buy
Want to level up your setup? Read our guide to the Best Gaming Accessories to Buy in Uganda (2026 Edition).
Frequently asked questions
What is the best handheld console overall?
The Nintendo Switch 2. It has a big, sharp 120Hz screen, plays on the TV in up to 4K and runs most of your old Switch games.
What is the best handheld for a beginner or a child?
The Nintendo Switch Lite. It is light, tough and simple to use. If you want TV play too, choose the Switch OLED.
What is the cheapest way to start handheld gaming?
The Porodo Gilcore Cooling Game Controller at UGX 120,000 turns the phone you already own into a handheld. For a standalone device, the Green Lion GP Pro 5 E5 (UGX 200,000) is a retro handheld with a 5-inch HD screen and up to 10 hours of battery.
Is the Steam Deck available in Uganda?
Yes, on order. Gadget Craze brings in the Steam Deck OLED to order, with the 512GB from UGX 3,000,000 and the 1TB at UGX 3,650,000. Message us on WhatsApp for the latest price and delivery time.
Can I get the ROG Xbox Ally X20 in Uganda?
Yes, on order through Gadget Craze. We can also order the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X. Message us on WhatsApp for a quote and delivery time.
Do I need a PS5 for the PlayStation Portal?
Mostly, yes. It streams games from your own PS5 over Wi-Fi. PS Plus Premium members can also stream selected games from the cloud where the service is available.
Which handheld has the best battery life?
The Logitech G Cloud, at up to 12+ hours. The Green Lion GP Pro 5 also lasts up to 10 hours.
Does the Backbone One work with my phone?
The model we stock fits iPhones with a Lightning port (iPhone 14 and older), not iPhone 15 and newer. For Android phones or newer iPhones, choose the Porodo Gilcore Cooling Game Controller.
What is the best controller for mobile gaming?
For long sessions, the Porodo Gilcore Cooling Game Controller (UGX 120,000). Its built-in fan keeps your phone cool, it fits most Android phones and iPhones, and it has macro buttons and vibration.
READY, PLAYER ONE?
Find your handheld at Gadget Craze
Brand-new & sealed · Pay on delivery · Delivery nationwide, same-day across Greater Kampala