Best for: range of games

NINTENDO DSi £130

The newest addition to the Nintendo family is scarcely bigger than the regular DS Lite, even though it includes a pair of low-resolution cameras (expect these to allow you to incorporate pictures and video footage of yourself in the next generation of games). It also boasts music playback, but only for unprotected AAC files rather than MP3s. Of more use is an SD memory card slot, for swapping and saving data. The DSi’s biggest selling point should be its ability to download cheap-and-cheerful DSiWare games and applications from Nintendo’s online store, but to date the quality of the titles has been mixed. However, the DSi will play all existing DS games on its two larger, brighter 3.25in touchscreens — and the DS has the strongest games library of any handheld games format.

Verdict: Forget the novelty features for now and just enjoy the games.

www.nintendo.co.uk

Best for: console games

SONY PSP 3000 £135

The third-generation PSP is the thinnest and lightest version yet, and its 4.3in screen displays films and TV in excellent quality (Go!View, a joint venture with Sky, allows you to watch selected shows). Users can also browse the internet, listen to music or make calls using Skype with the built-in microphone. However, despite having the most advanced hardware of any handheld machine, PSP games are nowhere near as quirky and original as those for the DSi. Only when it comes to console-quality action does the machine excel.

Verdict: If flying bullets, clashing blades and screeching brakes are your bag, the PSP is the handheld to beat.

www.sonystyle.co.uk

Best for: free gaming

DINGOO A320 £80

This Chinese-made handheld is gaining support among gamers who aren’t afraid to tinker with their software. It’s an open system, meaning you can download and install emulation programs that make it behave like classic gaming machines, or run amateur “home-brew” games and ports of now free titles. The unit itself is small, the controls are downright nasty and the user interface is a ropy copy of Sony’s PSP, but the 2.8in screen is surprisingly sharp, and there’s a reasonable amount of processing power. It also offers music and video playback for a range of popular file formats.

Verdict: Perfect for people who enjoy scouring the internet for free software ... then sweating to get it to work.

www.gbax.com

Best for: budget gaming

BLAZE SEGA MEGA DRIVE £30

It’s got a fuzzy 2in screen, but inside lurks a working emulation of the classic Sega Mega Drive console, as well as 20 of its

best-loved games. Age might have withered the looks of the likes of Sonic the Hedgehog, and made some of the gaming feel dated, but the simple, retro appeal remains undiminished. The controls could be more responsive, and the tiny display is good news only for opticians, but you can connect the Blaze to your TV. And there’s no denying that it’s good value.

Verdict: Cheap and nasty hardware, but the games still shine.

www.blazeeurope.com

Best for: multimedia prowess

APPLE iPOD TOUCH 8GB £152

With powerful 3-D graphics and thousands of games available to download, the iPod Touch is every bit as viable a handheld games console as the established Sony and Nintendo competition. Admittedly, a huge proportion of the games are mediocre, but recent additions to the Tiger Woods and Sims franchises boast impressive visuals. Where the Touch really excels is in its clear 3.5in touchscreen, which is great for watching films (available to buy). Music playback is excellent, and with wi-fi, e-mail, Google Maps and the Safari web browser already installed, the Touch is incredibly versatile.

Verdict: A decent gaming device, but an even better all-round gizmo.

www.apple.com/uk

The pick of the handheld titles

Apple iPod Touch The Sims 3 squeezes in a surprising amount of the grown-up PC game. Also look out for Rolando 2, which carries on the platform-hopping antics of a kingdom of sentient balls.

Blaze Sega Mega Drive The best games on the machine are Sonic and Knuckles, plus classic ninja caper, Shinobi III. It also has a slot for any old Sega cartridges you own.

Dingoo A320 This device’s standout title is 3-D puzzle game 7 Days Salvation. Solve problems, battle — or evade — spooky monsters and work out what’s happening. Free from www.dingoo-digital.com .

Nintendo DSi This plays the huge selection of leftfield treats available on the DS. Professor Layton and the Curious Village is the best, suiting anyone from seven to 70.

Sony PSP Resistance: Retribution is a blockbuster action game in the palm of your hand. In it, you take on an alien invasion in 1950s Europe. Gran Turismo PSP is due soon too, and has more than 800 cars and 35 tracks.