Otome/BL on the go - What's your opinion about playing games on handheld devices?

[Lilia]

If you enjoy playing on a handheld, do you prefer playing on the Switch, PS Vita, Steam Deck, etc? Or are you one of those people who play on their phones or something else?

I noticed Chinese handhelds are gaining in popularity as of late such as the Ayn Thor and Retroid devices so I just bought one for older games. Though as of now, I really love playing on my PS Vita. Personally think it's amazing for its light weight, portability, size and battery life. Plenty of otome exclusives too!

 

[Somethinger]

Bold of you to assume I have many handhelds to choose from... But I think if it's between picking among PC, handheld, or phone the handheld wins. VN-form otomes feel too "long" to be played on mobile, though I'm not really sure why this is? I think it's easier to immerse yourself into the story if the screen is larger, and also phones in general are too distracting since they demand a lot of other functions (getting bombarded with notifications while playing a mobile otome is something I've experienced too often). But then PCs are too big and not as portable, nor comfortable to play/read out of, and they fall victim to the same issue of functionality as phones, so the handheld wins.

I'd like to play on PS Vita but now that the Vita store is being shut down, it doesn't feel worth it...

 

[godsblunder]

When I'm out and about, I will use my phone to play a game. Mobile devices are easier to carry around and depending on specs, can also run other console and PC games through emulation. Modern handhelds like the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, while technically handhelds, lack the portability of its predecessors. Those things are huge and do not fit in women's pockets or handbags.

 

[Aikourou]

Playing otome on switch feels much more immersive than playing on the pc ngl

 

[nerim-w]

I feel more immersed when using a PC but I prefer the comfort of being snuggled up in bed and playing otome on my switch/phone lol. With that said, though i appreciate the convenience of handheld, I'd never be brave enough to play on my phone in public

 

[totallyamanda]

i, too, am much too self-concious to play traditional otome games in public. ꉂꉂ(ᵔᗜᵔ*)

i much prefer a bigger screen to play modern otome games so i favor my pc, but i'm also a fan of (if you can) playing on the original device. i've kept and collected all my old handhelds specifically for this reason. i have eyed getting a vita for years but know my backlog is already miles long that adding another avenue of exclusives will turn the vita into another pretty paperweight. ( •̯́ ₃ •̯̀)

i also LOVE playing while being blanketed in bed, i've even thought of getting the tablet/ereader holder and playing while laying down with the screen above me.
comfort is king. ദ്ദി(˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧

 

[myfrral]

As a senior player of otome game, I usually purchase every handheld device to play games. I currently have PS2, NDS, PSV, SWITCH, and SWITCH Lite on hand. Buying these handheld devices is not just for playing games. One of the most important reasons is to collect handheld devices.

Because some games that are already out of print can only be played on the corresponding handheld platform. I'm also afraid that I won't be able to play my favorite games in the future, and I'll regret it.

Currently, I prefer to play games with my Switch Lite handheld device when I go out because it is lightweight and convenient, and there are many new games constantly being released. The games are very rich and the graphics quality is also very clear. So when I'm out, I prefer switch lite as my first choice.

 

[sky1]

I absolutely love playing on handhelds! In fact, I bought a Switch specifically just to play otome games, and now I play pretty much all my games on it.
The PS Vita has been really tempting me lately (especially seeing how much you love yours!), but I have to hold back. My Switch backlog is already huge enough to keep me busy for a long time. Plus, the biggest dealbreaker for me is the language barrier—the Switch has a massive library of Chinese localized games, which is exactly what I need.

 

[Mutamento]

I vote for handheld consoles; for me, they are undoubtedly the best option. I always choose my Switch Lite, especially when I'm too lazy to turn on the computer or don't want to sit in a chair for long periods. Being able to play anytime, anywhere—even when I'm out and about—is pure bliss.

 

[Lilia]

When I'm out and about, I will use my phone to play a game. Mobile devices are easier to carry around and depending on specs, can also run other console and PC games through emulation. Modern handhelds like the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, while technically handhelds, lack the portability of its predecessors. Those things are huge and do not fit in women's pockets or handbags.

My Switch 1 (original model) not being portable enough for me is exactly why I prefer my Vita. The maxi dresses I'd buy have big enough pockets for a small device like a Vita or phone.

 

[Arietta08]

For handheld otome, I own a PSP, Vita, and a Switch Lite.
I've ended up rebuying a lot of otome on Switch that I already own on Vita because the bigger screen and especially the in-game save menus and just more satisfying and comfortable to play.
A small amount of otome are still trapped on PSP, so I'll play those there, but the screen resolution definitely shows its age. I'm hoping we get more ports of old psp games to modern systems, like we did with Glass Heart Princess.
I'm conflicted on whether I prefer playing handheld or PC though, because both have their perks, but my PC setup is still more comfortable. And when I travel with handhelds I usually don't have enough time and quiet to get fully immersed in reading a VN. I guess I still need to make myself the perfect spot at home for cozy handheld gaming.

 

[amyrzuki869]

I wish l have that. I only have my phone.

 

[Lilia]

I wish l have that. I only have my phone.

I'm not sure about your budget but even with a phone, you can still have handheld-like controls with the right peripherals! These were recommended to me in the past.
https://gamesir.com/collections/mobile-controllers

 

[おしゃもじ]

Nice to meet you. The Switch is very immersive, but when I'm busy I don't feel like playing it, so I play mobile games that are easy to access.

 

[bunnybun077]

I'm only playing on my phone using an emulator, and I'm too lazy to stay on the PC because I get tired quickly if I sit for too long.

 

[yaoislop58]

I mainly play on the switch,, I'd love if more localised otome games were ported onto mobile devices but also I don't know if it would increase my playtime or not I usually get too embarrassed to play otome games in public

 

[Pancito]

I don't really play on dedicated handheld consoles. I usually play on my PC, phone, or tablet, so I really appreciate it when a game is available on those platforms. It's much more convenient for me since I can play wherever I want without needing a specific console.

 

[Qroha]

I like playing on handheld devices, especially when I am replaying the game. Plus, I like the way device is so comfortable to carry around

 

[marinech]

I typically either play on pc, switch lite, tablet (although it's me streaming my PC to my tablet) or phone (with a PSP emulator) with a controller which makes my phone look like a handheld.

I found that the most enjoyable was the Switch lite, because it's the most to the point device( ´ ▽ ` )

Using phone + controller is fine, but I feel like I get distracted more easily, and it's a bit too much to set up. And the fact that they're not actually glued together is not the most pleasant to look at!