I would suggest getting a last gen handheld, since they're pretty cheap now, have good libraries of actual proper games (especially with emulation), and physica

I would suggest getting a last gen handheld, since they're pretty cheap now, have good libraries of actual proper games (especially with emulation), and physical controls just can't be beat. I got a near-perfect vita from Japan for $90 and I'm quite happy with it. Not as convenient as the phone in your pocket, but if you're carrying around a backpack anyways it's not bad, and for kids maybe encouraging them off smartphones ain't so bad (: