There’s something truly magical about handheld consoles – the power to play your favorite games anytime, anywhere. From the iconic Game Boy to the versatile Nintendo Switch, these portable gaming powerhouses have revolutionized the way we play. By making gaming more accessible and convenient. As a passionate retro game fan, I’m excited to take you on a journey through the history of the top handheld consoles of all time. In this list, we’ll explore the milestones, fan-favorite games, and impressive sales numbers that have made these consoles so beloved by gamers around the world.
Game Boy (1989)
Released in 1989, the Game Boy is considered the pioneer of portable gaming consoles. Developed by Nintendo, it was an instant hit and went on to sell over 118 million units worldwide. With its monochrome screen and simple controls, the Game Boy set the standard for handheld gaming consoles to come. The console’s most iconic game, Tetris, quickly became a worldwide phenomenon, captivating players with its addictive gameplay. Other popular titles on the Game Boy included Pokémon Red and Blue, Super Mario Land, and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. The Game Boy’s compact design, long battery life, and affordable price made it a must-have for handheld gamers everywhere.
Nintendo DS (2004)
In 2004, the Nintendo DS took the world by storm with its innovative dual-screen design and touch-sensitive lower screen. As the successor to the Game Boy Advance, the DS continued Nintendo’s dominance in the handheld gaming console market. Over 154 million units sold worldwide. With its impressive library of games, including New Super Mario Bros., Mario Kart DS, and Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, the Nintendo DS catered to gamers of all ages and preferences. The console’s built-in microphone and Wi-Fi capabilities also paved the way for new gameplay experiences, such as voice recognition and online multiplayer.
PlayStation Portable (2004)
Sony entered the portable game market in 2004 with the PlayStation Portable (PSP). Boasting impressive graphics and multimedia capabilities, the PSP quickly gained a dedicated fanbase. With over 80 million units sold, it became a formidable competitor to Nintendo’s DS. The PSP’s expansive library featured popular titles like Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, God of War: Chains of Olympus, and Monster Hunter Freedom Unite. The console’s sleek design and powerful hardware made it an attractive choice for gamers on the go. Additionally, you can play movies and music with PSP! Of course, a properly portable device was never going to be big enough to support DVDs. So, Sony had to develop a brand new format that was up to the task. The Universal Media Disc, or UMD!
Nintendo 3DS (2011)
Nintendo took handheld gaming to new heights in 2011 with the release of the Nintendo 3DS. This revolutionary console introduced glasses-free 3D gaming, captivating players with its immersive visuals. Selling over 75 million units, the 3DS boasted an impressive library of games, including Super Mario 3D Land, Pokémon X and Y, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. The console also featured StreetPass, a unique system that allowed players to exchange game data with others they passed in real life. This feature added a social element to the handheld gaming console experience.
Game Boy Advance (2001)
The Game Boy Advance, launched in 2001, was a major leap forward in portable gaming consoles. With its 32-bit processor and enhanced graphics, the GBA offered a more sophisticated gaming experience than its predecessors. The console sold over 81 million units. It featured a robust lineup of games, including Metroid Fusion, Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, and Advance Wars. Its backward compatibility with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games made it a must-have for Nintendo fans and handheld gamers alike.
Nintendo Switch (2017)
In 2017, Nintendo redefined the handheld gaming console market with the release of the Nintendo Switch. The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console that can be played both on a TV and as a handheld device. The best of both worlds! With its innovative Joy-Con controllers, the Switch quickly became a fan favorite, selling over 103 million units as of 2022. The console boasts an impressive library of games. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons are some of the best selling ones. Its ability to connect with other Switch consoles for local multiplayer and its ever-growing online community make the Nintendo Switch a must-have for handheld gamers and home console enthusiasts alike.
Game Gear (1990)
In 1990, Sega released the Game Gear, a direct competitor to Nintendo’s Game Boy. The Game Gear boasted a full-color backlit screen, a feature that set it apart from the monochrome Game Boy. Although the console had some success, selling over 10 million units, it struggled to compete with the Game Boy’s extensive library and longer battery life. Despite this, the Game Gear had a number of popular titles, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Columns, and Shining Force. Its forward-thinking design and vibrant screen made it a memorable entry in the world of handheld consoles.
Sony PlayStation Vita (2011)
Sony’s second foray into the handheld gaming console market came in the form of the PlayStation Vita, released in 2011. The Vita boasted impressive hardware, including a high-resolution OLED touchscreen, dual analog sticks, and a rear touchpad. While the console struggled to gain traction, selling around 16 million units, it developed a dedicated fanbase and a library of unique games, such as Persona 4 Golden, Gravity Rush, and Tearaway. The Vita’s integration with the PlayStation ecosystem, including remote play with the PlayStation 4, made it an attractive choice for dedicated Sony fans.
Over the years, handheld consoles have played a significant role in shaping the gaming landscape. These portable gaming powerhouses have brought countless hours of entertainment to gamers around the world. From the groundbreaking Game Boy to the versatile Nintendo Switch, these consoles have consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in gaming. As we look back on the history of handheld gaming, it’s clear that these devices have left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of gamers everywhere. As technology continues to evolve, we can only imagine what the future holds for the world of handheld gaming consoles.