The History of Handheld Game Consoles

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Video Games

History of Handheld Game Consoles

Handheld gaming consoles have contributed to the growth of gaming culture and resulted in the birth of many beloved gaming franchises. Their portability makes gaming more accessible and allows gamers to enjoy their favorites anywhere, anytime. In more recent years, developers have created innovative devices that leverage touchscreens, dual screens and motion controls.

Handheld consoles diversified the gaming market, providing alternatives to traditional home consoles and PC gaming. With the handheld gaming industry expanding at a substantial rate, a strong collector’s market emerged, with gaming enthusiasts looking for early handheld games and vintage devices.

Handheld Game Console Timeline

Who made the first handheld console, and how did it impact the gaming culture of today?

Let’s take a look at the history of handheld gaming, along with a list of portable consoles that existed during those times. Which ones did you play with?

1. The Birth of the First Handheld Console

The history of handheld game consoles can be traced back to the late 1970s. Early handheld devices were simple, featuring light-emitting diode (LED) or liquid crystal display (LCD) screens, and designed to play one game at a time. The following devices laid the groundwork for future handheld consoles:

Mattel Auto Race (1976): Considered the oldest handheld game system, the Mattel Auto Race handheld featured basic graphics and single-game functionality. Auto Race was the first in a line of sports handhelds.
Milton Bradley Microvision (1979): This was the first handheld device with interchangeable cartridges that allowed players to play games like Block Buster and Pinball.
Nintendo Game & Watch (1980): This series included various models, each dedicated to a single game. The devices featured LCD screens and simple controls for easy use. Notable titles included Donkey Kong and Zelda.
Tiger Electronics LCD Handhelds (1985): Known for their simplicity, these devices brought popular franchises like Sonic the Hedgehog and Jurassic Park to handheld gaming, which appealed to a broader audience.
Nintendo Game Boy (1989): The Nintendo Game Boy revolutionized handheld gaming. It offered a long battery life and a vast library, which included Tetris, Baseball and Super Mario Land.
Atari Lynx (1989): Released shortly after the Game Boy, the Lynx was the first handheld console with a color LCD and advanced graphics. However, it struggled to compete with the Game Boy due to its higher price and poor battery life.

2. The Rise of Handheld Console Popularity in the 1990s

The 1990s marked a significant rise in the popularity of handheld consoles, driven by technological advancements, fierce competition and the introduction of iconic game titles. Several key players had a role during this decade:

Sega Game Gear (1990): This console was marketed as a more advanced alternative to the Game Boy, featuring a full-color backlit screen and a library of games from popular franchises like Sonic the Hedgehog. Despite its technological advantages, the Game Gear struggled with short battery life and limited software support.
TurboExpress (1990): The TurboExpress allowed players to use the same game cartridges as its home console counterpart, TurboGrafx-16. Although this console was more advanced, it failed to gain traction.
Game.com (1997): Released by Tiger Electronics, Game.com aimed to attract an older audience with personal data assistant (PDA) features and a touchscreen.
Game Boy Color (1998): The Game Boy Color was the first handheld console to offer backward compatibility, which means gamers could play original Game Boy games on this device. It was twice as powerful and boasted three times the memory of its predecessor. It was also considerably thinner and came in a variety of colors.
Neo Geo Pocket Color (1999): This handheld from SNK featured a clear color screen and responsive controls that were ideal for fighting games like Card Fighters Clash.

The Game Boy’s established library and brand loyalty made it challenging for other consoles to gain a foothold, despite some of them having a strong game lineup. The wide variety of titles attracted a wide audience, including casual gamers. Its lightweight design and long battery life made it a convenient choice for gamers on the go.

3. The Evolution Into the 2000s

The new millennium saw remarkable improvements in handheld gaming technology:

Graphics: Consoles offered enhanced graphics compared to their predecessors, allowing for more detailed and visually impressive games.
Touchscreen capabilities: The introduction of touchscreen technology opened up new gameplay possibilities.
Wireless connection: The ability to connect wirelessly for multiplayer gaming and online features expanded the functionality of handheld consoles.

Two standout consoles from this era were the Nintendo DS and the Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP). The Nintendo DS featured a dual-screen configuration, one of which was a touchscreen. This design allowed for unique gameplay mechanics. For example, players could use the touchscreen for navigation and interaction. The first few DS models were also backward compatible with Game Boy Advance titles — which came out in 2001 — providing access to a vast library of games.

The PSP boasted a 4.3-inch color display and powerful graphic abilities. It supported full 3D graphics and an extensive library of PlayStation games. The PSP could also play movies and music and connect to home PlayStation consoles, further enhancing its appeal as a multifunctional device.

4. The Modern Era of Handheld Gaming

The modern era of handheld gaming has been marked by versatile devices and the rise of mobile gaming. Here are some innovative models:

Nintendo 3DS (2011): Designed as a successor to the Nintendo DS, the 3DS retained the dual-screen layout and displayed stereoscopic 3D graphics without requiring special glasses. The 2DS was introduced afterward as a more affordable alternative without the 3D feature.
Nintendo Switch (2017): The Nintendo Switch is a groundbreaking device that combines handheld and home console gaming. It can be used as a portable device or docked to a TV, allowing for seamless transitions between gaming modes. Popular titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild have contributed to the console’s widespread acclaim. The Switch 2 is set to be released in 2025.
Steam Deck (2022): The Steam Deck allows players to access their entire Steam library on the go. It features a 7-inch touchscreen and controls similar to traditional gamepads, making it a versatile option for gamers who want a portable PC gaming experience.

The rise of mobile gaming has also impacted traditional handheld consoles. With smartphones becoming ubiquitous, many gamers now prefer mobile games for their convenience and accessibility. Players can enjoy a wide variety of games without needing a separate device.

The Collector’s Perspective

Collecting vintage handheld consoles is about more than simply acquiring items — it’s about preserving a significant part of gaming history and culture. Here are some things to consider:

Rarity and value: Limited edition releases, consoles with unique features or those that were produced in small quantities tend to be more sought-after. Early models of the Nintendo Game Boy or the Sega Game Gear can fetch high prices if they are in good condition.
Condition: When buying or selling, assess the condition of the handheld console and games. Look for intact screens, functioning buttons and original components.
Care: Keep consoles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent damage to the plastic and internal components. Clean the exterior with a soft cloth and avoid using harsh chemicals. Remove batteries when the device is not used for an extended period to prevent leakage and corrosion.

Buy and Sell Vintage Handheld Consoles From Record Head

As handheld consoles evolved, certain models and games have become highly sought-after by collectors and game enthusiasts. If you’re looking for retro handheld consoles and games in the Milwaukee area, Record Head is the best place to visit. From the original Game Boy to the 3DS, we have handheld consoles and nostalgic games. We offer many buying and selling options related to consoles, games and other electronics.