View source for Handheld game console

{{short description|Portable self-contained video game console}}
{{For|the early form of handheld video game system|Handheld electronic game}}
{{See also|List of handheld game consoles}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2016}}
[[File:Nintendo DS Lite side.jpg|thumb|[[Nintendo DS Lite]] (2006), the best-selling handheld console and the [[List of best-selling game consoles|second best-selling console]] overall]]
A '''handheld game console''', or simply '''handheld console''', is a small, portable self-contained [[video game console]] with a built-in screen, game controls and speakers.<ref>''{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110714081415/http://www.mg-bl.com/fileadmin/downloads/deliverables/D4.1_Standards_and_technology_monitoring_report_revised_version_V1.7.pdf D 4.1 - Standards and technology monitoring report <nowiki>[revised version]</nowiki>]}}'' . [[University of Maribor]]. [[Sixth Framework Programme]] ([[European Community]]). April 24, 2007. p. 20.</ref> Handheld game consoles are smaller than [[home video game console]]s and contain the console, screen, speakers, and controls in one unit, allowing players to carry them and play them at any time or place.<ref name=li>Li, Frederick W. B. ''[http://www.dur.ac.uk/frederick.li/paper/game.v2.pdf Computer Games]''. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100714083111/http://www.dur.ac.uk/frederick.li/paper/game.v2.pdf |date=July 14, 2010 }}. [[Durham University]]. Retrieved December 19, 2008. p. 4.</ref><ref name="nintendo popular">{{cite book| last = Steinbock| first = Dan|author2=Johnny L. Wilson| title = The Mobile Revolution| publisher = Kogan Page| date =January 28, 2007 | page = 150| url= https://books.google.com/books?id=cUQ1y4iNrGcC&q=popularizing+the+handheld+console+concept+nintendo&pg=PA150| isbn = 978-0-7494-4850-9}}</ref>

In 1976, [[Mattel]] introduced the first [[handheld electronic game]] with the release of ''[[Mattel Auto Race|Auto Race]]''.<ref name="gamasutra">{{cite web| last = Loguidice| first = Bill|author2=Matt Barton| title = A History of Gaming Platforms: Mattel Intellivision| website = Gamasutra| date = August 15, 2008| url = https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/a-history-of-gaming-platforms-mattel-intellivision| access-date = December 27, 2008}}</ref> Later, several companies—including [[Coleco]] and [[Milton Bradley Company|Milton Bradley]]—made their own single-game, lightweight table-top or handheld electronic game devices.<ref name="competitors">{{cite book| last = Demaria| first = Rusel|author2=Johnny L. Wilson| title = High Score! The Illustrated History of Video games| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=HJNvZLvpCEQC&q=High+Score!+The+Illustrated+History+of+Video+games| publisher = [[McGraw-Hill]]| year = 2002| pages = 31–32| isbn = 978-0-07-222428-3}}</ref> The first commercially successful handheld console was [[Merlin (console)|Merlin]] from 1978, which sold more than 5 million units.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Merlin, the Electronic Wizard - Game Console - Computing History|url=http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/16957/Merlin-the-Electronic-Wizard/|access-date=2020-07-07|website=www.computinghistory.org.uk}}</ref> The first handheld game console with interchangeable [[ROM cartridge|cartridges]] is the Milton Bradley [[Microvision]] in 1979.<ref name="Microvision ONM">{{cite web|last = East|first = Tom|title = History Of Nintendo: Game Boy|work = [[Official Nintendo Magazine]]|date = November 11, 2009|url = http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/13153/features/history-of-nintendo-game-boy/|access-date = December 29, 2013|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141110045319/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/13153/features/history-of-nintendo-game-boy/|archive-date = November 10, 2014|url-status = dead}}</ref>

[[Nintendo]] is credited with popularizing the handheld console concept with the release of the [[Game Boy]] in 1989<ref name="nintendo popular"/> and continues to dominate the handheld console market.<ref name="Forbes">{{Cite journal| last = Patsuris| first = Penelope| title = Sony PSP Vs. Nintendo DS| journal = [[Forbes]]| date = June 7, 2004| url = https://www.forbes.com/2004/06/07/cx_pp_0607mondaymatchup.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last = Hutsko|first = Joe|title = 88 Million and Counting; Nintendo Remains King of the Handheld Game Players|work = [[The New York Times]]|date =March 25, 2000|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2000/03/25/business/88-million-and-counting-nintendo-remains-king-of-the-handheld-game-players.html?pagewanted=all|access-date = January 12, 2009}}</ref> The first [[internet]]-enabled handheld console and the first with a [[touchscreen]] was the [[Game.com]] released by [[Tiger Electronics]] in 1997.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2009-12-06|title=30 Years of Handheld Game Systems|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/183679/evolution_of_portable_gaming.html|access-date=2020-07-07|website=PCWorld}}</ref> The [[Nintendo DS]], released in 2004, introduced touchscreen controls and [[wireless]] [[Online game|online gaming]] to a wider audience, becoming the [[List of best-selling game consoles|best-selling handheld console]] with over {{nowrap|150 million}} units sold worldwide.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McFerran |first1=Damien |title=Retrospective: The Awkward Birth of the DS, Nintendo's Most Successful System |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/05/retrospective_the_awkward_birth_of_the_ds_nintendos_most_successful_system |access-date=14 August 2021 |work=[[Nintendo Life]] |date=19 May 2017}}</ref>

== History ==
{{for-multi|a list of all handheld video game consoles|List of handheld game consoles}}

===Timeline===
This table describes handheld games consoles by generation, with over 1 million sales. No handheld achieved this prior to the fourth generation of game consoles. This list does not include [[dedicated consoles]], such as [[Handheld electronic game|LCD games]] and the [[Tamagotchi]].
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:auto; line-height:13px;"
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="col" |Manufacturer
! colspan="9" scope="col" |Generation
|-
! scope="col" |[[Fourth generation of video game consoles|Fourth]]
! scope="col" |[[Fifth generation of video game consoles|Fifth]]
! scope="col" |[[Sixth generation of video game consoles|Sixth]]
! scope="col" |[[Seventh generation of video game consoles|Seventh]]
! colspan="2" scope="col" |[[Eighth generation of video game consoles|Eighth]]
! scope="col" |[[Ninth generation of video game consoles|Ninth]]
|-
! [[Atari Corporation|Atari]]
| bgcolor="#F8F8F8" |[[Atari Lynx]] (+II) <br /><small>(≈3 million)</small>
| bgcolor="#DCDCDC" colspan="6" |
|-

! [[Bandai]]
| bgcolor="#DCDCDC" |
| bgcolor="#F8F8F8" |[[WonderSwan]] <br /><small>(1.55 million)</small>
| bgcolor="#F8F8F8" |[[WonderSwan Color]]{{efn|including the SwanCrystal model}} <br /><small>(1.95 million)</small>
| bgcolor="#DCDCDC" colspan="5" |
|-
! [[NEC]]
| bgcolor="#F8F8F8" |[[TurboExpress]] <br /><small>(1.5 million)</small>
| bgcolor="#DCDCDC" colspan="6" |
|-
! [[Nintendo]]
| bgcolor="#F8F8F8" |[[Game Boy]]{{efn|including the Pocket and Light models}} <br /><small>(>64.4 million)</small>
| bgcolor="#F8F8F8" |[[Game Boy Color]] <br /><small>(<49.3 million)</small>
| bgcolor="#F8F8F8" |[[Game Boy Advance]]{{efn|including the SP and Micro models}} <br /><small>(81.5 million)</small>
| bgcolor="#F8F8F8" |[[Nintendo DS|DS]]{{efn|including the Lite, DSi and XL models}}<br /><small>(154.02 million)</small>
| bgcolor="#F8F8F8" |[[Nintendo 3DS|3DS]]{{efn|including the XL, 2DS, New 3DS, New 3DS XL, and New 2DS XL models}} <br /><small>(76 million)</small>
| bgcolor="#F8F8F8" |[[Nintendo Switch|Switch]]{{efn|including the Lite and OLED models}}<br /><small>(154.01 million)</small>
| bgcolor="#F8F8F8" |[[Nintendo Switch 2|Switch 2]]
<small>{{small|(10.36 million)}}</small>
|-
! [[Nokia]]
| bgcolor="#DCDCDC" colspan="2" |
| bgcolor="#F8F8F8" |[[N-Gage (device)|N-Gage]] (+QD) <br /><small>(3 million)</small>
| bgcolor="#DCDCDC" colspan="4" |
|-
! [[Sega]]
| bgcolor="#F8F8F8" |[[Game Gear]] <br /><small>(10.6 million)</small>
| bgcolor="#F8F8F8" |[[Genesis Nomad|Nomad]] <br /><small>(≈1 million)</small>
| bgcolor="#DCDCDC" colspan="5" |
|-
! [[SNK]]
| bgcolor="#DCDCDC" |
| bgcolor="#F8F8F8" |[[Neo Geo Pocket]] <br /><small>(<2 million{{efn|2 million units were sold across all SNK handhelds combined, a model by model breakdown is not available}})</small>
| bgcolor="#F8F8F8" |[[Neo Geo Pocket Color]]
| bgcolor="#DCDCDC" |
| bgcolor="#F8F8F8" colspan="2" |[[Neo Geo X]] 
| bgcolor="#DCDCDC" colspan="3" |
|-
! [[Sony Interactive Entertainment|Sony]]
| bgcolor="#DCDCDC" colspan="3" |
| bgcolor="#F8F8F8" |[[PlayStation Portable]]{{efn|Including the Go and Street models}}<br /><small>(81.09 million)</small>
| bgcolor="#F8F8F8" colspan="2" |[[PlayStation Vita]] <br /><small>(16.21 million)</small>
| bgcolor="#DCDCDC" colspan="1" |
|-
! [[Valve Corporation|Valve]]
| bgcolor="#DCDCDC" colspan="6" |
|[[Steam Deck]] {{small|(3.7 million)}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hollister |first1=Sean |title=Three years later, the Steam Deck has dominated handheld PC gaming |url=https://www.theverge.com/pc-gaming/618709/steam-deck-3-year-anniversary-handheld-gaming-shipments-idc |website=The Verge |date=25 February 2025}}</ref>
|}

=== Origins ===
{{Main|Handheld electronic game}}
The origins of handheld game consoles are found in handheld and tabletop electronic game devices of the 1970s and early 1980s. These electronic devices are capable of playing only a single game,<ref name="nintendo popular"/> they fit in the palm of the hand or on a tabletop, and they may make use of a variety of video displays such as [[Light-emitting diode|LED]], [[Vacuum fluorescent display|VFD]], or [[Liquid crystal display|LCD]].<ref name="electronic handheld definition">{{cite book| last = Demaria| first = Rusel|author2=Johnny L. Wilson| title = High Score! The Illustrated History of Video games| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=HJNvZLvpCEQC&q=High+Score!+The+Illustrated+History+of+Video+games| publisher = [[McGraw-Hill]]| year = 2002| page = 30| isbn = 978-0-07-222428-3}}</ref> In 1978, handheld electronic games were described by ''[[Popular Electronics]]'' magazine as "nonvideo electronic games" and "non-TV games" as distinct from devices that required use of a television screen.<ref name="nonvideogame">{{Cite journal| last = Jensen| first = Kris| title = New 1978 Electronic Games| journal = [[Popular Electronics]]|date=January 1978| pages = 33–43| url = http://www.handheldmuseum.com/BooksMagazines/Mag-PE_0178/PE0178_2.htm| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110628172513/http://www.handheldmuseum.com/BooksMagazines/Mag-PE_0178/PE0178_2.htm| archive-date=June 28, 2011| access-date = July 17, 2016}}</ref> Handheld electronic games, in turn, find their origins in the synthesis{{Citation needed|date=January 2009}} of previous handheld and tabletop [[Electromechanics|electro-mechanical]] devices such as [[Waco (toymaker)|Waco]]'s ''Electronic Tic-Tac-Toe'' (1972)<ref name="electronic handheld definition"/> Cragstan's ''Periscope-Firing Range'' (1951),<ref name="handheldmuseum">{{cite web| last = Morgan| first = Rik| title = Cragstan Periscope-Firing Range| publisher = Handheld Museum| date = August 5, 2008| url = http://www.handheldmuseum.com/Misc/CragstanPeriscope.htm| access-date = December 27, 2008}}</ref> and the emerging [[Optoelectronics|optoelectronic]]-display-driven calculator market of the early 1970s.<ref name="LED Calculators">{{Cite magazine| title = Optoelectronics Arrives| magazine = [[Time (magazine)|Time]]| volume = 99| issue = 14| date = April 3, 1972| url = http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,903443,00.html| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101022172145/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,903443,00.html| url-status = dead| archive-date = October 22, 2010}}</ref><ref name="Cohen Interview">{{cite web| last = Morgan| first = Rik| title = Interview with Howard Cohen.| publisher = Handheld Museum| date = August 5, 2008| url = http://www.handheldmuseum.com/Mattel/Trivia.htm| access-date = October 1, 2009}}</ref> This synthesis happened in 1976, when "Mattel began work on a line of calculator-sized sports games that became the world's first handheld electronic games. The project began when Michael Katz, Mattel's new product category marketing director, told the engineers in the electronics group to design a game the size of a calculator, using LED (light-emitting diode) technology."<ref name="ultimate history">{{cite book| last = Kent| first = Steven| title = The Ultimate History of Video Games| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=C2MH05ogU9oC&q=%22The+Ultimate+History+of+Video+Games%22| publisher = Prima Publishing| year = 2001| page = 200| isbn = 978-0-7615-3643-7}}</ref>

::our big success was something that I conceptualized—the first handheld game. I asked the design group to see if they could come up with a game that was electronic that was the same size as a calculator.
:::—Michael Katz, former marketing director, Mattel Toys.<ref name="ultimate history"/>

[[File:Ball - Game&Watch - Nintendo.jpg|thumb|[[Game & Watch Ball]]]]
The result was the 1976 release of ''Auto Race''.<ref name="1up">{{cite web| last = Parish| first = Jeremy| title = PSPredecessors| publisher = 1up| date = March 28, 2005| url = http://www.1up.com/features/pspredecessors| access-date = January 10, 2008| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160721193503/http://www.1up.com/features/pspredecessors| archive-date = July 21, 2016| df = mdy-all}}</ref> Followed by ''Football'' later in 1977,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.handheldmuseum.com/Mattel/FB.htm|title=Mattel's Football (I) (1977, LED, 9 Volt, Model# 2024)|work=handheldmuseum.com|access-date=July 16, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.retroland.com/mattel-electronics-football/|title=Mattel Electronics Football|work=Retroland|access-date=July 16, 2016|archive-date=July 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710014145/http://www.retroland.com/mattel-electronics-football/|url-status=dead}}</ref> the two games were so successful that according to Katz, "these simple electronic handheld games turned into a '$400 million category.'"<ref name="electronic handheld definition"/> Mattel would later win the honor of being recognized by the industry for innovation in handheld game device displays.<ref name="Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards">{{cite web| title = Winners of 59th Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards Announced by National Television Academy at Consumer Electronics Show| work = National Television Academy of Television Arts and Sciences| date = January 8, 2008| url = http://www.emmyonline.org/mediacenter/_pdf/tech_2k7_winners.pdf| access-date = July 16, 2016| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160721193614/http://www.emmyonline.org/mediacenter/_pdf/tech_2k7_winners.pdf| archive-date = July 21, 2016| df = mdy-all}}</ref> Soon, other manufacturers including [[Coleco]], [[Parker Brothers]], [[Milton Bradley Company|Milton Bradley]], [[Entex Industries|Entex]], and [[Bandai]]<ref name="competitors"/> began following up with their own tabletop and handheld electronic games.

In 1979 the LCD-based [[Microvision]], designed by Smith Engineering and distributed by Milton-Bradley,<ref name="phoenix">{{cite book| last = Herman| first = Leonard| title = Phoenix: The Rise and Fall Of Video Games| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=JHOAAAAACAAJ&q=%22Phoenix%22+video+games| publisher = Rolenta Press| year = 2001| page = 42| isbn = 0-9643848-5-X}}</ref> became the first handheld game console and the first to use interchangeable game cartridges.<ref name="Microvision ONM"/> The Microvision game ''Cosmic Hunter'' (1981) also introduced the concept of a [[D-pad|directional pad]] on handheld gaming devices,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://psp.about.com/od/hardwarefirmware/a/psphistorymicrovision.htm|title=Sony's PlayStation Portable and Milton Bradley's Microvision - The PSP and the History of Handheld Video Gaming, Part 2|author=Niko Silvester|work=about.com|access-date=July 16, 2016|archive-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806162245/https://www.lifewire.com/retro-collector-beginnings-4040018|url-status=dead}}</ref> and is operated by using the thumb to manipulate the on-screen character in any of four directions.<ref name="handheldmuseum2">{{cite web| last = Morgan| first = Rik| title = CosmiHunter| publisher = Handheld Museum| date = August 5, 2008| url = http://www.handheldmuseum.com/MB/MVCosmicHunter.htm| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110628172547/http://www.handheldmuseum.com/MB/MVCosmicHunter.htm| archive-date = June 28, 2011| access-date = June 25, 2009}}</ref>

In 1979, [[Gunpei Yokoi]], traveling on a [[Shinkansen|bullet train]], saw a bored businessman playing with an [[LCD]] [[calculator]] by pressing the buttons. Yokoi then thought of an idea for a watch that doubled as a miniature game machine for killing time.<ref>{{cite web |last=Crigger |first=Lara |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_87/490-Searching-for-Gunpei-Yokoi |title=The Escapist: Searching for Gunpei Yokoi |publisher=Escapistmagazine.com |date=March 3, 2007 |access-date=July 17, 2016 |archive-date=February 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140213213725/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_87/490-Searching-for-Gunpei-Yokoi |url-status=dead }}</ref> Starting in 1980, [[Nintendo]] began to release a series of electronic games designed by Yokoi called the [[Game & Watch]] games.<ref name="game and watch">{{cite news| last = Pollack| first = Andrew| title = Gunpei Yokoi, Chief Designer Of Game Boy, Is Dead at 56| newspaper =The New York Times| date = October 9, 1997| url = https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/09/business/gunpei-yokoi-chief-designer-of-game-boy-is-dead-at-56.html?n=Top%2FReference%2FTimes%20Topics%2FSubjects%2FD%2FDeaths%20(Obituaries)}}</ref> Taking advantage of the technology used in the credit-card-sized calculators that had appeared on the market, Yokoi designed the series of LCD-based games to include a digital time display in the corner of the screen.<ref name="game over">{{cite book| last = Sheff| first = David| author-link = David Sheff| title = Game Over: Press Start to Continue| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=0dK2AAAAIAAJ&q=Game+Over:+Press+Start+to+Continue| publisher = GamePress| year = 1999| page = 28| isbn = 978-0-9669617-0-6}}</ref> For later, more complicated Game & Watch games, Yokoi invented a cross shaped directional pad or "D-pad" for control of on-screen characters.<ref name="IGN">{{cite web| last = Buchanan| first = Levi| title = From Janitor to Superstar Gunpei Yokoi, inventor of the Game Boy, would have been 67 this week.| website = IGN| date = September 8, 2008| url = http://retro.ign.com/articles/908/908569p1.html| access-date = December 28, 2008}}</ref> Yokoi also included his directional pad on the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]] controllers, and the cross-shaped thumb controller soon became standard on game console controllers and ubiquitous across the video game industry since.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.brown.edu/Departments/Joukowsky_Institute/courses/13things/7643.html|title=The Game Controller: From the Beginning|publisher=Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World. Brown University|work=13 Things|year=2008|first=Jeffrey|last=Pfau|access-date=July 16, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Natapov|first1=D.|last2=MacKenzie|first2=I. S.|year=2010|title=The trackball controller: Improving the analog stick|journal=Proceedings of the 2010 Conference on FuturePlay|pages=175–182|location=New York|publisher=ACM|url=http://www.yorku.ca/mack/FuturePlay2010-1.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411142350/http://www.yorku.ca/mack/FuturePlay2010-1.pdf|archive-date=April 11, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> When Yokoi began designing Nintendo's first handheld game console, he came up with a device that married the elements of his Game & Watch devices and the Famicom console,<ref name="game over2">{{cite book| last = Sheff| first = David| author-link = David Sheff| title = Game Over: Press Start to Continue| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=0dK2AAAAIAAJ&q=Game+Over:+Press+Start+to+Continue| publisher = GamePress| year = 1999| page = 294| isbn = 978-0-9669617-0-6}}</ref> including both items' D-pad controller. The result was the Nintendo Game Boy.

In 1982, the [[Bandai LCD Solarpower]] was the first [[solar energy|solar-powered]] gaming device. Some of its games, such as the [[Survival horror|horror]]-themed game ''Terror House'', features two [[LCD panel]]s, one stacked on the other, for an early [[Stereoscopy|3D effect]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcpro.co.uk/features/361591/the-top-ten-retro-gaming-secrets/3|title=The top ten retro gaming secrets|work=PC Pro|access-date=January 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123220944/http://www.pcpro.co.uk/features/361591/the-top-ten-retro-gaming-secrets/3|archive-date=January 23, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1983, [[Takara Tomy]]'s [[Tomytronic 3D]] simulates [[3D computer graphics|3D]] by having two [[LCD]] panels that were lit by external light through a window on top of the device, making it the first dedicated home video 3D hardware.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcpro.co.uk/features/361591/the-top-ten-retro-gaming-secrets|title=The top ten retro gaming secrets|work=PC Pro|access-date=January 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115123926/http://www.pcpro.co.uk/features/361591/the-top-ten-retro-gaming-secrets|archive-date=January 15, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Beginnings ===
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw the beginnings of the modern-day handheld game console industry, after the demise of the Microvision. As [[backlit]] LCD game consoles with color graphics consume a lot of power, they were not battery-friendly like the non-backlit original Game Boy whose monochrome graphics allowed longer battery life. By this point, [[rechargeable battery]] technology had not yet matured and so the more advanced game consoles of the time such as the [[Sega Game Gear]] and [[Atari Lynx]] did not have nearly as much success as the Game Boy.

Even though third-party rechargeable batteries were available for the battery-hungry alternatives to the Game Boy, these batteries employed a [[Nickel-cadmium battery|nickel-cadmium]] process and had to be completely discharged before being recharged to ensure maximum efficiency; lead-acid batteries could be used with automobile circuit limiters (cigarette lighter plug devices); but the batteries had mediocre portability. The later [[Nickel-metal hydride battery|NiMH]] batteries, which do not share this requirement for maximum efficiency, were not released until the late 1990s, years after the Game Gear, Atari Lynx, and original Game Boy had been discontinued. During the time when technologically superior handhelds had strict technical limitations, batteries had a very low [[ampere hour|mAh]] rating since batteries with heavy power density were not yet available.

Modern game systems such as the [[Nintendo DS]] and [[PlayStation Portable]] have rechargeable [[Lithium-ion battery|Lithium-Ion]] batteries with proprietary shapes. Other seventh-generation consoles, such as the [[GP2X]], use standard [[Alkaline battery|alkaline batteries]]. Because the mAh rating of alkaline batteries has increased since the 1990s, the power needed for handhelds like the GP2X may be supplied by relatively few batteries.

==== Game Boy ====
{{Main|Game Boy}}
[[File:Game-Boy-Original.jpg|right|thumb|upright=.6|The original Game Boy]]
[[Nintendo]] released the Game Boy on April 21, 1989 (September 1990 for the UK). The design team headed by [[Gunpei Yokoi]] had also been responsible for the [[Game & Watch]] system, as well as the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] games ''[[Metroid]]'' and ''[[Kid Icarus]]''. The Game Boy came under scrutiny by Nintendo president [[Hiroshi Yamauchi]], saying that the monochrome screen was too small, and the processing power was inadequate. The design team had felt that low initial cost and battery economy were more important concerns, and when compared to the Microvision, the Game Boy was a huge leap forward.

Yokoi recognized that the Game Boy needed a [[Killer application|killer app]]—at least one game that would define the console, and persuade customers to buy it. In June 1988, [[Minoru Arakawa]], then-CEO of Nintendo of America saw a demonstration of the game ''[[Tetris]]'' at a trade show. Nintendo purchased the rights for the game, and packaged it with the Game Boy system as a [[Glossary of video game terms#Launch title|launch title]]. It was almost an immediate hit. By the end of the year more than a million units were sold in the US.<ref name="GBsales1989">{{cite web |url=http://firstarkansasnews.net/2011/01/game-boy-nintendo-dominates-the-portable-market/ |title=Game Boy — Nintendo dominates the portable market |access-date=April 28, 2011 |date=January 22, 2011 |publisher=First Arkansas News |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123202930/http://firstarkansasnews.net/2011/01/game-boy-nintendo-dominates-the-portable-market/ |archive-date=January 23, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> As of March 31, 2005, the Game Boy and [[Game Boy Color]] combined to sell over 118 million units worldwide.<ref name="nintendoannualreport2005">{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/corp/report/NintendoAnnualReport2005.pdf |title=05 Annual Report |access-date=March 22, 2008  |date=March 31, 2006 |publisher=Nintendo Co., Ltd. |page=65 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051215033905/https://www.nintendo.com/corp/report/NintendoAnnualReport2005.pdf |archive-date=December 15, 2005 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="GBsales">{{cite web|url=http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/10/game_consoles/source/7.htm |title=Game Boy |access-date=March 22, 2008 |work=A Brief History of Game Console Warfare |publisher=[[BusinessWeek]] |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070509094404/http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/10/game_consoles/source/7.htm |archive-date=May 9, 2007 }}</ref>{{clear}}

==== Atari Lynx ====
{{Main|Atari Lynx}}
{{multiple image|caption_align=center|header_align=center|direction=horizontal|perrow = 2
| align = left
| total_width = 350
| footer = Atari Lynx I and II
| image1 = Atari-Lynx-I-Handheld.jpg | width1 = 300 | height1 = 190
| image2 = Atari-Lynx-II-Handheld-Angled.jpg| width2 = 300 | height2 = 190 
}}
In 1987, [[Epyx]] created the Handy Game; a device that would become the Atari Lynx in 1989. It was the first color handheld console ever made, as well as the first with a [[backlight|backlit]] screen. It also featured networking support with up to 17 other players, and advanced hardware that allowed the zooming and scaling of sprites. The Lynx could also be turned upside down to accommodate [[Left-handedness|left-handed]] players. However, all of these features came at a high price point, which drove consumers to seek cheaper alternatives. The Lynx was also unwieldy, consumed batteries quickly, and lacked the third-party support enjoyed by its competitors. Due to its high price, short battery life, production shortages, a dearth of compelling games, and Nintendo's aggressive marketing campaign, and despite a redesign in 1991, the Lynx became a [[List of commercial failures in video gaming|commercial failure]]. Despite this, companies like Telegames helped to keep the system alive long past its commercial relevance, and when new owner Hasbro released the rights to develop for the public domain, independent developers like Songbird have managed to release new commercial games for the system every year until 2004's ''Winter Games''.{{clear}}

==== TurboExpress ====
{{Main|TurboExpress}}
[[File:NEC-TurboExpress-Upright-FL.jpg|thumb|upright=.6|TurboExpress handheld]]
The TurboExpress was a portable version of the TurboGrafx, released in 1990 for $249.99. Its Japanese equivalent was the [[TurboExpress|PC Engine GT]].

It was the most advanced handheld of its time and could play all the [[TurboGrafx-16]]'s games (which are on a small, credit-card sized media called [[HuCard]]s). It had a 66&nbsp;mm (2.6 in.) screen, the same as the original Game Boy, but in a much higher resolution, and could display 64 [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprites]] at once: 16 per scanline, in 512 colors (although the hardware could only handle 481 simultaneous colors). It had 8&nbsp;kilobytes of [[Random-access memory|RAM]]. The Turbo ran on the HuC6820 [[Central processing unit|CPU]] at 1.79 or 7.16&nbsp;[[Hertz|MHz]].

The optional "TurboVision" TV tuner included an RCA audio/video input allowing users to use TurboExpress as a video monitor. The "TurboLink" allowed two-player play. ''Falcon'', a flight simulator, included a "head-to-head" dogfight mode that could only be accessed via TurboLink. However, very few TG-16 games offered co-op play modes especially designed with the TurboExpress in mind.{{clear}}

==== Bitcorp Gamate ====
{{Main|Gamate}}
[[File:Gamate.jpg|left|thumb|Gamate and game cards]]
The Bitcorp Gamate was one of the first handheld game systems created in response to the Nintendo Game Boy. It was released in Asia in 1990 and distributed worldwide by 1991.

Like the Sega Game Gear, it was horizontal in orientation and like the Game Boy, required 4 AA batteries. Unlike many later Game Boy clones, its internal components were professionally assembled (no "glop-top" chips). Unfortunately the system's fatal flaw was its screen. Even by the standards of the day, its screen was rather difficult to use, suffering from similar [[Image persistence|ghosting]] problems that were common complaints with the first generation Game Boys. Likely because of this fact, sales were quite poor, and Bitcorp closed by 1992. However, new games continued to be published for the Asian market, possibly as late as 1994. The total number of games released for the system remains unknown.

Gamate games were designed for stereo sound, but the console was only equipped with a mono speaker. {{clear}}

==== Game Gear ====
{{Main|Game Gear}}
[[File:Game-Gear-Handheld.jpg|thumb|Game Gear]]

The Game Gear was the first color handheld console produced by Sega. Released in Japan in 1990 and in North America and Europe in 1991, it was based on the [[Master System]], which gave Sega the ability to quickly create Game Gear games from its large library of games for the Master System. While never reaching the level of success enjoyed by Nintendo, the Game Gear proved to be a fairly durable competitor, lasting longer than any other Game Boy rivals.

While the Game Gear was most frequently seen in black or navy blue, it was also released in a variety of additional colors: red, light blue, yellow, violet, and transparent. All of these variations were released in small quantities and frequently only in the Asian market.

Following Sega's success with the Game Gear they began development on a successor during the early 1990s which was intended to feature a [[touchscreen]] interface, many years before the [[Nintendo DS]]. However, such a technology was very expensive at the time, and the handheld itself was estimated to have cost around $289 were it to be released. Sega eventually chose to shelve the idea and instead release the [[Genesis Nomad]], a handheld version of the [[Sega Genesis|Genesis]], as the successor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://retro.ign.com/articles/974/974695p7.html|title=IGN Presents the History of SEGA|page=7|website=IGN|author=Travis Fahs|date=April 21, 2009|access-date=April 27, 2011}}</ref>{{clear}}

==== Watara Supervision ====
{{Main|Watara Supervision}}
[[File:Watara-Supervision-Tilted.jpg|thumb|left|The Watara Supervision with tilting screen]]
The Watara SuperVision was released in 1992 in an attempt to compete with the Nintendo Game Boy. The first model was designed very much like a Game Boy, but was grey in color and had a slightly larger screen. The second model was made with a hinge across the center and could be bent slightly to provide greater comfort for the user. While the system did enjoy a modest degree of success, it never impacted the sales of Nintendo or Sega. The SuperVision was redesigned a final time as "The Magnum". Released in limited quantities it was roughly equivalent to the [[Game Boy Pocket]]. It was available in three colors: yellow, green and grey. Watara designed many of the games themselves, but did receive some third party support, most notably from [[Thin Chen Enterprise|Sachen]].

A TV adapter was available in both PAL and NTSC formats that could transfer the Supervision's black-and-white palette to 4 colors, similar in some regards to the Super Game Boy from Nintendo.{{clear}}

==== Hartung Game Master ====
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Hgm front-1-.jpg|right|thumb|Hartung Gamemaster]] -->
{{Main|Game Master (console)}}
The Hartung Game Master was an obscure handheld released at an unknown point in the early 1990s. Its graphics fidelity was much lower than most of its contemporaries, displaying just 64x64 pixels. It was available in black, white, and purple, and was frequently rebranded by its distributors, such as Delplay, Videojet and Systema.

The exact number of games released is not known, but was likely around 20. The system most frequently turns up in Europe and Australia.{{clear}}

=== Late 1990s ===
By this time, the lack of significant development in [[Nintendo]]'s product line began allowing more advanced systems such as the [[Neo Geo Pocket Color]] and the [[WonderSwan Color]] to be developed.{{clear}}

==== Sega Nomad ====
{{Main|Genesis Nomad}}
[[File:Sega-Nomad-Front.jpg|thumb|Sega Nomad|right]]
The Nomad was released in October 1995 in North America only.<ref name="gamepro">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gamepro.com/gamepro/domestic/games/features/125748.shtml |title=The 10 Worst-Selling Handhelds of All Time |access-date=January 17, 2008 |author=Snow, Blake |magazine=[[GamePro]] |date=July 30, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012194600/http://gamepro.com/gamepro/domestic/games/features/125748.shtml|archive-date=October 12, 2007}}</ref><ref name="AllgameNomad">{{cite web |author=Marriott, Scott Alan |title=Sega Genesis Nomad - Overview |url=http://www.allgame.com/platform.php?id=17671 |access-date=October 18, 2013 |publisher=[[Allgame]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114094423/http://www.allgame.com/platform.php?id=17671 |archive-date=November 14, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The release was six years into the market span of the Genesis, with an existing library of more than 500 Genesis games. According to former Sega of America research and development head Joe Miller, the Nomad was not intended to be the Game Gear's replacement; he believed that there was little planning from Sega of Japan for the new handheld.<ref name="interview">{{cite web|author=Horowitz, Ken|title=Interview: Joe Miller|url=http://www.sega-16.com/2013/02/interview-joe-miller/|date=February 7, 2013|access-date=November 17, 2013|publisher=Sega-16}}</ref> Sega was supporting five different consoles: [[Sega Saturn|Saturn]], Genesis, [[Game Gear]], [[Sega Pico|Pico]], and the [[Master System]], as well as the [[Sega CD]] and [[32X]] add-ons. In Japan, the Mega Drive had never been successful and the Saturn was more successful than Sony's [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], so Sega Enterprises CEO [[Hayao Nakayama]] decided to focus on the Saturn.<ref name="KSL">{{cite book |last=Kent |first=Steven L. |author-link=Steven L. Kent |title=[[The Ultimate History of Video Games: The Story Behind the Craze that Touched our Lives and Changed the World]] |year=2001 |publisher=Prima Publishing |location=Roseville, California |isbn=0-7615-3643-4 |pages=508, 531}}</ref> By 1999, the Nomad was being sold at less than a third of its original price.<ref name="RetroNomad">{{cite journal|author=''[[Retro Gamer]]'' staff|title=Retroinspection: Sega Nomad|journal=[[Retro Gamer]]|publisher=Imagine Publishing|issue=69|pages=46–53}}</ref>{{clear}}

==== Game Boy Pocket ====
{{Main|Game Boy#Game Boy Pocket}}
[[File:Game-Boy-Pocket-FL.jpg|thumb|upright=.6|The 1st release Game Boy Pocket|left]]
The Game Boy Pocket was a redesigned version of the original Game Boy having the same features. It was released in 1996. Notably, this variation was smaller and lighter. It came in seven different colors: red, yellow, green, blue, pink, black, silver and transparent. It was powered by two [[AAA battery|AAA batteries]], which provided approximately 10 hours of gameplay.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Incredible Shrinking Game Boy Pocket |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |issue=84|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=July 1996 |page=16}}</ref> The screen was changed to a true black-and-white display, rather than the "pea soup" monochromatic display of the original Game Boy.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Game Boy Relaunched|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=20 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=August 1996 |page=26}}</ref> Although, like its predecessor, the Game Boy Pocket had no backlight to allow play in a darkened area, it did notably improve visibility and pixel response-time (mostly eliminating [[Image persistence|ghosting]]).<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Pocket Cool |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=89 |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=December 1996|page=204}}</ref>

The first model of the Game Boy Pocket did not have an [[Light-emitting diode|LED]] to show battery levels, but the feature was added due to public demand. The Game Boy Pocket was not a new software platform and played the same software as the original Game Boy model.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Show Notes|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=95|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=August 1996|page=16}}</ref>{{clear}}

==== Game.com ====
{{Main|Game.com}}
[[File:Tiger-Game-Com-FL.jpg|thumb|Game.com]]
The Game.com was a handheld game console released by [[Tiger Electronics]] in September 1997. It featured many new ideas for handheld consoles and was aimed at an older target audience, sporting PDA-style features and functions such as a touch screen and stylus.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}{{clear}}

==== Game Boy Color ====
{{Main|Game Boy Color}}
[[File:Nintendo-Game-Boy-Color-FL.jpg|thumb|upright=.6|left|The Game Boy Color was the first handheld by Nintendo featuring Colors.]]
The Game Boy Color (also referred to as GBC or CGB) was Nintendo's successor to the Game Boy and was released on October 21, 1998, in Japan and in November of the same year in the United States. It featured a color screen, and was slightly bigger than the [[Game Boy Pocket]]. The processor was twice as fast as a Game Boy's and had twice as much memory. It also had an [[infrared]] communications port for wireless linking which did not appear in later versions of the Game Boy, such as the Game Boy Advance.

The Game Boy Color was a response to pressure from game developers for a new system, as they felt that the Game Boy, even in its latest incarnation (the Game Boy Pocket) was insufficient. The resulting product was backward-compatible, a first for a handheld console system, and this leveraged the large library of games and the existing user base of the predecessor system. This became a major feature of the Game Boy line since it allowed each new launch to begin with a significantly larger library than any of its competitors. As of March 31, 2005, the Game Boy and [[Game Boy Color]] combined to sell 118.69 million units worldwide.<ref name="nintendoannualreport2005"/><ref name="GBsales"/>

The console was capable of displaying up to 56 different colors simultaneously on screen from its palette of 32,768, and could add basic four-color shading to games that had been developed for the original Game Boy. It could also give the sprites and backgrounds separate colors, for a total of more than four colors.{{clear}}

==== Neo Geo Pocket Color ====
{{Main|Neo Geo Pocket Color}}
[[File:Neo-Geo-Pocket-Color-Blue-Left.jpg|thumb|Neo Geo Pocket Color]]
The Neo Geo Pocket Color (or NGPC) was released in 1999 in Japan, and later that year in the United States and Europe. It was a 16-bit color handheld game console designed by [[SNK Playmore|SNK]], the maker of the [[Neo Geo (console)|Neo Geo]] home console and arcade machine.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://uk.ign.com/articles/2001/11/03/a-sign-of-the-times-game-over-for-snk|title=A Sign Of The Times: Game Over For SNK|publisher=IGN UK|date=November 2, 2001}}</ref> It came after SNK's original [[Neo Geo Pocket]] monochrome handheld, which debuted in 1998 in Japan.

In 2000, following SNK's purchase by Japanese [[Pachinko]] manufacturer Aruze, the Neo Geo Pocket Color was dropped from both the US and European markets, purportedly due to commercial failure.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/neo-geo-pocket-color-the-portable-that-changed-everything|date=October 28, 2014|first=Jeremy|last=Parish|title=Neo Geo Pocket Color: The portable that changed everything.|website=usgamer.net|access-date=February 28, 2017|archive-date=February 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209032237/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/neo-geo-pocket-color-the-portable-that-changed-everything|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The system seemed well on its way to being a success in the U.S. It was more successful than any Game Boy competitor since [[Sega]]'s [[Sega Game Gear|Game Gear]], but was hurt by several factors, such as SNK's infamous lack of communication with third-party developers, and anticipation of the Game Boy Advance.<ref name="racketboy">{{cite web |url=http://www.racketboy.com/retro/snkneo-geo/neogeo-pocket-color-101-beginners-guide|date= January 4, 2012|title=Neo Geo Pocket Color 101, A beginner's guide|website=racketboy.com}}</ref> The decision to ship U.S. games in cardboard boxes in a cost-cutting move rather than hard plastic cases that Japanese and European releases were shipped in may have also hurt US sales.<ref name="kontek">{{cite web |date=June 2000 |title=The end of an era: a cruel look at what we missed: Part 2 |url=http://archive.kontek.net/sngp.classicgaming.gamespy.com/editorials/end_of_an_era_part2.htm |website=gamespy.com}}</ref>{{clear}}

==== Wonderswan====
{{Main|WonderSwan}}
The WonderSwan was a handheld game console designed by [[Bandai]]. It was released on March 4, 1998, in Japan.

=== Early 2000s ===
The 2000s saw a major leap in innovation, particularly in the second half with the release of the DS and [[PlayStation Portable|PSP]].

==== Wonderswan Color ====
{{Main|WonderSwan}}
[[File:WonderSwan-Color-Blue-Left.jpg|left|thumb|The Wonderswan Color]]
The WonderSwan Color was a handheld game console designed by [[Bandai]]. It was released on December 9, 2000, in Japan,<ref name="swanLaunch">{{cite web |url=http://www.promoduck.com/PressRelease/html/press_con10a048.htm |title=Bandai announces release of WonderSwan color |access-date=April 28, 2011 |date=August 30, 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320215243/http://www.promoduck.com/PressRelease/html/press_con10a048.htm |archive-date=March 20, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Although the WonderSwan Color was slightly larger and heavier (7&nbsp;mm and 2&nbsp;g) compared to the original WonderSwan, the color version featured 512&nbsp;[[kilobyte|KB]]<ref name="swanSpec">{{cite web |date=August 30, 2000 |title=WonderSwan Color Revealed |url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/084/084272p1.html |access-date=April 28, 2011 |website=ign.com}}</ref> of [[Random-access memory|RAM]] and a larger color LCD screen. In addition, the WonderSwan Color was compatible with the original WonderSwan library of games.

Prior to WonderSwan's release, Nintendo had virtually a monopoly in the Japanese video game handheld market. After the release of the WonderSwan Color, Bandai took approximately 8% of the market share in Japan partly due to its low price of 6800 yen (approximately [[United States dollar|US$]]65).<ref name="swanSpec" /> Another reason for the WonderSwan's success in Japan was the fact that Bandai managed to get a deal with [[Square (video game company)|Square]] to port over the original [[Nintendo Entertainment System|Famicom]] ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' games with improved graphics and controls.<ref name="swanSpec" /> However, with the popularity of the Game Boy Advance and the reconciliation between Square and Nintendo, the WonderSwan Color and its successor, the [[SwanCrystal]] quickly lost its [[competitive advantage]].{{clear}}

==== Game Boy Advance ====
{{Main|Game Boy Advance}}
[[File:Nintendo-Game-Boy-Advance-Purple-FL.jpg|right|thumb|The Game Boy Advance was a major upgrade to the Game Boy line.]]
In 2001, Nintendo released the Game Boy Advance (GBA or AGB), which added two shoulder buttons, a larger screen, and more computing power than the Game Boy Color.

The design was revised two years later when the [[Game Boy Advance SP]] (GBA SP), a more compact version, was released. The SP featured a "[[Bivalve shell|clamshell]]" design (folding open and closed, like a laptop computer), as well as a [[Frontlight|frontlit]] color display and rechargeable battery. Despite the smaller form factor, the screen remained the same size as that of the original. In 2005, the [[Game Boy Micro]] was released. This revision sacrificed screen size and backwards compatibility with previous Game Boys for a dramatic reduction in total size and a brighter [[Backlight|backlit]] screen. A new SP model with a backlit screen was released in some regions around the same time.

Along with the [[GameCube]], the GBA also introduced the concept of "connectivity": using a handheld system as a console controller. A handful of games used this feature, most notably ''[[Animal Crossing]]'', ''[[Pac-Man Vs.]]'', ''[[Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles]]'', ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures]]'', ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker]]'', ''[[Metroid Prime]]'', and ''[[Sonic Adventure 2: Battle]]''.

As of December 31, 2007, the GBA, GBA SP, and the Game Boy Micro combined sold 80.72 million units worldwide.<ref name="080124e">{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2008/080124e.pdf#page=8 |title=Consolidated Financial Highlights |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |date=January 24, 2008 |access-date=March 22, 2008 |format=PDF | page=8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216091256/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2008/080124e.pdf |archive-date=February 16, 2008 |archive-format=PDF |url-status=live }}</ref>{{clear}}

==== Game Park 32 ====
{{Main|GP32}}
[[File:Gp32-flu.jpg|left|thumb|GP32]]
The original GP32 was released in 2001 by the South Korean company [[Game Park]] a few months after the launch of the Game Boy Advance. It featured a 32-bit CPU, 133&nbsp;MHz processor, MP3 and Divx player, and e-book reader. [[SmartMedia]] cards were used for storage, and could hold up to 128mb of anything downloaded through a USB cable from a PC. The GP32 was redesigned in 2003. A front-lit screen was added and the new version was called GP32 FLU (Front Light Unit). In summer 2004, another redesign, the GP32 BLU, was made, and added a backlit screen. This version of the handheld was planned for release outside South Korea; in Europe, and it was released for example in Spain (VirginPlay was the distributor). While not a commercial success on the same level as mainstream handhelds (only 30,000 units were sold), it ended up being used mainly as a platform for user-made applications and emulators of other systems, being popular with developers and more technically adept users.<ref name="clockerz">[http://www.gamespot.com/news/6159783.html GP2X Q&A, With Craig Rothwell]. ''Clockerz''. Retrieved March 24, 2008.</ref>{{clear}}

==== N-Gage ====
{{Main|N-Gage (device)}}
[[File:Nokia-NGage-LL.jpg|thumb|N-Gage]]
[[File:Nokia-NGage-QD.jpg|left|thumb|N-Gage QD]]
[[Nokia]] released the N-Gage in 2003. It was designed as a combination MP3 player, cellphone, PDA, radio, and gaming device. The system received much criticism alleging defects in its physical design and layout, including its vertically oriented screen and requirement of removing the battery to change game cartridges. The most well known of these was "[[N-Gage (device)|sidetalking]]", or the act of placing the phone speaker and receiver on an edge of the device instead of one of the flat sides, causing the user to appear as if they are speaking into a [[taco]].

The N-Gage QD was later released to address the design flaws of the original. However, certain features available in the original N-Gage, including MP3 playback, FM radio reception, and USB connectivity were removed.

[[N-Gage (service)|Second generation of N-Gage]] launched on April 3, 2008<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.n-gage.com/ngi/ngage/web/g0/en/community/articles.Detail.general-anewdayforngage.1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412015450/http://www.n-gage.com/ngi/ngage/web/g0/en/community/articles.Detail.general-anewdayforngage.1.html |archive-date=April 12, 2009 |title= A New Day for N-Gage |publisher=Nokia |access-date=April 3, 2008}}</ref> in the form of a service for selected [[Nokia]] [[Smartphone]]s.{{clear}}

==== Tapwave Zodiac ====
{{Main|Tapwave Zodiac}}
In 2003, Tapwave released the Zodiac. It was designed to be a [[Personal digital assistant|PDA]]-handheld game console hybrid. It supported photos, movies, music, [[Internet]], and documents. The Zodiac used a special version Palm OS 5, 5.2T, that supported the special gaming buttons and graphics chip. Two versions were available, Zodiac 1 and 2, differing in memory and looks. The Zodiac line ended in July 2005 when Tapwave declared bankruptcy.{{clear}}

=== Mid 2000s ===

==== Nintendo DS ====
{{Main|Nintendo DS}}
[[File:Nintendo-DS-Fat-Blue.jpg|thumb|The Nintendo DS has two screens (the lower of which is a touchscreen), a microphone and Wi-Fi connectivity.]]
The Nintendo DS was released in November 2004. Among its new features were the incorporation of two screens, a [[touchscreen]], wireless connectivity, and a microphone port. As with the Game Boy Advance SP, the DS features a clamshell design, with the two screens aligned vertically on either side of the hinge.

The DS's lower screen is touch sensitive, designed to be pressed with a stylus, a user's finger or a special "thumb pad" (a small plastic pad attached to the console's wrist strap, which can be affixed to the thumb to simulate an analog stick). More traditional controls include four face buttons, two shoulder buttons, a [[D-pad]], and "Start" and "Select" buttons. The console also features online capabilities via the [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]] and ad-hoc wireless networking for multiplayer games with up to sixteen players. It is backwards-compatible with all Game Boy Advance games, but like the Game Boy Micro, it is not compatible with games designed for the Game Boy or Game Boy Color.

In January 2006, Nintendo revealed an updated version of the DS: the [[Nintendo DS Lite]] (released on March 2, 2006, in Japan) with an updated, smaller form factor (42% smaller and 21% lighter than the original Nintendo DS), a cleaner design, longer battery life, and brighter, higher-quality displays, with adjustable brightness. It is also able to connect wirelessly with Nintendo's Wii console.

On October 2, 2008, Nintendo announced the [[Nintendo DSi]], with larger, 3.25-inch screens and two integrated cameras. It has an [[Secure Digital|SD card]] storage slot in place of the [[Game Boy Advance]] slot, plus internal flash memory for storing downloaded games. It was released on November 1, 2008, in Japan, April 2, 2009, in Australia, April 3, 2009, in Europe, and April 5, 2009, in North America. On October 29, 2009, Nintendo announced a larger version of the DSi, called the [[Nintendo DSi#Larger model|DSi XL]], which was released on November 21, 2009, in Japan, March 5, 2010, in Europe, March 28, 2010, in North America, and April 15, 2010, in Australia.

As of December 31, 2009, the Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite, and Nintendo DSi combined have sold 125.13 million units worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2009/090507e.pdf#page=22 |title=Consolidated Financial Highlights |access-date=May 7, 2009 |date=May 7, 2009 |format=PDF |publisher=Nintendo |page=22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629122850/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2009/090507e.pdf |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |archive-format=PDF |url-status=live }}</ref>{{clear}}

==== Game King ====
{{Main|GameKing}}
[[File:GameKing2.jpg|left|thumb|The GameKing 2]]
The GameKing is a handheld game console released by the Chinese company TimeTop in 2004. The first model while original in design owes a large debt to Nintendo's Game Boy Advance. The second model, the GameKing 2, is believed to be inspired by Sony's PSP.<ref>[https://gizmodo.com/101781/gameking-2-portable-game-machine Gameking 2 Portable Game Machine] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621070243/https://gizmodo.com/101781/gameking-2-portable-game-machine |date=June 21, 2018 }}. Gizmodo.com (April 30, 2005). Retrieved on 2013-08-23.</ref> This model also was upgraded with a backlit screen, with a distracting background transparency (which can be removed by opening up the console). A color model, the GameKing 3 apparently exists, but was only made for a brief time and was difficult to purchase outside of Asia.

As many of the games have an "old school" simplicity, the device has developed a small cult following. The Gameking's speaker is quite loud and the cartridges' sophisticated looping soundtracks (sampled from other sources) are seemingly at odds with its primitive graphics.

TimeTop made at least one additional device sometimes labeled as "GameKing", but while it seems to possess more advanced graphics, is essentially an emulator that plays a handful of multi-carts (like the GB Station Light II). Outside of Asia (especially China) however the Gameking remains relatively unheard of due to the enduring popularity of Japanese handhelds such as those manufactured by Nintendo and Sony.{{clear}}

==== PlayStation Portable ====
{{Main|PlayStation Portable}}
[[File:PSP-2000.jpg|right|thumb|PlayStation Portable]]
The PlayStation Portable (officially abbreviated PSP)<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.us.playstation.com/PSP/Features|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080213151309/http://www.us.playstation.com/psp/about/|archive-date=February 13, 2008| title=PSP - About| publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment| access-date=March 12, 2008}}</ref> is a handheld game console manufactured and marketed by [[Sony Computer Entertainment]].<ref name="SCEAspecs">{{cite web|url=http://www.us.playstation.com/psp/about/specs|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080213151309/http://www.us.playstation.com/psp/about/specs|archive-date=February 13, 2008| title=PSP Technical Specifications| publisher="Sony Computer Entertainment| access-date=March 12, 2008}}</ref> Development of the console was first announced during E3 2003,<ref name="IGNE32003">{{cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/402/402220p1.html| title=E3 2003: Sony Goes Handheld!| date=May 13, 2003| website=IGN| access-date=March 12, 2008}}</ref> and it was unveiled on May 11, 2004, at a Sony press conference before E3&nbsp;2004.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BTcqAAAAIBAJ&pg=2031,1889081&dq=sony+aims+to+take+on+rivals&hl=en| title=Sony aims to take on rivals| first=Stanley A.| last=Miller II| date=May 11, 2004| newspaper=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel| access-date=March 12, 2008| archive-date=October 28, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028234432/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=BTcqAAAAIBAJ&pg=2031,1889081&dq=sony+aims+to+take+on+rivals&hl=en| url-status=dead}}</ref> The system was released in Japan on December 12, 2004,<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.1up.com/news/psp-japanese-launch-impressions| title=PSP Japanese launch impressions| date=December 11, 2004| publisher=1UP| access-date=March 12, 2008| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160721193505/http://www.1up.com/news/psp-japanese-launch-impressions| archive-date=July 21, 2016| df=mdy-all}}</ref> in [[North America]] on March 24, 2005,<ref name="GSUSlaunch">{{cite web| url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6121009/spot-on-the-us-psp-launch| title=The US PSP Launch| date=March 24, 2005| first=Tor| last=Thorsen| website=GameSpot| access-date=March 12, 2008}}</ref> and in the [[PAL region]] on September 1, 2005.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_4200000/newsid_4202900/4202934.stm| title=Sony PSP launches across Europe| date=September 1, 2005| publisher=The BBC| access-date=March 12, 2008}}</ref>

The PlayStation Portable is the first handheld video game console to use an optical disc format, [[Universal Media Disc]] (UMD), for distribution of its games. UMD Video discs with movies and television shows were also released. The PSP utilized the Sony/[[SanDisk]] [[Memory Stick PRO Duo|Memory Stick Pro Duo]] format as its primary storage medium.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamedaily.com/games/playstation-portable/psp/game-news/e3-2003-psp-press-release/4356/3143/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080323190851/http://www.gamedaily.com/games/playstation-portable/psp/game-news/e3-2003-psp-press-release/4356/3143/|archive-date=March 23, 2008| title=E3 2003: PSP Press Release| date=December 31, 2003|publisher=gamedaily.com| access-date=March 12, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.us.playstation.com/Support/PSP/Movies/default.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080315222243/http://www.us.playstation.com/Support/PSP/Movies/default.html|archive-date=March 15, 2008| title=Support - PSP - Movies| publisher="Sony Computer Entertainment| access-date=March 12, 2008}}</ref> Other distinguishing features of the console include its large viewing screen,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gear.ign.com/articles/599/599454p1.html| title=Sony PSP vs. Nintendo DS| date=March 28, 2005| first=Chris| last=Roper| website=IGN| access-date=March 12, 2008}}</ref> multi-media capabilities,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.us.playstation.com/PSP/About/Multimedia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080214222111/http://www.us.playstation.com/PSP/About/Multimedia|archive-date=February 14, 2008| title=PSP - About - Multimedia| publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment| access-date=March 12, 2008}}</ref> and connectivity with the [[PlayStation 3]], other PSPs, and the [[Internet]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/remoteplay/remoteplay.html| title=User's Guide - Remote Play| publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment| access-date=March 12, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.us.playstation.com/Support/PSP/ConnectingToInternet/default.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080315144612/http://www.us.playstation.com/Support/PSP/ConnectingToInternet/default.html|archive-date=March 15, 2008| title=Support - PSP - Connecting to the Internet| publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment| access-date=March 12, 2008}}</ref>{{clear}}

==== Gizmondo ====
{{Main|Gizmondo}}
[[File:Gizmondo.jpg|thumb|left|The Gizmondo]]
Tiger's Gizmondo came out in the UK during March 2005 and it was released in the U.S. during October 2005. It is designed to play music, movies, and games, have a camera for taking and storing photos, and have GPS functions. It also has Internet capabilities. It has a phone for sending text and multimedia messages. Email was promised at launch, but was never released before Gizmondo, and ultimately [[Tiger Telematics]]', downfall in early 2006. Users obtained a second service pack, unreleased, hoping to find such functionality. However, Service Pack B did not activate the e-mail functionality.{{clear}}

==== GP2X Series ====
{{Main|GP2X}}
[[File:GP2X 01.JPG|right|thumb|The Game Park Holdings GP2X F-100]]
The GP2X is an open-source, Linux-based handheld video game console and media player created by [[GamePark Holdings]] of South Korea, designed for homebrew developers as well as commercial developers. It is commonly used to run emulators for game consoles such as Neo-Geo, Genesis, Master System, Game Gear, Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, Nintendo Entertainment System, TurboGrafx-16, MAME and others.

A new version called the "F200" was released October 30, 2007, and features a touchscreen, among other changes. Followed by [[GP2X Wiz]] (2009) and [[GP2X Caanoo]] (2010).{{clear}}

=== Late 2000s ===

==== Dingoo ====
{{Main|Dingoo}}
[[File:Dingoo A320 White.jpg|thumb|left|The Dingoo A320]]
The Dingoo A320 is a micro-sized gaming handheld that resembles the Game Boy Micro and is open to game development. It also supports music, radio, emulators (8 bit and 16 bit) and video playing capabilities with its own interface much like the PSP. There is also an onboard radio and recording program. It is currently available in two colors — white and black. Other similar products from the same manufacturer are the Dingoo A330 (also known as Geimi), Dingoo A360, Dingoo A380, and Dingoo A320E.{{clear}}

==== PSP Go ====
{{Main|PlayStation Portable#PSP Go (N1000)}}
[[File:PSP-Go-FL-Open.jpg|thumb|PSP Go]]
The PSP Go is a version of the PlayStation Portable handheld game console manufactured by Sony. It was released on October 1, 2009, in American and European territories, and on November 1 in Japan. It was revealed prior to E3 2009 through Sony's Qore VOD service. Although its design is significantly different from other PSPs, it is not intended to replace the PSP 3000, which Sony continued to manufacture, sell, and support. On April 20, 2011, the manufacturer announced that the PSP Go would be discontinued so that they may concentrate on the PlayStation Vita. Sony later said that only the European and Japanese versions were being cut, and that the console would still be available in the US.
Unlike previous PSP models, the PSP Go does not feature a UMD drive, but instead has 16 GB of internal flash memory to store games, video, pictures, and other media. This can be extended by up to 32 GB with the use of a Memory Stick Micro (M2) flash card. Also unlike previous PSP models, the PSP Go's rechargeable battery is not removable or replaceable by the user. The unit is 43% lighter and 56% smaller than the original PSP-1000, and 16% lighter and 35% smaller than the PSP-3000. It has a 3.8" 480 × 272 LCD (compared to the larger 4.3" 480 × 272 pixel LCD on previous PSP models). The screen slides up to reveal the main controls. The overall shape and sliding mechanism are similar to that of Sony's mylo COM-2 internet device.

==== Pandora ====
{{Main|Pandora (console)}}
[[File:PandoraFront.JPG|left|thumb|Pandora]]
The Pandora is a handheld game console/UMPC/PDA hybrid designed to take advantage of existing [[open source software]] and to be a target for [[Homebrew (video games)|home-brew development]]. It runs a full distribution of Linux, and in functionality is like a small PC with gaming controls. It is developed by OpenPandora, which is made up of former distributors and community members of the GP32 and GP2X handhelds.

OpenPandora began taking pre-orders for one batch of 4000 devices in November 2008 and after manufacturing delays, began shipping to customers on May 21, 2010.<ref name="It finally happened (official blog)">{{cite web|url=http://www.open-pandora.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=177|title=Official Blog: It finally happened!|publisher=OpenPandora|date=May 22, 2010|access-date=May 22, 2010|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301134532/http://www.open-pandora.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=177|archive-date=March 1, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="shipping">{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20120307234935/http://pandorapress.net/2010/05/21/first-shipping-emails-hit-inboxes/ First shipping emails hit inboxes]}}. ''Pandora Press''. May 21, 2010.</ref>
{{clear}}

==== FC-16 Go ====
The FC-16 Go is a portable [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]] hardware clone manufactured by Yobo Gameware in 2009. It features a 3.5-inch display, two wireless controllers, and CRT cables that allow cartridges to be played on a television screen. Unlike other Super NES clone consoles, it has region tabs that only allow NTSC North American cartridges to be played. Later revisions feature stereo sound output, larger shoulder buttons, and a slightly re-arranged button, power, and A/V output layout.

=== 2010s ===

==== Nintendo 3DS ====
{{Main|Nintendo 3DS}}
[[File:Nintendo-3DS-AquaOpen.jpg|thumb|The original cyan Nintendo 3DS]]
The '''Nintendo 3DS''' is the successor to Nintendo's DS handheld. The autostereoscopic device is able to project stereoscopic three-dimensional effects without requirement of active shutter or passive polarized glasses, which are required by most current 3D televisions to display the 3D effect. The 3DS was released in Japan on February 26, 2011; in Europe on March 25, 2011; in North America on March 27, 2011, and in Australia on March 31, 2011. The system features backward compatibility with Nintendo DS series software, including Nintendo DSi software except those that require the Game Boy Advance slot. It also features an online service called the Nintendo eShop, launched on June 6, 2011, in North America and June 7, 2011, in Europe and Japan, which allows owners to download games, demos, applications and information on upcoming film and game releases. On November 24, 2011, a limited edition ''Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary 3DS'' was released that contained a unique Cosmo Black unit decorated with gold Legend of Zelda related imagery, along with a copy of ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D''.

There are also other models including the [[Nintendo 2DS]] and the [[New Nintendo 3DS]], the latter with a larger (XL/LL) variant, like the original Nintendo 3DS, as well as the [[New Nintendo 2DS XL]].
{{Clear}}

==== Xperia Play ====
{{Main|Xperia Play}}
[[File:Sony-Xperia-Play-Open-FL.jpg|left|thumb|Xperia PLAY]]
The Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY is a handheld game console smartphone produced by [[Sony Ericsson]] under the Xperia smartphone brand. The device runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and is the first to be part of the PlayStation Certified program which means that it can play PlayStation Suite games. The device is a horizontally sliding phone with its original form resembling the Xperia X10 while the slider below resembles the slider of the PSP Go. The slider features a D-pad on the left side, a set of standard PlayStation buttons ([[File:PlayStationTriangle.svg|16px|Triangle]], [[File:PlayStationCircle.svg|16px|Circle]], [[File:PlayStationX.svg|16px|Cross]] and [[File:PlayStationSquare.svg|16px|Square]]) on the right, a long rectangular touchpad in the middle, start and select buttons on the bottom right corner, a menu button on the bottom left corner, and two shoulder buttons (L and R) on the back of the device. It is powered by a 1&nbsp;GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, a Qualcomm Adreno 205 GPU, and features a display measuring 4.0 inches (100&nbsp;mm) (854 × 480), an 8-megapixel camera, 512 MB RAM, 8 GB internal storage, and a micro-USB connector. It supports microSD cards, versus the Memory Stick variants used in PSP consoles. The device was revealed officially for the first time in a Super Bowl ad on Sunday, February 6, 2011. On February 13, 2011, at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2011, it was announced that the device would be shipping globally in March 2011, with a launch lineup of around 50 software titles.
{{Clear}}

==== PlayStation Vita ====
{{Main|PlayStation Vita}}
[[File:PlayStation-Vita-1101-FL.jpg|thumb|PlayStation Vita]]
The '''PlayStation Vita''' is the successor to Sony's PlayStation Portable (PSP) Handheld series. It was released in Japan on December 17, 2011, and in Europe, Australia, North, and South America on February 22, 2012.

The handheld includes two analog sticks, a 5-inch (130&nbsp;mm) OLED/LCD multi-touch capacitive touchscreen, and supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and optional 3G. Internally, the PS Vita features a 4 core ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore processor and a 4 core SGX543MP4+ graphics processing unit, as well as [[LiveArea]] software as its main user interface, which succeeds the [[XrossMediaBar]].

The device is fully backwards-compatible with PlayStation Portable games digitally released on the PlayStation Network via the PlayStation Store. However, PSone Classics and PS2 titles were not compatible at the time of the primary public release in Japan. The Vita's dual analog sticks will be supported on selected PSP games. The graphics for PSP releases will be up-scaled, with a smoothing filter to reduce pixelation.

On September 20, 2018, Sony announced at [[Tokyo Game Show]] 2018 that the Vita would be discontinued in 2019, ending its hardware production.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://gematsu.com/2018/09/ps-vita-production-to-end-in-2019-in-japan|title=PS Vita production to end in 2019 in Japan - Gematsu|date=2018-09-20|work=Gematsu|access-date=2019-03-10|language=en-US}}</ref> Production of Vita hardware officially ended on March 1, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gematsu.com/2019/03/ps-vita-production-ended-in-japan|title = PS Vita production ended in Japan|date = March 2019}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

{{Clear}}

==== Nvidia Shield ====
{{Main|Shield Portable}}
[[File:NvidiaShieldPortable.jpg|left|thumb|Nvidia Shield Portable]]
Project Shield is a handheld system developed by [[Nvidia]] announced at CES 2013. It runs on Android 4.2 and uses Nvidia [[Tegra 4]] SoC. The hardware includes a 5-inches multitouch screen with support for HD graphics (720p). The console allows for the streaming of games running on a compatible desktop PC, or laptop.

Nvidia Shield Portable has received mixed reception from critics. Generally, reviewers praised the performance of the device, but criticized the cost and lack of worthwhile games. [[Engadget]]'s review noted the system's "extremely impressive PC gaming", but also that due to its high price, the device was "a hard sell as a portable game console", especially when compared to similar handhelds on the market.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/07/31/nvidia-shield-review/|title=NVIDIA Shield review|last=Gilbert|first=Ben|publisher=[[Engadget]]|date=July 31, 2013|access-date=July 31, 2013}}</ref> [[CNET]]'s Eric Franklin states in his review of the device that "The Nvidia Shield is an extremely well made device, with performance that pretty much obliterates any mobile product before it; but like most new console launches, there is currently a lack of available games worth your time."<ref>{{cite web|last=Franklin |first=Eric |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/consoles/nvidia-shield/4505-10109_7-35566996.html |title=Nvidia Shield Review |publisher=Reviews.cnet.com |access-date=2013-08-02}}</ref> [[Eurogamer]]'s comprehensive review of the device provides a detailed account of the device and its features; concluded by saying: "In the here and now, the first-gen Shield Portable is a gloriously niche, luxury product - the most powerful Android system on the market by a clear stretch and possessing a unique link to PC gaming that's seriously impressive in beta form, and can only get better."<ref>{{cite web|last=Leadbetter |first=Richard |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-nvidia-shield-review |title=Nvidia Shield review |date=August 11, 2013 |publisher=Eurogamer.net |access-date=2013-08-12}}</ref>

{{Clear}}

==== Nintendo Switch ====
{{Main|Nintendo Switch}}
[[File:Nintendo-Switch-wJoyCons-BlRd-Standing-FL.png|thumb|The Nintendo Switch in portable mode]]
The '''Nintendo Switch''' is a hybrid console that can either be used in a handheld form, or inserted into a docking station attached to a television to play on a bigger screen. The Switch features two detachable wireless controllers, called Joy-Con, which can be used individually or attached to a grip to provide a traditional gamepad form. A handheld-only revision named [[Nintendo Switch Lite]] was released on September 20, 2019.

The Switch Lite had sold about 1.95 million units worldwide by September 30, 2019, only 10 days after its launch.<ref name="fisc y20q2">{{Cite web | url = https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2019/191031e.pdf | title = Consolidated Financial Highlights - Q2 FY2020 | publisher = [[Nintendo]] | date = October 31, 2019 | access-date = October 31, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191031072855/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2019/191031e.pdf | archive-date = October 31, 2019 | url-status = live }}</ref>
{{Clear}}

=== 2020s ===
{{Clear}}

==== Evercade ====
{{Main|Evercade}}
Evercade is a handheld game console developed and manufactured by UK company Blaze Entertainment. It focuses on retrogaming with ROM cartridges that each contain a number of emulated games. Development began in 2018, and the console was released in May 2020, after a few delays. Upon its launch, the console offered 10 game cartridges with a combined total of 122 games.

Arc System Works, Atari, Data East, Interplay Entertainment, Bandai Namco Entertainment and Piko Interactive have released emulated versions of their games for the Evercade. Pre-existing homebrew games have also been re-released for the console by Mega Cat Studios. The Evercade is capable of playing games originally released for the Atari 2600, the Atari 7800, the Atari Lynx, the NES, the SNES, and the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive.
{{Clear}}

==== Analogue Pocket ====
{{Main|Analogue Pocket}}
The '''Analogue Pocket''' is a [[Field-programmable gate array|FPGA]]-based handheld game console designed and manufactured by [[Analogue (video game company)|Analogue]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Analogue homepage|url=https://www.analogue.co|publisher=Analogue, Inc}}</ref> It is designed to play games designed for handhelds of the [[Fourth generation of video game consoles|fourth]], [[Fifth generation of video game consoles|fifth]] and [[Sixth generation of video game consoles|sixth]] generation of video game consoles. The console features a design reminiscent of the Game Boy, with additional buttons for the supported platforms. It features a 3.5" 1600x1440 LTPS LCD display, an SD card port, and a link cable port compatible with Game Boy link cables. The Analogue Pocket uses an Altera Cyclone V processor, and is compatible with the original Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance cartridges out of the box. With cartridge adapters (sold separately) the Analogue Pocket can play Game Gear, Neo Geo Pocket, Neo Geo Pocket Color and Atari Lynx game cartridges. The Analogue Pocket includes an additional FPGA, allowing 3rd party FPGA development. The Analogue Pocket was released in December 2021.
{{Clear}}

==== Steam Deck ====
{{Main|Steam Deck}}
[[File:Steam Deck (front).png|thumb|Steam Deck]]
The Steam Deck is a handheld computer device, developed by [[Valve Corporation|Valve]], which runs [[SteamOS|SteamOS 3.0]], a tailored [[linux distro|distro]] of [[Arch Linux]] and includes support for [[Proton (software)|Proton]], a compatibility layer that allows most [[Microsoft Windows]] games to be played on the Linux-based operating system. This device and other similar ones generally are not referred to as "consoles" but more commonly as [[handheld]] style [[gaming computers]] due to effectively being [[IBM PC–compatible]] like contemporary desktop and laptop gaming PCs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Valve Steam Deck Review |url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/valve-steam-deck |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=PCMAG |date=April 6, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> In terms of hardware, the Deck includes a custom [[AMD APU]] based on their [[Zen 2]] and [[RDNA 2]] architectures, with the CPU running a four-core/eight-thread unit and the GPU running on eight [[compute unit]]s with a total estimated performance of 1.6 TFLOPS.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.steamdeck.com/en/tech|title=Steam Deck :: Tech Specs|website=Steam Deck}}</ref> Both the CPU and GPU use variable timing frequencies, with the CPU running between 2.4 and 3.5&nbsp;GHz and the GPU between 1.0 and 1.6&nbsp;GHz based on current processor needs.<ref name="ign announce">{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/steam-deck-hands-on-impressions-details-valve-handheld-gaming-pc | title = Steam Deck: The First Hands-On With Valve's Handheld Gaming PC | first= Bo | last= Moore | date = July 15, 2021 | accessdate = July 15, 2021 | work = [[IGN]] }}</ref><ref name="eg specs">{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-07-15-valve-announces-steam-deck-a-gbp349-handheld-pc | title = Valve announces Steam Deck, a £349 handheld PC | first= Tom | last= Phillips | date = July 15, 2021 | accessdate = July 15, 2021 | work = [[Eurogamer]] }}</ref> Valve stated that the CPU has comparable performance to [[Ryzen 3000]] desktop computer processors and the GPU performance to the [[Radeon RX 6000 series]].<ref name="techradar more specs">{{cite web | url = https://www.techradar.com/news/valve-claims-the-steam-deck-can-handle-any-game-you-throw-at-it-including-aaas | title = Valve claims the Steam Deck can handle any game you throw at it, including AAAs | first = Jess | last= Weatherbed | date = July 23, 2021 | accessdate = July 23, 2021 | work = [[TechRadar]] }}</ref> The Deck includes 16 GB of [[LPDDR5]] [[RAM]] in a quad channel configuration.<ref name="eg specs"/><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.techradar.com/news/steam-deck-gets-a-spec-update-and-its-good-news-for-gamers | title = Steam Deck gets a spec update, and it's good news for gamers | first = John | last = Loeffler | date= July 21, 2021 | accessdate = July 22, 2021 | work = [[TechRadar]] }}</ref>

Valve revealed the Steam Deck on July 15, 2021, with pre-orders being made option the next day. The Deck was expected to ship in December 2021 to the US, Canada, the EU and the UK but was delayed to February 2022, with other regions to follow in 2022.<ref name="verge announce">{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2021/7/15/22578783/valve-steam-deck-gaming-handheld-pc | title = Valve's gaming handheld is called the Steam Deck and it's shipping in December  | first= Jay | last = Peters | date = July 15, 2021 | accessdate = July 15, 2021 | work = [[The Verge]] }}</ref> Pre-orders were limited to those with [[Steam (service)|Steam]] accounts opened before June 2021 to prevent resellers from controlling access to the device.<ref name="verge announce"/> Pre-order reservations were on July 16, 2021, through the Steam storefront briefly crashed the servers due to the demand. While initial shipments are still planned by February 2022, Valve has reported to new purchasers that wider availability will be later, with the 64&nbsp;GB model and 256 GB NVMe model due in Q2 2022, and the 512 GB NVMe model by Q3 2022.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-07-17-steam-deck-expected-order-availability-now-q1-2022-64gb-or-q2-2022-256gb-512gb | title = Steam Deck expected order availability now Q1 2022 (64GB) and Q2 2022 (256GB/512GB) | first = Wesley | last =Yin-Poole | date = July 17, 2021 | accessdate = July 17, 2021 |work = [[Eurogamer]] }}</ref> Steam Deck was released on February 25, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Larabel|first=Michael|date=2022-02-25|title=For Linux Enthusiasts Especially, The Steam Deck Is An Incredible & Fun Device|url=https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=steam-deck-steamos-linux|access-date=2022-02-27|website=[[Phoronix]]|language=en}}</ref>

==== Nintendo Switch 2 ====
{{Main|Nintendo Switch 2}}
[[File:Nintendo Switch 2 in Handheld Mode.jpg|thumb|The Nintendo Switch 2 in portable mode]]
The '''Nintendo Switch 2''' is the direct successor of the Nintendo Switch, which was released on June 5, 2025. Like its predecessor, Switch 2 is a hybrid console: Either be used in a handheld form, or inserted into a docking station attached to a television to play on a bigger screen.

==== ROG Xbox Ally ====
{{Main|ROG Xbox Ally}}
The ROG Xbox Ally is a handheld gaming computer and handheld game console co-developed by Asus and Microsoft, and manufactured by Asus as part of the Republic of Gamers (ROG) and Xbox brands. A successor to the Asus ROG Ally, it was released on October 16, 2025.

== See also ==
* [[List of handheld game consoles]]
* [[Video game console emulator]]
* [[Handheld electronic game]]
* [[Handheld television]]
* [[Video games and Linux]]
* [[Cloud gaming]]
* [[Mobile game]]

== References ==
{{notelist}}
{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category|Handheld game consoles}}

{{Handheld game consoles}}
{{Video game consoles}}
{{Video game platforms}}
{{Computer sizes}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Handheld Game Console}}
[[Category:Video game terminology]]
[[Category:Handheld game consoles| ]]