The world in the palm of your hand - here are the 10 best retro handheld consoles, ranked from worst to best.
The Atari Lynx was ahead of its time with a color screen and impressive graphics for its era. Although it struggled commercially, it provided a unique gaming experience with titles like "California Games" and "Electrocop" that showcased Atari's innovative spirit in handheld gaming.
© Atari
The Game Gear was Sega's attempt to compete with the Game Boy, featuring a color screen and backlighting. While it didn't outsell the Game Boy, it offered unique experiences with games like Sonic the Hedgehog and Shinobi, and its color display was a significant technological leap at the time.
© Sega
The DS Lite was an iteration of the original DS, refining its design with a slimmer profile and brighter screens. It maintained compatibility with DS and GBA games, and its improved battery life and portability made it a favorite among gamers.
© Nintendo
The original Game Boy is an iconic device known for bringing portable gaming to the masses. Its simple design and long battery life made it a classic. With timeless games like Tetris and Pokémon Red and Blue, it laid the foundation for all future handheld consoles.
© Nintendo
The PS Vita was a technological marvel with its OLED screen, dual analog sticks, and touch capabilities. It had a solid lineup of games, including Uncharted: Golden Abyss and Persona 4 Golden. Despite its lack of commercial success, its robust hardware and diverse library made it a popular console among enthusiasts.
© Sony
The Game Boy Color was a significant upgrade from the original Game Boy, offering a color screen and improved graphics. It reinvigorated the handheld market with classics such as Pokémon Gold and Silver, ensuring that the Game Boy legacy continued well into the late 1990s.
© Nintendo
Building on the success of the DS, the 3DS introduced glasses-free 3D technology. Despite a rocky start, it amassed a stellar library with titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D and Super Mario 3D Land. The 3DS also supported augmented reality games and backward compatibility with DS titles.
© Nintendo
The PSP was a powerhouse, offering almost PlayStation 2-quality graphics in a handheld device. It featured a strong lineup of games such as God of War: Chains of Olympus and Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core, along with multimedia capabilities that made it a versatile entertainment device.
© Sony
The GBA continued the legacy of the Game Boy with a more powerful processor and a vibrant color screen. It featured an incredible array of games, including The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap and Metroid Fusion, and maintained backward compatibility with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games.
© Nintendo
The Nintendo DS revolutionized handheld gaming with its dual screens, one of which was a touch screen. This innovation opened up new gameplay possibilities. Its extensive library includes classics such as New Super Mario Bros. and Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, making it one of the best-selling consoles of all time.
© Nintendo
Handheld consoles hold a special place in our hearts. These portable devices allowed us to take our favorite adventures with us at the touch of a button. From long car rides to cozy nights under the covers, handheld consoles have provided countless hours of entertainment and unforgettable memories. It's time to celebrate the best of the best - the 10 most iconic devices that defined generations and left an everlasting mark on our hearts.
Which console was your favorite?
