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Microvision
The Microvision, released in November of 1979, marks one of the first handheld gaming consoles made. With a total of 11 playable games on the console, it was on the market until 1981, when it was removed due to many problems. Some of the most common complaints about the console included too small of a screen, an easily damaged button panel, and screen rot. (Picture of Microvision, n.d.) -
Game & Watch
The Game & Watch, released in 1980, is the first handheld console from Nintendo. Originally released in Japan, this console had approximately 60 games. Each console could only play a single game. It boasts some of Nintendo's classic games, such as The Legend of Zelda and Mario Bros. Thanks to these hits, the Game & Watch was one of the most popular handhelds of its time, and many people -- children and adults, alike -- wanted one. (Picture of Game & Watch, Super Mario Bros. version, n.d.) -
Game Boy
The Game Boy is the second handheld released by Nintendo, and is so influential, many people still know about this console today. This was the start of many redesigns of the console, until the Game Boy Micro in 2005. There are 1046 games for this console, many of which are no longer produced. This console marks a turning point in the handheld industry, and the beginning of Nintendo's domination of the handheld market. (Picture of a Game Boy console and two game cartridges, n.d.) -
PlayStation Portable
As the first handheld console released by Sony, it had around 1,370 games made for it while on the market. Although it was discontinued in 2014, this console had many things to praise. For its time, it had some of the best graphics a handheld console had ever seen. Additionally, it has one of the largest screens on a handheld console, even to this day. (Picture of the PSP with the homescreen open, n.d.) -
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is arguably one of the most revolutionary handheld consoles. It is actually a hybrid console, because it can be played either as a home or handheld console. To date, there are 3,311 games for the Switch, with more and more coming out. It also has the Nintendo Switch Lite, which is a cheaper version that is only a handheld console. (Picture of a blue Nintendo Switch Lite, n.d.)