Handhelds

MIcrovision

Nov 11, 1979

First handheld but due to small selection of games it fell into obscurity.

Game & Watch

Apr 28, 1980

Made by Nintendo had a LCD screen and had mostly single player games.

Coleco Portable Arcade Machine

Jul 15, 1982

First Portable Arcade system released in 1982, sported basic back lit screen and featured basic color. Original wave consisted of Pac-Man, Galaxian, Donky Kong, and Frogger.

Nintendo Game Boy

Apr 21, 1989

Released on April, 21 1989, it sported basic graphics and no back lighting. Many classics were released for this system, such as Tetris, Pokemon, Mario, Kirby and Dragon Quest.

Atari Lynx

Sep 1, 1989

The Atari Lynx was one of Atari's last attempts to be relevant. They failed miserably, with a clunky system and terrible library of games.

Sega Game Gear.

Oct 6, 1991

The Game Gear was released in 1991, featured Back lighting, full color.

Game Boy Color

Oct 21, 1998

Sequel to the Game Boy, featured full color, and no back lighting. Many sequels to classics were released on this system, Such as Pokemon Gold/Silver/Crystal and Dragon Quest: Monster Hunters

Neo Geo Pocket Color

Aug 6, 1999

Released in 1999, It featured full color and no backlight. It was the first handheld to have connectivity with a home console. Failed due to a lack of interest since the Game Boy Advance was to be released soon.

Game Boy advance.

Mar 21, 2001

Released in 2001, sported over all better graphics but no backlighting. It was home to some of the best selling games of the time; Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald, Mother 3, as well as remakes of Super Mario Bros 1-3.

Game Boy Advance SP

Feb 14, 2003

It's the Game Boy Advance with several improvements, Backlighting, sleeker design, and a rechargeable battery

Nintendo DS

Nov 21, 2004

Released November 21, 2004, features two screens and supported 3D graphics.

PSP

Dec 12, 2004

The PSP, or Playstation Portable, was Sony's introduction to the handheld market. More expensive than a DS, and wasn't really marketed to children.

DS Lite

Jan 12, 2007

Same as the normal DS however it was slimmer and cheaper.

DSi

Nov 1, 2008

Same thing as the normal DS, however it sported duel cameras.

PSP go

Oct 1, 2009

A complete resign of the original PSP.

3DS

Feb 26, 2011

The successor to the normal DS, main selling point was full 3D capability. Also sported improved graphics

Ps Vita

Dec 17, 2011

Update to the PSP, failed due to lack of launch games and poor marketing.

2DS

Oct 12, 2013

Same thing as the 3DS except 3D capabilities are taken away, Marketed to younger children