Handheld gaming consoles have come a long way from the classic Game Boy and PSP, with modern devices like the Switch 2 and Steam Deck blurring the line between portable and home gaming. As technology advances, the distinction between these devices becomes less significant, further evolving the gaming landscape.
However, there is a certain nostalgia associated with dedicated handheld systems. Unlike the present, where many games share similar features across various platforms with minor graphical differences, earlier handheld consoles offered distinct gaming experiences. This article seeks to celebrate some memorable yet underrated handheld devices, ranging from the obscure to the commercially unsuccessful, that boasted unique designs, innovative functions, and enjoyable games.
8 New Nintendo 2DS XL
Good Format, Wrong Time
The New Nintendo 2DS XL, despite its awkwardly lengthy name, features one of the finest designs in the handheld category. While it may not have garnered the spotlight it deserved, it stood out for its ergonomic shape and affordability, lacking the 3D feature that many users never utilized. The console’s aesthetic, including a carbon fiber finish, is considered a favorite among design enthusiasts.
While overshadowed by its more popular counterparts, the New Nintendo 3DS and 2DS, which offered limited exclusives at a higher price, the 2DS XL is often overlooked. Nevertheless, it hosts an extensive library of outstanding handheld titles, making it a solid choice for gamers.
7 Retroid Pocket Flip
Everything in One
Retroid is a small yet ambitious company carving out its niche in the gaming market, particularly in the emulation landscape. The Retroid Pocket Flip stands out as a versatile Android gaming device, ideal for emulating classic games and playing mobile titles that mimic traditional console experiences.
Despite its appeal, some might hesitate due to its price, which is comparable to the Switch Lite, especially since it lacks dedicated exclusive titles. However, the device’s impressive build quality and design deliver an enjoyable user experience, making it a commendable option for portable gaming enthusiasts.
6 Sega Game Gear
Great Games, Bad Brick
Launched in response to the Game Boy’s soaring popularity, the Sega Game Gear was intended to be a superior handheld console. It offered colorful graphics and a game library that included beloved franchise titles, resembling a portable Master System. However, its shortcomings, particularly an abysmal battery life of just 3-5 hours powered by six AA batteries, severely limited its viability.
While it achieved moderate sales, the Game Gear has since faded into obscurity, remembered primarily as a nostalgic relic rather than a competitive handheld gaming option.
5 Game Boy Color
Skipped Over
In discussions surrounding Nintendo’s handheld legacy, the Game Boy Color is often overlooked, with many narratives jumping straight from the original Game Boy to the Game Boy Advance. This disregards the significance of the Game Boy Color, which had its own distinct identity and a catalog of impressive exclusives, including a noteworthy version of Super Mario Bros.
While it shares similarities with the original Game Boy, the Game Boy Color’s enhanced power and full-color display improved overall gameplay experiences. Despite its unique position, it is frequently misclassified as merely an extension of its predecessor, which is a disservice to its rich history.
4 Neo Geo Pocket Color
Secret Third Thing
Many gamers from the 90s primarily remember either the Game Boy or the Game Gear, leaving the Neo Geo Pocket Color largely forgotten despite its notable contributions. Featuring the only Sonic game to achieve a perfect score from IGN, this system offered a vibrant color display and an impressive 40-hour battery life on just two AA batteries.
Unfortunately, its launch coincided with the Pokémon phenomenon, which dominated the market, resulting in the Neo Geo Pocket Color struggling to gain traction. Despite its affordability and an impressive library of games, it faded from memory, leaving SNK in dire financial straits shortly thereafter.
3 PlayStation Vita
Clunky, But Charming
The PlayStation Vita, released in the wake of the successful PSP and PS2, ultimately fell from grace—an unfortunate outcome given its innovative design. Pioneering the concept of console-quality gaming on the go, the Vita did have its challenges, particularly regarding its proprietary storage and high price point that deterred many potential customers.
Despite its shortcomings, the Vita hosted exceptional games like Gravity Rush and Persona 4 Golden, making it a cherished device among dedicated fans. Nonetheless, it became increasingly irrelevant in the face of its commercial struggles.
2 GPD Win
First of Its Kind
The GPD Win was among the first of its kind to gain significant recognition within the gaming-focused PC handheld market, paving the way for subsequent models. Although it is often overshadowed by the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, it remains a compact and potent device that supports a wide array of PC games.
Prior to the GPD Win, Windows-based portable systems were often cumbersome and user-unfriendly. Its refined design, which features a hybrid controller-keyboard format, offers a unique and practical gaming experience.
1 Mix Nomad
A New Genesis
The Sega Nomad, an innovative handheld that allowed users to play full-sized Genesis cartridges on-the-go, was ahead of its time. This remarkable invention represented Sega’s last venture into the handheld space and provided gamers with a substantial library of titles, along with the option to connect to a television for hybrid gameplay.
Unfortunately, while the Nomad was an exciting concept, it suffered from limited battery life and a hefty price tag of $179 at launch, alongside a lack of marketing support from Sega. Ultimately, this fantastic device did not achieve the commercial success it warranted.
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