Handheld Consoles
Ongoing coverage on Handheld Consoles.
Latest coverage
The JRPG Players Guide to Handheld Game Consoles, Part 2: The Old Toys
This guide explores older handheld consoles like the PlayStation Vita and Nintendo 3DS as viable options for JRPG players, especially those interested in retro gaming. It highlights their extensive libraries, including classic PS1 and PSP titles for the Vita, and a broad range of Nintendo games and Shin Megami Tensei titles for the 3DS, emphasizing the value of original hardware for specific game series.
The Activision Super Pocket is the cutest Evercade portable yet, but I wouldn't pick it over Banjo
The Evercade Super Pocket Activision Edition is praised for its attractive retro-inspired design, making it the best-looking portable in the Super Pocket line. While it features 34 built-in Activision classics like Pitfall! and Dragonfire, the reviewer suggests that models including games like Banjo-Kazooie might be more appealing to some players. However, its compatibility with Evercade cartridges makes it a viable option for those building a collection.
Blaze's affordable Super Pocket handheld has been hit with a price hike due to AI component demand, despite absorbing "rising costs across manufacturing, components, and freight for as long as possible"
Blaze has announced a price increase for its Super Pocket handheld and Evercade cartridges in the UK and Europe, citing rising costs for manufacturing, components, and freight, particularly due to demand for AI components. The Super Pocket will now cost between £59.99 / €69.99, and Evercade cartridges will be £24.99 / €29.99. Prices remain unchanged in the US due to recent tariff reductions.
The next Super Pocket is hoarding classic capers that are missing from the Atari version
Blaze announced the Super Pocket Activision Edition handheld, featuring 34 licensed '80s classics from Activision and rival Imagic, including Pitfall!, River Raid, Demon Attack, and Moonsweeper. This edition, priced at $69.99, sports a Pitfall!-inspired design and is compatible with Blaze's Evercade collection. The handheld is set to release on September 28.
Were the McDonald’s Sonic Game Consoles the Best Happy Meal Toy?
The article discusses the McDonald's Sega Sonic Game Consoles, released as Happy Meal toys in 2003 and 2004, as potentially the best Happy Meal toy ever. Developed by Fisher-Price, these LCD handheld consoles celebrated games like Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut and Super Monkey Ball, featuring various mini-games based on Sonic characters.
Why I’ve never liked playing handheld video game consoles - Reader's Feature
A reader expresses a long-standing dislike for handheld video game consoles, preferring the immersive experience of home consoles with large screens and dedicated sound systems. Despite the popularity of devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, the author finds their smaller screens, controls, and performance drawbacks unappealing, even considering the expensive PlayStation Portal as merely a streaming device.
The C64 and ZX Spectrum are back as 3DS-style handhelds
Blaze and Retro Games Ltd are releasing new handheld consoles, THE64 Handheld and THE SPECTRUM Handheld, which resemble the Nintendo 3DS and are based on the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum microcomputers. These devices feature 4.3-inch screens, 25 built-in games, and micro SD card slots, with collector's editions also available. Both are set to launch in October.
I assumed the Atari Pocket Player Pro would be a modern version of my first ever crusty clone console, but it's…
The Atari Pocket Player Pro is a budget-friendly retro handheld that offers 100 licensed Atari classics, along with some 8 and 16-bit titles. Despite initial skepticism due to its resemblance to older clone consoles, the device features respectable buttons, a decent screen, and flexible power options via AA batteries or USB-C. While not a definitive way to experience Atari's back catalog, it serves as a fun and collectible casual option for under $40.