The world of retro gaming has seen a resurgence in recent years, with many gamers seeking to relive the nostalgia of their childhood. One aspect of retro gaming that has become increasingly popular is the handheld console. These portable devices allowed gamers to take their favorite games on the go, and many classic handheld consoles have become highly sought after by collectors. In this article, we will count down the top 5 retro game console handhelds of all time.
The rise of handheld gaming can be attributed to the innovation of companies like Nintendo, Sega, and Atari. These pioneers of the gaming industry saw an opportunity to bring the gaming experience to the masses, and their creations have become iconic symbols of the retro gaming era. From the original Game Boy to the Sega Game Gear, each of these consoles has its own unique charm and nostalgic value.
So, without further ado, let's dive into our top 5 countdown of the best retro game console handhelds.
5. Atari Lynx (1989)
The Atari Lynx was a revolutionary handheld console that boasted a 3.5-inch color display, a first for its time. Released in 1989, the Lynx was a powerhouse of a console, with a library of games that included popular titles like "Pitfall!" and "Checkered Flag." Although it was ultimately overshadowed by Nintendo's Game Boy, the Lynx remains a beloved console among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Technical Specifications:
- Processor: 8-bit WDC 65SC02
- RAM: 64 KB
- Display: 3.5-inch color display
- Battery Life: 4-5 hours
4. Sega Nomad (1995)
The Sega Nomad was a handheld version of the Sega Genesis console, released in 1995. With a library of over 300 games, the Nomad was a powerhouse of a console that allowed gamers to take their favorite Genesis titles on the go. Although it was ultimately discontinued due to poor sales, the Nomad remains a cult classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Technical Specifications:
- Processor: 16-bit Motorola 68000
- RAM: 64 KB
- Display: 3.25-inch color display
- Battery Life: 2-4 hours
3. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (2001)
The Nintendo Game Boy Advance was a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Game Boy Color. Released in 2001, the GBA boasted a 32-bit processor, a reflective TFT color display, and a library of games that included popular titles like "Super Mario Advance" and "The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap." The GBA remains one of the best-selling handheld consoles of all time, with over 81 million units sold worldwide.
Technical Specifications:
- Processor: 32-bit ARM7TDMI
- RAM: 256 KB
- Display: 2.9-inch reflective TFT color display
- Battery Life: 10-15 hours
2. Sega Game Gear (1990)
The Sega Game Gear was a color handheld console released in 1990, just a year after the Atari Lynx. With a library of games that included popular titles like "Sonic the Hedgehog" and " Columns," the Game Gear was a major player in the handheld market of the 1990s. Although it was ultimately discontinued due to poor battery life and a high price point, the Game Gear remains a beloved console among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Technical Specifications:
- Processor: 8-bit Zilog Z80
- RAM: 8 KB
- Display: 3.2-inch color display
- Battery Life: 2-4 hours
1. Nintendo Game Boy (1989)
The Nintendo Game Boy is widely considered one of the most iconic handheld consoles of all time. Released in 1989, the Game Boy was a groundbreaking device that brought gaming to the masses. With a library of games that included popular titles like "Tetris" and "Pokémon Red and Green," the Game Boy remains one of the best-selling handheld consoles of all time, with over 118 million units sold worldwide.
Technical Specifications:
- Processor: 8-bit Sharp LR35902
- RAM: 256 KB
- Display: 2.2-inch reflective TFT display
- Battery Life: 10-15 hours
We hope you enjoyed our countdown of the top 5 retro game console handhelds. From the Atari Lynx to the Nintendo Game Boy, each of these consoles has its own unique charm and nostalgic value. Whether you're a retro gaming enthusiast or just looking to relive the memories of your childhood, these handheld consoles are sure to bring a smile to your face.
We'd love to hear from you! What's your favorite retro handheld console? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
What is the best retro handheld console?
+The best retro handheld console is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, the Nintendo Game Boy is widely considered one of the most iconic and influential handheld consoles of all time.
What is the rarest retro handheld console?
+The rarest retro handheld console is the Atari Lynx, particularly the original 1989 model. Due to its limited production run and lack of popularity, the Lynx has become a highly sought-after collector's item.
Can I still play retro handheld consoles today?
+Yes, you can still play retro handheld consoles today. Many retro gaming enthusiasts continue to collect and play these consoles, and there are also various ways to play retro games on modern devices through emulation and retro gaming platforms.