Handheld gaming has given us some of the best experiences in video game history, from the simple beginnings of the Game Boy to the modern, high-powered titles on the PlayStation Vita. But which handheld had the best overall game library?
We’re ranking the Top 10 Handheld Consoles based on their games, features, and overall impact. Whether you’re a collector or looking to trade in your old handhelds, this list will bring back some serious nostalgia!
10. Sega Game Gear (1990)
What Made It Great:
The Game Gear was a color-screen alternative to the Game Boy, with better graphics and a great lineup of Sega classics.
Popular Games:
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Shining Force: The Sword of Hajya
- Streets of Rage 2
- GG Aleste 2
- Defenders of Oasis
Downsides:
The battery life was terrible—six AA batteries lasted only about 3–5 hours. It was also bulky, making it less portable.
9. Neo Geo Pocket Color (1999)
What Made It Great:
SNK’s pocket-sized arcade machine had a beautiful screen and excellent controls for fighting games.
Popular Games:
- SNK vs. Capcom: Match of the Millennium
- Metal Slug: 1st & 2nd Mission
- The Last Blade
- King of Fighters R-2
- Card Fighters’ Clash
Downsides:
Limited third-party support and a small game library hurt its success.
8. Atari Lynx (1989)
What Made It Great:
The first handheld with a color backlit screen and multiplayer linking, making it a technological powerhouse for its time.
Popular Games:
- California Games
- Blue Lightning
- Rampage
- Ninja Gaiden
- Shadow of the Beast
Downsides:
Too big, too power-hungry, and launched in the same era as the Game Boy, which dominated the market.
7. PlayStation Portable (PSP) (2004)
What Made It Great:
The first handheld to deliver console-quality gaming, with a strong mix of first-party and third-party games.
Popular Games:
- God of War: Chains of Olympus
- Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
- Monster Hunter Freedom Unite
- Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions
- Persona 3 Portable
Downsides:
The UMD format was clunky, and digital distribution was still developing at the time.
6. Game Boy (1989)
What Made It Great:
The system that defined handheld gaming, with an enormous library of timeless games.
Popular Games:
- Tetris
- Pokémon Red & Blue
- The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
- Metroid II: Return of Samus
- Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins
Downsides:
No backlight meant playing in the dark was impossible. The green-tinted screen was also hard to see at times.
5. Game Boy Color (1998)
What Made It Great:
The Game Boy Color introduced color graphics, making classic franchises feel fresh again.
Popular Games:
- Pokémon Gold & Silver
- The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages/Seasons
- Wario Land 3
- Donkey Kong Country
- Metal Gear: Ghost Babel
Downsides:
Still no backlight, and it was quickly replaced by the Game Boy Advance.
4. Nintendo 3DS (2011)
What Made It Great:
A massive game library, full of Nintendo classics and backward compatibility with DS games.
Popular Games:
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
- Pokémon Sun & Moon
- Super Mario 3D Land
- Fire Emblem Awakening
- Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
Downsides:
The 3D feature was cool but not essential, and the early models were clunky.
3. PlayStation Vita (2011)
What Made It Great:
A powerful handheld with an OLED screen and an indie-friendly game lineup.
Popular Games:
- Persona 4 Golden
- Gravity Rush
- Uncharted: Golden Abyss
- Killzone: Mercenary
- Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
Downsides:
Sony abandoned the Vita early, despite its power and potential.
2. Game Boy Advance (2001)
What Made It Great:
One of the greatest 2D gaming machines ever, with an incredible mix of first-party and third-party games.
Popular Games:
- Metroid Fusion
- Pokémon Emerald
- Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
- Advance Wars
- The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
Downsides:
No backlit screen on early models made visibility an issue.
1. Nintendo DS (2004) 🏆
What Made It #1:
A groundbreaking handheld with touchscreen gameplay, dual screens, and backward compatibility with GBA games.
Popular Games:
- The World Ends With You
- Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver
- Mario Kart DS
- Animal Crossing: Wild World
- Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
Why It’s the Best:
- Massive game library with strong first-party and third-party support
- Innovative features that shaped handheld gaming
Over 154 million units sold, making it the best-selling handheld of all time
Conclusion
Handheld gaming has given us some of the best memories, whether it was battling Pokémon under the covers with a Game Boy or diving into epic adventures on the PlayStation Vita. If you’ve got an old handheld sitting in a drawer, why not give it a new life? At Save and Reload Games, we’re always looking for classic consoles, games, and accessories. Whether you want to trade in, sell, or upgrade to something new, we’ll make sure your favorite handhelds find a great new home.
Let’s keep the handheld legacy going!