From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
A handheld game console is a completely autonomous video game console in that controls, screen and audio outputs are built-into the unit. The Game Boy, released in 1989 by Nintendo, popularized the handheld console. They are usually not considered consoles, but instead considered handhelds.
A handheld game console should meet the following standards:
- It is a fully integrated unit, with a video display and audio output (speakers and/or headphone jacks.) As such, systems like the Sega Mega Jet, which do not have an integral display, do not qualify.
- The system has its own internal power (either removable batteries, or a rechargable battery pack). External power may be an option, however.
- The system is not dedicated, meaning that different titles may be loaded into it.
- Atari Lynx (1989)
- Cybiko (Around 1998)
- Nintendo Game Boy (1989)
- Nintendo Game Boy Advance (1999)
- Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP (2003)
- Nintendo Game Boy Color (1997)
- Nintendo DS (2004) (dual-screen)
- Nintendo Virtual Boy (semi-portable)
- Game Park GP32 (2001)
- Milton Bradley Microvision
- NEC Turbo Express
- Nokia N-Gage
- Sony PlayStaion Portable (PSP) (2004 tenatively)
- SNK Neo Geo Pocket (1996)
- SNK Neo Geo Pocket Color (1999)
- Pokémon Mini
- Sega Game Gear (1991)
- Sega Genesis Nomad (1995)
- Supervision
- Swan Crystal
- Tiger Game.com (1997)
- TurboGrafx-16 TurboExpress
- Vectrex
- Wonderswan (1999)
- Wonderswan Color (2000)
