The 10 Best Retro Handheld Consoles Ranked

10. Atari Lynx (1989)

The Atari Lynx was ahead of its time with a color screen and impressive graphics for its era. Although it struggled commercially, it provided a unique gaming experience with titles like "California Games" and "Electrocop" that showcased Atari's innovative spirit in handheld gaming.

9. Sega Game Gear (1990)

The Game Gear was Sega's attempt to compete with the Game Boy, featuring a color screen and backlighting. While it didn't outsell the Game Boy, it offered unique experiences with games like Sonic the Hedgehog and Shinobi, and its color display was a significant technological leap at the time.

8. Nintendo DS Lite (2006)

The DS Lite was an iteration of the original DS, refining its design with a slimmer profile and brighter screens. It maintained compatibility with DS and GBA games, and its improved battery life and portability made it a favorite among gamers.

7. Game Boy (1989)

The original Game Boy is an iconic device known for bringing portable gaming to the masses. Its simple design and long battery life made it a classic. With timeless games like Tetris and Pokémon Red and Blue, it laid the foundation for all future handheld consoles.

6. PlayStation Vita (2011)

The PS Vita was a technological marvel with its OLED screen, dual analog sticks, and touch capabilities. It had a solid lineup of games, including Uncharted: Golden Abyss and Persona 4 Golden. Despite its lack of commercial success, its robust hardware and diverse library made it a popular console among enthusiasts.

5. Game Boy Color (1998)

The Game Boy Color was a significant upgrade from the original Game Boy, offering a color screen and improved graphics. It reinvigorated the handheld market with classics such as Pokémon Gold and Silver, ensuring that the Game Boy legacy continued well into the late 1990s.

4. Nintendo 3DS (2011)

Building on the success of the DS, the 3DS introduced glasses-free 3D technology. Despite a rocky start, it amassed a stellar library with titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D and Super Mario 3D Land. The 3DS also supported augmented reality games and backward compatibility with DS titles.

3. PlayStation Portable (PSP) (2004)

The PSP was a powerhouse, offering almost PlayStation 2-quality graphics in a handheld device. It featured a strong lineup of games such as God of War: Chains of Olympus and Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core, along with multimedia capabilities that made it a versatile entertainment device.

2. Game Boy Advance (GBA) (2001)

The GBA continued the legacy of the Game Boy with a more powerful processor and a vibrant color screen. It featured an incredible array of games, including The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap and Metroid Fusion, and maintained backward compatibility with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games.

1. Nintendo DS (2004)

The Nintendo DS revolutionized handheld gaming with its dual screens, one of which was a touch screen. This innovation opened up new gameplay possibilities. Its extensive library includes classics such as New Super Mario Bros. and Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, making it one of the best-selling consoles of all time.