Nintendo Switch (2017)
The Nintendo Switch revolutionized the console market with its innovative hybrid design. The main unit is a tablet-like device with a 6.2-inch 720p LCD touchscreen. It features detachable "Joy-Con" controllers that slide onto the sides for handheld play or can be removed for tabletop mode or TV play via the included dock. Powered by a custom NVIDIA Tegra processor, the Switch offers impressive performance for its size. Its library includes acclaimed titles like "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild," "Super Mario Odyssey," and "Animal Crossing: New Horizons." The system's flexibility allows seamless transitions between TV and portable gaming without interrupting gameplay.
Find out more....Nintendo Switch Lite (2019)
The Switch Lite is a more affordable, handheld-only version of the Nintendo Switch. With integrated controls and a smaller 5.5-inch screen, it's more compact and lightweight than the standard model. While it cannot connect to a TV and lacks detachable Joy-Cons, it offers better battery life and a more comfortable handheld experience. The Switch Lite comes in various colors (yellow, gray, turquoise, coral, and special editions) and plays all Switch games that support handheld mode. It's ideal for gamers who primarily want a portable system and don't need the docking functionality.
Find out more....Nintendo Switch OLED Model (2021)
The Switch OLED Model maintains the same hybrid functionality as the original but features significant display improvements. Its 7-inch OLED screen offers more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast than the LCD screens in earlier models. Other upgrades include enhanced audio, a redesigned kickstand spanning the entire back of the device, 64GB of internal storage (double the original), and a revamped dock with a wired Ethernet port. While the internal processing power remains unchanged from the original Switch, the display quality makes it the premium option in the Switch family.
Find out more....Sega Nomad (1995)
The Sega Nomad was ahead of its time as a portable version of the Sega Genesis (Mega Drive). It featured a 3.25-inch color screen and could play the entire Genesis library on the go. The Nomad could also connect to a TV via A/V cables, effectively functioning as a home console. It had a built-in six-button controller and a port for a second controller for multiplayer games. However, it was notorious for its poor battery life (often less than 2 hours on six AA batteries) and bulky design. Though commercially unsuccessful, it's now considered a pioneering hybrid console concept.
Find out more....TurboExpress/PC Engine GT (1990)
The TurboExpress (known as PC Engine GT in Japan) was a technical marvel for its time. This handheld version of the TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine could play the same HuCard game cards as its home console counterpart. It featured a high-quality 2.6-inch color LCD screen that was the most advanced of its era. With an optional "TurboVision" TV tuner, it could even receive broadcast television. The TurboExpress could connect to a TV through an adapter, allowing for big-screen play. Unfortunately, its high price ($299.99 at launch, equivalent to over $600 today), short battery life, and small game library limited its popularity.
Find out more....Neo Geo X (2012)
The Neo Geo X was a modern attempt to recreate SNK's legendary Neo Geo experience in a hybrid format. The system consisted of a handheld unit with a 4.3-inch LCD screen that could be docked to a replica Neo Geo AES home console shell, connecting to a TV. The package included an arcade stick controller mimicking the original Neo Geo layout. The system came preloaded with 20 classic Neo Geo games, with additional games available on expansion cards. While it offered a nostalgic experience, its limited game selection, closed system, and licensing disputes (SNK eventually terminated its agreement with manufacturer Tommo) cut its lifespan short.
Find out more....Steam Deck (2022)
Valve's Steam Deck is a powerful handheld gaming PC running a modified Linux-based SteamOS. Available in multiple storage configurations, it features a 7-inch touchscreen, trackpads, and a full array of controls. The AMD APU offers desktop-class gaming on the go, capable of running many modern PC games. While primarily designed as a handheld, it can connect to external displays, keyboards, and mice via USB-C or its optional dock, effectively becoming a full desktop PC. The open nature of the system allows users to install Windows or other software, making it more versatile than traditional consoles.
Find out more....ASUS ROG Ally (2023)
The ROG Ally is ASUS's entry into the handheld PC market. Running Windows 11, it features a 7-inch 1080p 120Hz screen and is powered by an AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, making it more powerful than the Steam Deck. Its design includes ergonomic controls, RGB lighting, and a sleek white aesthetic. The device can run games from multiple PC storefronts including Steam, Epic Games Store, and Xbox Game Pass. With its USB-C port, it can connect to external displays, transforming into a desktop gaming setup when paired with ASUS's XG Mobile external GPU for even more power.
Find out more....Lenovo Legion Go (2023)
The Legion Go is Lenovo's take on the Windows handheld PC. It stands out with its massive 8.8-inch QHD+ display (the largest in its class) and detachable controllers similar to the Switch, but with more functionality. The controllers can be used separately, and the right one can convert into a vertical mouse mode with its built-in FPS mode switch and optical sensor. Powered by AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme, it offers robust performance for a handheld. The device includes a kickstand and can connect to external displays via USB-C, functioning as a portable Windows PC when needed.
Find out more....Ayaneo Series
The Ayaneo lineup consists of several premium Windows-based gaming handhelds in various form factors. The Air models focus on ultra-portability with smaller screens and lightweight designs. The Pro models offer more powerful specifications and larger batteries. The Next series provides the highest performance with the latest processors and premium build quality. All Ayaneo devices run full Windows and can connect to external displays, effectively functioning as portable gaming PCs. They typically feature premium materials like aluminum bodies, vibrant OLED displays, and Hall effect joysticks to prevent drift. While among the most expensive handhelds on the market, they offer some of the most refined build quality.
Find out more....PlayStation TV (2013)
The PlayStation TV (PS TV) was a microconsole released by Sony that allowed users to play PlayStation Vita games on a television. It was essentially a non-portable version of the PlayStation Vita handheld. The device could play many (though not all) Vita games, PSP games, and PlayStation One classics via digital download. It also featured Remote Play functionality with the PlayStation 4, allowing users to stream PS4 games to another TV in their home. Despite its versatility, the PS TV was discontinued relatively quickly due to limited software support and compatibility issues with some Vita games that relied on touch controls.
Find out more....Super Game Boy (1994)
The Super Game Boy was a peripheral for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) that allowed Game Boy cartridges to be played on a television. It was shaped like an oversized Game Boy cartridge that plugged into the SNES cartridge slot. In addition to displaying Game Boy games on TV, it added custom border artwork around the game screen and allowed limited colorization of Game Boy games that were originally in monochrome. Some games were even programmed with "Super Game Boy enhancements" that took advantage of the accessory's special features, including additional color palettes and specialized borders.
Find out more....Game Boy Player (2003)
The Game Boy Player was an attachment for the Nintendo GameCube that enabled it to play Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges on a television. It connected to the bottom of the GameCube console and came with a special disc that was required to operate the device. The Game Boy Player supported all Game Boy family games and preserved their aspect ratio while displaying them on TV. It also offered various display options including screen filters and borders. Many consider it to be the definitive way to play Game Boy games on a larger screen due to its excellent compatibility and faithful reproduction of the handheld experience.
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