Are there still handheld consoles?

Yes, handheld consoles are still very much in the market today, though they have evolved over time with advances in technology and changing gaming preferences. While traditional handheld consoles like the Nintendo Game Boy or PlayStation Portable (PSP) have seen their heyday, there are still a number of devices that cater to portable gaming needs. Here are some of the notable handheld consoles that are currently available or in development:

1. Nintendo Switch

As of now, the Nintendo Switch is one of the most popular and successful handheld consoles available. It's a hybrid system, meaning it functions both as a home console (connected to a TV) and as a portable gaming device. The versatility of the Switch has helped maintain its dominance in the handheld gaming market. Models like the Nintendo Switch OLED and Nintendo Switch Lite are great for gaming on the go, with Switch Lite being a fully portable version that doesn't dock to a TV.

• Best for: Versatile gameplay, family-friendly titles, exclusive Nintendo games.

2. Nintendo Switch Lite

The Switch Lite is a more affordable, fully portable version of the Nintendo Switch. Unlike the standard model, it does not have detachable controllers and cannot connect to a TV, but it’s smaller, lighter, and designed for handheld play. It has access to most of the same library of games, making it a great option for people looking for a compact, dedicated handheld experience.

• Best for: People who want a cheaper, smaller version of the Nintendo Switch.

3. PlayStation Vita (Pre-owned or Collectible)

Though no longer in production, the PlayStation Vita is still a beloved handheld console by gaming enthusiasts. It boasts a rich library of games and offers features like Remote Play for PS4 games and access to digital content on the PlayStation Store. While it has been discontinued, you can still find pre-owned units or even collect them for nostalgic purposes.

• Best for: Collectors or those looking for a portable PlayStation experience.

4. GPD Win Series (GPD Win 3, Win 3S, and Win 2)

The GPD Win series of devices are handheld PCs designed for gaming. These devices run full versions of Windows, allowing users to play a wide range of PC games on a portable system. The GPD Win 3 and Win 3S come with a keyboard and a sliding screen for a more traditional PC gaming experience, making them unique in the realm of handheld gaming consoles.

• Best for: PC gamers looking for a portable solution to run PC games on the go.

5. Steam Deck

Released by Valve, the Steam Deck is a powerful handheld console designed to run PC games from your Steam library. With its PC-grade hardware, it offers a seamless experience for playing games in your library on a portable device. It runs a custom version of SteamOS but can also be used with other gaming platforms or Windows if desired.

• Best for: PC gamers who want to play their Steam games on the go.

6. Logitech G Cloud

The Logitech G Cloud Gaming Handheld is a newer device focused on cloud gaming. It runs Android and is designed to be used with services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and NVIDIA GeForce Now to stream games directly from the cloud. This gives players access to console-like gaming experiences without needing a dedicated console.

• Best for: Cloud gamers who want to play console-quality games on a portable device.

7. Analogue Pocket

The Analogue Pocket is a high-end handheld console designed for playing Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges, as well as other retro systems. It uses modern display technology for a more vibrant experience while maintaining compatibility with original game cartridges.

• Best for: Retro gamers who want to relive their favorite handheld games with modern quality.

8. Panic Playdate

The Panic Playdate is an innovative, quirky handheld gaming console featuring a unique crank on the side that can be used in gameplay. The device is designed to offer a fun, unique experience with a curated library of games that take advantage of the crank’s functionality.

• Best for: Indie game enthusiasts and those looking for a completely unique handheld experience.

9. Nintendo Game Boy (Used or Collectible)

While Nintendo’s Game Boy is no longer in production, it remains a classic handheld console, and collectors still value it highly. With its simple design and huge library of games, the Game Boy paved the way for future handheld consoles. Vintage models can be found on platforms like eBay and offer a nostalgic experience.

• Best for: Collectors or nostalgic gamers.

Conclusion:

While traditional handheld consoles like the PSP or Game Boy are no longer in production, the market for portable gaming devices is still alive and thriving. Today’s handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and Logitech G Cloud cater to a wide variety of gaming needs, from retro games to PC gaming and cloud gaming. These devices ensure that whether you're a casual gamer or a serious enthusiast, there's a handheld console that suits your needs, offering flexibility and convenience for gaming on the go.