8 Underrated Handheld Games Consoles

It’s common knowledge that we have portable gaming devices such as the DS and PSP. With the introduction of the Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck, the boundary between handheld games and home consoles has become almost negligible, making them virtually indistinguishable.

To put it another way, it’s hard not to feel a sense of nostalgia for standalone handheld gaming devices. Today, multi-platform games tend to be virtually identical across platforms, with minor graphic adjustments, but back then, we enjoyed significantly distinct games on each platform.

Following the success of the Game Boy, there was an influx of companies trying to get a slice of the portable gaming market by launching various devices with unusual brick-like shapes and multiple buttons. Although many of these handhelds were poorly received, a number of them deserve recognition for their unique and innovative design.

I’d like to draw attention to a selection of lesser-known handheld gaming devices, ranging from the relatively unknown to the commercially flopped ones. These gems boast distinctive designs, innovative features, captivating games, and yet managed to fly under the radar, despite their merits.

8. New Nintendo 2DS XL

Good Format, Wrong Time

Over time, Nintendo released several different versions of their 3DS handheld console, such as the 3DS XL, 2DS, New 3DS, and New Nintendo 2DS XL, which might have seemed a bit excessive or playful in terms of the number of variations on the same system.

Although it had a rather uninspired name, the New 2DS boasted an outstanding design for its hardware, which was also more budget-friendly because it didn’t include the rarely used 3D feature.

Using the device feels comfortable, as it doesn’t require you to remove any screws from the back to gain access to the MicroSD card slot. The design, reminiscent of carbon fiber, is one of my favorite console designs I’ve ever seen, and it continues to impress me with its durability and style.

People rarely discuss it, primarily due to the fact that the New 3DS and 2DS, despite being priced higher, only provide a few exclusive games while also featuring a C-stick resembling a pencil eraser as an upgrade, making them seem like insignificant upgrades compared to their predecessors.

7. Retroid Pocket Flip

Everything In One

In an effort to break into larger markets, Retroid has gone above and beyond, often finding unique ways to gain entry. Their products, however, are primarily recognized within tech circles among enthusiasts who have a penchant for specialized equipment.

As a gaming enthusiast, I must say, the Retroid Pocket Flip is nothing short of remarkable, reminiscent of the 3DS in many ways. It’s an exceptional device not only for emulating classic games but also for hosting the growing library of mobile games that are essentially console games disguised as smartphone apps.

It seems to me that one major reason for this could be that an Android handheld without any exclusive games feels less appealing, especially when its price is higher than that of a Nintendo Switch Lite. However, similarly to the Steam Deck, it offers an excellent platform for playing already available games.

Speaking of it, the design and construction of this device are truly remarkable, surpassing expectations considering its $220 price point as a handheld. It may not be a powerhouse, but it’s a charming little gadget that I find quite delightful due to its unique characteristics.

6. Sega Game Gear

Great Games, Bad Brick

When the Game Boy gained popularity, Sega became determined to challenge Nintendo and didn’t want to ignore this trend. As a result, they aimed to create a handheld device that would outperform Nintendo’s in every aspect.

The Game Gear boasted fantastic games, vivid color graphics, 8-bit adaptations of popular console games, making it essentially a portable version of the Master System. However, it was significantly compromised by its extremely poor battery life.

A gaming system powered by six AA batteries offers just 3-5 hours of gameplay, which equates to approximately $4.50 each time you wish to play. This is significantly less efficient when compared to the Game Boy, which provides around 30 hours from only four AA batteries.

Even though it sold okay, the Game Gear as more than a neat, nostalgic thing nowadays.

5. Game Boy Color

Skipped Over

In discussions about Nintendo’s handheld history, it is often noted that the narrative spans from the original Game Boy to the Game Boy Advance, while overlooking the Game Boy Color in between.

In my opinion, it’s incredibly unfair because the Game Boy Color is on par with other systems, offering many great exclusives and even the superior version of Super Mario Bros.

Or:

It seems quite unjust to me since the Game Boy Color is just as significant as other gaming systems, boasting numerous excellent exclusives and a better rendition of Super Mario Bros.

Both sentences convey the same meaning but are slightly different in phrasing and structure.

The new device shares some resemblance with the Game Boy, but its increased power alongside a vibrant full-color display elevates the gaming experience, making improved versions of games such as Link’s Awakening DX shine even brighter when played on this new platform.

Despite its distinct nature, oddly enough, this unique system is often grouped together with others, even in sales statistics. This unfortunate oversight is truly regrettable. It’s an intriguing, small innovation, yet it’s seldom recognized as a standalone entity by many.

4. Neo Geo Pocket Color

Secret Third Thing

In the ’90s, if someone mentions portable gaming systems, they might just recall the Game Boy or perhaps the Game Gear. However, the Neo Geo Pocket Color was a genuine rival that often goes unnoticed.

Firstly, it was the only Sonic game to receive a perfect score of 10 from IGN, and much like the Game Gear, it’s an 8-bit system capable of full color display. However, unlike that device, two AA batteries would provide you with approximately 40 hours of continuous playtime.

Unfortunate timing, as this system launched nearly concurrently with the rise of Pokémon’s popularity. As a result, Game Boy sales soared, whereas the Neo Geo Pocket remained largely unsold and gathering dust on store shelves.

What a pity that it turned out this way. Its design resembled an early version of the Game Boy Advance. Despite being affordable and boasting several excellent games, its launch ultimately resulted in SNK declaring bankruptcy only two years afterwards.

3. PlayStation Vita

Clunky, But Charming

Following the extraordinary popularity of the initial PSP and PS2, Sony made a significant misstep by launching the PS3 and PS Vita, which unfortunately didn’t fare as well as they had hoped.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve always been intrigued by the fact that the concept behind Nintendo Switch was initially seeded in the PlayStation Vita. The allure of console-grade games on-the-go, without sacrificing much in terms of performance, was a dream come true – though it wasn’t perfect, as there were quite a few caveats to consider.

The device employed a costly, exclusive data storage system, and every aspect of it seemed excessively expensive. Regrettably, the discount it received didn’t even come close to matching the resurgence in popularity experienced by the PS3, which is truly unfortunate.

Remarkable games such as Gravity Rush and Persona 4 Golden were exceptional exclusives, and playing them on multiple platforms was an enjoyable experience. Regrettably, despite these titles’ excellence, their commercial underperformance led to a decline in popularity.

2. GPD Win

First Of Its Kind

Regarding compact firms producing gadgets resembling the 3DS design, the GPD Win was among the earliest portable gaming devices with a PC focus that garnered significant interest due to its unique appeal.

Although they’ve evolved over time and are quite different from what they once were, the GPD Win series remains a line of compact yet potent computers that can run numerous PC games effectively.

Prior to the launch of the GPD Win, any compact Windows device seemed somewhat impractical for everyday use; however, with its release, there’s now a device that fits comfortably in your pocket, ready for use whenever needed.

I really enjoy the unique blend of game controller and keyboard design it sports. It somewhat resembles the basic GameCube accessory combined with a keyboard inserted into a control pad, but this one is more polished and thoughtfully executed.

1. Sega Nomad

A New Genesis

As a youngster, one of my most intriguing finds was portable gaming devices capable of playing classic games with their oversized cartridges. Remarkably, the Sega Nomad managed this feat about a decade before it became fashionable.

The device was Sega’s final handheld console, essentially functioning as a portable version of the Genesis. This innovative design enabled users to utilize their Genesis cartridges, offering the convenience of playing these games anywhere. What a fantastic concept!

This device boasted an impressive size, was capable of linking to a television, serving both as a home console and portable gaming system. Given the company’s penchant for energy-consuming components, it needed six AA batteries to power it for approximately four hours.

Initially priced at $179 upon release, the high cost made it less appealing back then, as it didn’t come with any exclusive content or add-ons. Despite having an innovative concept, its failure can be attributed to Sega’s lack of marketing efforts for the product, which is truly unfortunate.

2025-04-06 17:10