What To Consider When Buying A Handheld Games Console

The gaming market exploded with Nintendo’s first handheld gaming unit, the Game Boy, in 1989. Since then, Sony and Nintendo have continued to push the boundaries when it comes to portable gaming.

It can be difficult to see what sets one console apart from another, so here’s a guide to the top features to look out for when shopping for your new device.

Design

Handheld gaming devices are available in a variety of colors to suit any taste, whether you want something simple as black, or bright as red. All the devices range in weight from 5.57 ounces to as heavy as 11.03 ounces, depending upon the design (larger screens usually mean heavier devices).

For the comfort of your hands, the width ranges from as small as 2.4 inches to as large as 6.7 inches. Note that this is not the full screen size. For some devices, this measurement includes the large bordering frame with a small viewing screen, and some include a larger viewing screen and smaller border.

The height of the gaming console also varies, depending if it is a flip style screen on top and controls on the bottom, which can be as small as 2.9 inches or as tall as 3.6 inches. If it is an open face style, it can range from approximately three to four inches with the controls on the side or touch screen. The more compact units may be difficult for adults to maneuver the controls.

All gaming consoles now come with high pixel color screens that bring gaming to life with vivid colors, as well as some that are in 3D picture and gaming functions.

Choose a size that’ll be easy for you to control with your hands, and easy to take with you in your bag every day.

Available Games

As with standard consoles, all of the handheld consoles have specific games that will work only on that console (though some of the major titles will work on all platforms).

Think about the kind of games you really like playing, and choose a console to match. Brain Training, for example, has become a huge hit on the DS, as have all the Nintendo favorites like Mario.

On the PS Vita, however, it’s all about the amazing graphics and the console is more aimed at serious gamers.

Backwards Compatibility

Have you owned a handheld console in the past? Then you may want to stick with the same line as long as the new model is compatible with your old game. Note that you cannot play your old PSP games on the PS Vita unless they were downloaded from the online store.

Extra Features

All handheld consoles allow you to listen to game sounds and music with earphones or inbuilt speakers.

The devices also have the ability to connect to the internet via Wi-Fi, and you can use this to take advantage of extra services like Netflix and Skype.

If you do want to use Skype, or need to take photos, then check the kind of camera that comes with your handheld device.

Accessories

All top handheld consoles include cable adapters, as well as a rechargeable battery pack that’ll let you play your game for around 3-14 hours, depending upon the games you are playing.

Cases and protective screen protectors are all sold separately in a variety of colors and styles, from the frequent gamer to the occasional gamer.

Price

The pricing of the top handheld gaming devices ranges from $129.99 - $249.99, depending on whether you opt for an older or newer device. That’s quite a big jump, which explains why some of the older models (like the PSP 3000) are still so popular in comparison to the newer models (like the PS Vita).

For more information on handheld games consoles - and consoles in general - visit our main site "Games Consoles".