The PlayStation Portable (PSP) 

Sony’s PSP was released in 2004, marking Sony’s entry into the handheld gaming market. With its sleek design, vibrant widescreen display, and robust processing power, the PSP garnered attention for its multimedia capabilities beyond gaming. Sony’s innovative UMD (Universal Media Disc) format allowed users to enjoy movies and music on the go. More importantly, the PSP was a portable powerhouse designed to deliver console-quality gaming on the go. Sony aimed to redefine the handheld gaming experience and delivered on it while enjoying great success in the process. 

PSP was home to some of the most technically advanced game development on a handheld in its time. Games like God of War: Chains of Olympus, Ghost of Sparta, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, and Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions broke new ground. PSP was also home to many quirky yet beloved titles like Patapon and LocoRoco, games that are considered the perfect fit for a handheld experience. The PSP achieved commendable success, with over 80 million units sold worldwide. Its global appeal, combined with a strong lineup of games, secured its position as a key player in the handheld gaming market.  

Nintendo DS 

Released by Nintendo in 2004, the DS stands as a groundbreaking handheld gaming console that redefined the gaming experience for millions worldwide. The DS, short for “Dual Screen,” introduced a unique blend of innovation, portability, and interactive gameplay that left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. The most distinctive feature of the device was its dual screens, with the lower touchscreen providing a novel method of input.  

This innovation allowed for a more interactive and intuitive gaming experience, enabling developers to create innovative gameplay mechanics that leveraged both screens simultaneously. The DS appealed to a broad demographic, transcending traditional gaming boundaries. Its user-friendly design, touchscreen interface, and diverse game library attracted players of all ages, from seasoned gamers to casual users.  

Games like New Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, and Brain Age showcased the console’s versatility. Whereas games like Nintendogs, one of, if not the first ever virtual pet simulation game, became a cultural phenomenon, allowing players to care for and train virtual puppies. It became a staple device for family entertainment and gaming on the go. The DS family included various iterations, such as the DS Lite, DSi, and DSi XL, each building upon the success of its predecessor. Selling over 150 million units, the DS stands tall as the most successful handheld console of all time. Thanks to its innovative design, coupled with a wide range of games that appealed to a broad demographic, it was no short of a cultural phenomenon in its time.  

Nintendo 3DS

Building on the legacy of the DS, the Nintendo 3DS, introduced in 2011, added stereoscopic 3D capabilities without the need for glasses. This represented a significant leap forward in handheld gaming technology and it set the 3DS apart in the Handheld gaming landscape. Leveraging the console’s dual cameras, the device introduced augmented reality games that merged the virtual and real worlds. The addition of the Circle Pad and Gyro Sensor enhanced control options, providing more immersive gameplay experiences. 

 The 3DS showcased Nintendo’s ability to push boundaries and implement innovations in a meaningful way. And the games on the device serve as a testament to that fact. Games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, Ocarina of Time 3D, Pokémon X and Y, Super Mario 3D Land, and Animal Crossing New Leaf brought something new and unique to the experience possible only on the 3DS at the time. Despite the monumental success of the 2DS, the 3DS faced a troubled launch, owing to skepticism about the viability of 3D gaming on a handheld device.  

But, the handheld rebounded, selling over 75 million units worldwide, which is no short feet. The 3DS served as home for several of Nintendo’s innovations, to the extent that some would consider it as a detriment. But for those not into 3D, Nintendo had another device cooking and delivered it very shortly following the 3DS. 

Nintendo 2DS

Released alongside the 3DS in 2013, the Nintendo 2DS was introduced as a more affordable alternative for gamers who were not interested in the 3D functionality. Breaking away from the clamshell design of its predecessors, the 2DS offered an alternative form factor while retaining compatibility with the vast library of Nintendo 3DS games. It still retained the dual-screen design and provided a budget-friendly entry point for handheld gamers.  

This made the 2DS an ideal choice for younger gamers. Its sturdier build and lower price point made it more suitable for rough handling, something that most handhelds were not built for. While not as prominent as the 3DS, the 2DS contributed to the overall success of the handheld family, selling millions of units, and cementing its place as a complementary device to its 3D cousin. Its affordability appealed to budget-conscious gamers and families.  

Conclusion

The PSP, Nintendo DS, 3DS, and 2DS collectively define “The Golden Age of Handheld Gaming,” showcasing innovation, diversity, and cultural impact. Each device left an enduring mark on the gaming landscape, contributing to the evolution of portable gaming and influencing subsequent evolutions in the industry including today’s multi-billion-dollar mobile gaming landscape. 

 The diverse libraries of these devices, coupled with their innovative features, solidified their place in gaming history.  Since then, the gaming market has evolved out of dedicated handheld devices, thanks to casual gamers being pulled into games on mobile devices. However, with the success of the Nintendo Switch, and the rise of the handheld PC market giving birth to devices like the SteamDeck and ROG Ally, we can be hopeful for the return of prominent handheld consoles. With rumors of Sony working on a dedicated handheld console, unlike the PlayStation Portal, these hopes can only get stronger. Here’s hoping we see the return of The Golden Age of Handheld Gaming soon. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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Released towards the tail-end of the SNES era, Chrono Trigger is one of the best RPGs of its time. A mechanically sound game which was also one of the best looking on the platform. This game truly pushed the boundaries of what an RPG needs to be. And the result is one that holds up to this day both visually and gameplay wise (not kidding) even in its original SNES format.

Chrono Trigger game had everything that modern RPGs follow even today. Multiple endings, side quests that flesh out characters, random encounters, party members you actually care for, new game plus, it was all there. And the game somehow gets it all just right. From the initial moments when you wake up in your room and move on enjoy the local fair, the game’s complex and hard-hitting story will keep you invested throughout its run time.

You take on the role of Crono (or whichever name you choose for the character), and along with you is your best buddy Lucca who builds and fixes machines, and also happens to have built a teleportation device.

Throw in an encounter with a princess who agrees to test the device and goes missing in the process and you have a recipe for a time-travelling, adventure that takes you across various periods of time ranging from the prehistoric age to a post-apocalyptic future and everything in between, while introducing memorable characters along the way who you can recruit as party members. The story was nothing short of ambitious and when you think of it in retrospect, it is really astonishing that they were able to pull this off on a 16-bit console.

The game gives you a sense of atmosphere unlike any other from its time. With birds cawing in the serenity of Cronos’ home kingdom, to the festivities in the local fair, to the howling wind while walking on a platform between two huge towers, the visuals and the sound effortlessly immerse you in the game. Couple that with an impeccable story and you have the Mass Effect of the SNES era, albeit in a fantasy setting. Yes, it is an apples vs oranges comparison, but this game really was that good. There I said it.

Having played the game way too long ago, the details can be a bit murky, but I still remember, Frog, Robo and Magus. In an era where fighting games ruled and rest of bestsellers were 2D side scrollers with little to no room for a solid story, these guys were some of the best characters I had seen in a game.

I have to say, I stand accused of not completing the game on the SNES, thanks to the release of the PS1 and its then awesome 3D graphics. But damn, Chrono Trigger was also released on the PS1, this time complete with anime cutscenes.  The game has since seen releases in multiple platforms and is alive and kicking to this day.

Being a game built around time travel, the sweet irony is that this game hasn’t aged one bit. It has truly stood the test of time and shines like a gem representing the 90’s rather than being a relic of its time. It truly makes me happy to see that such a game from the past is preserved and purchasable to this day. For the ones who have heard of the game, and the ones who had no clue about it, I encourage you to try this game out. My usual disclosures of “Don’t mind the graphics or clunky controls” do not apply for Chrono Trigger. Find it on Steam, Android or iOS, and spend this lockdown period by treating yourself with this gem. It deserves to be experienced by anyone who is even remotely curious about RPGs.

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Super Mario Odyssey – Nintendo

Decades-old and spanning multiple genres, the Mario franchise is not only one of the most recognised brands in the industry, but also the most consistent. The franchise evolves with each new iteration of the Nintendo hardware while also remaining super fun and addictive to play. Super Mario Odyssey is no different. It is one of, if not, the best game in the series, which is not an easy feat to achieve.

With colourful worlds that are packed to the brim with quirky and minute details, silky smooth animation and perhaps the best spin on New York City EVER, Super Mario Odyssey builds upon the 3D platforming that franchise has excelled at since Mario 64, and adds new and fun mechanics that enhance the gameplay in so many ways, making it a must buy if you own a Switch.

The Legend of Zelda Breath of the wild – Nintendo

Acting as Nintendo’s ace up its sleeve for the release of the Switch, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild absolutely served its purpose. With one of the highest Metacritic score in all of the videogames, standing alongside Super Mario Odyssey, BOTW not only lived up to The Legend of Zelda legacy but also gave us one of the best games in the franchise.

The game was universally praised for its huge scope, great story and gorgeous world. Although the multiple delays during its development raised a few concerns and eyebrows, all doubts were thwarted once the game was released. Consequently, the game played a huge role in the Switch’s immensely successful launch. The sequel couldn’t come soon enough.

Super Smash Bros Ultimate – Nintendo

There’s no doubting the quality of Nintendo’s first-party franchises. And if they are good at one thing, it is iterating on legacy franchises while finding ways to keeps it fresh and fun. With Super Smash Bros Ultimate though, Nintendo took a different route. SSBU took a step back and created something incredible out of it.

Justifying the “Ultimate” in the title, SSBU featured every character that has ever graced the franchise. Throw in a few tweaks to the already stellar gameplay and you have an incredible game in your hands. It is no surprise that the game sold over 3 million copies in the US alone in under two weeks. Developer Masahiro Sakurai’s painful hours spent while being injected with an IV, during the game’s development sure seemed to have paid off.

God of War – PlayStation

Sony is no stranger to creating new and exciting IPs. Like Nintendo, they have a first-party line up that has immense fan bases. But, arguably, their best game this generation comes from a franchise that almost died a few years ago. With the release of God of War: Ascension for the PS3, the franchise had hit a wall. The series had already seen several releases across three different Sony hardware and the ever-angry macho persona of protagonist Kratos started to feel stale. It was imminent that the writing on the wall was already there for the franchise and another game would mean the end of it. Then came God of War 2018 on the PS4.

Taking a whole new spin with an ageing Kratos, who now contemplates the repercussion of his past actions, and venturing the series in a whole new direction, God of War subverted expectations in the best way possible. The game not only breathed new life into the franchise but also gave us one of the most cinematic and story-driven third-person action games yet for the PS4.

Uncharted: A Thief’s End – PlayStation

The God of War franchise may have taken over a decade to get the franchise to the cinematic masterpiece that it is today. But if there is one franchise that set new standards for story-driven action-adventure games back in the PS3 era, it is Uncharted. Uncharted: A Thief’s End not only serves as a swan song to Nathan Drake’s story but is also the best game in the franchise. While it lacked the number of epic moments when compared to, let’s say, Uncharted 2, A Thief’s End, it made up for it with strong story moments.

The addition of Nate’s never-before-mentioned brother Sam was expertly handled. With a quasi-open world approach and a grappling hook throw into the mix, A Thief’s End delivered in spades in the gameplay department too. Few cold-hearted individuals haven’t teared up at the end of the game, which as considered by many was, simply put, perfect.

Spiderman – PlayStation

Superhero games are a tricky business. They have the curse of the being based on a licensed product, something that the industry still struggles with. And they often have the obligatory movie tie-in timeline to adhere to. All of this usually results in a hot mess and rarely does something as amazing as the Arkham franchise come out of it. But Sony pulled a golden rabbit out of its hat with Spiderman. Yet another superhero who has had a hit or miss relationship with videogames. Handing the reigns over to Insomniac, who were a relatively smaller studio to handle a brand like Spiderman, Sony played the game of faith-based on Insomniac’s track record. Needless to say, it was a gamble that paid off handsomely.

Imsomniac’s Spiderman for the PS4 was not only the best Spiderman game made yet but was also widely considered as one of the best stories of Peter Parker and his friends, taking into account all the movies, comics and shows. Featuring a robust skill tree with deep customization, and a swinging mechanic that makes you feel like the hero himself, Spiderman was every fan’s dream game made just right. It’s no wonder that it went on to be one of the fastest-selling PlayStation exclusives yet giving the game a well-earned spot on this list.

Until Dawn – PlayStation

Until Dawn is one of that rare mix of things that come together beautifully and turn into something more than the sum of its parts. The game represents a brand of cheesy horror, complete with a tragic backstory, a bunch of sex-craved adolescent stereotypes, and a secluded cabin, that seems to have been lost in 80s slasher flicks. Wrapping all of the above with gorgeous visuals, and (for its time) great acting, Until Dawn turned out to be a gem of a game.

There were a handful of truly tense moments that kept the players on the edge of their seats. Heck, this game even made QTEs and jump scares fun, which is a feat no one would have thought was achievable. Originally planned for the PS3, Until Dawn finally released on the PS4 to critical acclaim largely due to the game’s self-awareness and its ability to make the most out of it. Still, one of my personal favourite party time games with friends, Until Dawn is a PlayStation exclusive which would be a sin not to have.

Horizon – Zero Dawn – PlayStation

Guerrilla games served up one of PS4’s earliest titles with Killzone: Shadowfall. Little did we know at the time that the studio known almost exclusively for the Killzone franchise was secretly cooking up one of the best new IPs to launch this generation. With Horizon: Zero Dawn, developer Guerrilla games made a game in a genre they had never ventured before and delivered it with finesse and confidence. The game featured an intriguing setting with a rather interesting post-apocalyptic world where fauna is in robot form and exists seamlessly with the flora that overruns the decaying world.

The games robotic wildlife, which comprises of its own versions of animals, ranging from bulls to crocodiles to dinosaurs are a joy to tackle and the game’s main story and side quests have been handled with the utmost care so that the player stays invested throughout its 30 or so hours of run time. Aloy’s adventure has been one worth remembering throughout the PS4’s lifecycle and the fact that this game still holds strong alongside the likes of God of War and Spiderman is a testament to itself. Cannot wait for more Horizon.

Forza Horizon 4 – Microsoft

Let’s be honest. Microsoft has not had the best exclusives with the Xbox One. Although an imminent change is on the horizon, it is safe to say that the company has not been the poster child for stand out games. But the one series that has been consistently delivering stellar iterations is the Forza franchise. Forza Horizon 4, which is available on Xbox One and PC, is arguably one of the best racing games ever.

In a market that has big name studios like Code Masters and Polyphony Digital, who specialise in racing games, Forza Horizon 4 seems to have trumped all its competition with ease. With a plethora of vehicle types to choose from, an ever-changing weather system that alters your track accordingly and a gorgeously rendered English countryside, FH4 is just the tentpole racing game that Microsoft wants to bank on. And it has not disappointed us yet.

Gears 5 – Microsoft

The most recent game in our list also happens to be the big M’s best this generation. Gears 5 takes the Gears of War franchise in new directions and builds on the events and characters set in Gears of War 4 in some very interesting ways. Granted, like Forza Horizon 4, Gears 5 was also released on the PC, but the sheer amount of goodness that cannot be experienced on any other console is too hard to ignore. The butter-smooth cover shooting is the best it has ever been alongside some subtle but very useful gameplay tweaks.

The emphasis on building its characters and some strong story moments make Gears 5, the absolute best in the series. Looking back, it is hard to fathom that this was a series that began its journey being known only for its big hulking characters, and (rightfully so) the lancer chainsaw gun. And I would have never thought that I would have a special place in my heart for Jack the robot. Here’s hoping the franchise continues to grow and keeps its upward trajectory in quality that it so well maintains since the first game.

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