When most of us think of mobile gaming devices, smartphones and tablets come to mind. However, long before these devices were even a thing, in the 1990s and early 2000s, portable gaming devices like the Gameboy and PlayStation Portable (PSP) let players carry all of their favorite titles with them. These devices were the first to make gaming on the go a reality, and people took them everywhere. While they never overtook consoles in popularity, they were a must-have for many gamers.
At some point, the popularity of these devices began to decline. Nintendo did have a lot of success with the Nintendo DS and 3DS, but other portable gaming devices couldn’t keep up. A lot of that had to do with smartphones and tablets taking over the portable gaming market. These all-in-one devices made it easy to download a variety of games and, at the same time, could be used for texting friends, making phone calls, and browsing the internet. Many thought dedicated portable gaming devices were a thing of the past. However, that’s beginning to change. In this article, we look at why portable gaming devices are making a comeback.
Nostalgia and Established Franchises
In the same way that retro games have become popular, the return to portable gaming devices has a lot to do with nostalgia and people wanting to revisit popular game franchises and genres from the past. We’ve seen this happen on the internet as classic games have been reinvented in digital form. All we have to do is look at online casinos, where card games like blackjack, once played exclusively in person, are now played on virtual platforms. A game like blackjack blends skill and excitement while allowing players to reminisce about the past in a modern atmosphere.
Something similar happens when companies like Nintendo create new consoles like the Switch and introduce popular franchises from the past. With the Switch, players can enjoy console-quality gaming on the go and play classic titles as well as modern ones. The Steam Deck operates the same way and has a huge library of retro titles that players can explore. Gaming manufacturers have done an amazing job of using modern technology to preserve the classics and introduce them to new generations of gamers.
Advances in Technology
We can’t overlook the fact that technology has had a big role in portable gaming devices making a comeback. If you think back to the Gameboy, PSP, or Sega’s Game Gear, while they made it possible to take games on the go, they couldn’t compete with the consoles of the time. Their graphics were noticeably inferior, and the games were simplified versions of the titles found on consoles.
All that has changed with modern portable gaming devices that boast powerful hardware that can run AAA titles without a hiccup. These consoles have impressive battery life that allows gamers to play for long periods without interruption, and their high-resolution displays have made the portable gaming experience just as good as the console. Gamers can connect these devices to the internet to download the latest titles, meaning there’s no longer a need to keep track of tiny cartridges unless you prefer to own the physical copies.
The Flexibility Factor
Anytime, anywhere gaming is the biggest selling point of portable gaming devices. Whether you’re taking a flight to the other side of the world or commuting to work by train, you can play your favorite titles on your schedule. With a portable gaming device, you don’t need to game from a fixed location. If you want to recline in your bed with the device propped up in your hands, you can do that. Gone are the days of having to sit in front of the living room TV or stare at a monitor sitting on a desk to enjoy the games you want to play.
Still, sometimes people want the full console experience, and hybrid consoles like the Nintendo Switch have made this a reality. You can play the Switch on your TV in docked mode or on the go in portable mode; it’s up to you. This adaptability is what has made portable gaming devices so popular.
