Gaming has become way more accessible today than it has in the past. You have more people trying out a plethora of games and it has even become more normal in society compared to before. But why is that? It has everything to do with Handhelds, both PCs and consoles.
Where did the Handheld Craze Start?
Officially, Handhelds became popular back in the day with the release of the Gameboy. After which it was a major back and forth between the Nintendo DS and the PlayStation Portable. After awhile, the handheld market seemed to slow down and the only players that really used the DS and the PSP at this point were kids.
It wasn’t until Nintendo’s last console where things really took off. The resurgence of Handhelds started with the rise of the Nintendo Switch. Not only did its release bring with it a multitude of games, but it created a platform for multiple remasters.
The Nintendo Switch was revolutionary at the time of release due to how the nature of gaming was before that; gaming was mostly done on home consoles or PCs. Nintendo found a niche of gaming that no other company thought to hit at that time and made it their own. Not only was the Switch the first hybrid console, but it also targeted a demographic new to the gaming scene.
The Nintendo Switch revolutionized the idea of comfy and casual gaming and provided accessibility to a lot of games that most players wouldn’t have experienced without the Switch. Stardew Valley was an example of a game that came from being an Android, Mac, and PlayStation and found a home on the Switch. The Nintendo Switch had a ton of games just like it from indie developers. It also became a platform for old games and remasters that people didn’t get to experience before.
Lastly, the Switch encouraged social gaming and gaming with friends and family. Sure, games like Mario Party and Smash Bros already existed before that, but the Switch elevated that concept. It allowed families and friends to experience multiplayer games anywhere.
So, Why is it Popular Now?
With the rise of the Nintendo Switch, other tech companies sought to cash-in on the craze. That’s where the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, MSI Claw, and a bunch of other handhelds come into play. The concept of gaming comfortably and portably became such a popular concept once again that, in a bid to outdo each other, developers gave the public way more options.
Handhelds opened up a ton of options for both casual and hardcore gamers to try out games they never did or never could before. The rise of Handheld PCs offered PC gamers the option to play their Steam and PC games on the go or while travelling. Dedicated handheld consoles allowed mobile gamers to try out games that couldn’t run on anything other than PC or home consoles. It basically caused a boom in gaming and gaming development.
Not only is it more comfortable to game on and lug around a handheld, bit it’s also oftentimes cheaper than buying a mid-range to high-end PC or a home console now! Basically, handhelds opened up options for way more people. Before the release of the Switch and other handhelds, the most popular form of portable gaming was on Mobile devices. There was a time where mobile games were varied and actually fun to play. Today, they’re just platforms for a ton of ads and are just copies of each other.
It’s thanks to handhelds that we get to experience gaming in ways we never could back then. It’s comfortable, accessible, affordable, and portable. While I wouldn’t call something like the Lenovo Legion Go as an easy to transport system, it’s way easier to carry that than travelling with a Gaming Laptop + Peripherals.
Should You Try It?
Absolutely! If you want to try gaming or want something fresh, handheld gaming is the perfect platform to get into. It’s very casual, has lots of options, and is extremely affordable. With the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, Lenovo Legion Go S, and some other devices, Handheld gaming is shaping up to be in a good spot this year.
If you’re strapped for space as well, handheld gaming is highly suggested. you don’t need a large dedicated space to game nor does it require extra peripherals. It’s literally the definition of game and go.
At the end of the day, Handhelds may not match up to the performance and the power of most PCs and home consoles, but that’s okay. They serve one purpose and they serve that purpose well. Handhelds make games accessible and that’s what really matters at the end of the day to most people.
Wanna Know more about handhelds and gaming? Check out these article here.
