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[img width=250 height=300]http://www.videogameconsolelibrary.com/images/articles/mg-blogs/blog-13Feb-09-2.jpg[/img] With my console collection pretty much fleshed out I have decided to take the plunge into collecting handheld systems. This is an area within the video gaming field that I have totally neglected, almost to the point of refusing to recognize their existence. I have never understood the attraction to this method of gaming. Some of my peers might even say that I am a bit of a snob and view these as 'half-breeds', kid toys or worse. Upon reflection, I guess I am rather arrogant when comparing 'true' consoles to these half-pint counterparts (yes - the pun was intentional). Well, after repeated urging (beatings) from others and hearing from them that "I just don't get it", I took the initiative to learn more about these little guys. After doing a little investigation and with the help of my friends at RF Generation, I was able to compile a list of handheld systems to 'target' for my collection. It was now time to do some self-education prior to making any purchases so that I do not repeat the same mistakes that I made early on when I started collecting consoles. This task was right up my power alley. To my pleasant surprise I discovered that the great diversity that I know to be fact in my experience with collecting consoles is equally true with these handheld units - technology, functionality, package variations, etc. Once again - a home run in my interests as a collector. What struck me were the wide use of face plating and or various colors of the actual handheld hardware chassis. Most of the handheld manufacturers utilized this strategy, regardless of the era their respective handheld system was released - the majority of console developers did not (Nintendo 64 & the Nintendo Game Cube among the few exceptions). My only guess for this difference is that handhelds are designed marketed to also be a personal expression of the respective owner. The target audience seems to be rather diverse compared to perspective console owners. However, I still can not apprehend this pseudo-emotional attachment to a gaming device that companies try to sell to the consumer. I fully admit that I am an old school gamer and that may be the reason "I just don't get it". Backward compatibility seems to be a pretty consistent offering in handheld units as a whole - much more so than in consoles. Improvements in providing additional multimedia functions and networking capabilities usually appear within a year or so after their initial debut in 'big brothers' hardware. Certain handheld systems have even been at the forefront of technology by including text messaging, PDA, MP3 playback and other applications. If I didn't have a cell phone or computer, I would have to admit this is pretty impressive. That leaves us to the core purpose of any hardware - the gaming experience. [img width=250 height=314]http://www.videogameconsolelibrary.com/images/articles/mg-blogs/blog-13Feb-09-1.jpg[/img] There is no comparison in this area - console games blow away the handheld's by a mile. There is no reason why they shouldn't with the space available for technology in a standard hardware chassis. I fully agree that the portable system offers many conveniences. But why would I want to play a sub standard game on a tiny screen (as the default) when I can kick back in my lounge chair and experience much better on my big screen from my console? This is another area that "I just don't get it". Overall, my initial investigation into this area leads me to believe that I really haven't been missing out on much in this handheld area. Obviously this is my personal opinion and is based upon my needs likes as a gamer and my limited experience with the nine (9) handheld systems I have acquired. Sure, I think the manufacturers' ability to squeeze in the massive amount of technology into that tiny package is extraordinary. And yes, as admitted before, I am an old gamer who prefers to use other devices (like a cell phone) to perform some of the extra networkingmultimedia functions that are pretty standard in today's handheld units. I like my games displayed on my big screen TV (my eye doctor did warn me that bifocals are close to being a required reality for me). Maybe I am over the hill - who knows. What I do know is that even after researching this field and playing games on these mighty-mites.... "I still don't get it."
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Good read! Handhelds are hit or miss for me. I find that while I'm home, I hardly touch most of the ones I own with the exception of the PSP and the DS. If I can stick a handheld game into a console adapter and play it on a TV I will. Tetris on the other hand, is so simple it doesn't matter if it's a Game Boy or a GameCube, it is what it is.
In the car (when I'm not driving mind you) they can kill off a lot of hours of waiting. "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" are much more entertaining with a good game if the scenery is a bit dull. Or those ridiculous wait times in the Doctor's office.
I guess the PSP and DS stand out because they narrow the gap between console and handheld. One, a system with PS2 graphics and good sound that has games similar to what I enjoyed last generation. The other, some interesting RPGs and unique titles on a system that is N64 capable or better. Try Zelda with a stylus for a nice refreshing change of pace!
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I was never a big handheld gamer either, and I probably never will. I've had all the Nintendo handhelds since the GBC, but never more than a handful of games until I got into collecting, even now they make up a tiny percentage of my collection.
But, I do find handhelds come in handy many times, especially for kids. The biggest being something like a long car ride where there is no other option. Other times, handhelds are nice when you're on the go and have a few unexpected extra minutes of free time. And as long as you keep fresh or recharged batteries laying around, when the power suddenly goes and there is nothing else you can do to keep from going insane. However, the times I find myself playing handhelds (DS right now, but I remember when it was the GBA SP) is before I go to sleep, I make sure to keep my DS right next to my bed so I can get a few minutes of gaming in before I fall asleep.
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I'd have to agree with Tan on this one, most of the time my handhelds rarely get any use when I'm at home, and I've got loads of them. I've tried different systems and games over the years, and nothing really grabbed me at all, so I was content to leave well alone. A couple of years ago my wife bought me a DS for my birthday, and that piqued my interest, then a year later I picked up one of the new PSP slims on a bit of a whim. That has given me as much fun as I've ever had on a console, more so than the DS did. I think it's the larger screen and that it just seems to fit in my hands better, consequently I've played more and completed more on that handheld than any other
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I agree with you all - for killing time on the plane or long car rides, these are the ticket. I can't say that I am a big fan of the stylus though - I prefer my gaming controls as buttons. Just one more thing I don't have to worry about keeping track of (I do have the PSP and DS Lite).
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First off excellent read thanks 
I agree on pretty much all the pros and cons listed here.
I have had "portable " and "home" gaming for pretty much the same amount of time(i got an Atari and a Gameboy within a year. Maybe less.)
You just need to look at handheld gaming as an entirely different kind of gaming.
Yes they are watered down systems. But comparing the DS to the Wii or the PSP to the PS3 is much like comparing any of the 90s gaming consoles to todays comsoles.
Portables are basically a generation behind in graphics.
Sure they have smaller screens and you have older eyes but they have magnifiers just for that purpose(sorry for picking on "old" people but you set yourself up :-P)
I think your initial thoughts of not missing out on much is a bid narrow minded just because as you said you have had VERY little experience with handheld systems on the whole.
But given enough research and time you will find there are some definitely some gems . But i guess you could say that of (nearly) anything.
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Handhelds are easily mu favorite systems, or at least the Nintendo systems. PSP kinda sucks, can't say I'm very pleased with that purchase though there are a few gems.
But seriously, I would say the majority of my favorite games of all time are on the DS/GBA or SNES. I mean for handhelds you have the best Castlevanias, a plethora of RPGs ranging from traditional JRPGs like Golden Sun (fantastic series) to SRPGs like Fire Emblem, and RPGs that can be done on any other media (TWEWY, Meteos, Warioware Touched). And you've got my favorite strategy games (the Advance War series which are unbeatable). Also there is Mario Kart DS which is by far and away the best Mario Kart. Then you've got your Metroid games, Mario games, Zelda games, Sonic games, etc. And to top it off, series exclusive to handhelds such as Phoenix Wright (probably my 3rd favorite game of all time) etc.
Heh, out of all those games the majority of the games are definitely not pick up and play games (though they have quicksave features). The handheld business is pretty much like a glorified SNES/Genesis era with some N64, PSX, and PS2 era thrown in as well.
You are missing out entirely.
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I agree with everything that has been said here, so I'm not going to repeat it.
Handheld gaming hasn't been my thing for the last 7-8 or so years. I used to play a lot on my Game Boy and GBC back in the Pokémon era though. I wasn't allowed to have "real" consoles back then, so handhelds were the only alternative to play games (and the PC of course, but I've always been more of a console gamer).
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I enjoy handheld gaming myself, and some of my favorite games originated from or have been ported to the handhelds, and while I take the most advantage of this when I'm away from home, like when I'm visiting relatives, I can also understand why some people just wouldn't be into the whole handheld gaming.
I do agree that the handhelds are no where near their console counterparts, the closest any handheld has come was the PSP, but since handhelds are typically meant to be smaller and more affordable so it's understandable why they don't have the hardware the the home systems sport. Anyway, this was a great write up MG.
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I enjoy handheld games, hate handheld systems. ::hugs my gameboy player::
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@Rajaat the Warbringer:
lol
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Thanks for the feedback all - glad you enjoyed the article, though you did not necessarily agree with it.
I do admit that my experience is very limited at the moment - grabbing some more games and playing them a bit more will definitely help out.
Magnifiers.... hmmm... I am getting old 
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@Nionel:
Sorry, but I think it is foolish to base handhelds off of the current generation of consoles. That's pretty much saying that graphics are everything. Also, the reason handhelds are the way they are technology wise is not to make them more affordable. It is to provide a much different gameplay experience than what is available on the console market. Hence why the Nintendo DS is doing tremendously better than the PSP. The PSP is technically superior but the games for it are essentially crap games you could get on a console. With the DS you have a plethora of 2d and imaginative games which you cannot get on the consoles.
I don't understand why people dislike handheld games. They are not inferior to console games at all. You should be basing the quality of a system on the games it provides, not the technical aspect. In that regards handhelds have been churning out a plethora of amazing games nonstop.
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I haven't owned a handheld system since 1996. And don't plan to start now.
For me, I barely have enough time to play console games when I'm at home. And when I'm on the go, if I have time to spare at lunch, the car dealership, etc. I prefer to read a book.
I'll agree that handhelds have many purposes and benefits if it fits your lifestyle or if you have kids, but it doesn't hole any appeal to me.
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Along with Sirgin, my handheld days far predated my Console days, so they will always have a place in my heart. I really do love a handheld for car trips, etc!  Great read!
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I started with Consoles and then got into handhelds. I can't really bring myself to side with either one of them. There are times where I'll get up, find a controller and switch on one of my Consoles, and other where I'll just sit back and whip out my DS or PSP.
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Great article, Marriott_Guy.
Handhelds do not appeal to me; I like the idea of sitting on the couch, holding a controller in my hands better. I haven't really played any handhelds, nor do I collect them (unless a good buy at a garage sale), and I cannot say anything about the quality of games (no idea). I do agree that handhelds should not be compared to today's "real" consoles, and are targeted at a completely different audience. I also see how handhelds can be very comfortable for people with a certain lifestyle, but not for me (I read computer magazines when I have to wait somewhere).
My girlfriend, on the other hand, plays a handheld every time she has a minute of free time outside of her house (she swaps between DS and PSP, and used to carry GBA SP before everywhere), so I suppose she finds them engaging. And one of the games she played recently, The World Ends With You, looked very original/creative.
The only downside about this is that sometimes she gets too concentrated on some game and it's hard to tell her something (yeah, I might do that too, but I do that at home, in front of a TV!).
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It wasnt untill the GBA I became interested in handheld gaming. Before that, there were some great systems but most of them were limited by software, battery life, or size. It just didnt feel fun. Once I started playing portable versions of old nes games and snes games like Dragon Warrior 1, 2, and 3, it began to be more fun. The DS has definitly become my platform of choice if in no small part to the liabrary of RPGs and strat games. The best feature about the systems though isnt in just the portability but in that if someone else wants to watch TV, you can simply play away and not have to argue over who gets to watch what.
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I do have to admit i think in the last 2-3 years my Ds has probably gotten more play time than any system...
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@Izret101: Same. It's pretty much the only thing I play anymore.
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I would like to play my Xbox or Wii or even PS2 but its just not worth the hassle of getting TV time and hooking it up and putting controllers back and diggin out games and etc.
So i just leave my DS lying in the living room with a charger and the DS games i havn't beat yet and game away whenever i get the chance.
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I love handhelds! they consume alot of my time,mostly GBA and my DS but....I have been playing my roommates Game Gear and I am enjoying it
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This is Marriott_Guy's Blog.
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Welcome RFG Friends!!
You have stumbled upon my little piece of the RFG universe where you will find my published articles and various other writings / rantings. Having first hand experience through the evolution of the video gaming field (fancy way of me just telling you that I am old), the topics vary greatly.
Kick back and (hopefully) enjoy!!
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