However, Nintendo's latest handheld, the Nintendo 3DS, has been their largest handheld or video game console investment success in 30 years.
Nintendo is credited with popularizing the handheld console concept with the release of the Game Boy in 1989 and as of 2011 continues to dominate the handheld console market with their Nintendo DS and DSi systems. The oldest true handheld game console with interchangeable cartridges is the Milton Bradley Microvision in 1979. Later, several companies-including Coleco and Milton Bradley-made their own single-game, lightweight table-top or handheld electronic game devices. In 1976, Mattel introduced the first handheld electronic game with the release of Auto Race. Handheld game consoles are smaller than home video game consoles and contain the console, screen, speakers, and controls in one unit, allowing people to carry them and play them at any time or place. Current 8th Generation handhelds, Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita.Ī handheld video game console is a lightweight, portable electronic device with a built-in screen, game controls, speakers and replaceable and/or rechargeable batteries or battery pack.
