The Evolution Of Handheld Game Consoles

Image source: http://animalcules.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/lopez1.png

For gamers, the handheld game console is likely one among the most clever inventions of all time. Without a doubt, it has served humanity well since the first of its kind came about in the 1970s.

Briefly, a handheld game console, also known as a tabletop electronic game device, is a portable electronic device with built-in control keys, screen, and speakers for every unit. A handheld game console is considered a non-video electronic game because it does not require the use of a television screen. Instead, it may have a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), or Light Emitting Diode (LED), and Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) screen property.

The earliest handheld game console started with just being capable of playing a sole game. It was inspired by a fusion of concepts inspired by the 1960s Cragstan's Periscope-Firing Range and the 1972 Waco's Electronic Tic-Tac-Toe electromechanical devices, as well as the optoelectronic display of calculators in the 1970's. Eventually, in 1976, the earliest calculator-sized LED technology handheld electronic game, which was a design of Michael Katz of Mattel, was released in the market. The earliest game was Auto Race that was postdated by Football.

In 1979, the Microvision handheld electronic device of Milton-Bradley followed suit. This LCD technology handheld electronic game was a design of Smith Engineering. Unlike the earlier one, this handheld electronic device was capable of play many games through the interchangeable game cartridges. In 1981, Microvision was the earliest to use a four-directional control pad to move the game's avatars around.

Also, on or about the same period, in 1980, Nintendo came out with the Game & Watch toy devices created by Gunpei Yokoi in 1979. The device came with a LCD-based screen with time display. Gunpei was also in charge of the improvised cross-shaped directional keypad used in the Famicom electronic game console. Inspired by these two earlier consoles, subsequently in 1989, Nintendo came out with its Game Boy with black and white graphics. This subsequently evolved into Game Boy Color, then into Game Boy Advance.

Further, in 1982, the earliest solar-powered game console was manufactured by Bandai. This likewise pioneered the 3D concept into the handheld gaming device. Additional manufacturers that came about were Coleco, Entex, and Parker Brothers.

Thereafter, during the late 1980's and early 1990's, additional advanced handheld game consoles became backlit with colored graphics, forexample the Atari Lynx and Sega Game Gear. Not long thereafter Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable followed.

Eventually, the advanced versions of handheld electronic devices have more buttons, i.e. start, select and shoulder buttons; touch screen; microphone; MP3; 3D; Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth functions; memory stick storage space; and downloadable games features.

In conclusion, it does not come as a surprise to many people the fact that these handheld game consoles evolved so fast. After all, these miniature devices are nothing compared to other more complex electronic devices that human expertise, coupled with advanced technology, has produced over time.