90s Handheld Consoles, Who's the Best Handheld Game System?

The 1980s were a dreamer's paradise: a decade that thought it was the future. But the 90s were a lot more practical. That’s when we realized that most of our 80s dreams were nonsense and we actually started developing the ones that weren’t. Case in point: this era turned our dreams of handheld gaming devices and portable video games into a reality. The 90s saw an explosion of handheld game systems, most of which came on the heels of the popular Nintendo Game Boy. Which one ranks, pound for pound, as the best video game console? Below, we look in-depth at the history and stats of all the major 90s handheld consoles to answer this question. Check it out! Nintendo's Original Game Boy (1989) Though not technically the first handheld game console, the Game Boy was the first to become a true, worldwide phenomenon. Also, the Game Boy is actually an...

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Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a PlayStation Vita

Buying a new gaming device is always exciting, but it's important to be prepared to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Before you purchase that new PlayStation Vita, make sure you understand everything you need to get started. The Models & Features The PS Vita is available in two models: the 3G/Wi-Fi model and the Wi-Fi only model. The 3G/Wi-Fi model is more expensive, but it allows you to connect to the internet and play games online. The Wi-Fi only model is less expensive, but it only allows you to connect to the internet when you are in range of a Wi-Fi network. Both models of the PS Vita come with a variety of features, including: A 5-inch touchscreen displayA dual-analog stickA rear touchpadA front-facing cameraA microphoneBluetooth connectivityNear Field Communication (NFC) The Games: You can buy PS Vita games as digital downloads (via PlayStation Network) or on physical game cards from stores like GameStop....

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90s Video Games & The 5 Best Pokémon Games by Ranking

Lately, the game Pokémon Legends: Arceus on the Nintendo Switch has been all the rage. For older fans, it is a source of nostalgia, while for those new to the franchise, it is an opportunity to go back to the older generation titles. So, we decided to help you board the nostalgia train with this list of 5 best 90s Pokémon video games. Nintendo has had huge successful franchises in the form of Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros., and Metroid some of the best-selling games before they released Pokémon. But what set Pokémon apart from the rest was not only was it released as a game, but a year later an anime adaptation was aired.  This created a cult following for the game, as people wanted to become the protagonist of their own story and be the very best Pokémon trainer. This cultural phenomenon gave way to the massive success...

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What is Interconnected Game Play? And does it Work?

In the last couple of years, interconnected games in which player actions in one game affect options or situations in another have started to pop up more frequently than usual. Mass Effect: Infiltrator launched for mobile platforms simultaneously with the console and PC release of Mass Effect 3, and the Intel collected in the mobile shooter could be used to increase a player’s Galactic Readiness score in ME3 (which helped open new ending options), rewarding players who checked out the spin-off title. Mass Effect: Datapad was also released as a free iOS app, which let players/users read up on various elements of their Mass Effect 3 situation and the ME universe, get messages from characters, and play mini-games that also improved their ME3 Galactic Readiness score. Cloud Gaming & Interconnection How Cool is This These interconnected cross-platform experiences allow players to take Mass Effect with them and engage that world on...

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Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection Vol.2: All 10 Games Reviewed

4 days ago, SNK tweeted an announcement that had retro-gaming nerds like us drooling in anticipation. Today, November 9, 2022, we see that promise fulfilled. SNK has just released its second volume of 10 long-lost Neo Geo Pocket Color games on Steam and Nintendo Switch. If you’ve read our recent account of the original console’s tragic failure, this is very uplifting news indeed. Even better, the 10 titles included in Neo Geo Pocket Color Vol.2 make up an awesome collection. This selection exhumes many exclusive spin-offs of familiar franchises, like SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters’ Clash. There are also sports games, a puzzle game, and one rare oddity that finally gets a worldwide release. Using our extensive nerd knowledge, we’ve reviewed each of these titles in detail. Read on to see why we’re super excited about Neo Geo Pocket Color Vol.2. 1. Rockman Battle & Fighters Rockman Battle & Fighters is...

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The Forgotten Predecessors of the Game Boy: The Microvision and Beyond

In the annals of gaming history, the Game Boy is remembered as a trailblazer. The handheld console with its small monochrome screen sold 118 million worldwide. It quickly captured the hearts of gamers and ignited a gaming revolution, spawning legendary gaming titles like Pokemon and Mario Bros. But the Game Boy didn't simply emerge onto the market in a vacuum. Before the Game Boy's triumphant arrival in 1989, a procession of other handheld gaming consoles had already laid the foundation for portable gaming experiences. These precursors introduced ground-breaking features and gameplay innovations that helped shape the landscape of handheld gaming. However, as is often the case in the world of innovation, success depends on factors such as timing, market readiness, and the competitive environment, like the unpredictable outcomes seen on TV's "Shark Tank." In the grand tapestry of gaming history, these devices played a significant role in paving the way for the...

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