Today, handheld game consoles are common. But it wasn’t always like this. The first portable console was a revolution. It lets people play games outside their homes. This changed the gaming industry forever. Let’s talk about the first handheld console and how it all started.
When the First Portable Console Was Released
In the 1970s, video games were growing in popularity. Home consoles like the Atari 2600 already existed. But compact devices for gaming on the go didn’t yet exist. Technology was advancing, and the idea of creating a portable game system became possible.
Milton Bradley, a company known for board games, decided to take a risk and enter the gaming world. In 1979, they released Microvision, the first portable console in history with interchangeable cartridges. This was a breakthrough. For the first time, video games left homes and arcades.
Features of the First Portable Console – Milton Bradley Microvision
Microvision was simple. It was a rectangular device with a black-and-white 2-inch screen. For its time, it was a technological marvel, despite being relatively large.
The front panel had a button keyboard that changed with the cartridges. Every game came with its own set of buttons attached to the cartridge. The console itself had no processor or memory – everything was on the cartridge. Pretty unusual, right?
This design made the Microvision relatively affordable at $50. But it was still a luxury item because cartridges were expensive.
Games for the First Portable Console
The first handheld console came with only a few games. The most popular was Block Buster, similar to the classic Breakout game. Microvision had around 12 games in total. They were simple but fun for the time. Examples include:
- Star Trek: Phaser Strike – a shooting game.
- Connect Four – a portable version of the board game.
- Mindbuster – a puzzle game.
The games seem primitive today, but back then, they were cutting-edge. People could play anywhere: on a train, outdoors, or in line. Microvision was unique because of its interchangeable cartridges. Before this, portable game systems only had built-in games, like Game & Watch devices.
The First Portable Console: Microvision’s Success and Challenges
The first portable game system sold well, especially in the U.S. For its time, it was innovative and opened doors to new technologies. However, Microvision had many issues. Its screen was fragile, and the electronic components broke easily. The games were too simple, and players got bored quickly. Cartridges were bulky and expensive.
Because of these limitations and competition from other companies, Microvision lasted only a few years. By the mid-1980s, it was discontinued.
How the First Handheld Console Shaped the Gaming Industry
Despite its flaws, the first handheld console, Milton Bradley Microvision, was groundbreaking:
- It laid the foundation for portable gaming. Other companies saw the potential of handheld game systems.
- Microvision proved that players wanted to play anytime, anywhere.
- It highlighted the importance of interchangeable games for more options.
Microvision set the stage for future portable consoles. When Nintendo created the Game Boy, they learned from Microvision’s mistakes. Nintendo made a compact, reliable device with a long battery life.
The First Handheld Console and Modern Successors
Today, portable gaming is a large part of the gaming market. Microvision is a thing of the past. And the first portable console from Nintendo, the Game Boy, released in 1989, became a real hit. It took the best ideas of Microvision. Of course, Nintendo made it much better. The Game Boy had a durable screen, a large selection of games, and a compact design.
In the 2000s, Sony released its first portable console, the PlayStation Portable (PSP). Its high-quality graphics wowed players. Today, devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck continue to evolve portable gaming.
Although the first handheld console, Microvision, didn’t have a sequel, it taught developers important lessons:
- Gaming devices should be compact and comfortable.
- Reliability is the key to success. Players want their devices to last a long time.
- A variety of games is important. Without this, even the best console can quickly lose popularity.
Watch the First Handheld Console in Action
Want to see what the first handheld console looked like? Watch this video:
Conclusion
The Milton Bradley Microvision was the world’s first portable game system. It was primitive and had many flaws. But its impact on gaming is undeniable. Without it, we might not have the Game Boy, PSP, or even smartphone games. While Microvision remains a part of history, its legacy lives on in every modern handheld console.
FAQs About First Handheld Console
The first portable game system was called Microvision. It was made by Milton Bradley and featured interchangeable cartridges.
Microvision was released in 1979. It was revolutionary at the time, allowing players to switch games.
Sony’s first handheld game was the PlayStation Portable (PSP). It launched in 2004 and featured 3D graphics and multimedia functions.