Handheld gaming is picking up steam in 2023. The gears started turning when Valve announced the Steam Deck in 2021 and eventually released it in 2022.
There have been handheld PC gaming consoles, prior to it, of course. But none made by a major brand that most are familiar with. Now, ASUS is putting its horse in the race with the release of the ROG Ally.
While we’re excited at the prospect of the future of this segment of gaming, it presents us with an opportune moment to look back at handheld gaming gadgets from yesteryears.
Here are some of the most notable handheld gaming devices, from the perspective of the team.
Nokia (3310, 2600, N70, N-Gage)
Luigi: Technically, the classic Nokia phones aren’t gaming consoles. However, you can’t start off a discussion about handheld gaming without talking about Nokia. Not everyone owned a handheld console at the time, but practically everyone had a phone. Nokia, especially the Nokia 3310, introduced the idea that handheld gaming isn’t just a niche market. My mom would lend me her phone, and I played Snake and Space Invaders while she had meetings.
Vincenz: I grew up in a household full of Nokia phones. The classic Nokia 3310 isn’t an exception. That’s probably my awakening point that I can be competitive when it comes to mobile/digital games. I defeated several monsters in Space Impact as well as beating the existing high score in Snake. Also, the Nokia 2600 was very popular with the Bounce title. I also remember enjoying the better version of Snakes 3D using the Nokia N70.
Gab: Yes, you’re not reading that wrong: Nokia made something like a handheld console and disguised it as a cellphone called the N-Gage. Although I never personally owned one, in my younger years, I had a family friend who had one and we took turns playing with it. This device seemed like the cellphone world’s first attempt at coming up with a device that works like a console with calling capabilities. Honestly, it seemed promising until I found out that every time you wanted to switch games, you had to take out the battery first. At least you could play Crash Nitro Kart on it!
Game Boy (Original/Color/Advance/SP)
Gab: The original Gameboy was the first Nintendo-related console I owned. It was a hand-me-down from my dad when I was three. This thing ran on four AA batteries and was the foundation of handheld consoles during the 90s. I remember playing Super Mario Land with my dad helping me out in some levels; to be fair, I was three so I was slow in learning how the buttons work.
Also, the Gameboy SP had accessories like the Link Cable which made it perfect for Pokemon games with your friends. Personally, I never got to use it outside of trading Pokemon with some classmates in grade school. But it was a good way to find people with similar interests as you.
Luigi: The Game Boy Advance SP was my (and, I imagine, a lot of other’s) first actual handheld console. Though the console already went through so many iterations prior, the SP was a culmination of everything that came before. It had a decent battery, a backlight, and backwards compatibility for past cartridges. I didn’t have a lot of cartridges, but I remember playing those I had until I got sick of them. There were countless afternoons spent hunting for legendary Pokemon on Leaf Green or banging my head endlessly on Donkey Kong Country 2 levels.
So many Game Boy memories…
Vincenz: I was three when the millennium started — and that also reminded me of when I played Super Mario Land and Jurassic Park on the classic (and thicc AF) Game Boy with a black and green display reminiscent of the Nokia 3310. We even had this absurd-looking Light Magnifier to enlarge the pixels we see while playing.
Then 2005 happened. That’s when our mom suddenly bought us a Game Boy Advance SP in a pretty black-ish Onyx colorway. That was a big upgrade coming from the OG Game Boy because of the colorful LCD and slimmer, more compact form factor. I may not have the popular titles but the three titles we’ve owned are enough for any 8-year-old (Spongebob, Shrek, and 135-in-1 game). Most of all, blowing those game cartridges to make the game work (no matter what Game Boy it is) will always be part of my core memory.
MJ: The Game Boy Color was the first handheld gaming I’ve owned, which was gifted to me so I would stop being envious of my older brother’s Game Boy. I still remember how I spent countless hours playing Pokémon Crystal, with Chikorita as my favorite companion. All those playtimes led me to my obsession with gaming on the go. When the world gets noisy, I know I can get lost in a different world through a console that I carry and own.
PlayStation Portable (PSP) and PlayStation Vita
Rodneil: I unapologetically love everything PlayStation. It should come as no surprise that the first handheld gaming console I purchased with my own dime was the PlayStation Portable or PSP. For the life of me, though, I can’t exactly remember which version it was. What I do remember is NBA 2K, God of War, and a few other games helping me get through my internships and first few years as part of the workforce.
Gab: Everyone I knew in my age group owned a PSP at the time, whether it was the thicc version or the slim version. I had the slim one because I found out that the thicc one had problematic batteries at the time. We wanted a version that lasted longer. The PSP introduced me to some of the games that I’m still fond of to this day, like TEKKEN 5: Dark Resurrection and Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories.
Maybe we do need a new PlayStation handheld?
Vincenz: I clearly remember it was in 2007 when we had the PSP. During those years, it was a powerful piece of gaming hardware at your fingertips. I wasn’t even aware that Sony released several iterations – until I saw the PSP 2000 (Slim) of my cousins and the sleeker PSP 3000 of my grade school classmates. Thus, the realization that we had the OG “Phat” model (or PSP 1000).
Shockingly, I’m today years old when I found out there’s another version called ‘Street’ (or PSP-E1000) right after my younger brother’s friend lent me the device for the photos above. I realized it after seeing the weird-looking bottom control bar and that matte-ish, less glossy body compared to its predecessors. The PSP Go, well, it’s a whole new device that people barely wanted.
The PSP also made me discover my strengths in gaming: Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, Vice City Stories, Chinatown Wars, Ridge Racer, Gran Turismo, Need For Speed, Midnight Club: DUB Edition, and even the mind-boggling EXIT and EXIT 2.
During the start of the pandemic, a lot of people were so hyped about the Nintendo Switch (and even the cheaper Switch Lite variant). Meanwhile, I’m one among few who bought a PS Vita. I got the fat version since I love its OLED screen. It’s also more premium-looking than the plasticky Slim. Even though the game library isn’t as vast as what the PSP has offered over the years,
I’ve chosen a variant with a jailbroken firmware / homebrew so I could play both PS Vita and PSP games through an emulator. PSN is useless on the Vita anyway. Games are truly enjoyable with its bigger screen — and graphics are clearly better than what the PSP had when it was released (ngl, it amazed all of us during its peak).
Nintendo Switch
Luigi: Before the Nintendo Switch came out, there wasn’t anything like it. The Switch doubled as a home console and a handheld gaming device. It was both the new generation and a love letter to Nintendo’s previous successes. Six years later, it is still one of the most popular consoles, brandishing iconic titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It also helped that the console peaked during the 2020 lockdowns, a time when most people were stuck home with only their Switch for company.
MJ: I’ve stopped console gaming after I focused on my career and studies, and sought comfort through mobile games instead for accessibility. That changed when the pandemic bored me to death being stuck indoors, and I bought a Nintendo Switch Lite to play The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Pokémon Diamond that I borrowed from my best friend, and eventually played Pokémon Legends: Arceus. I haven’t dusted off my Switch ever since I finished the game and went back to my outdoor life after the pandemic eased up. Maybe when I’m in my off-season, I’ll probably pick it up and play Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
ROG Phone
Rodneil: Mobile gaming was already blowing up when the ROG Phone came into the picture. At the time, we were already getting mobile games that rival some console games when it comes to visual presentation. The ROG Phone was a device validating the growing popularity and legitimacy of mobile gaming. Things have only gotten better since its 2018 release — both the ROG Phone and the quality of certain mobile games.
Future is promising
Handheld gaming is on the uptick and it’s not just because of the Steam Deck and the ROG Ally. The AMD Ryzen Z1 series chips powering the Ally is made specifically for this type of device. It’s not a farfetched assumption that more devices from other manufacturers are on the horizon.
Microsoft, for its part, is also working on a version of Windows designed specifically for handhelds. PlayStation, meanwhile, has been rumored to be working on its own handheld. Although, it may be focused only on cloud gaming.
Handheld gaming’s past is rich, its present on the uptick, and its future extremely promising. We’re excited.
The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 tips off on August 25. It offers hoops fans the ultimate experience to see the sport’s best global stars.
No less than Gilas Pilipinas will do its best to represent the Philippines proudly at home. Hundreds of thousands are expected to watch the prestigious event in-person from August 25 to September 10.
For those who do not have the luxury of attending live, there are still various ways to watch the World Cup. You can use whatever device from wherever location you’re from.
Here’s a quick rundown:
TV
For Cignal TV prepaid and postpaid subscribers, a one-time Pay-Per-View fee of PhP 650 entitles viewers to all 92 games of the FIBA World Cup in both SD (Ch. 198 and 199) and HD (Ch. 298 and 299).
They will come commercial-free and with access to exclusive FIBA content such as documentaries and highlights of previous tournaments.
For people mainly interested in Gilas Pilipinas games, TV5 is the surefire way to catch the action. The channel is accessible for free via CignalPlay and via any way you access free TV, like digiboxes.
Smartphones, tablets
For smartphone and tablet users, there are a handful of streaming apps that will show the World Cup games live and on demand.
Cignal’s novel streaming platform, Pilipinas Live will show all 92 games for a PhP 99 a month subscription.
Unlike cable subscriptions, this rate does not have a lock-in period. A month would be enough since the World Cup runs from August 25 to September 10. You can cancel afterwards.
Games will also be shown on the Smart Livestream app for FREE. To watch all 92 games, Smart subscribers simply have to connect to a Smart mobile data, TNT or PLDT WiFi while using the Smart LiveStream App. The app is downloadable on the App Store and Google Play Store.
Speaking of Gilas, Smart has a prepaid Gilas Power subscription promo which is inclusive of 78GB of total data, including a fixed allocation for the Livestream app and open access data good for a month.
PC and laptops
For PC and laptop users, the best workaround is availing of CignalPlay Premium, which starts at just PhP 75 monthly, inclusive of most channels you’re used to seeing on cable TV from movies to sports to news channels and more.
There’s something inexplicable when you set foot inside Intramuros, also known as Manila’s walled city.
Historical buildings and landmarks continue to stand the test of time, becoming a home to cultural pursuits and a display of Manila’s rich history.
Every nook and cranny picture a story that only shows when you take the moment to walk through its cobblestone alleys.
That je ne sais quoi of the walled city is indescribable with mere words.
Yet, here are some attempts to capture its grandeur using the HONOR 90 5G, one afternoon stroll inside Intramuros.
Heritage bar
First stop: Batala Bar! This heritage bar located in Plaza San Luis has always been a staple to our Intramuros strolls. Situated in front of San Agustin Church, the bar can be easily seen while traversing the cobblestones of General Luna Street.
It’s a two-story bar serving craft beer, craft coffee, specialty ice cream, and delightful meals worth taking any time of the day.
It also shares a space with the Philippine Artisan Trade Gallery on the second level, housing unique handmade products exclusive to the Philippines.
There’s a balcony where you can enjoy the warmth of the afternoon sun while admiring the quietness of the city.
On the other side, there’s an overlooking view of the fountain in Plaza San Luis. You can also get a glimpse of Casa Manila, a living museum of what life as an affluent Illustrado looked like in the past.
It’s a glance at an opulent life from centuries ago. The architecture and intricate details served as a photo opportunity for the ‘gram.
Good food, good company
What’s good food without company? GadgetMatch’s Philippine team was out for a late lunch with our jet-setter and freelance journalist friend, Ayano Tominaga.
While waiting for our meals, we ordered a seasonal fruit shake. Batala bar served us a dragon fruit shake — which was currently in season — blended with banana and milk. It’s best to cool down from the scorchingly hot weather with a tasty, ice-cold blended beverage!
I ordered a Tinapa Puttanesca. It’s a linguine pasta savored in homemade red sauce, capers, olives, and of course, Tinapa. ICYDK, Tinapa is a smoked fish usually made from blackfin scad or milkfish.
On the other hand, Martynne ordered a Shiitake Aglio Olio. It’s an oil-based pasta cooked with tomato, paprika, and chili flakes, and topped with vegan parmesan, basil, and lemon.
Meanwhile, Vincenz ordered a Pollo Quesadilla. It’s basically chopped chicken adobo stuffed with mozzarella cheese, red onion, pickled chili, and tomato salsa.
Rodneil and Ayano ordered Bomba Longga Silog, which is loosely translated as a bomb Spanish sausage with fried rice and egg. It really is a bomb, though!
The homemade skinless Spanish sausage tasted delicious, served alongside a sunny-side-up egg, pickled vegetables, and garlic rice. It simply is a good pick-me-up order, any time of the day.
Ice cream, anyone?
Given that the Philippines is basically a tropical country that has summer weather all year round, Batala Bar is a good spot to cool down after a long walk inside Intramuros.
They serve homemade ice cream that even I, a lactose-intolerant kiddo, can’t resist.
Rodneil and Ayano shared one serving of Banana Split Sundae, which melted in just a few minutes. That’s how hot that day was.
Making my way downtown
After our merienda, we walked alongside General Luna Street to head over to Fort Santiago, a citadel where the Philippines’ national hero, Jose Rizal, was imprisoned before.
Of course, it’s not a quick walk across a few blocks. Martynne took the chance to have her photos taken by yours truly.
We also stopped by the Manila Cathedral and got some bottled water in the shade of trees situated in Plaza Roma, a public square in Intramuros.
While everyone was hydrating, Martynne posed in front of the cathedral. I played around with the wide-angle lens to make the shot somewhat touristy. Let’s pretend we’re not always in Manila.
Hidden cafe!
After queueing to get to Fort Santiago, we made our way to the hidden cafe tucked in the corners of the defense fortress. Papakape, which had its first branch as a glass house cafe in Makati, opened its doors inside Fort Santiago.
It’s situated inside a 400-year-old water cistern, extended with an al fresco garden seating.
The interiors, albeit quite small, are as cozy as any home.
Bayongs, traditional handwoven bags made of dried leaves, are displayed in the corner along with a wooden guitar.
Another corner seemed pretty for a spot to read and write, what with the cozy lamp and table facing a brick wall.
Papakape offers a few, good coffee that we thoroughly enjoyed. We tried the Black Gulaman Americano, an espresso-based drink with pandan syrup, grass jelly, and basil seeds.
The same drink that Canadian Singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen drank when she visited Papakape early this year.
Another signature drink is called Tahoat, a combination of Taho (Silken Tofu mixed with Brown Sugar Syrup and Sago Pearls) and Oatmilk.
Of course, it’s also espresso-based and instead of purely silken tofu, it used soy curds and tapioca pearls.
Capping it off
Intramuros puts on a different face when the sun sets and the night fills the street. We decided to call it a day and part ways after having good laughs and conversations inside the walled city.
But before that, we took one last glance at the outdoor seating in Papakape. It hits differently when you enjoy the drink in total silence, completely disconnected from the hustle-bustle of Manila and the hubbub of the tourists flocking the defense fortress.
We also didn’t pass up an opportunity to do a photo-op inside the ruins. For the ‘gram, remember?
And what’s a day without a sunset photo? Overlooking the Pasig River and Manuel A. Roxas Memorial Bridge, the sunset allowed us a moment to recollect our thoughts and memories.
It was a good day filled with good food, conversations, sight, story, and company.
Before we get off Fort Santiago, here’s a night shot of a tree adorned with pretty lamps at night. Maybe, just maybe, we’ll take you on another tour. Perhaps, Intramuros After Dark?
An exquisite camera
The HONOR 90 5G is an excellent midrange smartphone equipped with a superb camera system that will let any user capture sights and stories. It’s certainly a device worth using, not just for the ‘gram, but for capturing your daily life.
Pre-order HONOR 90 5G from August 16-25, 2023 for only Php 24,990 and Get a FREE JBL Flip 6 worth Php 7,499 until supplies last! Get it via Shopee, Lazada, or TikTok Shop.
This feature article is a collaboration between GadgetMatch and HONOR Philippines.
Nowadays, my stress comes from the fact that living in the Philippines can be overwhelming. Honestly, so much of my energy in the day goes to the hybrid work setup plus attending to responsibilities within the household. Not to mention, there’s not much that the metro could offer as a respite for the working professional. You’d think that short breaks will be of use when every day is just a greater grind than the day before.
So, along with the group of people I consider as my family outside home, I decided to give myself that long-needed trip overseas. Obviously, we booked the tickets way before and I needed to make sure that I would use this time to be away from home for a while; to disconnect, if you will. Of course, just to make sure I keep the memories safe, I’m bringing the Canon EOS R8 with me.
We departed from Manila, and was finally en route to a small, bustling island known simply as Taiwan.
The sights within the streets
My significant other and I had a game plan on how to completely maximize one week in Taiwan. This while also considering I still had work to do.
Part of the itinerary was to explore as much of the Taipei area. This includes every nook and cranny that presented itself. With the Canon EOS R8, this was pretty easy.
Needless to say, I looked like I was gathering memories of the simple streets that the country had to offer.
The food we got to eat
Part of any person’s journey to another country is trying out all the food that’s out for the tasting. Fortunately in Taiwan, there was an abundance of establishments and food spots that you simply cannot miss.
Of course, as working professionals, you can’t help but try your luck at some cafes in the area, and there were a lot of them.
The EOS R8 enabled me to capture some of the food I got to try with near-perfect detail. Even the most minute detail on specialized caffeinated drinks became the highlight of the photos I took. Although, it wouldn’t be as quick and easy to get the perfect shot compared to using a powerful smartphone.
The attractions we got to experience
It wouldn’t be a trip to another country without going everywhere and anywhere that stands out to us. In my case, apart from the streets, it’s the grand attractions that even the most typical of tourists visit. Considering that most of these are attractions even during night time, this would be the perfect opportunity to see if the EOS R8 stacks up.
During the entire time I was in Taiwan, most of the mornings were pretty cloudy so daytime shots had a dimness to them.
At some point in the day, it rained and you can imagine how difficult it is to bring a camera with a long camera lens to boot.
Still, the shots I took looked pretty decent and no details were sacrificed.
Night time shots and even photos in less than favorable lighting conditions were good enough.
Shifting to Manual Focus gave me the opportunity to create the near-perfect conditions to take quality night shots within Taiwan’s well-known night markets.
Also, since the Museum of Contemporary Art had an exhibition under rather low-light conditions, I also gave it a shot.
The company you’re with
One great thing I appreciated about this trip was the fact that I was with great company all throughout.
Sure, there was only like one full day wherein we all had one place in mind, but it was worth it!
Because I had the EOS R8 for the trip, I became the group’s photographer whenever possible.
In a way, we all needed the disconnect from going through our usual routines back in Manila. Even though most of us still had work to do during the last few days before heading home, it felt refreshing. Plus, I think it allowed us to get work done faster to enjoy the trip as much as we can!
Heading home
After one whole week of walking around, taking beautiful pictures and having delicious meals, it was time. An early morning flight back to Manila was waiting for us at the airport, which was honestly just a handful of train stops away from the main Taipei area. Unfortunately, the Canon EOS R8 was already tucked inside my luggage and I didn’t have enough time to pull it out once we got to the airport.
Although, what I do appreciate about it is how compact it can be when storing it inside. Despite having a rather wide body and with a long camera lens, it doesn’t take up too much space. In my case, it was better to tuck it inside a carry-on with bubble wrap and reinforced with soft clothing. After a few hours and a delay in our flight time, we arrived in Manila and returned to the heat of the world.
For trips like these, having both the Canon EOS R8 and a smartphone of choice allowed me to capture beautiful yet short-lived moments in time. Whether we were inside closed spaces or exploring the natural attractions, it grabs everything in full detail with the proper adjustments. I would consider this as a must-have for anybody looking to travel anywhere they want; just make sure you make space and take care of it while you’re out.
SEE: Elevate your vlogging: Canon announced EOS R8, R50 cameras
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