While home consoles and computers were at the apex of videogaming power, handheld machines were the innovators. These plucky portable pioneers empowered us to take our favourite titles on the go. What ensued is a subculture of videogaming that is one of the more unique and fondly remembered areas of the medium’s entire history. In this special edition, we will celebrate the retro handhelds of yore, from the Microvision and Game & Watch to more recent rogues like the Nintendo DS and PSP. We will spotlight some off‑the‑radar knickknacks, well-established success stories and the occasional unfair failure. Grab a few packs of AAs because you are about to embark on a vast journey across time into the world of retro handhelds!