Does Anyone Else Avoid Portable Gaming?

[Rogmeister]

Am I the only one? I really don't like playing games on a portable system. I used to have a Game Boy and a Game Boy Color but no longer have one. The only portable system I do have now is the Lynx and I don't play it much...I'll pull it out now and then for a quick game of Klax but that's about it. Maybe it's my advancing age and my eyes aren't what they used to be...or I just enjoy playing games on a nice-sized TV screen. I don't know. All I know is portable gaming just doesn't do it for me...and I never have owned a GBA Advance. And I don't plan on getting the new Sony portable either.

[ManekiNeko]

Are you kidding? I've become more drawn to handheld game systems than ever. These days, they're the only refuge from the idiotic 3D on today's home consoles.

JR

[Ed Oscuro]

I agree; however if a portable is the only system I've got (i.e. vacations) I'll take it along for the dull moments (when I'm near a wall jack - Nomad 8-) ).

I've been thinking of picking up a GBA, in particular the GBA/E-Reader package out there. Looks like teh funn +2, though I'm not one for going places and playing games when I could be flirting with the ladies. I mean, really. :)

[ArnoldRimmer83]

If you have a Gamecube, you could buy the gameboy player. That will let you play GBA, GB, and GBC games on the TV.

[Ed Oscuro]

Want to clarify to all - I wrote that as if I was the first reply. Can't say I'm that picky whether a good game's in 3D or 2D :-P

[NE146]

or I just enjoy playing games on a nice-sized TV screen. I don't know.

If you have a nice sized tv available.. why do you need portable gaming? :P

I don't play my GBA at home.. (except when sitting on the can of course). But rather I definitely use it during those long hours sitting in the car waiting while the wife shops LOL I mean... you figure it's situations like that is what a GBA was DESIGNED for :D

[Mr. Smashy]

I like portable systems as much as any other kind of gaming system. I've got a Game Boy, GBC, GBA, GBA-SP, Game Gear, and Neo Geo Pocket Color and I'm always looking for others. I'm sure that I'll find others in the future that I'll enjoy, too.

[§ Gideon §]

I can understand your dissatisfaction with the smaller, portable screens. Personally, it's been a while since I've played a GBA game on the actual GBA. I have a GB Player, now.

But, I won't let this topic be put to rest until you realize that you are missing out on some great games! Sure, so is everybody, in one way or another, but by avoiding an entire branch of hardware, you are castrating your game life! ... Well, not totally castrating. It's more like testicular cancer; you're missing one nut.

[ManekiNeko]

I can understand your dissatisfaction with the smaller, portable screens. Personally, it's been a while since I've played a GBA game on the actual GBA. I have a GB Player, now.

But, I won't let this topic be put to rest until you realize that you are missing out on some great games! Sure, so is everybody, in one way or another, but by avoiding an entire branch of hardware, you are castrating your game life! ... Well, not totally castrating. It's more like testicular cancer; you're missing one nut.

It's like Tom Green, except less annoying and painful.

JR

[Aussie2B]

I like portable gaming because it's the last place where 2D is king (that and Neo Geo), but I find it kind of uncomfortable playing handhelds. First of all, you gotta struggle to get decent lighting (unless you're using a back-lit handheld... none of which I own :( ). Then you got your hands tightly cramped around the thing with your back hunched over. Maybe it's just me. o_O I usually get back and neck pain when playing handhelds, although I'm prone to back pain to begin with (you know what they say about a girl with big... ahem O_o ). And if I want to lay down and relax while I play... then my arms hurt or fall asleep.

I'm too paranoid to take a handheld out with me (afraid it'll get scratched up or broken), so when I'm at home and I can choose between relaxing with a game on the TV or being slightly uncomfortable and strained playing a handheld, I go with the console usually.

[§ Gideon §]

Maybe it's just me. o_O I usually get back and neck pain when playing handhelds, although I'm prone to back pain to begin with (you know what they say about a girl with big... ahem O_o ).
In honor of your comfort in your own body, I have reverted back to my old avatar.

[Kim Possible]

Never got into handhelds. It always seemed like a lot of money for a substandard system back in the days of the Gameboy other early systems. And since I missed out of the ground floor, I never really got the "bug" I guess.

i agree with NE146, if you have a nice big TV at home and a real system, why bother with a handheld. Now for long trips, maybe, but I'm usually driving on the long trips, so no go there either.

I guess I just never got it.

[Garry Silljo]

Handhelds never measured up for me either. Maybe I just played all the wrong games but it always came off as substandard to me. I did really enjoy a lot of games on the NGPC and Lynx. Gamegear and the Gameboy(s) just didn't fly well with me.

[Lady Jaye]

I love my GBA SP. It's one of the ways I use for entertaining myself on the commute between home and work.

[AB Positive]

I have a GBA, almost never play it. The only other handheld I have is a NGPC, which I avidly collect for, but I attribute that more to my addiction to all things Neo rather than a handheld fetish.


Still, CFC is great on the toilet.


-AG

[Evil E]

I have never got into portable gaming either. I have always had home consoles. I am not against the thought of it, if a GBA became cheap and landed on my lap, I wouldn't turn it down!!

E.--

[o2william]

I'm not really up on the Game Gear, Lynx or Wonderswan, but there are a lot of gems in the GB/GBC/GBA and NGPC libraries that are more than worth playing.

That said... I don't have much use for portable gaming either. When I want to play a Game Boy game, I use my TV de Advance (in case anyone doesn't know, TV de Advance is an import device that lets you play the GBA on a regular TV. I got it way before the Game Boy Player came out, and I don't have a GameCube anyway).

Before GBA came out, I used to use the SNES Super Game Boy to play my "portable" games.

I really only play actual portables during those rare occasions when they're the best alternative I have, like on a plane trip. (Or if I want to play something on the NGPC, since there's no way to play through a regular TV.)

[Push Upstairs]

I used to enjoy portable gaming (on an orginal gameboy no less) but not much anymore. I loved alot of games on the old Game Boy and i still with a had a few (Super Mario Land 2)

I dont have the place to play it...car trips are out as i either drive, sleep, or navigate.

And there was a point when i was going to buy a GBA but i spent that money on another hobby of mine (DVD's).

Other than the fact that i dont really like either version of the GBA, the library of ORGINAL games has yet to provide me with a "must own" and I dont really care for the large number of ports on the system. If i want to play them i'll buy them far less and play them on a Super Nintendo.


Sorry to turn this into a anti-GBA thread :embarrassed:

[Richter]

I have a GBA, almost never play it. The only other handheld I have is a NGPC, which I avidly collect for, but I attribute that more to my addiction to all things Neo rather than a handheld fetish.


Still, CFC is great on the toilet.


-AGCFC is great anywhere!

i *try* to get more games for my GBA (currently only 4, 1 i never played) but i'm a concole gamer at heart, thus it tends to take priority in game shopping. Not to mention used console games are uber easy to find complete, not so with GB (A/C) >_<

[punkoffgirl]

I'm not that into handhelds, either. I have a GBA, which I played quite often in the first year or so that I had it, but it's been collecting dust lately. Handhelds seem to be more of a fad than anything else with me. I much prefer consoles for REAL gaming action; handhelds seem to be for more of a "fix".

[Bratwurst]

Well, both iterations of the GBA have their flaws but I love the original games so far. It's the only new platform I collect for right now and will probably be the last since cartridges seem to be going the way of the delightfully succulent dodo bird. There's a critter I haven't eaten in a while. (HINT I AM MANY CENTURIES OLD)

The GBA even rekindled my love of the classic Gameboy titles I had back when those are all the rage.

Incidentally I must be the only one who thinks taking their gameboy into the bathroom is nasty. I'd rather read than help guide a miniature man over platforms while I squeeze one out.

[Mr. Smashy]

I much prefer consoles for REAL gaming action.

Them's fightin' words.

[wberdan]

i avoid it also-


willie

[calthaer]

There are lots of great GBA games that aren't SNES, though. For instance:

Advance Wars
all 3 Castlevania games
Metroid Fusion
Golden Sun

not to mention that the GBA versions offer some substantive improvements - like being able to play Luigi (who plays like SMB2 Luigi) in the GBA port of SMW.

The GBA really is one of my favorite systems. So many great games...and all in glorious 2D. Very compact, very portable, very fun.

[punkoffgirl]

I much prefer consoles for REAL gaming action.

Them's fightin' words.

So put up your dukes!

I find handheld's lacking. That is my opinion. Console gaming has more detail, more options, and often, more game.

[Mr. Smashy]

Console gaming has more detail, more options, and often, more game.

Saying that handheld games are pale immitations of their console counterparts is like saying that console games are pale immitations of their arcade counterparts.

If my point is missed, I'll fill in the rest later. I'm hoping that simple inference can fill in any blanks here.

[Cmosfm]

Personally...I love handhelds as much as consoles. BUT, I love obscure handhelds more than the GB or GG.

I have a complete Game.Com collection, I will oddly play that before a Game Gear. I'd like to work on Lynx next or Virtual box (if thats considered a handheld). TG Express is pretty sweet.

Personally I love my NGPC, it's awesome, the feel is great. I'm really dieing for a Wonderswan color. :D

2000th post! :evil:

[DigitalSpace]

Back in the early 90's, I owned a Game Gear with a Sonic title (the first Game Gear one, I forget the name) and Mortal Kombat for about a year, got bored with it, and sold it, using the money for SNES games. That was my only experience with portable gaming, except for playing Mario Land and Tetris occasionally on a friend's original Game Boy. I might get a GBA or GBA SP someday, though.

[Felixthegamer]

I can't get jazzed about them either. Sure, when I am on vacation or whatever, I use the GBA and I do link it with the Gamecube for Animal Crossing. I don't log a lot of hours with it though.

[Naiera]

Saying that handheld games are pale immitations of their console counterparts is like saying that console games are pale immitations of their arcade counterparts.


I think you're wrong. Splinter Cell for the GBA is kinda lame, compared to Splinter Cell on the Xbox. Same goes for KOF R-2. Kinda sucks compared to KOF '98 on AES or even Dreamcast. This can't be compared to Shienryu on Saturn, as opposed to Shienryu on STV.

I also avoid handhel gaming. I've played a bit of Turf Masters and R-2 on my NGPC, but I don't even own a GBA. I own a GameBoy Player for stuff like AoS and Golden Sun.

[jammajup]

hi all
Not too keen on them myself,when the Gameboy first appeared that was cool some unique stuff,but now handhelds just have smaller versions of outdated console games.
I think they have uses (to play while away from home,if its safe too).
Here in the uk ive seen people playing hand helds on public transport which is not a good idea in the area im from at least.

Ps.Just for interest do you guys use your handhelds outdoors much??

Jj

[Mr. Smashy]

Saying that handheld games are pale immitations of their console counterparts is like saying that console games are pale immitations of their arcade counterparts.I think you're wrong. Splinter Cell for the GBA is kinda lame, compared to Splinter Cell on the Xbox. Same goes for KOF R-2. Kinda sucks compared to KOF '98 on AES or even Dreamcast. This can't be compared to Shienryu on Saturn, as opposed to Shienryu on STV.

I also avoid handhel gaming. I've played a bit of Turf Masters and R-2 on my NGPC, but I don't even own a GBA. I own a GameBoy Player for stuff like AoS and Golden Sun.

Oh, the irony...

Splinter Cell on the GBA is just a attempt to capitalize on a popular license, discrediting it almost completely. KoF games are generally pretty solid fighters though the only ones that I've played recently are KoF 2002 and KoF 98 on an AES. I can't speak for the GBA one but I couldn't imagine it being terribly different as both systems handle 2D well and that their controllers have the same amount of buttons.

And you say that you avoid handheld gaming though you own a Game Boy Player for AoS (which I can only assume is Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow) and Golden Sun. So, exclusive games intended for handheld platforms are okay to play if you're playing on a console? Is a Genesis game instantly crappy when you're playing it on a Nomad, too? I hope that now you see your own hypocrisy.

[Aussie2B]

The Neo Geo and the GBA may both be 2D systems, but oy... that's apples and oranges, man. The GBA can't do a FRACTION of what the Neo Geo can, mainly because the carts aren't even a fraction of the size... That's like saying in the early '90s "Oh yeah, Samurai Shodown, Fatal Fury, and Art of Fighting should be good on SNES because they're both 2D consoles". Well... we know how those ports turned out... Even the PSX couldn't do Neo Geo games decently with their "The King of Frame-cutting" games. The Saturn and Dreamcast ports weren't so hot either, so if those consoles can't cut it... then trying to put a Neo Geo game on GBA is a complete joke. Why can't these fools realize the error of their ways and just make a nice NGPC-style fighter for GBA?

[Mr. Smashy]

I know that the Neo Geo and the GBA are quite different but you can't ignore that both are rather proficient at rendering 2D images. Size is also completely irrelevant. If you're talking storage capacity, I'm pretty sure that the GBA could find a way to put around 800 Megabits ("Megs" as SNK is apt to advertize) while maintaining the Neo Geo's standard $300+ price tag. Graphically, they clearly aren't equal. In terms of sound, things could be closer. In terms of game mechanics, they could easily be identical.

And why bother making an NGPC style fighter for the GBA? Why not just make a new style for the GBA and call it "GBA style"? As much as I love the NGPC (and its oh-so-satisfying microswitch controls), the GBA clearly has it beat in terms of hardware.

[Aussie2B]

By "NGPC-style" I mean an SNK fighter that doesn't try to be just like its big brothers on MVS/AES. The NGPC games came out really well because they were completely original. Using SD would be a good idea as well, as it allows for larger, cleaner sprites. All they would really need to do to turn a NGPC game into a GBA game is slap in some more color and detail (not that I want more ports...). The NGPC games already had good sound and very fluid animation.

[MonkeyWizard]

It's true, I'd much prefer playing all my games on a nice, big TV, however I still buy a ton of different handhelds. If I didn't, I'd miss out on way too many great games.

[Ed Oscuro]

It's not what system it's on, it's whether you like playing ON a portable or not. I don't disagree with you, Mr. Smashy, but I think the basic idea behind the thread was whether people LIKE going portable or not. So yes, I suppose folks may say they consider GBA games most enjoyable when played on the console variety of the GBA, the GBP. I know that I find the GBP very good (especially now that I have S-Video for it, hooray!) It's all about quality improvements. Take Castlevania: CotM. There were many comments at release about it being too dark on a GBA (I thought it was OK but I didn't play it on an original GBA for very long at all since it was a friend's copy) but I assume it looks much better on a GBP with S-Video. It IS possible for the format to ruin the gameplay, make no doubt about it. The whole "prettier yet 3D graphics vs. gameplay" debate shows how this is true across the board.

I don't mind what system a game is on as I have my mind set to enjoy good games (which is a point you've made), however! Just as long as said system doesn't DESTROY MY EYES (@ Aussie2B). LOL The Virtual Boy has some very good games, though, and as a gamer I put aside my problems with the system and focus on the game itself.

I throw out all "it's on X format so it sucks" arguments out of hand, unless the system is SO bad that ANY game on it would be ruined. I don't know if it's possible to have a truly good R-Zone game with the screen it has, for example, but I'm quite sure there's no reason you can't have a fun VIS game or even a Game.com game. Just stay within the limits (just as all designers should) and I'll be forgiving.

I know most of us are very good about doing this, but for all of you who are second guessing a system, just follow Joe's lead. He shows the way.

You are likely to be eaten by a Grue.

[Kid Ice]

I never warmed up to any of the cart based handhelds. There are some dedicated handhelds that I like. I would take Mattell Football 2 over a GBA any time. No logical explanation forthcoming. Probably just my age.

[Kroogah]

There are a couple of cases for handhelds IMO:

Game Boy has Mario's Picross, Zelda: Link's Awakening, and (admit it) Pokemon....as well as good ol' Wario Ware for GBA (it's MADE for portable gaming, the only good part about the GC version is multiplayer)

Neo Geo Pocket has Card Fighter's Clash.

It's great to have portable puzzle games, too. Be they Tetris, Dr. Mario, Bust-a-Move, Puyo Puyo, or Columns.

[Flack]

I know it seems like I'm the only one who ever brings this up, but don't forget the GP32. Its screen is brighter and larger than the GBA so everything's not so hard to read. On top of that, there are several emulators out there for it, including 2600, 5200, NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and many more, including my personal favorites, the C64 and the Atari ST emulators.

I've found that I have basically no use for it. There is no such thing as practical mass transit where I live; I drive everywhere, so it's impossible to use during the daily commute. At work or on trips I have my laptop with me filled with games and ROMs, so I'd much rather use it.

[consoledatabase]

A long time ago I used to avoid portables because I preferred playing games on a big screen. But then I realized I'd have to start buying them if I wanted to start a video game collection.

Now, I love portables. They don't take up much space (always an issue with large consoles!) and you don't have to worry about trying to connect them up to the TV where all of your other consoles are!

[Nick Goracke]

Good portable games just make me sad. I just think about how much better they'd be if they were developed for a real system...

The phrase "A great portable game" doesn't mean anything to me - if I have to lower my standards (take FFT or Castlevania for the GBA, for example) to enjoy a game that's been done better on a console, it's just not worth it IMO...

[Nick Goracke]

Good portable games just make me sad. I just think about how much better they'd be if they were developed for a real system...

The phrase "A great portable game" doesn't mean anything to me - if I have to lower my standards (take FFT or Castlevania for the GBA, for example) to enjoy a game that's been done better on a console, it's just not worth it IMO...

[Naiera]

Oh, the irony...

[...]

I hope that now you see your own hypocrisy.

I think you're just proving my point, and no, I don't see my own hypocrisy. A FEW handhel games are good enough for my "standards". Stuff like Golden Sun and CV: AoS fall under this category, so I've aquired a GB Player to play these games. All the other crappy Splinter Cell games and KOF: EX whatever wannabes can stay on the shelf... By using a GB Player for the few games that are any good, I get to use comfortable controllers to control the games, and I can also use my 28" Phillips, instead of trying to see what the devil's going on on a 5" (are they even that big?) GBA or GBA SP screen.

The only interesting handheld games are the exclusives. They include many a good RPG, 3 Castlevania games and a few Metroids, but I still don't like playing them on tiny screens with bad controllers. GB Players rule :)

[vincewy]

I'm never fond of portable systems, however, there're many great GBA games (Breath of Fire, Dodgeball) that you can't get on real system, the solution is getting GBA player for the Cube.

The only portable system that I actually went nuts for is TurboExpress, you play console games on hand. The Nomad is cool but I've heard some serious problems with it (screen scratches easily, eats up battery power quick, having to look at the scrren from particular angles).

NGPC has some cool games but what the heck, most games I want I play on AES.

[neuropolitique]

I carry my SP everywhere I go. Most of my pants have wear marks on the pocket I put it in. The TurboExpress is the only US handheld I need after I bought a GameGear today. You gotta love games you don't have stop playing if you go to the bathroom, bed, work, wherever.

Saying a portables games aren't as good as a consoles, therefore are not worth playing is silly. NES games look and sound better than 2600 games, yet most of us still play our 2600. There are many games, available only for portables, which are very fun, innovative games.

Now, prefering a large TV is another matter. I, too, prefer a nice big TV. Looks better, plays better, easier on the eyes. Playing consoles is also a much more social activity. Kinda hard to play with your friends on portables, not impossible, just much more unlikely.