A Handheld History, undoubtedly one of the most straightforward titles regarding portable gaming, is available for a 50% discount at Amazon. Developed by Lost in Cult and Retro Dodo, A Handheld History delves into the extensive history of portable consoles and the notable games that define them. This book has never been offered at such a low price, so seize this engaging and informative hardcover for only $20 while supplies last. If you’re seeking a gift for a retro gaming enthusiast this holiday season, A Handheld History would be an excellent choice.
You can also check out Lost in Cult’s latest release, The Console Chronicles, which provides a similar exploration for home consoles as A Handheld History does for portable ones.
A Handheld History (Hardcover)
$20 (was $40)
Spread across its 272 pages, A Handheld History provides an in-depth examination of the handheld gaming market, enhanced with commentary and vibrant images showcasing numerous handhelds released over the last four decades. The initial segment of the book focuses on the current and reigning leader in handheld gaming, Nintendo. It starts with Game & Watch before transitioning into the most significant part of the book: the Game Boy family of systems. Nintendo DS, 3DS, and Switch are featured, and there is even a brief section comparing the Micro vs. Advance and looking at Pokémon Mini.
Following Nintendo’s exploration, the book covers the PlayStation Portable, PS Vita, Sega Game Gear, and Neo Geo Pocket Color. Several other popular systems are also addressed, including the Analogue Pocket, Evercade, Playdate, and Steam Deck.
A Handheld History also touches upon some of the more obscure handhelds and devices from major brands that were eclipsed and, in some cases, hindered by Nintendo’s handheld offerings, including Nokia’s N-Gage, the Tiger R-Zone, Mega Duck, Atari Lynx, Gamate, and more.
If you’re eager to learn about A Handheld History concerning the Game Boy sections, we would also recommend two other books specifically about Game Boy. The History of the Game Boy by Florent Gorges offers the most thorough insight into the inception of the Game Boy and the decade of success that ensued. It’s based on hundreds of hours of interviews with key individuals who have first-hand knowledge of the Game Boy’s development. This book was recently translated into English for the first time, over ten years after its original release in French and Spanish, and is volume four of Gorges’ essential (unofficial) History of Nintendo series. The History of the Game Boy is available on Amazon for $28.
To complement The History of the Game Boy, take a look at The Game Boy Encyclopedia by Chris Scullion. This 320-page hardcover features details about every game released for the original Game Boy and Game Boy Color.
The Console Chronicles (Hardcover)
$32 (originally $40)
Lost in Cult’s follow-up to A Handheld History, The Console Chronicles, debuted in October and is currently priced at $32 (was $40). You’ll discover a comprehensive examination of console launches, game development, as well as the preservation of games and rivalries that have endured across multiple generations. The book is substantial, spanning 384 pages, providing a deeper insight into the progression of video games over the years. It features an eye-catching design with a vibrant cover and numerous images throughout its chapters. The present deal at Amazon reflects the lowest price available.
Additionally, if you’re particularly interested in unique Nintendo consoles, we recommend checking out Florent Gorge’s The History of Nintendo: The Family Computer System, known as Famicom in Japan and Nintendo Entertainment System in the US. This is the third installment in Gorges’ Nintendo history series and was released on the same day as the Game Boy book in the US. The History of the NES is available on Amazon for $28.
Another excellent title we suggest regarding consoles is The Game Console 2.0: A Photographic History from Atari to Xbox.
Another method to enrich your bookshelf is through Bitmap Books. This publisher has been producing high-quality collections for years, encompassing subjects from N64 and SNES to arcade games and box art. These books often sell out quickly, but some are still available at Amazon.
Bitmap Books at Amazon
- PC Engine: The Box Art Collection — $40
- From Ants to Zombies: Six Decades of Video Game Horror — $42
- N64: A Visual Compendium — $49
- SNES: A Visual Compendium — $63
- NES: A Visual Compendium — $65
- The SNES Pixel Book — $68
- Go Straight: The Ultimate Guide to Beat Em Ups — $45
- The Art of the Box — $38 (
$45) - The King of Fighters: The Ultimate History — $38 (
$45) - Commodore 64: A Visual Compendium — $46
- Metal Slug: The Ultimate History — $68
- Game Boy: The Box Art Collection — $57
- NEOGEO: A Visual History — $55
- The Secret History of Mac Gaming: Expanded Edition — $56
- Artcade: Book of Classic Arcade Game Art — $64
- Art of Point-and-Click Adventure Games — $72
- Commodore Amiga: A Visual Compendium — $48
- The Games That Weren’t — $65
- Atari 2600/7800: A Visual Compendium — $67
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