How to Buy a Handheld Video Game System

Seek out the advice of video game magazines. These magazines do reviews and previews of new products, including the hardware and software. This will give you an idea of what is out there and how much it costs.

Explore the Web. There are a plethora of personal Web pages by video game fanatics. These pages can give you a good idea about the products and what game titles are available that support them.

Consider brand-name systems. If the brand has built up a reputation over the years, it will probably be around for upgrades, and the manufacturer will ensure that plenty of game titles are released to support the system.

At the store, compare at least three systems.

Ask the salesperson to demonstrate each product, then play with them yourself.

Consider the audio on each system.

Determine which gamepad is most comfortable for you to use. Some gamepads have two buttons to control play, and some have four. The two-button variety may not be able to work certain games while the four-button version can. Consult with your salesperson.

Ask about the library of game titles available for the systems. You probably will want to choose a system that has the most game titles to support it.

Consider the screens on the handheld systems. Are the images crisp and clear?

Consider the power of the processor working the system. This determines how fast it works.

Ask about peripherals that are offered to support the products. Some systems will accept peripherals offered by manufacturers other than the one who made the handheld system you are considering.